GHRP-6 / Studies

Synthetic analog · 6 amino acids · 873 Da

GHRP-6 studies and research data

PepBank has 359 GHRP-6 studies with results. 217 of them gave GHRP-6, with 942 results, grouped by what the studies measured. In each group, results from studies in people come first. Data as of 2026-10-30.

Searches 942 results and 571 papers. Newer studies from Europe PMC

Results in people

187

20% of 942 results

Results in animals

483

51% of 942 results

Results in lab cells

272

29% of 942 results

From computer models

0% of 942 results

The molecule

GHRP-6 identity

Identifiers, parent molecule, targets and development stage, from curated data.

GHRP-6 is the hexapeptide His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2, reported by Bowers and colleagues in 1984 as a synthetic peptide that releases growth hormone by acting directly on the pituitary without releasing LH, FSH, TSH or prolactin. It is an agonist of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor type 1a, the ghrelin receptor, and was the reference compound against which later secretagogues were measured. FDA granted an orphan designation in 1990 to SmithKline Beecham; that designation was later withdrawn or revoked and no product was approved. The Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB) in Cuba describes CIGB-500 as a product whose active ingredient is GHRP-6, and its scientists have published a phase 1/2 trial (2024) and a phase 3 trial (2026) of GHRP-6 combined with epidermal growth factor in acute ischaemic stroke. FDA lists GHRP-6 in 503B category 2 and says available data show concerns about cortisol and blood glucose.

Kind: Synthetic analog · 6 residues
Identifiers: ChEMBLCHEMBL105462 (opens in a new tab)PubChem CID9919153 (opens in a new tab)UNII4H7N4I6X6A (opens in a new tab)USP2MY0E7I (opens in a new tab)CAS87616-84-0145177-42-0IUPHAR1093 (opens in a new tab)
Parent: Analog of Ghrelin (human), ghrelin-28Pharmacological analogy only. GHRP-6 agonises the same receptor as ghrelin (growth hormone secretagogue receptor type 1a; GSRS relationship TARGET->AGONIST). The sequence is not derived from ghrelin: ghrelin-28 (UniProt Q9UBU3, residues 24-51) contains no tryptophan and shares no segment with HWAWFK. GHRP-6 predates the discovery of ghrelin by 15 years.
Development: Phase 3Originally SmithKline Beecham (SK&F-110679); now the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Cuba (CIGB), for the product CIGB-500 and the EGF plus GHRP-6 combinationThe phase 3 report (J Clin Neurosci 2026, COURAGE-2, 188 patients, PMID 42462342) and the earlier phase 1/2 report (Front Neurol 2024, 36 patients, PMID 38638315) both tested GHRP-6 combined with epidermal growth factor in acute ischaemic stroke, so the evidence is for the combination, not for GHRP-6 alone. The phase 3 study missed its primary endpoint. Severe adverse events occurred in 48 of 188 patients (30 of 95 treated, 18 of 93 control); the authors judged none treatment-related. A 28-day dog toxicology study of CIGB-500 was published in 2025 (PMID 40024561). No ClinicalTrials.gov record names GHRP-6 with term-level expansion, and the PubMed records of the Cuban trials show no registry number. Source (opens in a new tab)

Targets

Molecular targets with action and evidence source
Target	Action	Evidence
Growth hormone secretagogue receptor type 1a (ghrelin receptor)GHSRQ92847 (opens in a new tab)	Agonist	primary literatureSource (opens in a new tab)

Sequence and structure

Residues, differences from the parent, calculated properties and 3D structure. Source values and calculated values are shown separately.

Sequence

6 amino acids · 3 modifications

H-

HAWK

Alignment to Ghrelin (human), ghrelin-28

Calculated from the two sequences. Curated notes are shown as given.

1 of 6 aligned residues identical (17%) · 3 substitutions · 2 non-canonical residues · Ghrelin (human), ghrelin-28 9–14

Top row: Ghrelin (human), ghrelin-28 (parent)
Bottom row: GHRP-6

Same as parent
Substituted
Non-canonical or D-form
Added
Gap
Modified side chain or end
Parent context

Differences from the parent

1Parent 10 · analog 2Gln → D-Trp · D-amino acidD-tryptophan.
2Parent 11 · analog 3Arg → Ala · Substitution
3Parent 12 · analog 4Val → Trp · Substitution
4Parent 13 · analog 5Gln → D-Phe · D-amino acidD-phenylalanine.
5Parent 14 · analog 6Gln → Lys · SubstitutionC-terminal lysinamide.

