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Also known as: GHRP analogue
A selective growth hormone secretagogue (ghrelin-receptor agonist) discussed for GH pulses with a relatively favorable selectivity profile in older literature.
Acts at the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) to provoke GH release. Often contrasted with older GHRPs that more strongly affect cortisol or prolactin in some reports.
Clinical pharmacology studies describe GH release with comparatively limited ACTH/cortisol effects versus some peers. Athletic outcome evidence remains thin.
Hunger, water retention, and GH-axis downstream effects are possible class themes. Product purity and legality vary. Evidence for sleep or recovery benefits in healthy lifters is mostly anecdotal.
Start with our in-house roundups—plain-language synthesis of the research, with primary sources cited at the bottom of each.
Secondary citations for verification. Prefer the STACKD summary above for context before opening these.
1998 · animal
Preclinical discovery paper (rat pituitary cells, rats, swine): selective GH release with little ACTH/cortisol effect.
1999 · human
Human study in healthy male volunteers: dose-proportional GH release with a ~2 h half-life.
Commonly discussed together
Fitness discussions often group a GHRH analogue (CJC-1295 / Mod GRF) with ipamorelin when talking about GH-axis pulses, sleep, and recovery themes.
Pairing popularity is not evidence of synergy from large RCTs. Confirm peptide identity (e.g., DAC vs non-DAC) in any primary literature you review.
Muscle / GH axis · Sleep / recovery adjunct · Recovery