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Ghrelin (Native)
Overview
Ghrelin is a naturally occurring 28-amino acid peptide hormone produced primarily in the stomach with an essential octanoyl modification at serine-3 required for biological activity. It functions as the endogenous ligand for the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a), stimulating growth hormone release, appetite, and gastric motility.
Mechanism of Action
Ghrelin plays a central role in energy homeostasis, feeding behavior, and metabolic regulation.
Research Summary & Key Findings
Native ghrelin has been studied in clinical research settings for cachexia, gastroparesis, and anorexia, with small trials demonstrating increased food intake and gastric emptying. Rapid enzymatic degradation and short half-life limit therapeutic utility, leading to development of synthetic analogues with improved stability. No formulation of native ghrelin has achieved regulatory approval for clinical use.
Clinical Status
Ghrelin (Native) is in the research phase with limited clinical data in humans. Current evidence is primarily derived from preclinical (animal or in vitro) studies.
Administration Routes
References
Primary literature
- PubMed: "Ghrelin"
Peer-reviewed literature indexed by the National Library of Medicine.
- ClinicalTrials.gov: "Ghrelin"
Registered interventional and observational studies, including status and phase.
- PubChem: "Ghrelin"
Chemical structure, molecular properties, and bioactivity data.
Study-level citations for this compound are being verified against the primary sources before publication. The database queries above return the current indexed literature in the meantime.
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View detailsNo lawful pathway today
Ghrelin (Native) is not FDA-approved and does not currently have a lawful prescription or compounding pathway in the United States, so there is nothing for us to sell you here and no consultation to book. That can change: eight peptides moved back to a lawful pathway in February 2026.
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