Growth ⏱ Half-life: Approximately 20-30 minutes. Experimental

GHRP-6

Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-6

Updated March 15, 2026

Evidence at a Glance

Regulatory statusExperimental
Not approved anywhere; used only investigationally (e.g., GH-stimulation research). Banned in sport.
Human evidenceLimited
Animal evidenceModerate

GHRP-6 is an unapproved ghrelin-receptor agonist with only limited short-term investigational human GH-stimulation data and no controlled outcome trials.

What the research does not support

  • It is not approved for any therapeutic use in any country; human data are limited to short GH-stimulation studies.
  • It does not selectively release GH — it markedly increases hunger and can raise cortisol and prolactin.
  • No controlled human evidence shows it improves body composition, injury recovery or longevity.
Half-Life
Approximately 20-30 minutes.
Mol. Weight
873.01 g/mol

What is GHRP-6?

GHRP-6 was among the first synthetic growth hormone secretagogues developed and remains a cornerstone in GH-axis research. Its pronounced appetite-stimulating properties, driven by ghrelin receptor activation, make it uniquely useful in feeding behavior research.

Research Applications

GH release studies, appetite and ghrelin signaling research, wasting/cachexia models, and gastroprotection studies.

Dosage Information (Research Use)

100-300 mcg subcutaneously, 1-3 times daily. Research use only.

Reconstitution & Handling

Standard BAC water reconstitution.

Half-Life & Pharmacokinetics

Approximately 20-30 minutes.

Reported Observations in Literature

Pronounced appetite increase, cortisol elevation, prolactin elevation, water retention, potential blood sugar impact.

Key Research References

  • Bowers CY, et al. “On the in vitro and in vivo activity of a new synthetic hexapeptide that acts on the pituitary to specifically release growth hormone.” Endocrinology. 1984

How GHRP-6 Works

GHRP-6 is a first-generation growth hormone secretagogue acting on GHS-R1a. Produces robust GH release with significant ghrelin-like appetite stimulation. Elevates GH, cortisol, and prolactin. The strongest appetite-stimulating GHRP.

Research Findings

Foundational compound in GHRP research. Still widely used in feeding behavior and appetite signaling studies. The pronounced appetite effect is considered a feature, not a bug, in underweight/wasting research models.

Dosage & Administration

100-300 mcg subcutaneously, 1-3 times daily. Research use only.

Safety & Side Effects

Pronounced appetite increase, cortisol elevation, prolactin elevation, water retention, potential blood sugar impact.

Important: All safety information is derived from published research, primarily animal studies. No controlled human clinical trial data exists unless explicitly noted. This compound is sold for research purposes only.

Quick Facts

Sequence His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2
Molecular Weight 873.01 g/mol
Half-Life Approximately 20-30 minutes.
Available Sizes 5mg
Storage Lyophilized: -20°C. Reconstituted: 2-8°C.

Key Research References

  • Bowers CY, et al. "On the in vitro and in vivo activity of a new synthetic hexapeptide that acts on the pituitary to specifically release growth hormone." Endocrinology. 1984

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