Compounds / GHRP-6
GHRP-6
Also known as: GHRP-6; Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-6; His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2; CAS 87616-84-0
Primary research focus: Growth hormone axis research (ghrelin-receptor agonist; GH secretagogue)
Last updated July 2026 · Reviewed against FDA labeling and published research.
What is GHRP-6?
GHRP-6 is a synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue and ghrelin-receptor agonist that stimulates pulsatile GH release. It was one of the first growth-hormone-releasing peptides, developed by Cyril Bowers in the 1980s. It is not FDA-approved for any indication and is notable for producing the strongest appetite stimulation of the traditional GHRPs. It is prohibited in sport.
GHRP-6 activates the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a), the ghrelin receptor, on the pituitary and hypothalamus, driving a pulsatile release of growth hormone and downstream IGF-1. Activation of this receptor also strongly stimulates appetite and can raise cortisol and prolactin, more so than GHRP-2. It synergizes with GHRH analogs to amplify GH release.
How it’s supplied
Not FDA-approved or commercially available as a medicine. It is sold as a research-grade lyophilized peptide for reconstitution; such products are not FDA-reviewed for potency or sterility.
Dosage Chart
Units shown are for a U-100 insulin syringe (100 units = 1 mL), calculated from the vial size and BAC water you select. Always confirm against your prescription and your syringe markings.
| Phase | Dose | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1-2 | 100mcg | 3x Daily | — |
| Weeks 3-4 | 200mcg | 3x Daily | — |
| Weeks 5-12 | 300mcg | 3x Daily | — |
- Rotate injection sites to reduce irritation and lipohypertrophy
- Not for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Do not exceed the recommended dose to try to speed results
- Typically administered at least 4 hours apart (Morning, Mid-Day, and Bedtime)
- Each injection should be administered on an empty stomach, 2-3 hours after last meal, and 30 minutes before eating to maximize GH release
Potential Benefits and Side Effects
Effects reported in published research. Not a promise of results, and not medical advice.
- Reported in research; not an approved therapy.
- Potent, pulsatile stimulation of endogenous growth hormone with downstream IGF-1 elevation.
- Strong appetite stimulation via ghrelin-receptor activation (useful in some research contexts, a liability in others).
- Synergy with GHRH analogs to amplify GH pulses.
- Reported cytoprotective effects in some preclinical models.
- Intense appetite stimulation.
- Cortisol and prolactin elevation (dose-dependent).
- Water retention and possible joint or tingling symptoms with GH elevation.
- Injection-site reactions; transient flushing.
- Long-term effects of sustained GH/IGF-1 elevation are not well characterized.
Warnings and contraindications
Important safety information. This is not exhaustive — read the full prescribing information and consult your prescriber or pharmacist.
- No FDA-approved labeling exists; the following reflect the compound's status and class effects, not an FDA label.
- It is FDA Category 2 (restricted from compounding) in the US and, per 2026 FDA review activity, is expected to remain restricted, unlike several peptides being returned to Category 1.
- It produces intense appetite stimulation, which can be difficult to manage.
- Raising GH and IGF-1 carries class concerns (glucose intolerance, fluid retention, joint symptoms), and it raises cortisol and prolactin at higher doses.
- It is prohibited in sport under the WADA Prohibited List.
- Research-grade material varies in identity and purity.
- Not established as a drug; no FDA labeling. Precautionary considerations include active or suspected malignancy (GH/IGF-1 biology), known hypersensitivity, and use by athletes subject to anti-doping rules.
Reconstitution Steps
How to prepare the lyophilized vial. Confirm specifics with your pharmacist or prescriber.
- Confirm the amount of peptide in the vial and the volume of diluent you intend to use before starting.
- Wash your hands and gather supplies: the lyophilized vial, the diluent (typically bacteriostatic water), an alcohol swab, and a sterile syringe.
- Let the vial and diluent reach room temperature if they were refrigerated or frozen.
- Wipe the rubber stopper of both the peptide vial and the diluent vial with a fresh alcohol swab and let them air dry.
- Draw the intended diluent volume into the syringe.
- Insert the needle into the vial and slowly release the diluent down the inside wall rather than directly onto the powder, to avoid foaming.
- Do not shake. Gently swirl or roll the vial until fully dissolved.
- Inspect the solution: it should be clear and colorless with no visible particles. Do not use if cloudy or containing particles.
- Note the resulting concentration (amount divided by diluent volume) so it matches the reconstitution calculator on this page.
- Label the vial with the reconstitution date and store as directed under reconstituted storage.
US regulatory status
Classifications are public record but can change. For reference only, not legal advice.
Development: GHRP-6 was developed by Cyril Y. Bowers in the 1980s and was among the first synthetic growth-hormone-releasing peptides; the discovery that these unnatural peptides act on a specific receptor helped lead to the identification of the natural ligand ghrelin. It has been studied in humans as a GH secretagogue but was never approved. In the 2023 FDA action it was placed in Category 2, and in the 2026 reclassification GHRP-6 is among the peptides expected to remain restricted rather than return to Category 1, pending the FDA advisory committee review.
Notes: GHRP-6 is not FDA-approved anywhere. It is on the FDA Category 2 list, restricting compounding, and unlike the peptides being moved back to Category 1 in 2026, GHRP-6 is expected to remain restricted (cited concerns include cortisol and prolactin elevation). This should be verified against the current FDA list. It is prohibited in sport (WADA) and is not a controlled substance. (Status current as of mid-2026.)
International status
Pharmacokinetics
Storage and handling
Important Notes
Practical considerations for consistency and safety.
- GHRP-6 produces the strongest appetite stimulation of the traditional GHRPs.
- It is expected to remain FDA Category 2 (restricted) in 2026, unlike many peptides returning to Category 1; verify the current FDA list.
- It raises cortisol and prolactin more than GHRP-2 or ipamorelin.
- It is banned in sport (WADA).
- Research-grade material varies in identity and purity.
Lifestyle Factors
- In research it is often combined with a GHRH analog and timed to sleep or activity to shape GH pulses.
- Human lifestyle interactions beyond research use are not well characterized.
References
Related compounds
Important disclaimer
This page is an educational reference, not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment recommendation, and not a substitute for your prescriber or pharmacist. Approval and regulatory status varies by compound and can change. Always confirm against current prescribing information and consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decision about a medication.