Comparison
GHRP-6 vs. Semax
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Growth
Research other
CAS no.
87616-84-0
80714-61-0
Molecular weight
873.02 g/mol
813.92 g/mol
Half-life
0.4 h
0.3 h
Sequence
His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-ProMechanism 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.
Semax
Semax is a tetracosactide fragment analog without hormonal activity at MC2R. Proposed mechanisms include elevation of BDNF and NGF in hippocampus and striatum (in animal models), modulation of dopamine metabolism, and neuroprotective effects via anti-apoptotic pathways. A clear primary receptor is not established.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human trial
Human trial
Studies
4
4
of which in humans
2
2
Effects recorded
4
3
Open conflicts
1
0
Documented adverse events
2
1