Hexarelin vs. Ipamorelin | A Comprehensive Comparison

Researchers curious about hexarelin vs. ipamorelin will find a detailed examination of the similarities and differences between these two potent ghrelin receptor agonists.

Both compounds may offer research applications and benefits like:

• Improving body composition
• Promoting heart health
• Preserving bone density

But there is much more to consider when determining which compound is right for the research.

Continue reading as we compare hexarelin and ipamorelin, and discuss where to buy both research peptides online.

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What is Hexarelin?

Hexarelin is a synthetic ghrelin analog composed of six amino acids. It acts on the pituitary gland to release human growth hormone.

It was originally discovered by researchers at Tulane Medical School who were looking for a way to stimulate growth hormone production via the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R) without simultaneously increasing other hormones—as often observed in exogenous growth hormone (GH) therapy [1].

But as research on the compound progressed, new hexarelin benefits were unearthed. In a meta-analysis that included both human and rodent studies, Mao et al. (2014) found that hexarelin had higher stability and relative potency than exogenous ghrelin. The team also noted hexarelin’s activity at the scavenger receptor CD36, highlighting its cardioprotective potential [2].

Rodent studies have revealed that hexarelin can increase cardiac output, stroke volume, and oxygen and blood flow in mice after myocardial infarction, while protecting rat cardiomyocytes via the interleukin-1 signaling pathway following myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury [3, 4].

In a 2023 study investigating GHS-based treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), hexarelin was one of two GHSs chosen for experimentation. Hexarelin encouraged mutated and damaged brain cells to die off, protected healthy brain cells, promoted neuroglial biogenesis, and reduced inflammation in the brain [5].

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What is Ipamorelin?

Ipamorelin is a newer and more selective agonist of the GHS-R and comprises five amino acids. The research team responsible for its development found that the peptide effectively induced GH release but had no effect on adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, or any other non-targeted hormones [6].

This makes ipamorelin interesting to researchers concerned about hormonal imbalances linked to sustained GH usage. Alongside its primary GH-related benefits, ipamorelin has been researched in other contexts.

For example, ipamorelin administration may counteract some of the negative effects of glucocorticoids (medications used to treat a variety of autoimmune disorders). Andersen et al. (2001) gave rats a glucocorticoid known to cause muscle and bone catabolism, with one group also given daily doses of ipamorelin. The rats given both the glucocorticoid and ipamorelin experienced three times more periosteal bone formation while preserving their muscle strength [7].

The effect of ipamorelin on bone mineral content was also apparent in a study by Svensson et al. (2000), which showed that rats treated with the peptide had greater bone weight, mineral content, and dimensions [8].

Ipamorelin also acts on the pancreas to stimulate the release of insulin. In another rat study, the pancreatic tissue of diabetic and non-diabetic rats was exposed to a variety of compounds to test their effects on insulin secretion. Ipamorelin significantly increased insulin output, most likely via its activity in calcium channels and adrenergic receptors in the pancreas [9].

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Hexarelin vs. Ipamorelin | Comprehensive Comparison

Hexarelin and ipamorelin are both synthetic ghrelin analogs that stimulate the release of GH by activation of the GHS-R. Both peptides have likewise been studied mostly in animal models, with limited human studies published to date.

But some researchers may have to opt for one over the other, so let’s take a closer look at the known similarities and differences between these two compounds.

Hexarelin vs. Ipamorelin | Mechanism of Action

Hexarelin targets receptors GHSR-1a and CD-36. Ipamorelin mainly acts on GHSR-1a and does not significantly interact with other hormone receptors. The selective activity of ipamorelin may reduce potential side effects.

GHSR-1a is also known as the “ghrelin receptor” because it is bound by ghrelin. These receptors can be found throughout the brain, thyroid, adrenal glands, fat tissue, pancreas, and muscular heart tissue. Upon binding to these receptors, ipamorelin can trigger a signaling cascade that leads to the pulsatile release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland into the bloodstream [6].

