Comparison
GHRP-6 vs. Thymosin Alpha-1
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Growth
Healing
CAS no.
87616-84-0
62304-98-7
Molecular weight
873.02 g/mol
3108.32 g/mol
Half-life
0.4 h
2 h
Sequence
His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2Ac-SDAAVDTSSEITTKDLKEKKEVVEEAENMechanism 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.
Thymosin Alpha-1
Thymosin Alpha-1 is an N-terminally acetylated peptide originally isolated from the thymus. It modulates T-lymphocyte maturation and function and acts on dendritic cells via Toll-like receptors (TLR9 / TLR2). In preclinical and some clinical studies, increased interferon-gamma responses and altered T-cell subpopulations have been reported.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human trial
Human RCT
Studies
4
2
of which in humans
2
2
Effects recorded
4
3
Open conflicts
1
1
Documented adverse events
2
1