HGH (human growth hormone) is itself a large protein of 191 amino acids. Growth hormone secretagogue peptides are different: rather than being the hormone, they act on the body's own signaling to influence its release. Both are supplied for research use only.
Side by side
| HGH | GH secretagogue peptides | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A 191-amino-acid protein | Shorter signaling peptides |
| Role | The growth hormone itself | Act on the body's own GH signaling |
| Examples | Human growth hormone | Sermorelin, CJC-1295, Ipamorelin |
| Status | Research use only | Research use only |

Hormone vs. signal
The clearest way to see the difference: HGH is the finished hormone, a large protein. Secretagogue peptides like Sermorelin and Ipamorelin are shorter peptides that act on the signaling upstream of it.
Browse research-grade peptides
Every Axis compound is third-party tested to 99.4%+ purity, with a certificate of analysis on every batch.
What to look for
Whichever you study, a research-grade compound should ship with a batch-specific certificate of analysis documenting identity and purity.
Key takeaways
- HGH is a large 191-amino-acid protein: the hormone itself.
- Growth hormone secretagogue peptides act on signaling upstream.
- Examples of the peptides: Sermorelin, CJC-1295, Ipamorelin.
- Both are research compounds, supplied for research use only.
A note on research use
The peptides supplied by Axis Peptide Labs are reference compounds for laboratory and research use only. They are intended for qualified researchers working in academic, institutional, and analytical settings. They are not drugs, foods, cosmetics, or medical products, and they are not intended for human or veterinary consumption. Documented identity and documented purity are what matter most when sourcing a compound, both of which are published on the Axis certificates of analysis page.
