Supplement Scholar
Peptide

Ipamorelin

Prescription drug or research compound. Use only under the care of a licensed prescriber. Information here is educational and not a recommendation to obtain or use it.

Ipamorelin. Selective GH secretagogue researched for muscle and recovery; not FDA approved.

How it works. Ghrelin receptor agonist that selectively releases GH without cortisol/prolactin rise.

What the research supports. 2 graded claims. Strongest: Increases GH/IGF-1 (moderate).

How much to take. Typical dose: Investigational.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. Serious: WADA banned.

Stacking. Pairs well with Creatine monohydrate, Whey or EAAs. Avoid combining with Athletes (banned).

Forms. 1 forms. Pick one to open its profile.

Key studies. 9 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Ipamorelin. Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Ipamorelin. Selective GH secretagogue researched for muscle and recovery; not FDA approved.

Molecular structureC38H49N9O5 · 711.9 g/mol

What it is

Selective GH secretagogue researched for muscle and recovery; not FDA approved.

Food sources

Synthetic peptide

Goals

Muscle GrowthRecovery Optimization

How it works

Ghrelin receptor agonist that selectively releases GH without cortisol/prolactin rise.

Pathways

  • GHRH-independent GH release

Effects

  • ↑GH pulse increases

What the research supports

Increases GH/IGF-1moderate
Functional outcomes need studylimited

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
Investigational
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodEither with or without food.
Best formMost evidence is based on the injectable form.

Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • Injection site reactions

Serious

  • WADA banned
  • Edema
  • Insulin resistance (high doses)

Medication interactions

Corticosteroidsmoderate

Blunt GH effect.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • Creatine monohydrateFoundational support for strength, power, and lean mass.
  • Whey or EAAsProvides amino acid substrate for muscle protein synthesis.

Avoid combining

  • Athletes (banned)WADA Prohibited List.

Key studies

9 studies cited in total.

PubMed: Ipamorelin — Increases GH/IGF-1 ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Ipamorelin and "Increases GH/IGF-1". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Ipamorelin — Functional outcomes need study ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Ipamorelin and "Functional outcomes need study". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Ipamorelin — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Ipamorelin and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Discussion

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