Navigating the world of growth hormone releasing peptides can be overwhelming, especially when trying to understand the differences and benefits of compounds like Ipamorelin, CJC-1295, Tesamorelin, and Sermorelin. In this informative guide, we’ll explore the different types of peptides, their benefits, drawbacks, and key distinctions to help you make informed choices. So, let’s dive right in!
Growth Hormone Secretagogues vs Ghrelin Mimetics: Understanding the Basics
Before we dive into specific compounds, it’s essential to recognize the main types of peptides that affect growth hormone release: growth hormone secretagogues and ghrelin mimetics.
Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone Receptor (GHRH-R) Agonists are a class of compounds that stimulate the production and release of growth hormone (GH) from the pituitary gland. These agonists work by binding to and activating the GHRH-R, a receptor found on the surface of certain cells in the body, including pituitary cells.
The activation of the GHRH-R, in turn, stimulates the production and release of GH from the pituitary gland. GH then circulates through the body and binds to its receptors, leading to a number of physiological effects, including increased bone density, muscle mass, and lipid metabolism, as well as improved immune function and wound healing. GHRH-R agonists are commonly used in the treatment of GH-deficiency-related disorders, including growth hormone deficiency and Turner syndrome, and have also shown promise in the treatment of age-related muscle wasting.
Overall, GHRH-R agonists provide a promising treatment option for those with GH-related disorders, and their use is supported by a growing body of research.
Ghrelin Mimetics, on the other hand, are compounds that bind to the ghrelin receptor and activate it, resulting in an increase in growth hormone (GH) production. Ghrelin is a hormone produced by the stomach that stimulates hunger and increases GH levels. When ghrelin binds to its receptor, it activates pathways within cells that lead to increased GH production. Ghrelin agonists mimic this process and can be used to increase GH levels in people with growth hormone deficiency or other conditions where increased GH is beneficial.
In addition to increasing GH production, ghrelin agonists have been shown to have other beneficial effects such as improving insulin sensitivity, reducing inflammation, and promoting weight loss. They may also be useful for treating certain types of cancer and neurological disorders.
Overall, ghrelin agonists are a promising treatment option for those with low GH levels or other conditions where increased GH could be beneficial. While more research is needed to fully understand their potential benefits and risks, they offer an exciting new avenue for treating various medical conditions.
Benefits and Drawbacks: A Quick Comparison
There are noteworthy benefits and drawbacks to both types of peptides:
Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone Receptor Agonists
● Benefits: direct stimulation of growth hormone release, enhanced immune function, and improved metabolism
● Drawbacks: potential side effects such as fluid retention, tissue growth, and insulin resistance
Ghrelin Mimetics
● Benefits: appetite regulation, improved energy homeostasis, and natural stimulation of growth hormone release
● Drawbacks: possible overstimulation of appetite, short-term increase in blood sugar levels
Delving Deeper: Ipamorelin, Tesamorelin, Sermorelin, and CJC-1295
Now that we understand the basics, let’s explore four popular growth hormone releasing peptides in greater detail.
Ipamorelin: The Gentle Giant
Ipamorelin is a ghrelin mimetic peptide that has become popular for its physiological effects, such as increased growth hormone production and fat loss. It works as a ghrelin agonist, potentiating the effects of growth hormone releasing hormone, allowing the pituitary to be stimulated more effectively and enhancing the body’s ability to produce its own hormones. Ipamorelin, unlike traditional growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), targets selective GH release by specifically stimulating GH release via the pituitary gland, therefore not raising cortisol levels which are associated with negative side effects. By increasing the body’s natural growth hormone production, it may provide a number of benefits such as increased muscle mass, bone density, and improved sleep quality. Additionally, it has been found to have positive effects on metabolism and may even promote better skin health. While studies are still ongoing to understand the full impact of this peptide hormone, it appears to be a promising option for both athletes and individuals seeking to improve their overall health and physique without the negative side effects often associated with traditional hormone therapies. Ipamorelin is a selective growth hormone secretagogue. This means it targets specific receptors and causes fewer side effects compared to other compounds. Benefits include increased lean muscle mass, reduced body fat, and improved overall metabolism.
Tesamorelin: Tackling Fat Redistribution
Tesamorelin is a growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) receptor agonist. It functions as a growth hormone secretagogue, stimulating receptors in the pituitary to promote an increase in GH production and release of growth hormone into the bloodstream. This process may lead to various physiological effects such as increased muscle mass, improved bone density, enhanced immune system function, increased insulin sensitivity, and improved cognitive and emotional well-being. Tesamorelin is used medically to treat HIV-related lipodystrophy, a condition that causes an increase in belly and visceral fat and leads to organ dysfunction (such as fatty liver disease). Research has also shown that tesamorelin may have potential benefits in other areas such as improving cognition, reducing liver fibrosis, and enhancing cardiovascular health. Tesamorelin is one of the newer growth hormone secretagogues on the market.
Sermorelin: The Classic Choice
Sermorelin is a growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) receptor agonist, similar to tesamorelin. Sermorelin is perhaps the most well-known growth hormone secretagogue, used for its anti-aging and overall health benefits, including improved immune function, enhanced cognitive function, and increased lean muscle mass. It has been used for many years with success and is considered the safe, tried, and true option.
CJC-1295 (no Dac): The Long-lasting Alternative
CJC-1295 is a growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) receptor agonist that is nearly identical to sermorelin in molecular structure. However, the slight modification to the molecular structure of sermorelin extends the half-life of CJC-1295 to 2 hours, making this a potent and long-acting growth hormone secretagogue. This extended half-life tends to make dosing easier and accurately mimics the pulsatile nature of natural growth hormone release.
