GHRP-6

Also Known As: GHRP6, Growth Hormone Releasing Hexapeptide, GHRP-6 peptide, His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2, GH-releasing hexapeptide, Growth hormone secretagogue hexapeptide, GH releasing peptide 6, GHRP 6, Hexarelin precursor, Hunger peptide, hunger peptide

GHRP-6 is a research-grade Synthetic hexapeptide GH secretagogue targeting GHS-R1a studied in Muscle Growth & Performance research. It is supplied strictly for in vitro laboratory research use only - not for human or animal consumption, and not FDA-approved.

Evidence Tier: Research Compound - No approved human use; sold for laboratory research only.

The original growth-hormone-releasing peptide; strong appetite effect; banned in sport.

At A Glance

GHRP-6 Key Research Facts
CategoryMuscle Growth & Performance
Compound ClassSynthetic hexapeptide GH secretagogue (GHRP); first-generation ghrelin mimetic
Molecular TargetGHS-R1a (ghrelin receptor) agonist; stimulates pituitary GH release and endogenous ghrelin; strong appetite/hunger signal
Molecular Weight873.01 Da
Amino Acid SequenceHis-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2
CAS Number87616-84-0
Half-Life~2.5 hours
WADA Statusprohibited
Evidence TierResearch Compound

Mechanism Of Action

It is a strong activator of the ghrelin receptor. While it causes a pulse of growth hormone, it also sends an overpowering signal to the stomach and brain to increase appetite immediately.

Studied For

  • GH release stimulation
  • Appetite stimulation / hunger research
  • GI motility research
  • GH secretagogue research
  • IGF-1 elevation
  • Muscle growth via GH axis
  • Fat loss via GH
  • Body composition research
  • Ghrelin axis signaling
  • Pituitary GH function testing
  • Anti-aging via GH
  • Gastric motility and emptying
  • Cytoprotective GI effects
  • GH pulse amplitude research
  • Lean mass increase
  • appetite stimulation
  • growth hormone secretagogue
  • gastric motility
  • muscle growth
  • recovery

Reported Research Findings

Human studies show dose-dependent growth-hormone release and GHRH synergy; animal data suggest cardioprotection. Mostly mechanistic; no approved indication.

Safety And Handling Notes

Pronounced appetite increase; dose-dependent cortisol and prolactin elevation; flushing, fatigue, water retention.

Not approved; growth-hormone-axis risks apply. WADA-prohibited. Research use only.

Regulatory Status

Not FDA-approved; research chemical; WADA S2.

Full Reference Detail

Related Research Guides

Maintained By The Pep Nation Lab Research Team. See Our Editorial Standards And Research Methodology For How This Reference Is Sourced And Reviewed.

This Reference Is Provided For In Vitro Laboratory Research Use Only. Not For Human Consumption. See The Full Research Disclaimer.

References And Citations

  1. en.wikipedia.org
  2. PubMed / NCBI Reference
Spec Sheet

GHRP-6

Also Known As: GHRP6, Growth Hormone Releasing Hexapeptide, GHRP-6 peptide, His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2, GH-releasing hexapeptide, Growth hormone secretagogue hexapeptide, GH releasing peptide 6, GHRP 6, Hexarelin precursor, Hunger peptide, hunger peptide

Research CompoundMuscle Growth & Performance

Explain Like I'm 5

  • GHRP-6 tells the brain to release growth hormone, but it also flips the "extreme hunger" switch. It makes the body want to eat heavily, making it a top choice for gaining weight and building mass.

The original growth-hormone-releasing peptide; strong appetite effect; banned in sport.

Identity & Classification
GHRP-6 Key Research Facts
ClassSynthetic hexapeptide GH secretagogue (GHRP); first-generation ghrelin mimetic
Molecular TargetGHS-R1a (ghrelin receptor) agonist; stimulates pituitary GH release and endogenous ghrelin; strong appetite/hunger signal
CategoryMuscle Growth & Performance
Molecular Weight873.01 Da
Amino Acid SequenceHis-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2
CAS Number87616-84-0
Parent CompoundGhrelin mimetic
Research Metrics at a Glance
808
PubMed Citations

Related Compounds

Research Use Only. Not For Human Or Veterinary Use. Information Provided For Laboratory Research Purposes Only.

Research Reference Only — Not Medical Advice. For In Vitro Laboratory Use Only.
Typical Dose100–300 mcg
Frequency2–3 times daily (fasted state)
Cycle On8–12 weeks
Cycle Off4 weeks
Route(s)
Subcutaneous
Research Notes

Original hexapeptide GHRP. Strong appetite stimulation is a key effect — appetite increase observed 20–30 min post-injection. Gastric motility effects studied (gastroparesis research). More hunger stimulation than GHRP-2 or ipamorelin. Cortisol and prolactin elevations reported.

Sequence Motif Viewer

31 Residues
HIS-D-TRP-ALA-TRP-D-PHE-LYS-NH2
BasicAcidicPolarNon-PolarAromaticSpecial
CompoundCompoundTargetReceptor / TargetIt is a strong activ...Downstream PathwayResearch EffectStudied Effect

Compare GHRP-6

GHRP-6 Frequently Asked Questions

What Is GHRP-6?

The original growth-hormone-releasing peptide; strong appetite effect; banned in sport.

How Does GHRP-6 Work?

It is a strong activator of the ghrelin receptor. While it causes a pulse of growth hormone, it also sends an overpowering signal to the stomach and brain to increase appetite immediately.

What Has GHRP-6 Been Studied For?

In the referenced literature, GHRP-6 has been studied for GH release stimulation, Appetite stimulation / hunger research, GI motility research, GH secretagogue research, IGF-1 elevation, Muscle growth via GH axis, Fat loss via GH, Body composition research, Ghrelin axis signaling, Pituitary GH function testing, Anti-aging via GH, Gastric motility and emptying, Cytoprotective GI effects, GH pulse amplitude research, Lean mass increase, appetite stimulation, growth hormone secretagogue, gastric motility, muscle growth, recovery. This summarizes research focus only and is not a claim of efficacy.

What Is The Reported Half-Life Of GHRP-6?

GHRP-6 has a reported half-life of ~2.5 hours in the referenced literature.

Is GHRP-6 Approved For Human Use?

No. GHRP-6 is supplied strictly for in vitro laboratory research use only. It is not intended for human or animal consumption, ingestion, or injection, and it has not been evaluated by the FDA.

Regional Research Availability

Pep Nation Lab supplies research-grade GHRP-6 to qualified researchers and scientific institutions nationwide. Browse verified availability and per-region documentation by state:

Featured Research Hubs