Hexarelin also stimulates pulsatile GH release by the pituitary, but it may affect other hormone pathways. For example, hexarelin has been found to promote the release of cortisol and prolactin. This aspect of its mechanism may influence its overall physiological effects and side-effect profile [10].

CD-36 receptors can be found in fat cells, endothelial cells, liver tissue, and immune cells. The activity of hexarelin at the scavenger CD-36 receptor accounts for this peptide’s cardioprotective potential [11].

Hexarelin vs. Ipamorelin | Routes of Administration

The preferred route of administration for both hexarelin and ipamorelin is subcutaneous injection. Where both are sold as injectable reference materials, the peptides are typically shipped in the form of powder that must be reconstituted prior to injection.

Hexarelin may also be administered intranasally. Note that hexarelin nasal spray has been estimated to result in 5% bioavailability compared to 77% with subcutaneous injections, so nasal administration would require much higher dosing [12].

Subcutaneous injection of ipamorelin is the preferred way to administer ipamorelin so that it is not metabolized in the gastrointestinal system before it reaches targeted GHS-Rs [13].

Hexarelin vs. Ipamorelin | Research Objectives

As we have noted, hexarelin is more likely to impact the cardiovascular system, while ipamorelin appears more active in bone growth and repair. In this sense, the researcher’s choice of compound will heavily depend on their research objective:

• Hexarelin for heart health: The unique activity of hexarelin within the cardiovascular system has opened up a world of curiosity regarding its potential to help patients recover from surgeries like cardiac bypass, reduce the risk of cardiac tissue scarring, improve or reverse hypertension, lower resting heart rate, and many other heart-related benefits that could save lives in the future [2, 3, 4].
• Ipamorelin for bone health: Ipamorelin has been shown to protect against bone loss, increase bone mineral density, and promote bone growth [7, 8]. This could be especially important for subjects on medications that cause bone loss, those suffering from osteopenia or osteoporosis, or those recovering from acute bone injuries.

Hexarelin vs. Ipamorelin | Similar Effects

As ghrelin mimetics, both hexarelin and ipamorelin may cause subjects to consume more calories. However, because of the favorable way these peptides affect nutrient partitioning, it is unlikely that healthy subjects will experience fat gain. In fact, both peptides are likely to shuttle glucose and fatty acids into muscle tissue for energy, encouraging muscle growth [14, 15].

The caveat is that ipamorelin may also increase fat mass in hypogonadal males and in rodent subjects, which will be discussed later.

Both peptides have also been speculated to play a role in neurogenesis. Both hexarelin and ipamorelin increase GH production, which has been shown to improve various aspects of brain health, particularly in those who are GH-deficient. GH secretagogue therapy with either hexarelin or ipamorelin could thus potentially improve memory formation and recall, and could facilitate the growth of new brain cells [5, 16].

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Benefits of Hexarelin

An increasingly popular conversation around hexarelin is its potential use to improve body composition. Researchers familiar with body composition know the importance of keeping body fat low while training intensely and frequently to stimulate muscle growth. This necessitates being able to recover quickly from training sessions.

Hexarelin therapy may help with all three of these goals:

• Muscle Growth: Hexarelin may improve muscle function and strength output by increasing the size of muscle fibers and the balance of calcium within muscles [17]. The peptide exerts a protective effect on healthy skeletal muscle cells while promoting apoptosis of damaged cells [18]. When these effects are combined with hypertrophy-focused resistance training, which induces the body’s own GH and testosterone production, subjects may experience a remarkable ability to build and maintain new muscle mass [19].
• Fat Loss: Stimulating growth hormone is known to promote body fat reduction, which is one way that hexarelin may improve body composition [20]. Another way is through its CD36 activation, which improves fatty acid uptake, conversion of fat to usable energy, healthy blood lipid and body fat distribution, and increased mitochondrial production [21].
• Recovery: The body needs adequate sleep for recovery following resistance training [22]. Since adequate GH levels are paramount to achieving a proper sleep cycle, hexarelin could improve sleep quality, especially in older subjects [23]. Hexarelin also promotes the healing and repair of bones, muscles, and tendons after exercise or injury [24]. In short, hexarelin may help subjects sleep better and heal faster.

