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Growth HormoneResearch strength: ModerateEvidence: Moderate

GHRP-1

Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide 1

An early synthetic growth hormone releasing peptide, part of the first generation that established the GHRP class.

Overview

GHRP-1 is one of the original synthetic growth hormone releasing peptides developed alongside GHRP-6. It stimulates pituitary GH release through the ghrelin receptor. It is less widely used than GHRP-2, GHRP-6, or ipamorelin and is not an approved drug, but it remains part of the foundational GHRP research family.

Mechanism of action

Agonizes the ghrelin/GH secretagogue receptor to trigger growth hormone release.

Key studies & citations

  • Review1998

    Growth hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP)

    Bowers' review of the GHRP class, which releases GH through a dual action on hypothalamus and pituitary distinct from GHRH.

    Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences
  • In vitro1994

    Effects in vitro of new growth hormone releasing peptide (GHRP-1) on growth hormone secretion from ovine pituitary cells in primary culture

    GHRP-1 (KP 101) stimulated GH secretion from perifused pituitary cells, compared against GHRH and GHRP-6.

    Journal of Neuroendocrinology
  • Animal1998

    In vivo effects of the GH-releasing heptapeptide GHRP-1 in lambs

    GHRP-1 stimulated GH release in vivo in sheep; the abstract notes it was reported more potent than GHRH in rats and humans.

    Reproduction, Nutrition, Development

Frequently asked questions

How does GHRP-1 compare to GHRP-2 and GHRP-6?

All three are first-generation GH secretagogues acting on the same receptor. GHRP-2 and GHRP-6 are more commonly studied; GHRP-1 is less used.

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