Comparison
GHRP-6 vs. Hexarelin
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Growth
Growth
CAS no.
87616-84-0
140703-51-1
Molecular weight
873.02 g/mol
887.05 g/mol
Half-life
0.4 h
0.9 h
Sequence
His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2His-D-2-methyl-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2Mechanism of action
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.
Hexarelin
Hexarelin is a synthetic analog of the GHRP-6 family binding both the GH secretagogue receptor (GHSR-1a) and CD36. GHSR activation in the pituitary releases pulsatile growth hormone. Via CD36 in endothelium and myocardium, cardioprotective effects have been described in animal studies.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human trial
Human trial
Studies
4
4
of which in humans
2
3
Effects recorded
4
3
Open conflicts
1
0
Documented adverse events
2
1
Legal status
Full entries
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between GHRP-6 and Hexarelin?
- GHRP-6 is classified as "Growth", while Hexarelin is classified as "Growth". GHRP-6: Synthetic hexapeptide that founded the class of growth-hormone-releasing peptides (GHRPs). Cyril Bowers identified GHRP-6 in the late 1970s as the first orally and parenterally active GH secretagogue with no structural similarity to GHRH. Never approved as a medicine; downstream analogs (GHRP-2, hexarelin, ipamorelin) were pursued clinically. Hexarelin: Synthetic hexapeptide of the growth-hormone secretagogue (GHRP) family. In the 1990s investigated as an acromegaly diagnostic and for GH deficiency. Not an approved medicine. This page contrasts both neutrally and source-based — with no usage or dosing recommendation.
- Which peptide is better supported by science, GHRP-6 or Hexarelin?
- The highest available evidence level is "Human trial" for GHRP-6 and "Human trial" for Hexarelin. A higher evidence level means more robust data, but says nothing about suitability for an individual. The full body of evidence is on each peptide's own page.
- What is the legal status of GHRP-6 and Hexarelin in Germany and the United States?
- Germany: GHRP-6 — Unapproved, Hexarelin — Unapproved. United States: GHRP-6 — Unapproved, Hexarelin — Unapproved. These are factual summaries with source and review date on the individual pages.