GHRH (1-29)
Also known as: GHRH, GHRH 1-29, Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone
GHRH (1-29) is the biologically active N-terminal fragment of human growth hormone-releasing hormone, used in research to stimulate the pituitary to release growth hormone. The synthetic analog of this fragment is also known as sermorelin.
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Mechanism of Action
GHRH (1-29) binds the growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor (GHRHR), a Gs-protein-coupled receptor on anterior pituitary somatotrophs. Receptor activation increases intracellular cAMP and calcium influx, triggering synthesis and pulsatile secretion of growth hormone (GH). Because secretion remains subject to negative feedback from somatostatin and IGF-1, GH release stays largely physiological rather than supraphysiological.
- Half-life
- Very short; approximately 10 to 20 minutes due to rapid enzymatic cleavage
- Administration Routes
- subcutaneous
- Research Status
- Research Chemical
Reported Benefits
- Stimulates endogenous, pulsatile growth hormone release
- Raises downstream IGF-1 within physiological ranges
- May support lean body mass and recovery in research models
- Preserves the natural GH feedback axis
- Studied as a diagnostic probe of pituitary function
- Often combined with GHRP secretagogues for synergistic GH release
Potential Side Effects
- Injection-site redness, swelling, or itching
- Flushing or warmth shortly after dosing
- Headache or transient dizziness
- Possible water retention
Common Dosing
Research-use only, not medical advice. Research literature commonly references subcutaneous doses in the range of 100 to 300 mcg, often administered before sleep to align with natural GH pulses.
The dosing information above is aggregated from research literature and anecdotal community reports for educational purposes only. It is not a recommendation, prescription, or medical advice. Peptides are sold as research chemicals only and are not intended for human use.
Contraindications
- Active or suspected malignancy
- Known hypersensitivity to GHRH analogs
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Ipamorelin
A selective ghrelin receptor agonist (growth hormone secretagogue) prized for stimulating GH release with minimal effect on cortisol or prolactin. Considered one of the gentler GH peptides.
CJC-1295
A long-acting growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) analog that stimulates the pituitary to produce more growth hormone. Often paired with a ghrelin mimetic for synergistic GH release.
GHRP-2
A growth hormone releasing peptide that strongly stimulates GH secretion via the ghrelin receptor. More potent than GHRP-6 with somewhat less appetite stimulation.
GHRP-6
An early growth hormone releasing peptide best known for strong GH stimulation alongside a pronounced increase in appetite via ghrelin signaling.
Sermorelin
A GHRH analog comprising the first 29 amino acids of growth hormone releasing hormone, historically used to assess and stimulate pituitary GH output. A gentler, physiologic GH peptide.
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Sermorelin: a review of its use in the diagnosis and treatment of children with idiopathic growth hormone deficiency
1999
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Effects of single nightly injections of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH 1-29) in healthy elderly men
1997
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Super-active analogs of growth hormone-releasing factor (1-29)-amide
1984