Fitness & muscle
Hexarelin
Potent dual-receptor GH secretagogue with cardioprotective properties, limited by rapid receptor desensitization.
Research compound Fitness & muscle Anti-aging Recovery & healing
- Full name
- Growth hormone secretagogue hexarelin
- Also known as
- Rix-002
- Regulatory status
- Research compound | Experimental cardiovascular use
Origin
Synthetic hexapeptide GH secretagogue that also binds CD36 receptors on cardiac and endothelial cells, unlike GHRP-2/6 which target GHSR1a primarily. More chemically stable than natural ghrelin.
Mechanism
GHSR1a agonism drives pituitary GH release; CD36 binding on cardiomyocytes triggers cardioprotective signaling via IL-1Ra upregulation and reduced myocardial oxidative stress during ischemia-reperfusion.
Research summary
Evidence
Protects rat cardiomyocytes from ischemia-reperfusion injury via IL-1 signaling. Multiple rodent studies document cardioprotection. Major limitation: rapid tachyphylaxis, meaning GH response and possibly cardioprotection diminish sharply with repeated dosing. Clinical translation is limited.
Evidence tier: Research compound — see the methodology note for how this is assessed.
Citations
Reported benefits
- growth hormone stimulation
- cardioprotection (animal evidence)
- anti-inflammatory effects (theoretical)
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; cycling protocols (e.g. 5 days on/2 off) used to manage tachyphylaxis. |
Side effects
- appetite stimulation (mild-moderate)
- cortisol elevation
- prolactin elevation
- rapid tolerance development (tachyphylaxis)
Safety notes
Community & reddit notes (anecdotal — not clinical evidence)
Adoption limited by tachyphylaxis. Some cycle or pulse-dose to maintain responsiveness; theoretical cardioprotective appeal in longevity circles.
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.