GHRP-6
Growth-hormone and appetite peptide
Also known as GHRP, growth-hormone releasing peptide 6
- Evidence grade
- CSmall or early human studies onlyScale
- Half-life
- Not well characterized in humans
- Schedule
- Two to three times daily, subcutaneous
- Maintenance amount
- 100 mcg
- Vial sizes sold
- 5 mg, 10 mg
Where a value is not established in people, this table says so rather than filling the box.
GHRP-6 is a six-amino-acid peptide and one of the first growth-hormone releasing peptides discovered. It prompts growth-hormone release and also strongly increases hunger through ghrelin-pathway signaling.
It activates the ghrelin receptor in the pituitary and hypothalamus to stimulate growth-hormone release. It works with, and partly depends on, the body’s own GH-releasing hormone for a full response. Its ghrelin action also drives a marked increase in appetite. Human studies confirm the GH-release effect, though long-term data is limited.
Human studies confirm it raises growth hormone, but long-term efficacy and safety data in people is limited.
- Studied for raising natural growth-hormone release
- Researched for appetite stimulation, which may help in wasting conditions
- Explored for tissue repair and recovery support
- Studied for possible protective effects on heart tissue in early research
- Strong hunger and possible weight gain
- Water retention and tingling in the hands
- Cortisol and prolactin can rise more than with selective peptides
- Injection-site reactions and lightheadedness
A summary of the research, not medical advice. Individual benefits and risks vary, and for some of these compounds the human evidence is still early.
GHRP-6 is one of the original growth-hormone releasing peptides, and it is also reported to stimulate appetite more noticeably than newer secretagogues. Reports describe increased hunger within the first doses, better sleep within one to two weeks, and slower composition changes over 8 to 12 weeks.
Read the full timeline →Drawn from published trial data and how the research community commonly describes this stretch. Not a fixed schedule and not medical advice.
Two to three times daily, subcutaneous. For research reference only, not medical advice.
| Phase | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ongoing | 100–150 mcg per dose, empty stomach |
Expect a strong hunger response. Reference practice only.
A rough shopping estimate at the maintenance amount. Your real needs shift with your dose and titration.
| Item | 8-week plan | 12-week plan | 16-week plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peptide vials (5 mg) | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Insulin syringes (U-100) | 112 | 168 | 224 |
| Bacteriostatic water (10 mL) | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Alcohol swabs (100-count box) | 2 | 2 | 3 |
Lyophilized: Keep the sealed powder cold and dark, near -20 °C, dry and out of light.
Reconstituted: Refrigerate the mixed vial at 2 to 8 °C, use within a few weeks and avoid freeze and thaw.
Let a cold vial reach room temperature before you open it, so it takes on less condensation.
How strong is the evidence for GHRP-6?
We grade it C on a four-point scale. Confirmed to raise growth hormone in people. Long-term efficacy and safety data are limited.
What is the half-life of GHRP-6?
It is not well characterized in humans. Published pharmacokinetic data for GHRP-6 is thin, so any specific figure you see quoted should be treated with caution.
What amount of GHRP-6 is used in the research?
Ongoing: 100–150 mcg per dose, empty stomach. Expect a strong hunger response. Reference practice only.
How is GHRP-6 stored once reconstituted?
Refrigerate the mixed vial at 2 to 8 °C, use within a few weeks and avoid freeze and thaw.
- Ghigo E, et al. GH-releasing peptide-6 requires endogenous hypothalamic GH-releasing hormone for maximal GH stimulation. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1998;83:1186-1189.
- Bowers CY, et al. On the in vitro and in vivo activity of a new synthetic hexapeptide that acts on the pituitary to release growth hormone. Endocrinology. 1984;114:1537-1545.