GHRP-6

Peptide

GHRP-6 (Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptide-6) is a synthetic hexapeptide (His-DTrp-Ala-Trp-DPhe-Lys-NH2) that potently stimulates growth hormone secretion. Developed in the 1980s by Cyril Bowers, it was the first synthetic peptide shown to specifically elicit dose-dependent GH release both in vitro and in vivo. GHRP-6 acts through the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) and CD36 receptor, exhibiting not only GH-releasing properties but also significant cytoprotective, cardioprotective, and wound healing effects. It increases IGF-1 levels, stimulates appetite, and has demonstrated tissue-protective properties in multiple preclinical and clinical studies. While primarily researched for GH deficiency, emerging evidence supports its potential in wound healing, scar prevention, and cardioprotection.

Quick Answer

What it is

GHRP-6 (Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptide-6) is a synthetic hexapeptide (His-DTrp-Ala-Trp-DPhe-Lys-NH2) that potently stimulates growth hormone secretion. Developed in the 1980s by Cyril Bowers, it was the first synthetic peptide shown to specifically elicit dose-dependent GH release both in vitro and in vivo.

Key findings

  • Grade A: Growth Hormone Release
  • Grade B: IGF-1 Levels
  • Grade B: Myocardial Protection (Cardiovascular Health)

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

⚠️ Research Notice

This peptide information is for educational and research purposes only. Peptides may not be FDA-approved for human use and may only be legally available for research purposes. Consult qualified healthcare professionals before considering any peptide compounds.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: GHRP-6

Quick Facts: GHRP-6

  • Best Evidence:Grade B
  • Conditions Studied:6
  • Research Outcomes:13
  • Grade A Findings:1
  • Grade B Findings:4
  • Key Effect:Cardiovascular Health
A1
B4
C7
D1
6 conditions · 13 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

Grade:
Effect:
Size:
Sort:
|
A
Growth Hormone Release
Strong Increase
large↑Improves
B
IGF-1 Levels
Notable Increase
moderate↑Worsens
B
Myocardial Protection
Notable Protection
large↑Improves
C
Left Ventricular Function
Moderate Improvement
moderate↑Improves
B
Appetite Stimulation
Notable Increase
large↑Improves
C
Blood Glucose Control
5 preclinical studies support this finding. Primarily preclinical evidence.
small↓Improves
C
Liver Protection
5 preclinical studies support this finding. Primarily preclinical evidence.
small↑Improves
D
Cognitive Function
2 preclinical studies support this finding. Primarily preclinical evidence.
small↑Improves
C
Wound Healing Rate
Moderate Improvement
moderate↑Improves
C
Hypertrophic Scar Prevention
Notable Reduction
large↓Improves
C
Brain IGF-1 Expression
Moderate Increase
moderate↑Improves
C
Height Velocity (Children)
Moderate Improvement
moderate↑Improves

Research Citations (33)

Growth hormone releasing peptide-6 (GHRP-6) ameliorates acute lung injury and its subsequent evolvement to interstitial fibrosis.
(2026)
PMID: 41534456
Intranasal Delivery of a Ghrelin Mimetic Engages the Brain Ghrelin Signaling System in Mice.
(2025)
PMID: 39813130
The Ghrelin Analog GHRP-6, Delivered Through Aquafeeds, Modulates the Endocrine and Immune Responses of Sparus aurata Following IFA Treatment.
(2025)
PMID: 40906090
Growth hormone releasing peptide-6 (GHRP-6) prevents doxorubicin-induced myocardial and extra-myocardial damages by activating prosurvival mechanisms
(2024)
PMID: 38873418
Inhibition of ghrelin activity by the receptor antagonist [D-Lys3]-GHRP-6 enhances hepatic fatty acid oxidation and gluconeogenesis in a growing pig model.
(2023)
PMID: 37301480
D-Lys-3-GHRP-6 impairs memory consolidation and downregulates the hippocampal serotonin HT1A, HT7 receptors and glutamate GluA1 subunit of AMPA receptors.
(2020)
PMID: 32454141
Inhibition of Ghrelin Activity by Receptor Antagonist [d-Lys-3] GHRP-6 Attenuates Alcohol-Induced Hepatic Steatosis by Regulating Hepatic Lipid Metabolism.
(2019)
PMID: 31546643
Growth hormone-releasing peptide 6 prevents cutaneous hypertrophic scarring: early mechanistic data from a proteome study
(2018)
PMID: 29464859
Long-term treatment with the ghrelin receptor antagonist [d-Lys3]-GHRP-6 does not improve glucose homeostasis in nonobese diabetic MKR mice.
(2018)
PMID: 28903914
Local injection of d-lys-3-GHRP-6 in the rat amygdala, dentate gyrus or ventral tegmental area impairs memory consolidation.
(2018)
PMID: 29137815

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