Basis: Pharmacological analogy only. GHRP-6 agonises the same receptor as ghrelin (growth hormone secretagogue receptor type 1a; GSRS relationship TARGET->AGONIST). The sequence is not derived from ghrelin: ghrelin-28 (UniProt Q9UBU3, residues 24-51) contains no tryptophan and shares no segment with HWAWFK. GHRP-6 predates the discovery of ghrelin by 15 years.

Calculated from the two sequences with @pepdb/chem alignToParent (ungapped unless a gap scores higher). The record’s curated notes are shown as given.

Properties

From identity sources

Formula: C₄₆H₅₆N₁₂O₆
Molecular weight: 873 g/mol
Monoisotopic mass: 872.4446 Da

GSRS UNII 4H7N4I6X6A(opens in a new tab)retrieved 2026-10-09
PubChem CID 9919153(opens in a new tab)retrieved 2026-10-09
ChEMBL CHEMBL105462(opens in a new tab)retrieved 2026-10-09
PubChem CID 4345065 (synonyms, GTPL1093)(opens in a new tab)retrieved 2026-10-09

Calculated from the sequence

pKa set

Average mass: 873.03 Da; Sum of ExPASy residue masses + water + C-amide · ExPASy Compute pI/Mw; FindMod
Monoisotopic mass: 872.4446 Da; Sum of ExPASy residue masses + water + C-amide · ExPASy FindMod
Isoelectric point (pI): Not calculated; The net charge does not reach zero between pH 0 and 14 (the peptide has no acidic or no basic group in this model).
Net charge at pH 7.4: 2.05; Henderson-Hasselbalch, EMBOSS pKa set · EMBOSS iep, Epk.dat
GRAVY (hydropathy): −0.717; Mean Kyte-Doolittle hydropathy · Kyte and Doolittle 1982; Negative: hydrophilic on average.
Extinction coefficient, 280 nm (Cys reduced): 11,000 M⁻¹ cm⁻¹; 5500 x Trp + 1490 x Tyr · Pace et al. 1995 (ExPASy ProtParam)
Instability index: −46.57; Dipeptide instability weights (DIWV) · Guruprasad et al. 1990; 40 or below: classed as stable (ExPASy).
Aliphatic index: 16.7; Mole % A + 2.9 V + 3.9 (I + L) · Ikai 1980
Boman index: 0.13 kcal/mol; Mean solubility value (negated) · Boman 2003; 2.48 or below: lower protein-binding potential (Boman).
Hydrophobic moment (μH): Not calculated; The sequence is too short for this method.

D-amino acids have the same mass and charge as L forms. Hydrophobicity scales were measured on L forms.
Defined and validated for proteins; use with care for short peptides.
Assumes an ideal alpha helix. Many short peptides are not helical.

@pepdb/chem 0.2.0 · EMBOSS pKa set · ExPASy residue masses

Net charge by pH

Net charge at pH 7.4: 2.05

Point or use arrow keys

Henderson-Hasselbalch, EMBOSS pKa set, C-amide. Calculated, not measured.

Show as table

pH	Net charge
0	3.00
1	3.00
2	3.00
3	3.00
4	3.00
5	2.97
6	2.76
7	2.22
8	1.83
9	1.27
10	0.90
11	0.39
12	0.06
13	0.01
14	0.00

Composition

Hydrophobic17% (1)A
Aromatic50% (3)F W
Positive33% (2)H K

6 residues. Each residue counts in one class; F and W count as aromatic.

A Ala1 · 17%

I Ile0 · 0%

L Leu0 · 0%

M Met0 · 0%

V Val0 · 0%

F Phe1 · 17%

W Trp2 · 33%

Y Tyr0 · 0%

H His1 · 17%

K Lys1 · 17%

R Arg0 · 0%

D Asp0 · 0%

E Glu0 · 0%

N Asn0 · 0%

Q Gln0 · 0%

S Ser0 · 0%

T Thr0 · 0%

C Cys0 · 0%

G Gly0 · 0%

P Pro0 · 0%

3D structure

PredictedAlphaFold DB · Q9UBU3

Loads the 3D viewer (3Dmol.js, about 150 KB) and the model file from AlphaFold DB (EMBL-EBI).

