Growth-hormone secretagogues & GH-axis peptides
GHRP-6
Also known as GHRP 6 · growth hormone releasing hexapeptide
One of the first synthetic growth-hormone-releasing hexapeptides, a ghrelin-receptor agonist studied for GH release and as a diagnostic probe.
In 60 seconds
A research and diagnostic tool from the 1990s onward; not an approved medicine. Older diagnostic studies used single doses.
- Assessed GHRP-6 as a provocative test of pituitary GH reserve in the diagnosis of GH deficiency.
- Reviews the hepta- and hexapeptide GHRPs (including GHRP-6) and the non-peptide secretagogues such as MK-0677.
- Reviews GH secretagogues, including GHRPs, in the context of body-composition research in hypogonadal men.
Mechanism
GHRP-6 binds the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) and stimulates pituitary GH release; it was used to characterise that receptor before ghrelin itself was discovered. Like ghrelin, it also stimulates appetite signalling, and it raises cortisol and prolactin to a degree.
Research status
A research and diagnostic tool from the 1990s onward; not an approved medicine. Banned in sport.
Key studies
Assessed GHRP-6 as a provocative test of pituitary GH reserve in the diagnosis of GH deficiency.
Growth hormone releasing hexapeptide-6 (GHRP-6) test in the diagnosis of GH-deficiency — J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab, 1996 · PMID 8887178
Reviews the hepta- and hexapeptide GHRPs (including GHRP-6) and the non-peptide secretagogues such as MK-0677.
Growth hormone-releasing peptides and their analogs — Front Neuroendocrinol, 1998 · PMID 9465289
Reviews GH secretagogues, including GHRPs, in the context of body-composition research in hypogonadal men.
Beyond the androgen receptor: the role of growth hormone secretagogues in the modern management of body composition in hypogonadal males — Transl Androl Urol, 2020 · PMID 32257855
In a preclinical acute-kidney-injury model, a GHRP-6 hydrogel was studied for its effect on renal tubular cell metabolism.
Growth hormone-releasing peptide 6 (GHRP-6) hydrogel for acute kidney injury therapy via metabolic regulation — J Nanobiotechnology, 2025 · PMID 41327290
Safety signals in the literature
Older diagnostic studies used single doses. Class-wide, GHRPs raise cortisol/prolactin and increase hunger; there are no long-term human safety data.
Legal status (South Africa)
Not a registered medicine for human use in South Africa unless SAHPRA-registered under its own name; growth-hormone secretagogues are prohibited in sport under the WADA list. Supplied, where we stock it, strictly for laboratory research.
Related compounds we stock
Not stocked yet — get notified
Tell us you want GHRP-6 and we’ll email you if we add it. Requests decide what we source next.
Not stocked yet
Get notified when we add GHRP-6
One email, only when it reaches the catalogue. Every request is counted when we choose what to stock next.
Comparisons
Questions
What is GHRP-6?
One of the first synthetic growth-hormone-releasing hexapeptides, a ghrelin-receptor agonist studied for GH release and as a diagnostic probe. GHRP-6 binds the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) and stimulates pituitary GH release; it was used to characterise that receptor before ghrelin itself was discovered. Like ghrelin, it also stimulates appetite signalling, and it raises cortisol and prolactin to a degree.
What is the research status of GHRP-6?
A research and diagnostic tool from the 1990s onward; not an approved medicine. Banned in sport.
What safety signals are reported for GHRP-6?
Older diagnostic studies used single doses. Class-wide, GHRPs raise cortisol/prolactin and increase hunger; there are no long-term human safety data.
Does Living Water Labs stock GHRP-6?
Not at present. GHRP-6 is profiled here for reference, with citations to the published literature. You can ask to be notified if we add it. Not a registered medicine for human use in South Africa unless SAHPRA-registered under its own name; growth-hormone secretagogues are prohibited in sport under the WADA list. Supplied, where we stock it, strictly for laboratory research.
More in GH secretagogues
Research reference only. This page summarises published literature; it is not medical advice and contains no guidance on human use. Products supplied by Living Water Labs are for laboratory research only.
