1. Diabetes
As a ghrelin mimetic, it is no surprise that it might also regulate insulin release from pancreatic cells. One study conducted in rats found that ipamorelin significantly increased insulin secretion from the pancreas in both healthy and diabetic subjects. Furthermore, it revealed that ipamorelin stimulates insulin release through calcium channels and adrenergic receptor pathways [1].
2. Bone Health
Studies conducted on animal models suggest that ipamorelin stimulates bone growth. This effect is attributed to its ability to stimulate the release of growth hormone (GH), which plays a crucial role in promoting bone health and regulating bone turnover.
In a study, scientists investigated whether the administration of ipamorelin could increase bone mineral content in female rats. Thirteen-week-old rats received ipamorelin subcutaneously for a duration of 12 weeks. The results found increased bone mineral density resulting from enhanced bone growth and improved bone dimensions [2].
Another study replicated these findings by administering various doses of ipamorelin subcutaneously three times a day to observed rats for 15 days. The results indicated a dose-dependent increase in longitudinal bone growth and body weight associated with ipamorelin. These findings suggest that this synthetic pentapeptide has the potential to enhance bone growth in children experiencing growth retardation [3].
Furthermore, an additional study examined whether ipamorelin could counteract the bone-related side effects associated with the long-term use of corticosteroids. Prolonged corticosteroid usage is known to contribute to bone loss and an elevated risk of fractures. Researchers administered ipamorelin (at a dose of 100 micrograms per kilogram) to female rats three times per day for 3 months. The results revealed a significant four-fold increase in bone formation in rats that received both corticosteroids and ipamorelin compared to those who solely received the corticosteroid drug [4].
3. Muscle Health
Like all other growth hormone secretagogues, ipamorelin is prohibited by WADA as it might enhance muscle growth and boost performance. However, there are not many documented studies to confirm this effect.
One study was conducted to investigate the influence of ipamorelin on smooth muscles in rats. In this study, gastroparesis was induced in rats through abdominal surgery, resulting in delayed gastric emptying. Subsequently, ipamorelin was administered to the subjects. The findings indicated an increase in gastric emptying among the rats that received the experimental drug compared to the control group [5].
In a clinical trial, the safety and effectiveness of ipamorelin were assessed in patients with postoperative ileus. Patients who underwent small and large bowel resection were randomly assigned to receive daily infusions of 0.03 mg/kg of ipamorelin or a placebo from day 1 to 7 following surgery. The trial revealed that this dosing regimen was well tolerated [6]. However, further research was not pursued due to the insufficient evidence of ipamorelin's efficacy in humans.
Additionally, another study found that ipamorelin has the potential to mitigate the muscle-related side effects associated with the use of corticosteroids [4].