What it is

Growth hormone secretagogues are peptides that stimulate pituitary release of growth hormone via ghrelin-type or GHRH-type receptors.^[1] The category includes ipamorelin, GHRP-2, and CJC-1295. Marketed for recovery, body-composition, and sleep purposes.

Regulatory status

Not FDA-approved as supplements or drugs at consumer scale. WADA prohibits the class under S2 (peptide hormones, growth factors, and related substances).^[2] Sold in research channels with 'not for human consumption' labeling.

State of the evidence

Short-term pharmacodynamic studies confirm acute increases in GH and downstream IGF-1 markers.^[1] Evidence for the marketed outcomes in healthy adults — sleep quality, recovery, body composition — is limited and not established at the standard required for clinical claims.