Muscle & recovery
GHRP-6, simplified.
Also called Growth hormone releasing hexapeptide
Human studiesOne of the first growth hormone releasing peptides. It triggers growth hormone and is known for causing strong hunger.
- Size
- 6 amino acids
- How it is taken
- Injection
- Status
- Research compound
- Available sizes
- Vials: 5 mg, 10 mg
What is it?
Like GHRP-2, it works on the ghrelin (hunger) receptor. It was one of the earliest lab-made growth hormone secretagogues, from the 1980s.
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What studies show
- In peopleSingle doses raise growth hormone in people.
- In peopleIt sharply increases appetite, more than most similar peptides.
- In animalsStudied in animals for heart and tissue protection after injury.
What we don’t know yet
- Long-term effects on body composition in healthy adults.
Side effects and cautions
- Strong hunger, water retention, and higher cortisol and prolactin.
- Can raise blood sugar.
- Banned in sport by WADA.
Is it legal?
Not FDA-approved.
Dosage & schedule evidence
How to read published schedules
Third-party protocols are not established clinical dosing standards. Safe human dose, frequency, and duration may be unknown.
| Measurement | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1 mg | 1,000 mcg (mass) |
| 100 U-100 units | 1 mL (volume, not dose) |
See third-party published protocols ↗ for research context. North Star does not validate these schedules.
Consult your doctor before considering any peptide for personal use. Educational only, not administration guidance.
Common questions
What is GHRP-6?
One of the first growth hormone releasing peptides. It triggers growth hormone and is known for causing strong hunger. Like GHRP-2, it works on the ghrelin (hunger) receptor. It was one of the earliest lab-made growth hormone secretagogues, from the 1980s.
What does the research say about GHRP-6?
Single doses raise growth hormone in people. It sharply increases appetite, more than most similar peptides. Studied in animals for heart and tissue protection after injury.
Is GHRP-6 FDA approved?
Not FDA-approved.
What are the side effects of GHRP-6?
Strong hunger, water retention, and higher cortisol and prolactin. Can raise blood sugar. Banned in sport by WADA.
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This page explains published research in plain language. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a recommendation to take anything, and it does not give dosing. Most peptides here are not FDA-approved, and products sold online vary widely in purity. Rules around peptides are changing, so check the current status and talk with a licensed clinician before starting anything. Last reviewed 2026-10-19.