GHRP-6

Key points

• GHRP-6 is a six amino acid peptide that works through the ghrelin receptor, the one the hunger hormone uses.
• It triggers a pulse of growth hormone and, because of that receptor, a pronounced increase in appetite.
• It raises cortisol and prolactin more than ipamorelin and less than GHRP-2.
• It has no UK marketing authorisation, and growth hormone releasing peptides are prohibited in sport.

Quick facts

What it is

Growth hormone releasing peptide, 6 amino acids

Known for

A strong increase in appetite

UK status

Not a licensed medicine; sold for research use

Human evidence

Older diagnostic use; no benefit trials

In sport

On the WADA Prohibited List

How it works

GHRP-6 binds the ghrelin receptor in the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus, prompting a pulse of growth hormone that in turn raises IGF-1. Because that receptor is also tied to hunger, it brings on strong appetite within about half an hour. It is sometimes paired with a GHRH analogue such as CJC-1295, which acts through a different route, and the two are said to add to each other.

What the evidence shows

Most of the human data comes from older tests that used GHRP-6 to check how much growth hormone the pituitary could release, as a diagnostic tool. Newer work on protecting tissue, such as the heart and gut, is in animals and the laboratory. There are no controlled trials showing it works for muscle, fat or ageing, no settled dose, and no long term human safety data.

What it does not settle

• There are no controlled human trials of benefit for the uses it is marketed for.
• Its long term effects on appetite, cortisol, prolactin and insulin sensitivity are not known.
• Whether the tissue protection seen in animals applies to people is untested.

Side effects

Common

• A strong increase in appetite, which can be disruptive if not planned for.
• Water retention and mild puffiness, flushing or tingling after injecting, and injection site reactions.

Less common but serious

• Raised cortisol and prolactin, and signs of too much growth hormone such as joint pain or hand numbness, are possible, especially at higher doses.
• Because there is no licensed product, the dose, purity and contents of material bought online cannot be verified.

Report any suspected side effect through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.

UK legal status and access

GHRP-6 has no UK marketing authorisation, so it is not a licensed medicine and is not offered by registered clinics or pharmacies. It is sold online labelled for research use. Genuine growth hormone deficiency is diagnosed and treated with licensed medicines under specialist care.

Common questions