GHRP-6

Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide 6

Original ghrelin mimetic · stimulates GH and appetite

FDA Status

Not FDA-approved · Investigational

Class

Hexapeptide · ghrelin agonist

Sequence

His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2

Half-life

~30 min

Mechanism of action

• Ghrelin receptor agonism → pituitary GH release
• Strong appetite stimulation (vs ipamorelin selective)
• Mild cortisol and prolactin increase
• Cardiovascular protective in animal models

Research areas

• GH deficiency diagnostic stimulation
• Cachexia and appetite stimulation
• Cardiac protection (animal data)
• Investigational anti-aging applications

Evidence and clinical data

Older peptide with extensive Phase I/II data. Largely superseded by ipamorelin for clean GH stimulation. Still used in cachexia research.

Safety profile

Well-known side effects: hunger, water retention, mild prolactin/cortisol shifts. Generally safe for short-term use.