CJC-1295 with Dac: The One to Avoid
CJC-1295 with Dac is a modified version of CJC-1295 with a molecular modification that prevents metabolism and degradation. The Dac modification extends the half-life of CJC-1295 to 8 days, meaning that this medication only needs to be dosed once weekly. Once weekly dosing makes CJC-1295 with Dac seem like an appealing option at first glance because of the convenience factor, but this extremely long half-life could lead to detrimental effects. Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone receptors (GHRH-r) are found throughout the body and are densely packed in the pituitary gland. Natural growth hormone-releasing hormone is released in short bursts at the early stage after the onset of sleep, stimulating the pituitary to pulse growth hormone release in short intervals. Overstimulation of the pituitary can possibly lead to pituitary hyperplasia (growth) with simultaneous desensitization. While most growth hormone-releasing peptides do not carry the risk of overstimulating the pituitary (due to their short half-lives), CJC-1295 with Dac produces continuous stimulation and a growth hormone (GH) slow bleed. The effects of this overstimulation are not well documented in human use and therefore it must be said that this peptide (CJC-1295 WITH DAC) should be used with extreme caution or not used at all to avoid the possibility of long-term side effects.
In Conclusion: Exploring Your Peptide Options Wisely
When seeking the best-suited growth hormone-releasing peptide for your needs, it’s important to understand your goals for treatment and to choose the peptide that best targets your needs. So, let’s get straight to the point!
Ipamorelin is a ghrelin mimetic, so it pairs well with all growth hormone releasing hormone receptor agonists. It potentiates the effects of other peptides, helping to produce better effects, while reducing the chances of side effects. The biggest downside to ipamorelin is that it can stimulate appetite/hunger for 2 hours after administration, so if you’re having difficulty with cravings, this may be one to avoid.
Tesamorelin is an FDA approved growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) receptor agonist that is newer to the market. It stimulates the release of growth hormone from the pituitary and has excellent direct effects in various tissues, promoting healthy fat utilization and body composition. Tesamorelin is the best option for targeting metabolism, fat loss, muscle gain, body composition (and shape in general), and improving health markets such as high cholesterol and HbA1C (blood glucose). The cost can be prohibitive for some individuals, but the effects are well worth the price tag.
Sermorelin is the tried and true FDA approved growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) receptor agonist that has been widely used for many years and considered the safest option. Sermorelin will produce great effects; promoting restful sleep, collagen synthesis, improved hair, skin, nails, metabolism, body composition, fat loss, muscle gain (all the good stuff you’d expect). However, sermorelin has a very short half life, so it must be taken in a fasted state (at least 2 hours after the last meal) and a half hour before bed. It is an effective medication, with the least chance of side effects, but the effects are not quite as pronounced as tesamorelin or CJC-1295.
CJC-1295 is a longer acting version of sermorelin that acts as a growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) receptor agonist. This peptide is not FDA approved, but it is generally considered a safe and effective option that produces enhanced results compared to sermorelin.
CJC-1295 with Dac is an extremely long acting modified version of CJC-1295. There is limited safety data on this peptide, and although it is possible that it is safe, we always advise extreme caution with any modified peptides that exert effects outside of physiologically relevant activities. This means that the effects can be unpredictable, and that although it could possibly be safe, we have determined that the convenience of a once weekly injection is not worth the risk of potential side effects.
Works Cited
- Hogan, P. (n.d.). Sermorelin: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & Dosage. Retrieved February 18, 2021, from https://www.verywellmind.com/sermorelin-uses-benefits-side-effects-dosage-5087279
- Lee, M., & Jafari, P. (2018). Effects of Sermorelin on Growth Hormone Deficiency and Aging. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 9(NOV), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2018.00414
- Ludlow, K., & Roberts, A.-M. (2020). Short-, Medium-, and Long-Term Benefits of Sermorelin Therapy for Women with Low Growth Hormone Levels: A Systematic Review of the Literature and a Narrative Summary of Evidence for Clinical Decision Making.. International Journal of Endocrinology Metabolism, 18(4), e94117–e94117. https://doi.org/10.5812/ijem
- Kiss, P. P., Reglodi, D., Kecskemeti, V., & Julesz, J. (2009). Effects of ipamorelin on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity in the rat. Peptides, 30(11), 2037-2044. doi:10.1016/j.peptides.2009.07.009
- Liu, B., Xue, Y., Wang, G., Xiao, H., & Cai, M. (2015). Ipamorelin protects against iPLA2-mediated inflammatory responses in rat primary astrocytes and a model of Parkinson’s disease in rats via the PI3K/Akt/Nrf-2 pathway. Neuroscience Letters, 609(1), 7-12. doi:10.1016/j.neulet.2015.06.042
- Tesamorelin Effects. (2020). MedlinePlus. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a607024.html
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2013). Tesamorelin for HIV-Associated Abdominal Lipodystrophy: Questions and Answers. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/hiv-aids/hiv-associated-abdominal-lipodystrophy/tesamorelin-hiv-associated-abdominal-lipodystrophy
- CJC-1295 Effects. (n.d.). Retrieved February 20, 2020, from https://www.medchemexpress.com/products/cjc-1295-effects/
- MedChem Express. (n.d.). CJC-1295 Effects. Retrieved February 20, 2020, from https://www.medchemexpress.com/products/cjc-1295-effects/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6076443/Ipamorelin is a synthetic ghrelin agonist that binds to and stimulates the ghrelin receptor. It has been used in research studies to investigate the effects of ghrelin on appetite, body weight, and metabolism. In animal studies, ipamorelin has been found to increase food intake and body weight gain, as well as enhance glucose tolerance. Additionally, ipamorelin has been shown to increase circulating levels of growth hormone in humans. These findings suggest that ipamorelin may be useful for the treatment of obesity and metabolic disorders.
- https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.0811680106
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/rco2
