Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| MOTS-c | Sermorelin | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Peptides | Peptides |
| Standard Dose | Research indicates 5-10 mg administered 3-5 times per week via subcutaneous injection. | Research indicates 200-300 mcg administered once daily at bedtime via subcutaneous injection. |
| Timing | Morning administration preferred. Can be dosed pre-workout for enhanced exercise performance. | Bedtime administration (aligns with natural nocturnal GH release). On empty stomach. |
| Cycle Duration | 8-16 week cycles. | 12-24 week cycles. Some protocols use continuous treatment. |
| Evidence Level | Emerging (strong preclinical) | strong_human |
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.
Sermorelin is a synthetic 29-amino acid peptide representing the biologically active fragment of GHRH (amino acids 1-29) with full functional activity. It activates GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotrophs, stimulating cAMP production via Gs protein/adenylate cyclase and MAP kinase pathways. Due to the interactive effects of sermorelin and endogenous somatostatin, GH release is episodic rather than continuous. Sermorelin also stimulates pituitary gene transcription of GH mRNA, increasing and preserving pituitary GH reserve.
Research indicates 200-300 mcg administered once daily at bedtime via subcutaneous injection.
Bedtime administration (aligns with natural nocturnal GH release). On empty stomach.
12-24 week cycles. Some protocols use continuous treatment.
Take our free assessment to get personalized recommendations based on your health goals, current stack, and biomarkers.
Get Your Free Protocol →or take the assessment →