Fitness & muscle
GHRP-6
Potent GH secretagogue with distinctive strong appetite stimulation via ghrelin receptor mimicry.
Research compound Fitness & muscle Recovery & healing
- Full name
- Growth hormone releasing hexapeptide
- Also known as
- growth hormone releasing peptide-6
- Regulatory status
- Research compound | Used experimentally
Origin
Synthetic hexapeptide developed in the 1990s as a ghrelin receptor agonist, one of the earliest synthetic GH secretagogues. Used experimentally in GI motility research.
Mechanism
Selective GHSR1a agonist that stimulates rapid GH secretion. Distinctively produces strong appetite stimulation via central ghrelin-like signaling in the arcuate nucleus and lateral hypothalamus.
Research summary
Evidence
Stimulates GH release and robustly stimulates appetite in rodent and human studies. Accelerates GI transit in post-operative ileus models. Primary clinical research application has been GI motility disorders; evidence for muscle-building effects is limited to animal models and anecdote.
Evidence tier: Research compound — see the methodology note for how this is assessed.
Citations
Reported benefits
- growth hormone stimulation
- appetite stimulation
- gastrointestinal motility
- muscle recovery
Dosing protocols reported in the literature & community
These are protocols reported by compounding pharmacies, published trials, or self-experimentation communities — not a prescription. Start low, especially for anything new.
| Route | Reported protocol |
|---|---|
| Subcutaneous injection | 100-200 mcg 1-3x daily; some use 50-100 mcg pre-meal to enhance appetite. |
Side effects
- strong appetite stimulation (pronounced)
- increased cortisol
- prolactin elevation
- water retention
- potential blood pressure elevation
Safety notes
Community & reddit notes (anecdotal — not clinical evidence)
Popular for bulking phases due to the intense hunger effect. Often stacked with other GHRPs to smooth appetite effects.
Related peptides
Mixing compatibility
Pulled from a community-charted mixing-compatibility reference (anecdotal, clinic-use, and community-reported signals) — not a safety guarantee. Verify independently before combining anything.