Peptide

GHRP-6

Synthetic hexapeptide, one of the first GH secretagogues. Used in human research to study the pituitary, but never approved as a drug.

Regulatory status

Not approved

Family

Growth hormone secretagogue (ghrelin receptor agonist)

Scientific evidence

Low

Number of findings

Where it acts

Hormones and metabolism

Also known as

GHRP-6, growth hormone-releasing peptide 6, growth hormone releasing hexapeptide

Regulatory status

FDA (US): Not approved. The FDA lists it among substances with safety risks for compounding.

EMA (EU): Not approved

Dose

Research only: single intravenous boluses of 0.1 to 1 µg/kg (Bowers 1990). There is no approved therapeutic regimen.

Safety

The FDA notes a risk of immunogenicity and possible effects on cortisol and glucose through reduced insulin sensitivity. Its use only makes sense in research or under medical supervision; buying it is not recommended.

Effect by goal · level of evidence

GH release in healthy men

increases Moderate clinical trial (A) in people

×57 GH peak

18 healthy men: peak GH rose in a dose-dependent manner (from 1.2 µg/L with placebo to 68.7 µg/L with 1 µg/kg) and was potentiated by GHRH. With the high dose, prolactin and cortisol doubled.

View the study (clinical trial) →

In depth

Where it acts

Hormones and metabolism

How it works

Activates the ghrelin receptor and releases growth hormone, with a synergistic effect together with GHRH. At high doses it also raises prolactin and cortisol, and like ghrelin, it increases appetite.

What the evidence says

In people

GH release in healthy men. 18 healthy men: peak GH rose in a dose-dependent manner (from 1.2 µg/L with placebo to 68.7 µg/L with 1 µg/kg) and was potentiated with GHRH. With the high dose, prolactin and cortisol doubled. PubMed 2108187

References

Information, not medical advice. Prescription or unapproved peptides should only be used under medical supervision.