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Home/Compounds/GHRP-6
Growth hormone

GHRP-6

Also known as: Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide 6

First-generation ghrelin mimetic that strongly stimulates GH release and appetite.

B
Grade B
Human observational studies
Human studies21
PubMed citations30
Typical dose100 mcg – 300 mcg
Routesubcutaneous
Regulatory (US)Compounding legal
Last verified4 days ago
TL;DR · 30-second summary
  • Potent GH release (higher than ipamorelin)
  • Strong appetite stimulation via ghrelin pathway
  • Increases cortisol and prolactin (unlike ipamorelin)
  • Cardioprotective effects in animal models

Mechanism of action

Synthetic hexapeptide that activates ghrelin receptors (GHS-R1a) in pituitary and hypothalamus. Potent GH release with significant hunger stimulation.

Evidence summary

21
Human studies
30
PubMed citations
0
Clinical trials
B
Evidence grade

Well-studied GHRP with robust GH release. Significant appetite stimulation limits use for some. Often used in combination protocols.

Dosing protocols

Educational information only. Consult a licensed provider before using any peptide.
Dose range
100 mcg – 300 mcg

100-300mcg 2-3x daily on empty stomach. Often combined with GHRH analog.

Administration routes
subcutaneous

Side effects & safety

Reported side effects
Intense hungerWater retentionCortisol elevationProlactin increaseTingling
Contraindications
  • Obesity (appetite stimulation)
  • Diabetes concerns
  • Active malignancy

Interactions

No documented drug interactions on file.

Regulatory status

United States
Not FDA approved

Not FDA approved. Research chemical. Available through some compounding pharmacies.

Compounding
Permitted

Available through compounding pharmacies with valid prescription.

Regulatory data last verified 4/17/2026

Clinical trials

No indexed ClinicalTrials.gov studies for GHRP-6. This usually means the compound isn't being studied under an IND — check the citations section for peer-reviewed research instead.

Citations

PMID 41327290Zhao X, Pan K et al. · Growth hormone-releasing peptide 6 (GHRP-6) hydrogel for acute kidney injury therapy via metabolic regulation.Journal of nanobiotechnology (2026)HumanPMID 40074098Zhang X, Cai Y et al. · Danshen-Chuanxiong-Honghua ameliorates neurological function and inflammation in traumatic brain injury in rats via modulating Ghrelin/GHSR.Journal of ethnopharmacology (2025)PMID 38873418Berlanga-Acosta J, Cibrian D et al. · Growth hormone releasing peptide-6 (GHRP-6) prevents doxorubicin-induced myocardial and extra-myocardial damages by activating prosurvival mechanisms.Frontiers in pharmacology (2024)HumanPMID 35151767Islam MN, Zhang W et al. · Liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 functions independently of growth hormone secretagogue receptor in calorie-restricted mice.Peptides (2022)PMID 32721647Frégeau G, Sarduy R et al. · Atheroprotective and atheroregressive potential of azapeptide derivatives of GHRP-6 as selective CD36 ligands in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice.Atherosclerosis (2021)PMID 34417468Wang Y, Guo S et al. · Molecular recognition of an acyl-peptide hormone and activation of ghrelin receptor.Nature communications (2021)HumanPMID 32257855Sinha DK, Balasubramanian A et al. · Beyond the androgen receptor: the role of growth hormone secretagogues in the modern management of body composition in hypogonadal males.Translational andrology and urology (2020)HumanPMID 30738804Sun X, Yi Y et al. · Incretin dysfunction and hyperglycemia in cystic fibrosis: Role of acyl-ghrelin.Journal of cystic fibrosis : official journal of the European Cystic Fibrosis Society (2020)HumanPMID 30136411Gajda PM, Holm NB et al. · Glycine-modified growth hormone secretagogues identified in seized doping material.Drug testing and analysis (2019)PMID 28400207Sigalos JT, Pastuszak AW · The Safety and Efficacy of Growth Hormone Secretagogues.Sexual medicine reviews (2018)HumanPMID 27200188Mendoza Marí Y, Fernández Mayola M et al. · Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptide 6 Enhances the Healing Process and Improves the Esthetic Outcome of the Wounds.Plastic surgery international (2016)HumanPMID 25325399Santana H, Avila CL et al. · How does growth hormone releasing hexapeptide self-assemble in nanotubes?Soft matter (2015)HumanPMID 25450862Yu AP, Pei XM et al. · [D-Lys3]-GHRP-6 exhibits pro-autophagic effects on skeletal muscle.Molecular and cellular endocrinology (2015)PMID 24697286Doan ND, Hopewell R et al. · N-aminoimidazolidin-2-one peptidomimetics.Organic letters (2014)PMID 23099431Cabrales A, Gil J et al. · Pharmacokinetic study of Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptide 6 (GHRP-6) in nine male healthy volunteers.European journal of pharmaceutical sciences : official journal of the European Federation for Pharmaceutical Sciences (2013)HumanPMID 16417467Cibrián D, Ajamieh H et al. · Use of growth-hormone-releasing peptide-6 (GHRP-6) for the prevention of multiple organ failure.Clinical science (London, England : 1979) (2006)HumanPMID 15927771Anderson LL, Jeftinija S et al. · Physiology of ghrelin and related peptides.Domestic animal endocrinology (2005)HumanPMID 12809173Oliveira JH, Vieira JG et al. · GHRP-6 is able to stimulate cortisol and ACTH release in patients with Cushing's disease: comparison with DDAVP.Journal of endocrinological investigation (2003)HumanPMID 11964014Peñalva A, Baldelli R et al. · Physiology and possible pathology of growth hormone secretagogues.Journal of pediatric endocrinology & metabolism : JPEM (2002)HumanPMID 11322495Ahnfelt-Rønne I, Nowak J et al. · Do growth hormone-releasing peptides act as ghrelin secretagogues?Endocrine (2001)

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