Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| Ipamorelin | MOTS-c | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Peptides | Peptides |
| Standard Dose | Research indicates 200-300 mcg administered 1-3 times daily via subcutaneous injection. | Research indicates 5-10 mg administered 3-5 times per week via subcutaneous injection. |
| Timing | Best administered at bedtime for synergy with natural GH peak. Also effective upon waking and post-workout. Always on empty stomach. | Morning administration preferred. Can be dosed pre-workout for enhanced exercise performance. |
| Cycle Duration | 12-24 week cycles with 4-8 week breaks. | 8-16 week cycles. |
| Evidence Level | moderate_human | Emerging (strong preclinical) |
Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide (Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) that acts as the first selective growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a/ghrelin receptor) agonist. Unlike other GHRPs, it selectively stimulates GH release without significantly affecting ACTH, cortisol, prolactin, or aldosterone — even at doses 200-fold above the ED50 for GH release. This selectivity profile is comparable to GHRH itself but operates through the distinct ghrelin receptor on pituitary somatotrophs.
Research indicates 200-300 mcg administered 1-3 times daily via subcutaneous injection.
Best administered at bedtime for synergy with natural GH peak. Also effective upon waking and post-workout. Always on empty stomach.
12-24 week cycles with 4-8 week breaks.
MOTS-c is a 16-amino acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded by the 12S rRNA gene of the mitochondrial genome. It primarily acts through the folate-AICAR-AMPK pathway: by regulating the folate cycle and de novo purine biosynthesis, it increases AICAR accumulation, which phosphorylates and activates AMPK. This enhances glucose uptake in skeletal muscle, improves insulin sensitivity, and mimics exercise-mediated physiological responses. Skeletal muscle MOTS-c levels increase 11.9-fold in response to acute exercise in young men.
Research indicates 5-10 mg administered 3-5 times per week via subcutaneous injection.
Morning administration preferred. Can be dosed pre-workout for enhanced exercise performance.
8-16 week cycles.
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