Hormone Research Peptides

Hormones QSC (Qingdao Sigma Chemical) · Updated May 2026

Peptide-based hormone research encompasses the growth hormone (GH) axis, testosterone support, and female hormone optimisation. QSC supplies the complete spectrum of hormone research compounds at ≥99% HPLC purity, from secretagogues that stimulate endogenous GH release to direct HGH itself.

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HGH, CJC-1295, Ipamorelin, MK-677, Enclomiphene and more. ≥99% HPLC, Janoshik COA.

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Growth Hormone Axis

The growth hormone (GH) axis regulates body composition, bone density, muscle mass, metabolic rate, and cellular repair. GH secretion from the pituitary declines approximately 14% per decade after age 30 — a phenomenon sometimes called somatopause. Two major research strategies exist: direct HGH administration (exogenous GH) and secretagogue stimulation (compounds that promote endogenous GH release).

Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH) Analogues

CJC-1295 (CAS 863288-34-0, MW 3367.97 Da) is a GHRH analogue with a Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) modification that extends its half-life from minutes to ~7–8 days by binding to albumin. It stimulates the GHRH receptor on pituitary somatotrophs, increasing GH pulse amplitude while preserving the pulsatile release pattern — considered more physiological than continuous GH elevation. Sermorelin is the native GHRH(1-29) analogue, shorter acting but widely studied as an early clinical GHRH research tool.

Growth Hormone Releasing Peptides (GHRPs)

Ipamorelin (CAS 170851-70-4, MW 711.87 Da) is a selective GH secretagogue with high receptor selectivity and minimal effect on cortisol or prolactin — advantages over earlier GHRPs like GHRP-6. When combined with CJC-1295, the two pathways (GHRH receptor + ghrelin receptor) provide synergistic GH release. GHRP-2 and GHRP-6 are broader-spectrum GHRPs with additional appetite-stimulating effects via ghrelin mimicry. Hexarelin is the most potent GHRP studied to date, though with greater receptor desensitisation.

Oral GH Secretagogue

MK-677 (Ibutamoren) (CAS 159752-10-0, MW 624.77 Da) is an oral, non-peptide ghrelin mimetic that significantly elevates GH and IGF-1 levels following a single oral dose. Unlike injectable secretagogues, MK-677 is shelf-stable and requires no reconstitution, making it a frequently researched convenience alternative in the GH secretagogue category.

Secretagogue Comparison

Compound	Mechanism	Half-life	Route	Cortisol effect
CJC-1295 (DAC)	GHRH receptor	~7–8 days	SC	None
Ipamorelin	Ghrelin receptor (selective)	~2h	SC	Minimal
GHRP-2	Ghrelin receptor	~1–2h	SC	Moderate
GHRP-6	Ghrelin receptor	~1–2h	SC	Moderate
Hexarelin	Ghrelin receptor (potent)	~70 min	SC	Higher
MK-677	Ghrelin receptor (oral)	~24h	Oral	Low–moderate
Sermorelin	GHRH receptor	~10–20 min	SC	None

What is the difference between HGH and GH secretagogues?

HGH (human growth hormone / somatropin) is the actual hormone itself, administered exogenously. GH secretagogues (like Ipamorelin, CJC-1295, MK-677) stimulate the body's pituitary gland to produce and release more of its own GH. Secretagogues preserve the pulsatile, feedback-regulated release pattern of GH — which some researchers consider more physiological than exogenous HGH.

Why is Ipamorelin preferred over GHRP-6?

Ipamorelin is more selective for the GH secretagogue receptor (ghrelin receptor) without the off-target effects of GHRP-6. GHRP-6 significantly increases cortisol, prolactin, and appetite (hunger signal) alongside GH release. Ipamorelin produces cleaner GH release with minimal cortisol or prolactin elevation — generally preferred for research requiring isolated GH axis stimulation.

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Research Use Only. All compounds referenced are for laboratory research purposes only. Not for human consumption. QSC Wellness is an official information resource for Qingdao Sigma Chemical Co., Ltd.