Skip to main content
PepStack

GHRP-6

GH Secretagogue
Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide 6His-DTrp-Ala-Trp-DPhe-Lys-NH2

Overview

GHRP-6, or Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide 6, is a synthetic hexapeptide composed of the amino acids His-DTrp-Ala-Trp-DPhe-Lys-NH2. It was developed as part of a class of compounds known as growth hormone secretagogues, which are designed to stimulate the release of growth hormone (GH) from the pituitary gland. The synthesis of GHRP-6 involves solid-phase peptide synthesis techniques, which allow for the precise assembly of its amino acid sequence. Researchers have primarily investigated GHRP-6 for its potential to increase growth hormone levels in various clinical and experimental settings. Studies have observed that GHRP-6 can stimulate appetite, increase lean muscle mass, and improve recovery times in animal models. Additionally, it has been explored for its potential benefits in conditions such as growth hormone deficiency and cachexia. The mechanism of action of GHRP-6 involves binding to the ghrelin receptor, also known as the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a). This interaction stimulates the release of growth hormone from the anterior pituitary gland, which in turn can have various anabolic and metabolic effects. GHRP-6 is known to have a relatively short half-life, with researchers reporting a range of approximately 20 to 30 minutes when administered intravenously. Its stability and bioavailability can vary depending on the route of administration, with subcutaneous and intramuscular injections being more common due to better absorption compared to oral administration, which has poor bioavailability. Current research on GHRP-6 is ongoing, with studies focusing on its potential therapeutic applications and safety profile. However, it is not approved for medical use by major regulatory bodies such as the FDA, and its use is primarily restricted to research settings. The regulatory status of GHRP-6 varies by country, and it is often classified as a research chemical rather than a pharmaceutical product.

Mechanism of Action

GHRP-6 acts by binding to the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a), which is a G-protein-coupled receptor. This binding stimulates the release of growth hormone from the anterior pituitary gland, influencing various physiological processes such as growth and metabolism.

Molecular Data

FormulaC46H56N12O6
Molecular Weight873 g/mol
PubChem CID4345065

Half-Life

Subcutaneous~2 hours
Intramuscular~2 hours
Intravenous~20 to 30 minutes
OralPoor bioavailability

The half-life can vary based on the specific formulation and individual metabolic factors.

Storage

Lyophilized

Stable for 2+ years at -20°C, 12 months at 4°C

Reconstituted

Use within 14 days when refrigerated at 4°C

Avoid

Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, direct light

Solvent

Bacteriostatic water or sterile saline recommended

Solubility

GHRP-6 is soluble in water and DMSO.

Legal Status

🇩🇪DE

Not approved as a medicinal product. Not a controlled substance. Sale as research chemical is a legal grey area.

🇺🇸US

Not approved by the FDA for medical use. Not scheduled by the DEA.

🇦🇺AU

Not approved by the TGA for therapeutic use.

🇬🇧UK

Not approved by the MHRA as a medicinal product.

Legal status information is provided for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulatory changes. Always verify with official government sources before making any decisions.

7 Research Publications

Growth hormone-releasing peptide 6 (GHRP-6) hydrogel for acute kidney injury therapy via metabolic regulation.

Unknown

Journal of nanobiotechnology · 2025

Researchers studied a new hydrogel made from a peptide called GHRP-6 to see if it could help kidney cells recover from acute kidney injury (AKI). They found that this hydrogel improved the metabolism of kidney cells, enhancing their survival and recovery in a damaged environment.

  • Researchers observed that the GHRP-6 hydrogel increased levels of important metabolites related to cell metabolism in a mouse model of AKI.
  • The study found that GHRP-6 hydrogel treatment improved the survival of renal tubular epithelial cells in conditions mimicking kidney injury.
  • Researchers noted that the hydrogel activated a specific cellular pathway that supports cell growth and recovery.
PubMed

N-aminoimidazolidin-2-one peptidomimetics.

Unknown

Organic letters · 2014

Researchers synthesized a new type of compound called N-aminoimidazolidin-2-one peptidomimetics, which are designed to mimic peptides. They successfully created 25 different Aid peptides, including eight variations of GHRP-6, showcasing a method to control the shape and structure of these compounds.

