GHRP-6
Also referenced as: growth hormone releasing peptide-6, SKF-110679
An early growth hormone releasing peptide with pronounced appetite effects and no approved use.
- Evidence grade
- DPreclinical Research
Preclinical Research
- Regulatory status
- Not FDA Approved
Not approved for any indication; prohibited in sport under WADA rules.
- Human data
- Limited
No registered clinical trials identified
- Last reviewed
- September 1, 2026
Overview
GHRP-6 is a hexapeptide ghrelin receptor agonist and one of the earliest growth hormone secretagogues studied in humans.
It reliably raises GH in pharmacology studies. It also raises cortisol, prolactin and appetite, which is why later compounds aimed for greater selectivity.
Why It's Being Studied
- Growth hormone secretion physiology and pituitary testing.
- Appetite stimulation via ghrelin receptor signalling.
- Cytoprotection in animal models.
Mechanism of Action
It activates the hunger-hormone receptor in the pituitary, producing a strong pulse of growth hormone and noticeable hunger.
GHRP-6 is a GHS-R1a agonist acting synergistically with endogenous GHRH and suppressing somatostatin tone. Non-selectivity produces concurrent ACTH, cortisol and prolactin release. CD36 has been proposed as a secondary receptor mediating cytoprotective effects.
From signal to performance
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Background: Performance Research
Performance research covers muscle growth, endurance and body composition. Several compounds in this area are prohibited in competitive sport.
Human evidence is usually drawn from clinical populations, not trained athletes, and rarely measures performance directly.
Research Areas & Routes Studied
- GH secretion
- Appetite
- Cytoprotection
- Subcutaneous injection (research)
- Intravenous (pharmacology studies)
Evidence Summary
Human pharmacology studies show GH release, but there are no completed efficacy trials for performance, body composition or recovery outcomes.
Higher tiers carry more weight. Filled tiers have evidence for GHRP-6; tap to read it.
- Pharmacology studies document GH, ACTH, cortisol and prolactin responses. No efficacy trials.
1 cited sources.
- Phase 1 trial1
Human clinical evidence
- Pharmacology studies document GH, ACTH, cortisol and prolactin responses. No efficacy trials.
Animal studies
- Cardioprotection and cytoprotection models.
Anecdotal / community information
- Bodybuilding use is extensively reported and entirely uncontrolled.
Reported Adverse Events in Research
- Marked hunger, water retention, tingling and flushing reported.
- Cortisol and prolactin elevation.
- Insulin resistance with sustained GH elevation is a theoretical concern.
Limitations of Current Evidence
- Biochemical endpoints only; no outcome data.
- Lower selectivity than later secretagogues.
How to Read This Research
- Were participants athletes, patients or animals?
- Was performance measured, or only body composition?
- Is the compound on the WADA prohibited list?
- Gains in lean mass can include water and are not equivalent to strength.
- Anti-doping rules apply regardless of research status.
- DEXA
- A scan that estimates bone, lean and fat mass.
- WADA
- World Anti-Doping Agency, which lists prohibited substances.
Compare With Other Compounds
| GHRP-6 | Semaglutide | |
|---|---|---|
| Evidence grade | D — Preclinical Research | A — Strong Clinical Evidence |
| Regulatory status | Not FDA Approved | FDA Approved for Specific Indication |
| Human data | Limited | Yes |
| Clinical trials | None identified | Registered trials exist |
| Research routes | Subcutaneous injection (research), Intravenous (pharmacology studies) | Subcutaneous injection, Oral tablet (approved form) |
| Cited sources | 1 | 4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Research References
- Phase 1 trial
GHRP-6 stimulation of growth hormone secretion in humans