All information below describes the compound's chemical identity, laboratory handling, and the published research literature. It describes molecular targets and results in laboratory and animal models only — not effects in humans — and is not evidence of any human benefit.
What Is GHRP-6?
GHRP-6 (Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptide-6; CAS 87616-84-0) is a synthetic hexapeptide — a molecule of six amino acids — commonly designated a growth-hormone secretagogue in the scientific literature. It does not occur freely in nature; it is a synthetic peptide, and its molecular characterization (formula C46H56N12O6, molecular weight 873.03 g/mol) has made it a recurring subject of preclinical laboratory investigation into growth-hormone secretion pathways.
It is supplied as a reference compound for in vitro and animal research use only. The sections below summarize its chemical identity, laboratory handling, the molecular targets and model systems examined in the published literature, and the primary references — without describing outcomes, efficacy, or effects in humans.
Research Targets & Pathways
Published preclinical literature has examined GHRP-6 in relation to several molecular systems. These are pathway associations reported in laboratory and animal models; refer to the cited studies for methods and findings.
- GHS-R1a (growth-hormone secretagogue receptor 1a) — examined in relation to receptor binding and activation in pituitary and CNS assay systems.
- Growth-hormone secretory axis — studied in relation to somatotroph output and its interaction with GHRH and somatostatin tone.
- Ghrelin-receptor signaling — examined in relation to the endogenous ghrelin system and downstream signaling cascades.
- Hypothalamic NPY / AgRP and AMPK signaling — investigated in relation to appetite-regulatory (orexigenic) pathways in rodent models.
- NF-κB inflammatory signaling — examined in relation to cytokine-associated pathways in preclinical injury and sepsis models.
- HPA-axis co-secretion (ACTH / cortisol / prolactin) — examined as off-target endocrine markers in human challenge studies.
Model Systems Studied
GHRP-6 has been used as a test compound across a range of published preclinical model systems, primarily in rodents and in vitro cell assays, with some short-term human endocrine-challenge studies. Refer to the cited literature for study designs, endpoints, and findings.
- Endocrine / in vitro — pituitary cell cultures and GHS-R1a receptor-binding and activation assays.
- Appetite regulation — rodent feeding-behavior and energy-balance models.
- Cardiac — permanent coronary-ligation and ischemia/reperfusion rodent models.
- Pulmonary — murine acute lung injury models.
- Renal — acute kidney injury rodent models.
- Inflammatory — LPS-challenged rodent sepsis and injury models.
- Human endocrine challenge — short-term dose-response and tolerability studies of growth-hormone secretagogue activity.
Note: several of the cited reports reflect preprint or early-publication (2025–2026) dates, and independent replication is ongoing.
Molecular & Technical Profile
C46H56N12O6 | MW 873.03 g/mol | CAS 87616-84-0 | Synthetic hexapeptide (6 amino acids)
Storage, Reconstitution & Working Concentrations
Storage, reconstitution, and working-concentration values are general laboratory guidance for in vitro and animal research; always confirm against the lot-specific Certificate of Analysis. Note: several cited GHRP-6 reports reflect preprint or early-publication dates, and independent replication remains ongoing.
Current Research Status
As of the time of this writing, GHRP-6 has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for any human therapeutic use. The available evidence base is primarily preclinical, derived from rodent and in vitro models, alongside a limited set of short-term human endocrine-challenge studies. Translation to human clinical contexts has not been established through controlled clinical trials. Ongoing research continues to characterize the compound's mechanistic profile and to identify which experimental findings may have translational relevance.
Research FAQ
Is GHRP-6 approved for human use?
No. GHRP-6 has not been approved by the FDA for any human therapeutic use. The evidence base is preclinical (rodent and in vitro models) alongside limited short-term human endocrine-challenge studies, and the compound is supplied for laboratory research use only — not for human consumption.
What is GHRP-6's molecular formula and sequence?
A synthetic hexapeptide (six amino acids) — molecular formula C46H56N12O6, MW 873.03 g/mol, CAS 87616-84-0.
How is GHRP-6 stored and reconstituted?
Store lyophilized at −20°C, protected from light and moisture. Reconstitute in sterile water or aqueous buffer (e.g., PBS, pH 7.4); store the reconstituted solution at 2–8°C for up to ~28 days, aliquot and freeze at −80°C for longer-term storage, and avoid repeated freeze–thaw.
What targets and model systems has GHRP-6 been studied in?
Preclinical work has examined the GHS-R1a receptor, the growth-hormone secretory axis, and hypothalamic appetite-regulatory signaling across pituitary cell cultures, receptor-binding assays, rodent feeding models, and rodent cardiac, lung, and kidney injury models. Note the preprint/early-publication caveat noted above.
Selected References
- Howard et al. — Molecular cloning and expression of the GH secretagogue receptor (GHS-R) from pituitary tissue. Science, 1996.
- Bowers et al. — Characterization of GHRP-6 as a synthetic hexapeptide GH secretagogue with distinct receptor-mediated activity. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab, 1996.
- Bowers et al. — Dose-response and pulsatile GH release measured following GHRP-6 administration in human volunteers across age groups. J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 1990.
- Penalva et al. — GHRP-6-stimulated GH secretion measured in young versus older adult males, with assessment of somatostatin tone as a modulating variable. J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 1993.
- Ghigo et al. — Comparative GH secretagogue activity of GHRP-6 and GHRH measured via pituitary somatotroph response in normal and GH-deficient subjects. Eur J Endocrinol, 1997.
- Wren et al. — Ghrelin measured for stimulation of food intake and positive energy balance via hypothalamic NPY/AgRP pathway activation in rodent models. Endocrinology, 2000.
- Tschop et al. — Ghrelin administration measured for increased body weight and adiposity in rodent models via GHS-R-mediated orexigenic signaling. Nature, 2000.
- Nakazato et al. — Hypothalamic neuropeptide Y and AMPK phosphorylation measured as downstream mediators of ghrelin-induced feeding behavior in rodents. Nature, 2001.
- Xu et al. — GHRP-6 measured for attenuation of apoptosis and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in cardiomyocytes following ischemic insult in rodent models. Regul Pept, 2004.
- Berlanga et al. — GHRP-6 measured for reduction of infarct area, myocardial cell death, and oxidative stress markers in a rat myocardial ischemia model. Regul Pept, 2007.
- Granado et al. — GHRP-2 and ghrelin measured for suppression of NF-kB activation and pro-inflammatory cytokine production in LPS-challenged rodent sepsis models. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab, 2010.
- Berlanga et al. — GHRP-6 assessed for acute tolerability, cortisol and prolactin elevation, and absence of serious adverse events in short-term human endocrine challenge studies. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf), 2005.
- Ghigo et al. — Review of GH secretagogue safety profile, including transient hyperprolactinemia, cortisol response, and lack of long-term human safety data in clinical endocrine testing. Eur J Endocrinol, 2005.
- Arvat et al. — GHRP-6 and GHRH combination dosing measured for ACTH and cortisol co-secretion as a marker of off-target HPA axis activation in healthy adult volunteers. J Endocrinol Invest, 1997.