GHRP-6 · DOSSIER

GHRP-6

Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-6 · His-DTrp-Ala-Trp-DPhe-Lys-NH2 · Peptide · 6 AS
LEGAL DE · NOT APPROVEDEVIDENCE · EARLY CLINICAL STUDIES3 STUDIESWADA · S2
FIG.01 — SIGNAL CHAIN
His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH₂ · ~873 Da
02

Mechanism of action

What GHRP-6 does in the body — step by step.

01

GHRP-6 is the first synthetic growth hormone secretagogue (GHS) and the prototype of the GHRP class.

02

As a potent GHS-R1a agonist, it triggers pulsatile GH release from the pituitary.

03

Characteristic of GHRP-6 is a pronounced ghrelin-mimetic effect in the hypothalamus, which, alongside GH release, mediates strong appetite stimulation via NPY and AgRP neurons.

03

Research status

How far along is the evidence?

PRECLINICALEARLY CLINICAL STUDIESCLINICALLY ESTABLISHED
GHRP-6 is the historically first and foundationally studied peptide of the GHRP class.
GHRP-6 is the historically first and foundationally studied peptide of the GHRP class.
Since its discovery by Bowers et al. (1984), its GH-stimulating effect and safety profile have been characterised in numerous clinical studies.
Clinical human studies document robust GH pulses with concurrent rises in cortisol and prolactin.
In animal models, cardioprotective effects via GHS-R1b mechanisms have also been described.
For muscle hypertrophy or anti-aging applications in humans, controlled studies are lacking.
04

Known risks

Without human data, safety statements are limited. What is known:

01
Pronounced appetite stimulation — can cause an uncontrolled caloric surplus
02
Marked rise in cortisol and prolactin, stronger than with GHRP-2 or ipamorelin
03
Fluid retention due to GH/IGF-1 increase
04
Tachyphylaxis with continuous administration is known
05
Insulin resistance possible with chronically elevated GH levels
06
No controlled long-term studies outside diagnostic contexts
05

Cited studies

Chronological — links lead to the source.

1984
A novel GH releasing hexapeptide: GHRP-6
PubMed 6424175 →
1996
The growth hormone secretagogue receptor: a new target for growth hormone secretagogues
PubMed 8637570 →
2012
Cardioprotective effects of GHRP-6 are mediated through the GHS-R1b receptor
PubMed 22575508 →
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Frequently asked questions

What is GHRP-6?+

GHRP-6 is the first synthetic growth hormone secretagogue (GHS) and the prototype of the GHRP class.

What type of peptide is GHRP-6?+

GHRP-6 belongs to the GHRP class.

What is GHRP-6 used for?+

In research, GHRP-6 has primarily been investigated in the context of: Muscle growth, Metabolism. These are research findings (evidence: early clinical studies), not proven benefits in humans and not a usage recommendation.

Is GHRP-6 legal in Germany?+

GHRP-6 is not approved as a medicine in Germany. Obtaining it outside clinical studies is legally problematic.

Is GHRP-6 FDA-approved / legal in the US?+

No. GHRP-6 is not FDA-approved as a drug in the US; it is mostly sold as a research chemical and not for human consumption.

Is GHRP-6 legal in Canada?+

No. GHRP-6 is not authorized by Health Canada and not intended for human consumption.

Where can I buy GHRP-6?+

Peptica sells nothing and names no sources. GHRP-6 is "not approved" in Germany; obtaining unapproved substances outside clinical studies is illegal and carries quality and safety risks.

What is the dosage of GHRP-6?+

Peptica publishes no dosing. There are no approved dosing guidelines for GHRP-6; figures circulating online stem from animal studies or anecdote, not from validated human protocols. This is not medical advice.

Is GHRP-6 banned in sport (WADA)?+

Yes. GHRP-6 is on the WADA Prohibited List and is therefore banned in competitive sport.

What are the known risks of GHRP-6?+

Documented risks include: Pronounced appetite stimulation — can cause an uncontrolled caloric surplus; Marked rise in cortisol and prolactin, stronger than with GHRP-2 or ipamorelin. This is not a complete safety assessment and not medical advice — see the risks section for the full list.

How well researched is GHRP-6?+

The evidence is classified as “early clinical studies”. 3 studies are cited on this page.

What is the molecular weight of GHRP-6?+

GHRP-6 has a molar mass of about 873 Da.

Which peptides are related to GHRP-6?+

Closely related entries: CJC-1295, Ipamorelin, GHRP-2, Hexarelin. A direct side-by-side comparison is available via the compare function.

07

Dossier

Legal · Structure · Sources.

LEGAL STATUS BY REGION
Germanynot approved

GHRP-6 is not an approved medicine in the EU. It is listed on the WADA Prohibited List (S2). Importing it as a research chemical may fall under the German Medicines Act (AMG).

Legal status varies by country and can change. This is not legal advice.

STRUCTURE & MOLECULE
H₂NHis-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NHCOOH
6
AMINO ACIDS
~873
MOL. WEIGHT (Da)
In a human study (healthy men)
HALF-LIFE
SOURCES & EXTERNAL DATABASES

Methodology: Peptica compiles publicly available studies and regulatory information and assigns each statement an evidence level. Not medical advice. No warranty.

RELATED PEPTIDES & FURTHER READING
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Community notes

Note: These posts are user opinions and not medical advice. Posts containing dosages, therapeutic claims or purchase recommendations are removed. All entries are manually reviewed before publication.
This page is intended solely for factual, scientifically oriented information. No medical advice · no dosage or usage recommendations · no claims of efficacy · no substitute for medical consultation. Peptica sells no substances. Partner links are marked as advertising; Peptica may earn a commission. © 2026 Peptica · Issue 01