Comparison
GHRP-6 vs. SNAP-8
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Growth
Cosmetic
CAS no.
87616-84-0
868844-74-0
Molecular weight
873.02 g/mol
1075.16 g/mol
Half-life
0.4 h
no data
Sequence
His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-Ala-Asp-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.
SNAP-8
SNAP-8 is an octapeptide variant of Argireline. The sequence corresponds to the N-terminus of the SNAP-25 protein. As with Argireline, the postulated mechanism is competitive inhibition of the SNARE complex needed for acetylcholine vesicle fusion at the neuromuscular endplate. According to the manufacturer the two extra C-terminal amino acids increase SNARE-complex affinity — there are individual industry studies on this but no independent systematic confirmation.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human trial
Human trial
Studies
4
3
of which in humans
2
1
Effects recorded
4
3
Open conflicts
1
0
Documented adverse events
2
1