Growth-hormone secretagogues & GH-axis peptides
Ghrelin
Also known as acyl-ghrelin · hunger hormone
The endogenous 28-amino-acid stomach hormone that activates the growth-hormone secretagogue receptor — the natural ligand every synthetic secretagogue imitates.
In 60 seconds
Endogenous hormone and research tool; synthetic ghrelin-receptor agonists (anamorelin, macimorelin) have reached approval in specific indications elsewhere. As a research reagent it is a physiological hormone; increased appetite and GH/cortisol release are expected pharmacology.
- The discovery paper identifying ghrelin as the endogenous, acylated ligand of the GH secretagogue receptor.
- A comprehensive review of ghrelin biology beyond GH release, including energy metabolism.
- Reviews ghrelin receptor signalling in brain regions outside the hypothalamus and its study in neurodegeneration models.
Mechanism
Discovered in 1999 as the natural ligand of GHS-R1a, acylated ghrelin stimulates pituitary GH release and is a powerful orexigenic (appetite) signal. Its receptor is expressed widely, so research extends into energy metabolism, autophagy, inflammation and neuroprotection.
Research status
Endogenous hormone and research tool; synthetic ghrelin-receptor agonists (anamorelin, macimorelin) have reached approval in specific indications elsewhere.
Key studies
The discovery paper identifying ghrelin as the endogenous, acylated ligand of the GH secretagogue receptor.
Ghrelin is a growth-hormone-releasing acylated peptide from stomach — Nature, 1999 · PMID 10604470
A comprehensive review of ghrelin biology beyond GH release, including energy metabolism.
Ghrelin — Mol Metab, 2015 · PMID 26042199
Reviews ghrelin receptor signalling in brain regions outside the hypothalamus and its study in neurodegeneration models.
Ghrelin and Neurodegenerative Disorders-a Review — Mol Neurobiol, 2017 · PMID 26809582
Reviews preclinical evidence for ghrelin as an anti-inflammatory peptide in sepsis models.
Ghrelin as an Anti-Sepsis Peptide: Review — Front Immunol, 2020 · PMID 33584688
Safety signals in the literature
As a research reagent it is a physiological hormone; increased appetite and GH/cortisol release are expected pharmacology.
Legal status (South Africa)
Not a registered medicine for human use in South Africa unless SAHPRA-registered under its own name; growth-hormone secretagogues are prohibited in sport under the WADA list. Supplied, where we stock it, strictly for laboratory research.
Related compounds we stock
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Comparisons
Questions
What is Ghrelin?
The endogenous 28-amino-acid stomach hormone that activates the growth-hormone secretagogue receptor — the natural ligand every synthetic secretagogue imitates. Discovered in 1999 as the natural ligand of GHS-R1a, acylated ghrelin stimulates pituitary GH release and is a powerful orexigenic (appetite) signal. Its receptor is expressed widely, so research extends into energy metabolism, autophagy, inflammation and neuroprotection.
What is the research status of Ghrelin?
Endogenous hormone and research tool; synthetic ghrelin-receptor agonists (anamorelin, macimorelin) have reached approval in specific indications elsewhere.
What safety signals are reported for Ghrelin?
As a research reagent it is a physiological hormone; increased appetite and GH/cortisol release are expected pharmacology.
Does Living Water Labs stock Ghrelin?
Not at present. Ghrelin is profiled here for reference, with citations to the published literature. You can ask to be notified if we add it. Not a registered medicine for human use in South Africa unless SAHPRA-registered under its own name; growth-hormone secretagogues are prohibited in sport under the WADA list. Supplied, where we stock it, strictly for laboratory research.
More in GH secretagogues
Research reference only. This page summarises published literature; it is not medical advice and contains no guidance on human use. Products supplied by Living Water Labs are for laboratory research only.
