ARIA
Library/hormonal/GHRP-6

GHRP-6

Not FDA Approved⛔ WADA Banned

Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-6 / SKF-110679

hormonal◆EmergingGrowth hormone secretagogue / Ghrelin receptor agonist

Synthetic hexapeptide, one of the first GH secretagogues developed. Potent GH releaser with significant appetite stimulation. Elevates cortisol and prolactin more than other GHRPs. WADA banned. Strong hunger effect makes it useful for patients needing appetite stimulation alongside GH release.

Confidence
48%
Half-Life ~20-30 minutes
Cost ~$180/mo
Quick Reference
Routesubcutaneous
MechanismAgonist at GHS-R1a (ghrelin receptor) → GH release via Gq/11-PLC-IP3 pathway. Al...
SequenceHis-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2
Mol. Weight873 Da
Reviewed2026-08-08

Mechanism of Action

Agonist at GHS-R1a (ghrelin receptor) → GH release via Gq/11-PLC-IP3 pathway. Also activates NPY/AgRP neurons → strong appetite stimulation. Elevates cortisol and prolactin (unlike GHRP-2 and Ipamorelin). Stimulates gastric motility and ghrelin-like GI effects.

Dosing Protocol

100-300μg SC, 2-3x daily (fasting). Cycle 3-6 months on, 1-3 months off. Often paired with CJC-1295. Best taken 30+ minutes before meals.

Key Studies

1995

GHRP-6: a potent GH secretagogue in humans

PMID 7580037clinical_trial
1997

GHRP-6 effects on GH, cortisol, and prolactin

PMID 9398678clinical_trial
2015

GHRP metabolites in doping analysis

PMID 25869809analytical

Adverse Effects

Strong hunger (most potent GHRP for appetite)FlushingWater retentionElevated cortisol (with chronic use)Elevated prolactin (with chronic use)Injection site reactionsCarpal tunnel (with prolonged use)

Contraindications

  • Active malignancy
  • Pregnancy
  • Competitive athletes (WADA banned)
  • Hyperprolactinemia
  • Cushing's syndrome
  • Diabetic retinopathy

Storage

Lyophilized: 2-8°C or frozen. Reconstituted: 2-8°C, use within 30 days. Bacteriostatic water recommended.

Clinical Applications

  • ["hormonal_optimization"
  • "appetite_stimulation"
  • "gh_deficiency"
  • "cachexia"]