GHRP-6
Also known as: Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-6
Contents
MW
873.01 Da
Amino Acids
6 AA
Half-Life
1.5-2 hours
Route
SubQ, IV
CAS
87616-84-0
Formula
C46H56N10O6
Amino Acid Sequence
His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2
Mechanism of Action
GHRP-6 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-6) is the original clinically studied GHRP — a synthetic hexapeptide that binds GHS-R1a. It produces potent GH release but is the LEAST selective of the major GHRPs.
PRIMARY MECHANISM: GHS-R1a activation → calcium-dependent GH exocytosis. Same fundamental pathway as ipamorelin and GHRP-2.
CORTISOL/PROLACTIN: Higher cortisol and prolactin elevation than even GHRP-2. The least "clean" GH secretagogue profile.
INTENSE HUNGER: GHRP-6 produces pronounced appetite stimulation — significantly more than GHRP-2 or ipamorelin. This is mediated by ghrelin receptor activation in the gut and hypothalamic arcuate nucleus. Hunger onset 15–30 minutes post-injection. This can be useful for patients needing appetite stimulation (cachexia, anorexia) but problematic for weight management.
CARDIOPROTECTIVE: Some unique cardioprotective properties via cardiac GHS-R1a activation — similar to hexarelin but less studied for this application.
Largely superseded by ipamorelin in modern peptide protocols due to superior selectivity, but still used in specific contexts (appetite stimulation, cost considerations).
Dosing Protocol
Low Dose
███ – ███ mcg/day
Standard Dose
███ mcg/day
High Dose
███ – ███ mcg/day
Dosing protocols are for paid members
Get exact dosing ranges, injection frequency, timing rationale, and reconstitution math.
Get Clinical Access — $79/moFrequency
2–3x daily.
Half-Life
1.5-2 hours
Reconstitution Guide
Full reconstitution protocol with BAC water volumes, concentration math, and units-to-draw per dose is available on the Clinical plan.
Unlock reconstitution guide →Clinical Warnings
INTENSE hunger — problematic for weight management.
Highest cortisol/prolactin elevation of major GHRPs.
Not selective — generally replaced by ipamorelin.
WADA prohibited.
Cancer contraindication.
Contraindications
Absolute
Active cancer
Pregnancy
Relative Cautions
Diabetes
Obesity
Cushing syndrome
History of cancer
Side Effect Profile
Mild
- ●Intense hunger
- ●Water retention
- ●Flushing
- ●Mild dizziness
Moderate
- ●Elevated cortisol
- ●Elevated prolactin
- ●Joint pain
- ●Headache
Severe (Rare)
- ●Potential tumor growth
- ●Severe water retention
Synergistic Peptides
Common Stacks
CJC-1295
GHRP-2
Research Status
MODERATE. PMID 1547942 (Bowers 1990): Original GHRP-6 characterization — foundational GH secretagogue study. PMID 9403054 (Ghigo 1997): GHRP-6 in elderly, demonstrated GH restoration capability. Largely superseded by ipamorelin.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does GHRP-6 work?
GHRP-6 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-6) is the original clinically studied GHRP — a synthetic hexapeptide that binds GHS-R1a. It produces potent GH release but is the LEAST selective of the major GHRPs. PRIMARY MECHANISM: GHS-R1a activation → calcium-dependent GH exocytosis. Same fundamental pathway as ipamorelin and GHRP-2. CORTISOL/PROLACTIN: Higher cortisol and prolactin elevation than even GHRP-2. The least "clean" GH secretagogue profile. INTENSE HUNGER: GHRP-6 produces pronounced ap
What is the standard dose of GHRP-6?
GHRP-6 dosing protocols are available with a ClinPep Clinical subscription. Dosing varies by indication and patient factors — consult a licensed healthcare provider. General frequency: 2–3x daily.
What is the half-life of GHRP-6?
The half-life of GHRP-6 is 1.5-2 hours. This determines optimal dosing frequency and timing.
Who should not use GHRP-6?
GHRP-6 is absolutely contraindicated in: Active cancer; Pregnancy. Use with caution in: Diabetes; Obesity; Cushing syndrome.
What are the side effects of GHRP-6?
Common mild side effects include: Intense hunger, Water retention, Flushing, Mild dizziness. Moderate effects: Elevated cortisol, Elevated prolactin, Joint pain, Headache.
What peptides stack well with GHRP-6?
GHRP-6 is commonly stacked with: CJC-1295, GHRP-2, Ipamorelin.
