The antimicrobial activity of the appetite peptide hormone ghrelin

► Ghrelin possesses antimicrobial activities against Gram(+) bacteria. ► Ghrelin's antimicrobial activities against Gram(−) bacteria seems to be minimal. ► Ghrelin's cationic property appears to be responsible for its antimicrobial action. ► Ghrelin loses its bactericidal activity in the physiological NaCl concentration.