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Hormone

Ghrelin

Ghrelin is a 28-amino-acid hunger hormone requiring unique post-translational octanoylation for receptor activation — a key example of peptide modification biology.

By The Peptides Codex Editorial TeamIndividual review date not recorded

Page data last changed: . Chemistry registry snapshot: . Registry refreshes and identity assessments are separate from scientific content review.

Length
28 aa
Class
Hormone
Function
Appetite & GH release signaling
Context
Metabolism & appetite research

Unique Ser3 octanoylation is required for activity.

Part of the Foundational & therapeutic peptides cluster

Overview

Ghrelin is a 28-amino-acid hunger hormone requiring unique post-translational octanoylation for receptor activation — a key example of peptide modification biology.

Source & context

Biological / chemical source: Stomach

Primary research or clinical context: Metabolism & appetite research

Post-translational modification

The n-octanoyl group on serine-3 is essential for binding the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R). Without it, des-acyl ghrelin has different biology.

Structure & chemistry

Molecular identity & reference confidence

Source-supported reference

Reference values are taken from the cited molecular record or curated profile. A database match is not independent laboratory verification; modifications, counter-ions, and formulations can change the measured mass.

Molecular form
Ghrelin (source record; form not independently established)
Species
Not established by this molecular identity audit
Termini (N / C)
Not specified / Not specified

Average reference mass

Reference policy updated: 2026-10-05

Molecular formula
C149H249N47O42
Average reference mass
≈ 3,370.9
Identifiers

Chemistry values: PubChem, IUPHAR/BPS Guide to Pharmacology · fetched 2026-10-01.

Clinical development snapshot

ClinicalTrials.gov lists 252 registered studies with “Ghrelin” as an intervention (snapshot 2026-10-01). A registry footprint is not evidence of efficacy or approval.

Registered studies
252
Highest phase reached
Phase 4
Active in latest 100
25
Most recent update
2026-09-29
Most recently updated studies
NCTTitlePhaseStatusUpdated
NCT07557628Study of the Hypothalamic Microglial Response as a Function of a Meal's Lipid Content in Humans. A Single-cent—recruiting2026-09-29
NCT07171723Studying the Influence of LEAP2 on Integrated Endocrine Control of Eating During Semaglutide TreatmentPhase 2completed2026-09-29
NCT05888961Single-center Prospective Longitudinal Study of Taste in Patients With Cognitive Disorders at Different StagesNot applicablerecruiting2026-09-25
NCT07584967A Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of AC01 Compared to Placebo in Participants With Chronic Heart FaiPhase 2not yet recruiting2026-09-14
NCT07805772Effects of Different Exercise Types on Irisin, Leptin, and Ghrelin Levels in Sedentary WomenNot applicablenot yet recruiting2026-09-04
NCT06948214Phase 3 Study of LUM-201 in Children With Growth Hormone DeficiencyPhase 3recruiting2026-09-04
See all on ClinicalTrials.gov →
Concentration math

Ghrelin — reconstitution calculator

Enter how much peptide is in the vial and how much diluent (e.g. bacteriostatic water) is added. The tool returns the resulting solution concentration — and, for any amount you type, the volume it corresponds to. This is educational arithmetic, not a dosing recommendation.

Reference form: Ghrelin (source record; form not independently established)Average reference mass: 3,370.9 Da

Syringe graduation
Solution concentration
5 mg/mL5,000 mcg/mL
mcg

Enter an amount to see the volume it corresponds to.

Educational concentration mathematics only. This tool does not recommend a dose, amount, or protocol, and nothing here is medical advice. Many peptides are not authorized by Health Canada for human use — see our reconstitution and bacteriostatic-water guides for context.

Open the Ghrelin calculator on its own page →

FAQ about Ghrelin

What is Ghrelin?+

Ghrelin is a 28-amino-acid hunger hormone requiring unique post-translational octanoylation for receptor activation — a key example of peptide modification biology.

What Canadian product status is recorded for Ghrelin?+

Canadian product status for Ghrelin has not been verified in this profile. No verified record here does not mean no authorization exists. Status depends on the product, formulation and use; consult Health Canada's product records.

What is the typical length of Ghrelin?+

Ghrelin is commonly described as approximately 28 amino acids (Hormone).

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References & further reading

  1. 1.Mani et al. (2019). Ghrelin's Relationship to Blood Glucose. Endocrinology
  2. 2.Jeffery et al. (2011). Ghrelin in gastrointestinal disease. Mol Cell Endocrinol
  3. 3.Menzies et al. (2013). Ghrelin, reward and motivation. Endocr Dev
  4. 4.Nonogaki (2008). Ghrelin and feedback systems. Vitam Horm
  5. 5.Smith et al. (2022). Ghrelin and the Control of Energy Balance in Females. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne)
  6. 6.Sato et al. (2014). Physiological roles of ghrelin on obesity. Obes Res Clin Pract
  7. 7.Yakabi et al. (2008). Ghrelin and gastric acid secretion. World J Gastroenterol
  8. 8.Pradhan et al. (2013). Ghrelin: much more than a hunger hormone. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care
  9. 9.PubChem — compound summary for Ghrelin (CID 16133832)
  10. 10.Wikipedia — Ghrelin
Disclaimer: Educational content only. Not medical advice. Not instructions for human use. Research peptides and unapproved products may be restricted or illegal to market for human consumption in your jurisdiction. Consult qualified professionals and applicable law.
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