Ghrelin
Also known as: acylated ghrelin, growth hormone secretagogue, appetite hormone, acyl ghrelin, des-acyl ghrelin
Ghrelin is a peptide hormone known as a natural activator of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor. It is studied for its roles in growth hormone release, appetite signaling, and stomach acid release. Research catalogs distinguish its acylated form from des-acyl ghrelin, which lacks that modification.
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Overview
Peptide hormone involved in appetite regulation
Ghrelin is a hormone primarily produced by enteroendocrine cells of the gastrointestinal tract, especially the stomach, and is also dubbed the "hunger hormone" because it increases the drive to eat. Blood levels of ghrelin are highest before meals when hungry, returning to lower levels after mealtimes. Ghrelin may help prepare for food intake by increasing gastric motility and stimulating the secretion of gastric acid.
Mechanism of Action
Ghrelin binds the growth hormone secretagogue receptor type 1, called GHSR, and this triggers growth hormone release from the pituitary gland. The same signaling raises appetite, encourages fat storage, and stimulates the stomach to release acid, placing ghrelin at the crossroads of growth and energy balance regulation.
Research History
Ghrelin was characterized as the body's own ligand for the growth hormone secretagogue receptor, a receptor that had been studied before its natural partner was known. Work since then has centered on its appetite stimulating effect, its links to body fat gain, and its partner molecule LEAP2, which acts against it.
What Researchers Are Saying
Community Reports - Not Medical Advice
The following is aggregated from public forums, Reddit, and research communities. These are anecdotal reports from researchers only - not verified clinical data and not a recommendation of any kind.
Ghrelin (also known as acylated ghrelin, growth hormone secretagogue) is studied within the growth hormone axis and body composition research community. Endogenous GH secretagogue and appetite regulator studied for GH release and metabolic signaling.
Last updated October 28, 2026
Research status: active. Ghrelin appears across growth hormone axis and body composition research forums and academic literature. Researchers note this compound falls in the growth hormone category.
Last updated October 28, 2026
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