Comparison
Epitalon vs. GHRP-6
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Research other
Growth
CAS no.
307297-39-8
87616-84-0
Molecular weight
390.35 g/mol
873.02 g/mol
Half-life
0.3 h
0.4 h
Sequence
Ala-Glu-Asp-GlyHis-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2Mechanism of action
Epitalon
Postulated mechanisms include modulation of gene expression in pinealocytes, telomerase activation (observed in cell culture studies) and influence on melatonin synthesis. A defined primary receptor is not established; the mechanistic basis rests on in-vitro and animal data from the Khavinson group.
GHRP-6
GHRP-6 is a high-affinity agonist of the growth-hormone secretagogue receptor 1a (GHSR-1a) — the same receptor later shown to bind the endogenous hormone ghrelin. The identification of GHRP-6 as a pharmacological anchor led to cloning of GHSR in 1996 and the discovery of ghrelin itself in 1999. GHRP-6 stimulates pituitary GH secretion via a pathway independent of GHRH and can be combined synergistically with GHRH. Via GHSR in the hypothalamus it additionally activates NPY/AgRP neurons, producing an orexigenic (appetite-stimulating) effect in animal models.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human trial
Human trial
Studies
4
4
of which in humans
1
2
Effects recorded
4
4
Open conflicts
1
1
Documented adverse events
1
2