  • Researchers observed the successful synthesis of N-aminoimidazolidin-2-one peptidomimetics through a specific chemical reaction.
  • The study reported the creation of 25 different Aid peptides, demonstrating the versatility of this approach.
  • Eight analogues of GHRP-6 were included, highlighting the potential for developing new peptide-like compounds.
PubMed

Growth hormone releasing hexapeptide-6 (GHRP-6) test in the diagnosis of GH-deficiency.

Review

Journal of pediatric endocrinology & metabolism : JPEM · 1996

Researchers studied the effectiveness of a test using GHRP-6 to assess growth hormone levels in children and adults with growth hormone deficiency. They found that while those with growth hormone deficiency had lower responses to GHRP-6 compared to healthy children, there was significant overlap between the two groups. Additionally, the test showed promise in diagnosing conditions related to pituitary stalk issues.

  • Researchers observed that individuals with growth hormone deficiency had lower growth hormone responses to GHRP-6 compared to healthy children.
  • There was considerable overlap in growth hormone responses between growth hormone deficient patients and normal children.
  • The test using GHRP-6 may be a cost-effective method for diagnosing conditions related to pituitary stalk transection.
PubMed

The growth hormone (GH) response to GH-releasing peptide (His-DTrp-Ala-Trp-DPhe-Lys-NH2), GH-releasing hormone, and thyrotropin-releasing hormone in acromegaly.

Human

The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 1993

Researchers studied how growth hormone (GH) is released in patients with acromegaly in response to different stimuli, including a synthetic peptide called GHRP. They found that the GH response to GHRP is normal and does not rely on another hormone, GHRH, indicating a unique response in acromegaly patients.

  • The peak GH responses to GHRP and GHRH were not significantly correlated.
  • There was a strong correlation between peak GH responses to GHRP and TRH.
  • The GH response to GHRP in acromegaly patients appears to be qualitatively normal.
PubMed

Regulation of growth hormone secretion by the growth hormone releasing hexapeptide (GHRP-6).

Review

The Journal of pediatric endocrinology · 1993

Researchers studied a new peptide called GHRP-6, which stimulates the release of growth hormone (GH) in the body. They found that GHRP-6 works independently of certain brain signals and is particularly effective in individuals with obesity.

  • GHRP-6 is a hexapeptide that specifically triggers the release of growth hormone.
  • It operates without relying on the brain's usual regulatory signals for growth hormone.
  • GHRP-6 has shown to be a strong GH releaser in obese subjects.
PubMed

Regulation of His-dTrp-Ala-Trp-dPhe-Lys-NH2 (GHRP-6)-induced GH secretion in the rat.

Animal

Neuroendocrinology · 1993

Researchers studied how a synthetic compound called GHRP-6 affects growth hormone (GH) secretion in rats. They found that removing parts of the brain related to hormone regulation increased GH responses to GHRP-6, while certain hormones and substances influenced these responses differently.

  • Researchers observed that rats with surgical removal of the hypothalamus had a greater GH response to GHRP-6 compared to those with intact hypothalami.
  • The study found that both estrogen and testosterone treatments enhanced GH responses to GHRP-6, while dexamethasone and elevated free fatty acids inhibited these responses.
  • Chronic pretreatment with GHRH or GHRP-6 resulted in similar GH responses, indicating a self-potentiating effect.
PubMed

Parallel studies of His-DTrp-Ala-Trp-DPhe-Lys-NH2 and human pancreatic growth hormone-releasing factor-44-NH2 in rat primary pituitary cell monolayer culture.

Animal

Endocrinology · 1985

Researchers studied two peptides, GH-RP-6 and hpGRF-44, that stimulate growth hormone (GH) release in rat pituitary cells. They found that these peptides work through different mechanisms and that their effects can be influenced by calcium levels and the presence of rat serum.

  • Researchers observed that GH-RP-6 and hpGRF-44 both release GH but under different optimal conditions.
  • The study found that GH-RP-6 has a higher effective dose compared to hpGRF-44.
  • Researchers noted that the two peptides can enhance each other's GH release effects.
PubMed

Track GHRP-6 in PepStack

Log your research cycles, set reminders and visualize serum levels.

This page is for informational and research purposes only. All information is based on published scientific literature. Nothing on this page constitutes medical advice or replaces consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.