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Growth Hormone
Extensively Studied

GHRP-6

GHRP-6

Early-generation growth-hormone secretagogue.

Also known as: Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-6

Research dose range100–300 mcg per dose (research models)
Route studiedSubcutaneous
Study duration1–3× daily, multi-week studies
Storage2–8 °C reconstituted

Overview

GHRP-6 is a hexapeptide growth-hormone secretagogue widely referenced in GH-release and appetite research as one of the earliest characterized secretagogues.

Key research findings

A first-generation growth-hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP) that strongly stimulates GH release and notably increases appetite via ghrelin-receptor activation. Frequently studied alongside a GHRH analog for amplified pulses, though it is less selective than ipamorelin.

Mechanism of action

Binds the ghrelin/GH-secretagogue receptor to stimulate growth-hormone release and increase appetite signaling.

Molecular information

Weight873.0 Da
Length6 amino acids
TypeGrowth-hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP)
Amino-acid sequenceHis-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2

A synthetic hexapeptide acting at the ghrelin/GH-secretagogue receptor.

Pharmacokinetics

Peak: ~0.25 hoursHalf-life: ~0.25–0.5 hoursCleared: ~6 hours
Peak · 1hHalf-life · 4h

Illustrative relative-concentration model derived from published pharmacokinetic research. Curve is normalized and provided for educational comparison only — not a dosing schedule.

Research applications

  • GH-release research
  • Appetite-signaling studies
  • Secretagogue-pathway investigations

Research protocols

Protocols summarized from published research models. Provided for scientific reference only — not dosing guidance for human use.

Standard referenceAmount: 100–200 mcgFrequency: 1–3× dailyRoute: Subcutaneous
GHRH-combination referenceAmount: 100 mcg + GHRHFrequency: Per doseRoute: Subcutaneous

Observed effects timeline

Aggregated observations reported across research literature. Timing and magnitude vary by model and are not a guarantee of outcome.

  1. Acute (per dose)

    Sharp GH pulse and marked appetite increase reported within ~30 minutes.

  2. Week 2–4

    Cumulative IGF-1 elevation with consistent multi-week dosing reported.

Research compatibility

Describes how compounds are studied alongside one another in the literature. Not a recommendation to co-administer.

Hexarelin

Redundant GHRP activity.

Avoid combination

Ipamorelin

Overlapping secretagogue mechanism.

Avoid combination

CJC-1295 (no DAC)

GHRH + GHRP synergy studied for amplified pulses.

Requires timing

How to reconstitute

Important

Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water, swirl gently, and refrigerate. Avoid shaking to preserve the peptide.

  1. 1Allow the vial to reach room temperature (15–20 minutes).
  2. 2Swab the stopper with alcohol and let it air dry.
  3. 3Add bacteriostatic water slowly down the vial wall.
  4. 4Swirl gently until dissolved into a clear solution.
  5. 5Refrigerate at 2–8 °C and protect from light.
Open reconstitution calculator

Quality indicators

Uniform white powder

Lyophilized cake should be white to off-white without discoloration.

Clear solution

Reconstitutes to a clear, colorless, particle-free solution.

Cold-chain integrity

Reconstituted solution requires 2–8 °C storage.

Slight clumping

Small clumps that dissolve completely with gentle swirling are acceptable — shipping can cause minor compaction.

Collapsed or melted appearance

Powder that looks collapsed, melted, or stuck to the vial walls may have been exposed to heat in transit.

Cloudy after reconstitution

Persistent cloudiness, particles, or precipitate after gentle mixing can indicate a degraded or contaminated peptide.

Reported observations & safety

Safety signals reported in the research literature. Compiled for scientific awareness — not medical advice.

  • Marked appetite increase is a hallmark reported effect (ghrelin activity).
  • Transient water retention and mild cortisol/prolactin elevation are reported, more so than with ipamorelin.

References & further reading

GHRP-6 and growth-hormone secretagogue receptor (review)

Preclinical/humanGH releaseghrelin receptor

Review of GHRP-6's GH-releasing and appetite effects via the ghrelin/secretagogue receptor.

View study

Topics

secretagogueghrelingrowth hormone

This entry is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, a dosing protocol, or a claim of therapeutic benefit. Research compounds are supplied strictly for laboratory and research use — not for human or veterinary consumption.

Research level
Extensively Studied

Large body of preclinical and clinical literature.

Quick reference
Dose range100–300 mcg per dose (research models)
RouteSubcutaneous
Duration1–3× daily, multi-week studies
Storage2–8 °C reconstituted
Half-life~0.25–0.5 hours
Catalogue status

This compound is part of our educational reference and is not currently stocked. Browse the catalogue for available research-grade peptides.

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