A Thorough Comparison of Hexarelin and Ipamorelin

This article compares and contrasts the two ghrelin receptor agonists, Hexarelin and Ipamorelin, in great detail for researchers interested in this topic. Studies suggest that there may be scientific potential for both molecules, in areas that encompass:

• Increasing physical capability
• Supporting cardiovascular function
• Maintaining bone mass

However, choosing the appropriate substance for the investigation requires considerably more thought. Here, we’ll discuss the differences between Hexarelin and Ipamorelin and where you can purchase these research peptides online.

Hexarelin Peptide: What is it?

The six-amino acid synthetic ghrelin counterpart is known as Hexarelin. Research indicates that it may trigger the secretion of growth hormone by acting on the pituitary gland. To avoid the side effects of raising other hormones, common in exogenous growth hormone (GH) supplementation, researchers at Tulane Medical School first sought to boost growth hormone synthesis via the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R).

However, additional potential of Hexarelin was speculated to be due to the advanced study of the chemical. Research indicated that Hexarelin may have outperformed exogenous ghrelin regarding stability and relative potency, according to a meta-analysis by Mao et al. (2014) that included studies involving rodents. In addition, the scientists hypothesized that Hexarelin may have cardioprotective potential due to its action at the scavenger receptor CD36.

Research on rodents has indicated that Hexarelin may protect rat cardiomyocytes from myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) damage via the interleukin-1 signaling pathway and enhance cardiac output, stroke volume, oxygen, and blood flow in mice after myocardial infarction.

Research conducted in 2023 examined the potential of Hexarelin and another GHS as potential agents for neurodegenerative disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Protecting healthy brain cells, promoting neuroglial biogenesis, reducing inflammation, and encouraging the death of damaged and mutant cells were hypothesized effects of Hexarelin.

Ipamorelin Peptide: What is it?

The five-amino acid Ipamorelin is a relatively novel and selective GHS-R agonist. According to the research team that developed it, the peptide appeared to successfully trigger GH release but did not appear to impact non-targeted hormones such as cortisol or adrenocorticotropic (ACTH).

Because of this, Ipamorelin piques the curiosity of scientists who are looking into the potential for hormonal abnormalities associated with long-term GH exposure. Ipamorelin has been studied in several circumstances, in addition to its main potential which has been linked to GH stimulation. Glucocorticoids are compounds typically considered to mitigate a range of autoimmune illnesses; however, Ipamorelin’s presentation is theorized to hinder some of the side effects of these substances. One group of rats was given daily concentrations of Ipamorelin in addition to a glucocorticoid reputed to trigger muscle and bone catabolism. Threefold increased periosteal bone production was suggested in rats exposed to both a glucocorticoid and Ipamorelin while maintaining their muscular strength.

Scientists asserted that rats given Ipamorelin may have had increased bone weight, mineral content, and dimensions, indicating that the peptide might have impacted bone mineral content. Investigations purport that Ipamorelin may have stimulated insulin secretion by acting on the pancreas. Another study on rodent models examined the impact of several substances on insulin secretion in pancreatic tissue from diabetic and non-diabetic rats. Findings implied that Ipamorelin may have stimulated the pancreas’s calcium channels and adrenergic receptors, dramatically increasing insulin production.

Hexarelin vs. Ipamorelin

Scientists speculate that synthetic analogs of ghrelin, Hexarelin, and Ipamorelin may activate the GHS-R to promote GH secretion, like natural ghrelin.

Hexarelin vs. Ipamorelin: Mechanism of Action

One of Hexarelin’s targets is believed to be the GHSR-1a and CD-36 receptors. Ipamorelin is thought to have little interaction with other hormone receptors and appears to primarily work on GHSR-1a. Studies report that one possible indication of Ipamorelin may be reducing adverse effects due to its selective action.

Because ghrelin binds to GHSR-1a, it is sometimes called the “ghrelin receptor.” These receptors are found in the brain, adrenal glands, pancreas, adipose tissue, and cardiac muscle. Research indicates that when Ipamorelin binds to these receptors, it may cause the pituitary gland to release growth hormone into the circulation in a pulsatile manner.

Investigations purport that although Hexarelin may influence other hormone routes, it does  appear to enhance the pituitary’s pulsatile secretion of GH. Hexarelin, for instance, has been hypothesized to stimulate the secretion of prolactin and cortisol. This part of its process may impact how it may affect the organism. Cells in the liver, fat, endothelial cells, and immune system all have CD-36 receptors. This peptide’s potential to protect the heart is believed to be due to its action at the scavenger CD-36 receptor.

Researchers have proposed that Hexarelin may be more prone to affect the circulatory system, while Ipamorelin seems more involved in bone formation and restoration. Thus, the study goal will play a significant role in determining the molecule that the researcher chooses.

The novel theorized action of Hexarelin has sparked much interest in its possible future evaluation in a wide range of research, including but not limited to facilitating recovery following procedures like cardiac bypass, lowering resting heart rate, improving or reversing hypertension, and reducing the risk of scarring to cardiac tissue.

Scientists interested in purchasing Hexarelin or Ipamorelin for their research studies are encouraged to click here.

References

[i] Bowers C, Momany F, Reynolds G, Hong A. On the in vitro and in vivo activity of a new synthetic hexapeptide that acts on the pituitary to specifically release growth hormone. Endocrinology. 1984;114(5):1537-1545. https://doi.org/10.1210/endo-114-5-1537

[ii] Mao Y, Takeshi Tokudome, Kishimoto I. The cardiovascular action of hexarelin. Published online September 1, 2014. https://doi.org/10.11909/j.issn.1671-5411.2014.03.007

[iii] Mao Y, Tokudome T, Kishimoto I, Otani K, Miyazato M, Kangawa K. One dose of oral hexarelin protects chronic cardiac function after myocardial infarction. Peptides. 2014;56:156-162. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.peptides.2014.04.004

[iv] Huang J, Li Y, Zhang J, Liu Y, Lu Q. The growth hormone secretagogue hexarelin protects rat cardiomyocytes from in vivo ischemia/reperfusion injury through interleukin-1 signaling pathway. International Heart Journal. 2017;58(2):257-263. https://doi.org/10.1536/ihj.16-241

[v] Meanti R, Licata M, Rizzi L, et al. Protective effects of hexarelin and JMV2894 in a human neuroblastoma cell line expressing the SOD1-G93A mutated protein. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2023;24(2):993. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24020993