FREE SHIPFree U.S. shipping on orders over $150Free U.S. shipping on orders over $150
Free U.S. shipping on orders over $150
Research-grade compound with certificate of analysis. Full analytical testing on every lot.
GHRP-6 is a ghrelin receptor agonist studied for its ability to stimulate endogenous growth hormone release and modulate appetite, energy balance, and neuroendocrine signaling.
Through activation of GHS-R1a and downstream pathways such as GH/IGF-1 and prolactin, GHRP-6 has been explored for effects on body composition, organ protection, immune regulation, and sleep physiology.
Growth Hormone–Releasing Peptide-6 (GHRP-6) is a synthetic hexapeptide that promotes growth hormone (GH) release by activating hypothalamic and pituitary signaling pathways.
What distinguishes GHRP-6 from other GHRPs is its orexigenic and neuroendocrine signaling [1]. GHRP-6 is a potent appetite-stimulating agent, reflecting strong activation of central ghrelin pathways involved in hunger perception and meal initiation.
This characteristic has made it a valuable research tool for studying the neural integration of appetite, growth hormone dynamics, and metabolic signaling.
At the receptor level, GHRP-6 activates GHS-R1a, triggering downstream GH/IGF-1 axis activity. Through this pathway, GHRP-6 indirectly influences:
In experimental settings, GHRP-6 increases secretion of other pituitary hormones, including prolactin and cortisol, highlighting its broader impact on neuroendocrine regulation [2, 3].
GHRP-6 can cause release of GH and downstream IGF-1 effects independent of GHRH or somatostatin. This occurs through activation of GHS-R1a [4].
GHRP-6 has unique effects on appetite regulation and body composition.
An animal study investigated the effects of GHRP-6 on food intake, body weight, and fat accumulation. Researchers compared adrenal-intact with adrenalectomised (ADX) rats (no glucocorticoid secretion) [5].
Rats received twice-daily subcutaneous injections of GHRP-6 (250 μg/kg) for two weeks. Results showed:
GHRP-6–induced body weight gain is not dependent on glucocorticoids, but activation of the HPA axis contributes to fat mass accumulation.
A study evaluated the effects of GHRP-6 on epithelial repair and organ protection in cell models of intestinal injury and rat models of multiple organ failure (MOF) induced by hepatic ischaemia–reperfusion [6].
In cells, GHRP-6 administration tripled cell migration compared with controls (p < 0.01). No increase in cell proliferation measured by [³H]-thymidine incorporation, indicating enhanced cellular motility rather than uncontrolled growth.
In the in vivo MOF model, ischaemia–reperfusion caused substantial tissue injury, including:
In the rat MOF model, results showed that:
GHRP-6 directly enhances epithelial repair through increased cell migration and provides broad organ-protective effects, supporting further investigation as a research strategy for mitigating inflammatory and ischemic organ injury.
GHRP-6 has been studied for its influence on sleep architecture.
A clinical study investigated how different routes of administration of GHRP-6 influence sleep architecture and endocrine hormone secretion in healthy young men [7].
Participants received either 300 μg/kg orally, 30 μg/kg intranasally, or 30 μg/kg sublingually at night.
Results showed that:
Results indicate that GHRP-6 can modulate both endocrine secretion and sleep, but that intranasal delivery was the most effective in influencing nocturnal GH secretion and sleep-related parameters.
References
1 Yahashi, S., Kang, K. S., Kaiya, H. and Matsuda, K. (2012) GHRP-6 mimics ghrelin-induced stimulation of food intake and suppression of locomotor activity in goldfish. Peptides, Elsevier BV 34, 324–328
2 Carmignac, D. F., Bennett, P. A. and Robinson, I. C. (1998) Effects of growth hormone secretagogues on prolactin release in anesthetized dwarf (dw/dw) rats. Endocrinology, The Endocrine Society 139, 3590–3596
3 Oliveira, J. H. A., Vieira, J. G. H., Abucham, J. and Lengyel, A. M. J. (2003) GHRP-6 is able to stimulate cortisol and ACTH release in patients with Cushing’s disease: comparison with DDAVP. J. Endocrinol. Invest., Springer Science and Business Media LLC 26, 230–235
4 Micic, D., Mallo, F., Peino, R., Cordido, F., Leal-Cerro, A., Garcia-Mayor, R. V., et al. (1993) Regulation of growth hormone secretion by the growth hormone releasing hexapeptide (GHRP-6). The Journal of pediatric endocrinology, J Pediatr Endocrinol 6 https://doi.org/10.1515/JPEM.1993.6.3-4.283
5 Tung, Y. L., Hewson, A. K. and Dickson, S. L. (2004) Glucocorticoid-dependent stimulation of adiposity and appetite by a ghrelin mimetic in the rat. Eur. J. Endocrinol., Oxford University Press (OUP) 150, 905–911
6 Cibrián, D., Ajamieh, H., Berlanga, J., León, O. S., Alba, J. S., Kim, M. J.-T., et al. (2006) Use of growth-hormone-releasing peptide-6 (GHRP-6) for the prevention of multiple organ failure. Clin. Sci. (Lond.), Portland Press Ltd. 110, 563–573
7 Frieboes, R. M., Murck, H., Antonijevic, I. A. and Steiger, A. (1999) Effects of growth hormone-releasing peptide-6 on the nocturnal secretion of GH, ACTH and cortisol and on the sleep EEG in man: role of routes of administration: Sleep endocrinology after GHRP-6. J. Neuroendocrinol., Wiley 11, 473–478
Every lot undergoes five independent assays before release. Results are published in the lot-specific Certificate of Analysis.
Every lot undergoes our 4-panel testing protocol: HPLC purity analysis, ESI-MS identity confirmation, LAL endotoxin screening, and amino acid analysis (for peptides >15 residues). Full analytical data is published in the Certificate of Analysis for each lot.
Lyophilized peptides should be stored at -20°C or below for long-term stability. Once reconstituted, peptides should be stored at 2–8°C and used within a reasonable timeframe depending on the specific compound. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Always store in a dry environment away from direct light.
Orders placed before noon PST, Monday–Saturday, ship the same day. We offer free standard shipping on orders over $150. All orders are shipped in insulated packaging with ice packs when necessary. Standard delivery typically takes 2–4 business days within the continental US.
No. All compounds sold by Genesis Peptides are strictly for in vitro and preclinical laboratory research purposes only. They are not approved for human consumption, therapeutic use, or diagnostic purposes. By purchasing, you confirm the products will be used solely for legitimate research applications.
A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is a document issued by our analytical laboratory that reports the results of all quality control tests performed on a specific lot of product. Each COA includes HPLC chromatograms, mass spectra, endotoxin results, and amino acid analysis where applicable. COAs are available in our COA Library for every lot we have shipped.
Yes. We offer volume pricing for universities, research institutions, and laboratories with recurring needs. Discounts begin at 10+ units and scale with volume. Contact our team for a custom quote tailored to your research requirements.
Research Use Only. All findings described above are derived from preclinical studies (animal models and in vitro experiments). GHRP-6 is not approved by the FDA for any diagnostic or therapeutic use in humans. Genesis Peptides makes no claims regarding human clinical efficacy. This product is sold exclusively for laboratory research.
FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY — Products are sold exclusively for in vitro and preclinical laboratory research. Not for human consumption or administration. Not intended for diagnostic or therapeutic use. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.