2D structure

Draws the structure in your browser with RDKit (about 2.3 MB, loaded once).

SMILES fromPubChem CID 9919153(opens in a new tab)

C[C@@H](C(=O)N[C@@H](CC1=CNC2=CC=CC=C21)C(=O)N[C@H](CC3=CC=CC=C3)C(=O)N[C@@H](CCCCN)C(=O)N)NC(=O)[C@@H](CC4=CNC5=CC=CC=C54)NC(=O)[C@H](CC6=CN=CN6)N

Results by area

GHRP-6 results by year and outcome

Counts are exact and come from studies that gave the peptide.

Studies by year

359 of 571 studies have results (63%), published 1984 to 2026. Top row: every study. Bottom row: studies with results about GHRP-6, by class. The rows use different scales.

Studies
Human
Animal
Lab
Computer model
Natural levels, tool or combination only

Studies571 in all, 1984 to 2026

Studies with results359 in all, 1984 to 2026

Retracted studies are left out. A study with results in two classes counts in both.

AI wrote and checked these results. AI can make mistakes, so check important results against the source.

What the studies measured

People first in each area, then animals, then lab cells. Counts are exact and come from studies that gave the peptide.

GHRP-6 studies on growth hormone and growth

381 results · people 117 · animals 160 · lab 104

Top 5 of 381 results

GHRP‑6 raised growth hormone to a similar level in people with an underactive thyroid and in controls, with a trend to smaller responses in patients.Clinical endocrinology, 1997
In rats, GHRP‑6 increased hypothalamic insulin-like growth factor I production compared with saline.Endocrinology, 2014
In shrimp, GHRP‑6 increased body size.Aquaculture research., 2017
In pigs, GHRP6 did not increase heart IGF-I gene activity beyond the rise caused by ischaemia.Clinical science, 2007
In transgenic growth-retarded rats, pulses of GHRP‑6 stimulated growth.Endocrinology, 1997

GHRP-6 studies on hormones

58 results · people 37 · animals 13 · lab 8

Top 5 of 58 results

In healthy men, GHRP‑6 raised the stress hormone ACTH more than placebo.Neuroendocrinology, 1995
In healthy men, the highest GHRP dose raised prolactin about 2-fold above its starting level.The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism, 1990
In healthy young men, GHRP infusion lowered baseline thyroid-stimulating hormone versus saline infusion.The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism, 1993
In rat brain tissue in a dish, low doses of GHRP‑6 did not change release of GHRH.Journal of neuroendocrinology, 1999
In patients with suspected adrenal problems, the cortisol rise after GHRP6 was lower in those with adrenal insufficiency than in those without.Hormone and metabolic research = Hormon- und Stoffwechselforschung = Hormones et metabolisme, 2010

GHRP-6 studies on blood levels and clearance

22 results · people 13 · animals 7 · lab 2

Top 3 of 22 results

In nine healthy men, GHRP‑6 could be measured in blood up to 12 hours after one injection.European journal of pharmaceutical sciences, 2013
In normal men, oral GHRP appeared in blood before its peak and declined more slowly than GH.The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism, 1992
In one volunteer given GHRP‑6 nasally, most of it left the body unchanged and was found in urine 23 hours later.Drug testing and analysis, 2015

GHRP-6 studies on side effects

20 results · people 6 · animals 14 · lab 0

Top 5 of 20 results

In adults tested for pituitary or adrenal disease, the only side effects seen with GHRP‑6 were flushing symptoms.European journal of endocrinology, 2002
No side effects were observed during GHRP6 testing.Hormone and metabolic research = Hormon- und Stoffwechselforschung = Hormones et metabolisme, 2009
In fish, dietary GHRP‑6 did not produce intestinal tissue alterations.Biology, 2025
In fish, dietary GHRP‑6 did not produce spleen tissue alterations.Biology, 2025
In rabbits, GHRP6 did not produce the unwanted reactions that triamcinolone acetonide produced.International wound journal, 2018

