Ghrelin
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Also called: Ghrelin, human Peptide, Yanaihara Desacyl-Ghrelin Human/Rat/Mouse ELISA, Yanaihara Active Ghrelin Human/Rat/Mouse ELISA
By The Health Stacks Research TeamUpdated September 9, 2026
Ghrelin is a natural chemical messenger (a hormone made of protein building blocks) that your body makes mostly in the stomach. It is often called the 'hunger hormone' because its levels go up before meals and make you feel hungry. After you eat, the levels drop back down. Scientists found it also helps the body grow and use energy. Ghrelin works by locking onto a special docking spot (a receptor) on cells, which tells the brain you are hungry and tells the body to release growth hormone.
Research shows it also helps control blood sugar, sleep, and stomach emptying. In studies, ghrelin helps protect the body during starvation by keeping energy stores up. A drug that mimics ghrelin (called anamorelin) is used in Japan to help people with cancer who are losing too much weight and muscle. Still, many things about ghrelin are not fully understood. How it works in people over long time periods, and how safe it is to use directly, need more study.
One interesting study showed that what people BELIEVE about their food can change ghrelin levels. People who thought they drank a rich, high-calorie milkshake had a bigger drop in ghrelin than people who drank the same shake but thought it was light. This shows the mind plays a big role. Anyone thinking about using ghrelin-related products should talk to a doctor first.
ApprovedApproved by a regulator (e.g. FDA) for a specific medical use — the highest research-status tier. High confidence60–79 — backed by solid sources with good corroboration across multiple citations.
Benefits
What Ghrelin Helps With
The benefits people report — backed by research.
Weight management (18)
Weight management 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Increases food intake 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Reduces fat utilization 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Increases food intake in obese subjects 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Increases food intake in lean subjects 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Increases palatability of food in obese subjects 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Energy metabolism 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →GHSR deletion protects against diet-induced obesity in male rats 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →GHSR deletion decreases food intake during high-fat diet in male rats 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →GHSR inverse agonist PF-5190457 attenuates ghrelin-induced food intake in male mice 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →GHSR inverse agonist PF-5190457 reduces HFD-induced binge-like eating in male and female mice 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Appetite Suppression 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Appetite stimulation 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Ghrelin receptor is a highly attractive drug target for growth retardation, obesity, and metabolic disorders 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Stimulates appetite and increases food intake 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Ghrelin stimulates appetite and food intake 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Leptin injections successfully treat congenital leptin deficiency 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Leptin injections treat congenital leptin deficiency 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →
Neuroprotection & cognitive (7)
Promotes feeding behavior and food intake via NPY/AgRP neuron activation 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Recovery 90/100Rated 90/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Brain / cognitive 90/100Rated 90/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Elevated serum ghrelin exerts orexigenic effect maintaining BMI in metastatic neuroendocrine tumor patients 80/100Rated 80/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Regulation of reward signaling via dopamine pathways in the CNS 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Modulation of stress and anxiety 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →mediate memory and stress responses 70/100Rated 70/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →
Reproductive & hormonal (7)
Regulates GH release via GHS-R 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Endogenous ligand specific for GHS-R 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Stimulation of growth hormone secretion and food intake 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Stimulates the release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Ghrelin triggers growth hormone release from the pituitary gland 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Ghrelin triggers growth hormone release from the pituitary 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Stimulation of growth hormone secretion 72/100Rated 72/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →
Glycemic & metabolic (5)
Signals hypothalamus to increase metabolic efficiency 90/100Rated 90/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →GHSR deletion increases thermogenesis in male rats 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Brain / cognitive 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Insulin sensitivity 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Energy metabolism 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →
Anti-inflammatory (3)
Reduces serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources2Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 2 srcAngiogenesis 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Increases glucocorticoid receptor levels 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →
Musculoskeletal (2)
Muscle recovery 88/100Rated 88/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Bone repair 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →
Gastrointestinal & gut (2)
Support of gastrointestinal processes 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Gastric / gut lining 72/100Rated 72/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →
Performance & recovery (2)
Ghrelin and synthesized growth hormone secretagogues show potent growth hormone-releasing activity 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Specifically releases GH both in vivo and in vitro 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →
More reported benefits (6)
Stimulates growth hormone secretion 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources2Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 2 srcStimulates release of growth hormone from the pituitary 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources2Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 2 srcWound healing 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources2Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 2 srcPotentiates anti-tumor effects in breast cancer cells 85/100Rated 85/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Melanocortin receptor antagonism prevents cachexia-related symptoms in mouse models 85/100Rated 85/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Angiogenesis 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →
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How People Use It
1 reported routine — each line links to the source it came from.
From published sources
Routines as reported in peer-reviewed papers, clinical guidance, or vetted media — each linked to the source it came from.
SubQ
- 50, 100, or 200 nmol/kg 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources8Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ source
mg vs mcg: one milligram (mg) equals 1,000 micrograms (mcg) — multiply by 1,000 going from mg to mcg, divide by 1,000 going from mcg to mg. Mixing the two up is a thousand-fold dosing error: 1 mg taken instead of 1 mcg is a 1,000× overdose; 1 mcg instead of 1 mg is a 1,000× underdose. Always double-check the unit label and the decimal place.
Safety
Known Side Effects
Adverse effects reported in the research and by community use.
- Reduced levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)Moderate 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ link.springer.com
- Increased prolactin levelsMild 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ link.springer.com
- Negative impact on fertilityModerate 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ link.springer.com
- Histopathological alterations in the stomach and testesModerate 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ link.springer.com
- Reductions in both testicular and body weightMild 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ link.springer.com
- Ulceration of the gastric pitsModerate 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ link.springer.com
- Severe necrosis in both surface and glandular epithelial cellsSevere 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ link.springer.com
- Increased fat storageModerate 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ yourhormones.info
- Suppressed insulin secretionModerate 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ yourhormones.info
- Increased appetite and fat storageMild 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ yourhormones.info
- luteinizing hormone (LH)Moderate 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ link.springer.com
- and testosteroneModerate 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ link.springer.com
- libidoModerate 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ link.springer.com
- semen qualityModerate 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ link.springer.com
- and overall sexual functionModerate 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ link.springer.com
- vascular congestion and desquamation of portions of the mucosal epitheliumModerate 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ link.springer.com
- accompanied by extensive infiltration of inflammatory cellsSevere 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ link.springer.com
Reported in research and community sources — not exhaustive. Discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if side effects occur.
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Code ths10 applied at checkout
Evidence
Research Citations (11)
Every claim above traces back to a source you can check — here are 11 of them.
- Source
Ghrelin and anterior pituitary function.
2010 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Ghrelin and cardiovascular diseases.
2012 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Ghrelin receptor signaling in health and disease: a biased view.
2023 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
From Belly to Brain: Targeting the Ghrelin Receptor in Appetite and Food Intake Regulation.
95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Ghrelin: structure and function.
95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
History to the discovery of ghrelin.
95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Common structural basis for constitutive activity of the ghrelin receptor family.
95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Desensitization and endocytosis mechanisms of ghrelin-activated growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a
95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
The role of leptin and ghrelin in the regulation of food intake and body weight in humans: a review
95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Unnatural growth hormone-releasing peptide begets natural ghrelin
95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Hyperphagic effects of brainstem ghrelin administration
95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →
News
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Dated, sourced reporting that mentions Ghrelin.
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