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Benefits of Ipamorelin

Touted for its anti-aging benefits and ability to promote bone health, ipamorelin is a powerful ghrelin analog and growth hormone stimulator. Here are some specific benefits observed from ipamorelin research:

• Increased Gastric Motility: Following certain surgical procedures, patients can experience postoperative ileus, which is a detrimental slowing of the digestive system. A study done on rats post-surgery showed that those treated with ipamorelin demonstrated significantly increased gastric emptying with improved function of gastric muscle tissue [25].
• Growth Hormone Release: Ipamorelin has been shown to cause the pituitary cells to produce, release, and distribute growth hormone [6]. In a rodent study, this increase in growth hormone production and availability caused mice to gain body weight without increasing their organ weight, which is a concern with the administration of exogenous growth hormone [26].
• Possible Anti-Aging Effects: A popular topic of ipamorelin research is its potential role in anti-aging therapies. While it is possible that the GH-releasing effect of ipamorelin could result in collagen development, tissue repair, skin health, and improved bone density, this is still an area that needs more research before ipamorelin can be declared an elixir of youth [27].

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Hexarelin Side Effects

Researchers should be aware of possible adverse effects when administering hexarelin to subjects. While limited clinical data shows that hexarelin is mostly safe, there are still risks to consider when using it or any other GH secretagogue.

• Elevated Cortisol: Hexarelin is capable of raising serum cortisol levels in a dose-dependent manner, and excessive use of hexarelin or other GHS could cause chronically elevated cortisol or hypercortisolism [28, 29]. Although rare, this could eventually result in the development of Cushing’s syndrome, a dire condition with symptoms that include muscle weakness, infertility, excess body hair growth in women, easy bruising, and unhealthy fat deposition [30].
• Elevated Prolactin: Hexarelin also exerts a dose-dependent effect on prolactin levels [28]. When prolactin is abnormally high for a prolonged period of time, it can cause hypogonadism, loss of libido, depressed mood, reduced bone density, and muscle wasting [31, 32].
• Daytime Sleepiness: A common complaint from those undergoing GHS treatment is excessive fatigue or sleepiness during the day. Hexarelin administration should result in better sleep quality for most subjects, but in some with disordered sleep patterns, the pulsatile GH release induced by hexarelin may cause sleepiness at inopportune times throughout the day [23, 33].

The key to avoiding these primarily dose-dependent (and reversible) side effects is to dose hexarelin responsibly and cycle off treatment if any adverse symptoms become evident.

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Ipamorelin Side Effects

Considering the sparse human trial data available, few side effects have been observed in subjects undergoing ipamorelin administration, and no long-term side effects have been established. The following reported ipamorelin side effects tend to be dose-dependent and fully cease with discontinuation of therapy.

• Increased Appetite: Since ipamorelin mimics ghrelin, the appetite-stimulating hormone, the peptide may cause treated subjects to experience greater hunger [25].
• Total Weight Gain: Studies done on ipamorelin and body composition have shown that it can cause total weight gain. Researchers have established ipamorelin’s adipogenic effect and ability to trigger substantial weight gain early in treatment, but which stabilizes over time [11]. An in vitro study from 2002 also showed that ipamorelin increased the body weight of rats similar to what was achieved with growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) [34].
• Sleep Disturbance: The pulsatile GH release caused by ipamorelin could result in sleep disturbance [23]. Anecdotal reports most commonly describe insomnia as an unwanted effect if ipamorelin is taken late in the day.

