Synthetic hexapeptide derived from GHRP-6 that releases growth hormone and that also seems to act directly on the heart. Studied only in small trials; not approved.
Regulatory status
Not approved
Family
Growth hormone secretagogue (GHRP-6 analog)
Scientific evidence
Low
Number of findings
1
Where it acts
Hormones and metabolism · Heart and blood
Also known as
hexarelin, examorelin
Regulatory status
FDA (US): Not approved
EMA (EU): Not approved
Dose
There is no established dose in humans.
Safety
Like other secretagogues, it can raise prolactin and cortisol and alter glucose. No long-term safety data. Its use only makes sense in research or under medical supervision; buying it is not recommended.
Effect by goal · level of evidence
Cardiac function in cardiomyopathy
improvesLowclinical trial (A)in people
+3.6 points LVEF
13 patients with severe heart failure: an intravenous dose raised ejection fraction in ischemic cardiomyopathy (from 22.6% to 26.2%), but not in dilated cardiomyopathy, despite a similar GH rise.
Activates the ghrelin receptor to release growth hormone. It also binds to receptors in heart muscle (such as CD36), so it may improve the contraction of the heart independently of GH.
What the evidence says
In people
Cardiac function in cardiomyopathy. 13 patients with severe heart failure: an intravenous dose raised the ejection fraction in ischemic cardiomyopathy (from 22.6% to 26.2%), but not in dilated cardiomyopathy, despite a similar rise in GH. PubMed 11959048