Ipamorelin:
What You NEED To Know
What is Ipamorelin?
Ipamorelin is a growth hormone secretagogue and a ghrelin/growth hormone secretagogue receptor agonist. This means that Ipamorelin mimics the "hunger hormone" ghrelin and thereby increases the body's own secretion of growth hormone (GH) and IGF-1.
Ipamorelin is a small, synthetic pentapeptide consisting of only 5 amino acids. It is still being researched and is considered to have relatively few side effects.
Unlike synthetic HGH, Ipamorelin does not suppress the body's own HGH production. It simply encourages the body to produce more growth hormone (GH).
Benefits of Ipamorelin
- Increased growth hormone & IGF-1 levels: Ipamorelin stimulates the release of growth hormone, which in turn raises IGF-1 levels, promoting muscle growth, fat loss, and recovery.
- Muscle growth & fat loss: Boosts metabolism, promotes lean muscle development, and encourages a reduction in body fat.
- Stronger bones and healthier skin: Supports bone mineral density while improving skin elasticity and hair quality.
- Neuroprotective effects: Growth hormone and IGF-1 contribute to brain function by supporting neuronal growth, cognitive performance, and overall brain health..
- Improved sleep quality
How does Ipamorelin work?
How Ipamorelin increases the secretion of growth hormone (GH)
As mentioned, Ipamorelin is a ghrelin agonist. This means that Ipamorelin mimics ghrelin.
Ghrelin is a peptide hormone produced in the stomach. The body releases it when there is an energy deficit and food needs to be consumed. Therefore, it is also known as the "hunger hormone". Ghrelin binds to the growth hormone secretagogue receptor GHSR-1a in the hypothalamus and pituitary.
Since Ipamorelin mimics ghrelin, the peptide can also bind to the GHSR-1a receptor. The activation of this receptor leads to the release of Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH) in the hypothalamus. GHRH in turn acts on the somatotropic cells of the anterior pituitary and causes growth hormone (GH) to be released into the blood.
How Ipamorelin increases IGF-1 secretion
The growth hormone (GH) is now in the body's bloodstream. From here it reaches the liver and binds to the growth hormone receptors (GHR). This binding to the receptors leads to the synthesis of IGF-1. The IGF-1 is released into the bloodstream and can develop its effects from here.
Unlike GHRP-2 or GHRP-6, Ipamorelin works very selectively. It has no effect on the release of the hormones cortisol or prolactin. This makes Ipamorelin have fewer side effects than some other growth hormone secretagogues.
Side Effects of Ipamorelin
Mild common side effects:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Injection Site Reactions
These side effects usually appear in users who are very sensitive to the peptide or have taken too high a dose. With continued use, the side effects may decrease or even disappear.
In very rare cases, Ipamorelin can lead to weight gain due to significant water retention. However, this is usually caused by a dose that is too high.
Is Ipamorelin legal?
Is Ipamorelin legal in Germany?
Despite its low side effects, Ipamorelin falls under the Anti-Doping Act (AntiDopG) in Germany. Possession and trade of the peptide can therefore lead to penalties.
Anyone who considers buying Ipamorelin should definitely be aware of the "not insignificant amount". This decides between personal use and criminal behavior such as trading or passing on the peptide. The "not insignificant amount" of Ipamorelin is 150mg. [R]
Is Ipamorelin prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)?
Ipamorelin is listed on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibited list under S2.2.4. [R]. Therefore, anyone who tests positive in a competition could be disqualified or even banned.
Ipamorelin Stacks
CJC-1295/Ipamorelin
The combination of CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin has recently become increasingly popular, primarily due to its "enhanced effectiveness". Here's why this combination is often chosen:
Complementary Effect: Ipamorelin is a growth hormone secretagogue that enhances GH secretion by mimicking the naturally occurring peptide ghrelin. CJC-1295, on the other hand, is a growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog. It therefore acts on the somatotropic cells of the anterior pituitary and causes growth hormone (GH) to be released into the blood. When taking both peptides together, GH levels can rise more steadily and persistently. This can result in much more muscle mass being built and simultaneously more fat being burned than if you were to take either of these peptides alone.
Extended Duration: CJC-1295, and especially the DAC version, has a significantly longer half-life than Ipamorelin. While Ipamorelin only has a half-life of about 2 hours [R], CJC-1295 + DAC's half-life can be up to 8 days.
Better GH Pulse: Studies indicate that combining these substances may improve GH's pulsatile release, which is necessary for efficient GH signaling and other advantages.
The History of Ipamorelin
Ipamorelin was developed by the Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk. Novo Nordisk is also the company that manufactures Semaglutide, the "weight loss injection". The first patent was issued in 1998, making Ipamorelin one of the oldest growth hormone secretagogues (GHSs). Helsinn Therapeutics continued research on Ipamorelin, and it progressed to Phase II human studies. The research here focused mainly on postoperative ileus "bowel obstruction" but was then discontinued due to lack of efficacy.
Do Bodybuilders use Ipamorelin?
Today, Ipamorelin is used by many athletes and bodybuilders due to its relatively long-lasting GH secretion, with usually few and non-significant side effects.
How to store Ipamorelin
Ipamorelin in powder form can be stored at room temperature for days to weeks. If you want to store Ipamorelin for longer, you should put the peptide in the freezer, ideally at -20°C or -4°F.
Ipamorelin in liquid form should be stored in a dry, cold, and dark place. The refrigerator is perfect for this. The ideal temperature for storing already reconstituted peptides is 4°C or 39°F.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the half-life of Ipamorelin?
Ipamorelin has a half-life of 2 hours [R].
What other names is Ipamorelin known by?
Other names for Ipamorelin are NNC 26-0161 and Ipamorelin Acetate.
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