GH secretagogue

GHRP-6.

The first of the classic GH-releasing peptides — and the one best known for driving hunger.

GH secretagogueInvestigationalSourced profile
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This is educational information, not medical advice, and The Peptide University does not sell peptides, supplies, or supplements. Many compounds discussed here are sold as “research chemicals” and are not approved for human use outside of clinical trials. Laws vary by country, and nothing here is a recommendation to obtain or use anything. Talk to a qualified clinician about your own situation.

● Investigational — not approved for human use

GHRP-6 was the first synthetic peptide shown to reliably release growth hormone in a dose-related way. It's investigational and not an approved consumer product.

How it works

Like the others, it works through the ghrelin/GH-secretagogue receptor and synergizes with GHRH. Of the GHRPs, it most strongly drives ghrelin-like appetite signaling.

The evidence

It has reproducible GH-releasing activity and some preclinical work on tissue protection and wound healing, but human clinical use as an anabolic/anti-aging agent remains unconfirmed.

Safety

Strong appetite increase is the hallmark, plus the usual GH-stimulation effects (water retention, tingling) and possible cortisol/prolactin effects. Long-term human safety is not established.

FAQ

QWhy does it cause so much hunger?

It strongly activates the ghrelin ('hunger hormone') pathway, more so than newer, more selective secretagogues.

QIs it approved?

No — investigational.

Sources

This profile summarizes the following. Follow the links to read the originals — and remember that summaries age, so check for newer information.

Inclusion here is not endorsement of any source's claims; several are cited so you can compare how different outlets characterize the same evidence.

Questions & comments

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