How do you reconstitute GHRP-6?
GHRP-6 is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water. Exact volumes, concentrations, and units-to-draw calculations are available in the ClinPep Clinical plan. Always follow your compounding pharmacy's instructions.
How long should you cycle GHRP-6?
GHRP-6 cycle protocols vary by indication. Detailed cycle length, on/off schedules, and monitoring guidelines are available with ClinPep Clinical access. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized cycling guidance.
References & Citations
10 PubMed studies · 0 clinical trials
Growth hormone-releasing peptide 6 (GHRP-6) hydrogel for acute kidney injury therapy via metabolic regulation.
Zhao Xiaotong, Pan Kai, Li Rui, Liu Meina et al.. Journal of nanobiotechnology. 2025
Renal tubular epithelial cells (TECs), which are highly susceptible to injury during acute kidney injury (AKI), have notable regenerative effects on renal recovery after AKI. AKI-driven metabolic repr
Aza-Isotryptophan: Synthesis, Pictet-Spengler Chemistry, Incorporation and Conformational Analysis in Peptides, and Activity in Modulators of the Cluster of Differentiation-36 Receptor.
Wei Xiaozheng, Mulumba Mukandila, Chemtob Sylvain, Ong Huy et al.. Journal of medicinal chemistry. 2025
Isotryptophan (Itr) is the rare 2-indoyl counterpart of the essential amino acid tryptophan. Considering the potential to explore novel side chain χ-space in a residue prone to adopt backbone tu
Subchronic safety assessment of CIGB-500 in beagle dog after repeated daily dose administration over 28 days.
Castro Jorge, Shaikh Imran, Silo Sherwin, Hum Carolyn et al.. Regulatory toxicology and pharmacology : RTP. 2025
CIGB-500 is a product whose active pharmaceutical ingredient is GHRP-6, (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-6), a synthetic peptide that allows the rescue of cardiac mass affected during Acute Myocardia
Changes in Locomotor Activity Observed During Acute Nicotine Withdrawal Can Be Attenuated by Ghrelin and GHRP-6 in Rats.
Ayman Jázmin, Buzás András, Dochnal Roberta, Palotai Miklós et al.. Biomedicines. 2025
Background/Objectives: Ghrelin and growth hormone-releasing peptide 6 (GHRP-6) are peptides which can stimulate GH release, acting through the same receptor. Ghrelin and its receptor have been involve
Ghrelin is involved in regulating the progression of Echinococcus Granulosus-infected liver lesions through suppression of immunoinflammation and fibrosis.
Zhu Jiang, Zhao Hongqiong, Aierken Aili, Zhou Tanfang et al.. PLoS neglected tropical diseases. 2024
Cystic Echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic disease causing fibrosis and necrosis of diseased livers caused by infection with Echinococcus granulosus (E.g). There is evidence that E.g is susceptible to i
Ghrelin Improves Glucolipotoxicity-Induced Pancreatic β-Cellular Dysfunction and Apoptosis by Inhibiting Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Induced IRE1/JNK Pathway.
Li Xin-Ying, Zhong Chun-Rong, Wu Jin-Chan, Yuan Cai-Hong et al.. Discovery medicine. 2024
Glucose and fatty acid overload-induced glucolipid toxicity of pancreatic β-cells is associated with the development of diabetes. Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) plays an essential role in th
Growth hormone releasing peptide-6 (GHRP-6) prevents doxorubicin-induced myocardial and extra-myocardial damages by activating prosurvival mechanisms.
Berlanga-Acosta Jorge, Cibrian Danay, Valiente-Mustelier Juan, Suárez-Alba José et al.. Frontiers in pharmacology. 2024
Introduction: Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a fatal myocardial condition with ventricular structural changes and functional deficits, leading to systolic dysfunction and heart failure (HF). DCM is a
Ghrelin Downregulates Lipopolysaccharide/ Leptin-Induced MUC5AC Expression in Human Nasal Epithelial Cells.
Choi Yoon Seok, Na Hyung Gyun, Bae Chang Hoon, Song Si-Youn et al.. Clinical and experimental otorhinolaryngology. 2023
Obesity, which induces chronic low-grade systemic inflammation in the human body, is a known risk factor for various diseases. Recent studies have shown associations between various otorhinolaryngolog
Symptom Indications
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This information is for educational and research reference purposes only. ClinPep does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. All protocols should be reviewed by a licensed healthcare provider.