GHRP-6 (Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptide 6) is a synthetic hexapeptide that functions as a potent growth hormone secretagogue by binding to the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a). It stimulates pulsatile GH release from the pituitary while maintaining physiological feedback controls. It is one of the earliest GH-releasing peptides developed and is notable for strong appetite stimulation via ghrelin receptor activation. Beyond endocrine effects, GHRP-6 exhibits cytoprotective properties through the CD36 receptor, with preclinical data showing cardioprotective, neuroprotective, and anti-fibrotic effects.
8 vendors tracked by PeptideAtlas list GHRP-6, priced from $19.54 to $60.00. The lowest price per milligram is $2.80/mg at Archer Peptides (10MG). 1 independent Janoshik purity test cover GHRP-6 across 1 vendor.
Category: Growth Hormone Secretagogue. Evidence rating: D (animal/preclinical only).
Clinical status: Research-only / Not approved for human use
GHRP-6 functions as a synthetic ghrelin mimetic by binding to GHS-R1a in the pituitary and hypothalamus, triggering pulsatile GH release and raising IGF-1 levels. Unlike continuous GH administration, GHRP-6 maintains physiological feedback: as GH and IGF-1 rise, endogenous somatostatin increases…
Research base: 0 registered clinical trials and 20 indexed publications reference GHRP-6.
Safety considerations: Intense hunger due to ghrelin receptor activation (more pronounced than other GH secretagogues); Transient mild increases in cortisol and ACTH (typically not clinically significant); Water retention and bloating reported.
Reviewed by the PeptideAtlas Editorial Team.
| Amino-acid sequence | His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2 |
|---|---|
| Molecular weight | ~873.0 g/mol |
| CAS number | 87616-84-0 |
| Half-life | ~15–60 minutes |
| Production method | synthetic |
| Anti-doping status | Prohibited in sport (WADA) |
| US regulatory status | Not FDA-approved. Research chemical only. |
| Vendor | Size | Price | Price per mg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archer Peptides | 10MG | $28.00 | $2.80/mg |
| Wholesale Peptide | 5mg | $19.54 | $3.91/mg |
| Red Fox Peptides | 10 mg | $40.00 | $4.00/mg |
| Particle Peptides | 5mg | $24.60 | $4.92/mg |
| ZestyRat Research | 5mg | $29.99 | $6.00/mg |
| Growth Guys | 5mg | $30.00 | $6.00/mg |
| Purity Peptides | 5mg | $49.99 | $10.00/mg |
| Fusion Peptides | 5 mg | $60.00 | $12.00/mg |
| Vendor | Best tested purity |
|---|---|
| Peptide Crafters | 99.4% |
Related peptides: Ipamorelin, CJC-1295, Sermorelin.
GHRP-6 strongly activates the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a), which is the primary appetite-stimulating receptor. This effect is more pronounced than with GHRP-2 or ipamorelin, which are more selective.
GHRP-6 is less selective: it raises GH but also increases cortisol, prolactin, and appetite significantly. Ipamorelin is more selective for GH release with fewer side effects. GHRP-6 may be preferred when appetite stimulation is desired.
Yes. Studies show synergistic effects when GHRP-6 is combined with GHRH (e.g., CJC-1295 or Mod GRF 1-29), producing GH responses greater than either alone. This synergism is preserved in most patient populations.
Yes. WADA prohibits all growth hormone secretagogues and releasing peptides.
Beyond GH release, GHRP-6 interacts with the CD36 receptor on immune and muscle cells, activating PI3K/Akt survival pathways. This explains preclinical observations of cardioprotection, neuroprotection, and tissue repair benefits, though these have not been validated in humans.
Vendors with independent lab tests for it: Peptide Crafters.
Vendors stocking it: Polar Peptides, Purity Peptides, OP Labs, Risynth Bio, Amino Lair, Zztai Peptide, Ultima Pharmaceuticals, Fusion Peptides, Wholesale Peptide, Treasure Coast Peptides, Archer Peptides, ZestyRat Research, Catalyst Peptides, Tide Labs, bodypharm.me | Worldwide Shipping, utherpeptide, Uther, Growth Guys, Particle Peptides, Toronto Peptides, Montreal Peptides, Pure Peptides UK, Advanced Peptides Australia, Wuhan Newtop Biotech.
Coverage on this site: Ipamorelin: Selective GH Secretagogue for Clean Pulsatile Release, CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin: Growth Hormone Stack Mechanics, Hexarelin: Potent GH Secretagogue Mechanisms and Research.