GHRP-6 (His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH₂) is a synthetic hexapeptide and one of the first GH secretagogues developed. It acts on both GHS-R1a in the pituitary and ghrelin receptors peripherally, producing strong GH release alongside significant appetite stimulation via ghrelin pathway activation — a distinguishing feature for appetite and metabolic research.
CAS 87616-84-0 | MW 873.0 DaStrong GHS-R1a agonist that produces robust GH pulses. Also activates peripheral ghrelin signalling, driving hunger and gastric motility.
Studies show GHRP-6 increases GH pulse amplitude without significantly affecting pulse frequency, similar to endogenous GHRH.
Published models demonstrate GHRP-6 reduces ischemia-reperfusion injury in cardiac tissue independently of GH release.
Marked appetite stimulation makes GHRP-6 useful as a ghrelin pathway probe in appetite and body composition studies.
Bowers et al. (the original GHRP researchers) established GHRP-6 as a reliable, dose-dependent GH secretagogue in multiple species, forming the reference dataset for all subsequent GHRP research.
Endocrinology. 1984;114(5):1537–1545Granado et al. showed systemic GHRP-6 reduced cardiac necrosis by 71% in a rat ischemia-reperfusion model, a finding replicated by direct cardiac application.
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2010;298(1):H324–336Studies using GHRP-6 as a ghrelin mimetic demonstrate consistent orexigenic effects in rodent models, establishing it as a standard pharmacological tool for appetite research.
J Endocrinol. 2003;176(3):305–316Rodent SC dosing typically 100–300 µg/kg. Human GH stimulation tests used 1–2 µg/kg IV or SC. Appetite studies use repeated lower-dose administration to examine cumulative ghrelin pathway effects. Pairs well with GHRH analogues for combined GH stimulation protocols.
| Full Name | GHRP-6 |
| CAS Number | 87616-84-0 |
| Molecular Formula | C₄₆H₅₆N₁₂O₆ |
| Molecular Weight | 873.0 Da |
| Sequence | His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH₂ |
| Purity | ≥99% by HPLC |
| Appearance | White lyophilized powder |
| Storage | −20°C, desiccated |