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Growth Hormone Secretagogue Side Effects

Since both hexarelin and ipamorelin increase growth hormone output, there is the possibility that they will induce accompanying side effects like [10]:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Joint pain
• Water retention

Further, both ipamorelin and hexarelin are typically administered via subcutaneous injection. This route of administration itself may carry a risk of the following:

• Pain at the injection site
• Bruising
• Swelling
• Redness

To minimize the risk of the above side effects, follow proper peptide reconstitution and injection procedures.

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Dosage Charts for Hexarelin and Ipamorelin

Now that we have compared hexarelin and ipamorelin in terms of their potential benefits and side effects, we will present basic dosing schedules for each compound.

These recommendations are based on relevant, up-to-date scientific studies and clinical experience, and are intended only as a guide [11, 12, 13, 28].

Our dosage calculations assume that each peptide is subcutaneously administered.

Hexarelin Dosing Protocol

Timeline	Weeks 1-12	Weeks 13-24	Weeks 25+
Dose Per Injection for Body Composition [2-3x daily]	100mcg	Off	Repeat cycle as needed

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Ipamorelin Dosing Protocol

Timeline	Weeks 1-12	Weeks 13-24	Weeks 25+
Dose Per Injection for Body Composition [1x daily]	200-500mcg	Off	Repeat Cycle as needed

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Where to Buy Research Peptides Online? | 2024 Edition

Qualified researchers looking for an online source of research chemicals should turn strictly to a vetted source, a company we have known and trusted for several years now.

Based on our experience testing products on the market, we recommend the following two vendors—one for research-grade ipamorelin and the other for research-grade hexarelin.

Limitless Life for Ipamorelin

While there might be several legitimate vendors out there, Limitless Life has firmly established itself as a trustworthy and authoritative source in the peptide research community.

Why do we specifically endorse Limitless Life as of now? Here are the main reasons:

• Pure Peptides: The last thing any researcher needs is a vial full of fillers and contaminants. Limitless Life guarantees that its products meet the research-grade standard, and they back that guarantee up with a full certificate of analysis from a third-party laboratory for each product listed for sale.
• Cost-Friendly Research: Limitless Life wants qualified professionals to have access to safe, proven compounds for their research. Cost should not be a barrier to entry. In that spirit, Limitless Life charges the lowest viable prices for their products while offering promotions like free shipping for orders of $350+
• Outstanding Service: The folks at Limitless Life support their researchers throughout the entire process of choosing, purchasing, and receiving their peptides. They are available via phone or email during normal business hours.

Be sure to use this coupon code at checkout to get a 10% discount when buying from Limitless Life:

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PureRawz for Hexarelin

To source research-grade hexarelin, we recommend a vendor that has a longstanding record of serving the research community: PureRawz.

Here’s why we trust this top supplier:

• High-Purity Hexarelin: PureRawz is one of the only vendors in the business that conducts both in-house and third-party laboratory testing on all of its peptides to ensure high levels of purity.
• Efficient, Worldwide Shipping: PureRawz ships to researchers across the world using a variety of efficient shipping options. All items are shipped in discreet packaging and orders over $100 even ship free.
• Fast Support: The PureRawz customer support team seems to be available round-the-clock and is usually reachable by phone, live chat, or email—depending on the time of day.

Our readers also can use this coupon code at checkout to get an exta 15% off when buying from PureRawz:

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Ipamorelin vs. Hexarelin | Overall

Both ipamorelin and hexarelin are potent GH secretagogues with limited and reversible side effects observed to date. Subcutaneous injection is the preferred route of administration for both peptides, with hexarelin nasal spray a viable alternative for some researchers.

Ipamorelin’s selectivity at GHSR-1a maximizes its utility as a GH secretagogue while possibly minimizing side effects. Hexarelin’s action at both the GHSR-1a and CD-36 receptors expands its therapeutic potential to the cardiovascular realm.

Choosing between ipamorelin and hexarelin will come down to research goals.

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