Structure · schematic
Peptide chain of 6 amino acids · GHRP
Sequence
His-D-2-Me-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH₂
Schematic representation of the amino acid chain — not a chemical structural formula. Each node represents one amino acid.
Research areas*
* Contexts in which the peptide has been scientifically studied — not assured or recommended effects.
Mechanism of action
- Hexarelin is a synthetic hexapeptide and the most potent GH secretagogue of the GHRP class.
- As a high-affinity GHS-R1a agonist, at equimolar doses it produces 2–3-fold higher GH pulses than GHRP-2, GHRP-6 or ipamorelin.
- In addition to GHS-R1a activity, hexarelin binds the CD36 scavenger receptor — a mechanism shown by no other GHRP compound and thought to mediate cardioprotective effects (reduction of myocardial fibrosis, improved cardiac function in animal models).
- Hexarelin raises cortisol and prolactin more strongly than other GHRPs and shows pronounced tachyphylaxis.
Research status
- Hexarelin has been investigated in several human clinical studies.
- Studies by Ghigo et al. and Arvat et al. documented the strongest GH response among all GHRP compounds.
- Particular scientific attention focuses on the CD36-mediated cardioprotective effect: in animal models with induced heart failure and ischaemic heart disease, hexarelin showed improved cardiac function parameters, independent of the GH increase.
- Clinical studies of the cardiac effect in humans have been limited.
- For anti-aging or muscle-building applications in healthy individuals, no controlled human studies exist.
Evidence level
Cited studies
Known risks
- 01Strongest rise in cortisol and prolactin of all GHRPs — more relevant with regular use
- 02Pronounced tachyphylaxis after only a few weeks of continuous administration
- 03Higher potential for GH-related side effects (fluid retention, insulin resistance) than weaker GHRPs
- 04Cardiovascular effects via CD36 theoretically ambivalent — no clinically controlled data in humans
- 05No long-term safety data
Frequently asked questions
What is Hexarelin?
Hexarelin is a synthetic hexapeptide and the most potent GH secretagogue of the GHRP class.
What type of peptide is Hexarelin?
Hexarelin belongs to the GHRP class.
Is Hexarelin legal in Germany?
Hexarelin is not approved as a medicine in Germany. Obtaining it outside clinical studies is legally problematic.
Where can I buy Hexarelin?
Peptica sells nothing and names no sources. Hexarelin is "not approved" in Germany; obtaining unapproved substances outside clinical studies is illegal and carries quality and safety risks.
Is Hexarelin banned in sport (WADA)?
Yes. Hexarelin is on the WADA Prohibited List and is therefore banned in competitive sport.
What are the known risks of Hexarelin?
Documented risks include: Strongest rise in cortisol and prolactin of all GHRPs — more relevant with regular use; Pronounced tachyphylaxis after only a few weeks of continuous administration. This is not a complete safety assessment and not medical advice — see the risks section for the full list.
How well researched is Hexarelin?
The evidence is classified as “early clinical studies”. 3 studies are cited on this page.
What is the molecular weight of Hexarelin?
Hexarelin has a molar mass of about 887 Da.
Which peptides are related to Hexarelin?
Closely related entries: CJC-1295, Ipamorelin, GHRP-2, GHRP-6. A direct side-by-side comparison is available via the compare function.
Related entries
Legal status
Germany
not approvedAustria
not approvedSwitzerland
not approvedEU
not approvedUSA
not approvedCanada
not approvedLegal status varies by country and can change. This is not legal advice.
Sources & methodology
- 3 peer-reviewed studies cited, linked to PubMed where available.
- Molecular data verified against PubChem and primary literature. PubChem CID 6918297
- Editorial standard: no dosage guidance, no sources, evidence level stated explicitly.
Last editorially reviewed: 28 May 2026
Legal assessment
Hexarelin is not an approved medicine in the EU. As the most potent known GHRP, it is listed on the WADA Prohibited List (S2). Importing it as a research chemical may fall under the German Medicines Act (AMG).
Important notice
This site is intended solely for factual, scientifically oriented information about peptides. It does not constitute medical advice, does not replace a consultation with a doctor and contains no recommendations for use in humans.
This site does not sell any substances and names no sources for unapproved substances. For medical questions, please consult qualified medical professionals.
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