Orexigenic

Orexigenic activity is a term used to describe a drug or natural compound that increases appetite and food intake. It is often used to describe compounds that increase the intake of calories, although it can also be used to refer to compounds that increase general appetite. Orexigenic activity is usually associated with compounds that act on the hypothalamus, a region of the brain involved in controlling appetite. Orexigenic compounds can stimulate appetite by increasing the release of appetite-regulating hormones such as neuropeptide Y and orexin. Orexigenic compounds can also reduce the release of satiety hormones such as cholecystokinin, which can help to reduce the feeling of fullness and increase appetite. Orexigenic compounds are used to treat conditions such as anorexia, cachexia and other eating disorders, as well as to increase appetite in people who are underweight or who have difficulty gaining weight.