Side by side

1. 1.Binds GHRH receptors on pituitary cells.
2. 2.Stimulates the pituitary to release growth hormone, which then drives IGF-1 production in the liver.
3. 3.The albumin-binding modification keeps the peptide in circulation far longer than natural GHRH.
4. 4.Because GHRH and ghrelin-receptor pathways act at different points, the peptide is often studied alongside a secretagogue such as ipamorelin.
5. 5.Raised IGF-1 is the measurable downstream marker used in research.

• Growth hormone and IGF-1 elevation in healthy volunteers
• Body composition and visceral fat in a small early study
• Growth hormone deficiency (therapeutic research)
• HIV-associated abdominal fat accumulation (early-stage research)

• Sustained increases in growth hormone and IGF-1 lasting several days after a single dose
• Reported reductions in visceral fat in a small 2006 study over 12 weeks
• Increased lean mass reported in the same small study
• Injection-site reactions were common in that study

• Injection-site irritation, reported in the majority of participants in the early human study
• Headache and flushing
• Water retention and joint stiffness with sustained growth-hormone elevation
• Possible effect on blood glucose with long-term IGF-1 elevation
• Unknown long-term risk

Research context only — no approved human protocol exists. The published 12-week study used weekly subcutaneous doses of 30–60 micrograms per kilogram. Long-term safety has not been studied, and internet cycling advice is not clinical evidence.

Research context only