GHRP-6 studies on sleep

11 results · people 6 · animals 5 · lab 0

Top 5 of 11 results

In healthy men, GHRP‑6 increased the time in stage 2 sleep compared with placebo.Neuroendocrinology, 1995
In mice with free access to food, GHRP‑6 did not change the timing of the body clock.The Journal of neuroscience, 2007
In mice, peripheral GHRP‑6 reduced light-induced delays in circadian timing by 45%.The European journal of neuroscience, 2008
In healthy young men, GHRP‑6 in the nose showed only a trend toward more light sleep late in the night, compared with placebo.Journal of neuroendocrinology, 1999
In mice that went without food for 30 hours, GHRP‑6 moved the body clock earlier than saline did.The Journal of neuroscience, 2007

GHRP-6 studies on sex hormones and fertility

15 results · people 4 · animals 0 · lab 11

Top 5 of 15 results

In healthy men, luteinising hormone did not change in the first hour after GHRP.The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism, 1990
In lab tests on chicken ovarian tissue, GHRP6 increased progesterone release.Domestic animal endocrinology, 2008
In healthy men, injected GHRP slightly raised blood prolactin.Endocrinologia japonica, 1991
In lab tests, human oocyte maturation reached 70% with GHRP‑6 on the first day, exceeding blastocyst medium.International journal of fertility & sterility, 2025
In healthy men, GHRP did not change blood LH.Endocrinologia japonica, 1991

GHRP-6 studies on blood sugar

18 results · people 3 · animals 13 · lab 2

Top 5 of 18 results

In controls and in people with an overactive thyroid, GHRP‑6 did not raise blood glucose.Pituitary, 2007
In older calves, GHRP‑6 briefly raised insulin in the blood.The Journal of endocrinology, 2004
In healthy men, GHRP did not change blood insulin.Endocrinologia japonica, 1991
In young calves, GHRP‑6 did not clearly change insulin in the blood.The Journal of endocrinology, 2004
In healthy men, GHRP did not change blood sugar.Endocrinologia japonica, 1991

GHRP-6 studies on receptors and cell signals

190 results · people 1 · animals 67 · lab 122

Top 5 of 190 results

In a man with Cushing's syndrome and a lung carcinoid tumor, GHRP‑6 increased ACTH.Journal of endocrinological investigation, 2007
In rats, GHRP‑6 activated several hypothalamic and brainstem regions.Endocrinology, 2002
In rats, GHRP‑6 increased proteins/pathways involved in preventing cell death versus saline.Pharmaceuticals, 2026
In mice with acute kidney injury, spermidine was highly enriched after GHRP‑6 hydrogel treatment.Journal of nanobiotechnology, 2025
In rabbits, preliminary protein analysis linked GHRP6's scar prevention to several cellular pathways.International wound journal, 2018

GHRP-6 studies on weight and appetite

49 results · people 0 · animals 49 · lab 0

Top 5 of 49 results

In rats, GHRP‑6 injected into the brain increased food intake.Endocrinology, 2002
In female rats, 12 weeks of GHRP‑6 raised body weight compared with vehicle.The Journal of endocrinology, 2000
In rats with adrenal glands, GHRP‑6 increased groin fat pad weight compared with saline.European journal of endocrinology, 2004
In tilapia, both non-encapsulated and encapsulated GHRP‑6 stimulated growth.Aquaculture., 2016
In sated rats, higher GHRP‑6 doses increased the likelihood of eating.Life sciences, 1995

GHRP-6 studies on immune system and inflammation

29 results · people 0 · animals 29 · lab 0

Top 5 of 29 results

In tilapia larvae, GHRP‑6 increased lectin titers.Aquaculture., 2016
In mice with acute lung injury, GHRP‑6 reduced neutrophilic alveolitis versus saline.International immunopharmacology, 2026
In rats with wounds, GHRP‑6 reduced inflammatory effector cells.Plastic surgery international, 2016
In pigs with coronary occlusion, serum CRP supported less heart tissue death with GHRP6 than saline.Clinical science, 2007
In animals, GHRP‑6 alone reduced neutrophil infiltration after interrupted and restored blood flow.Clinical science, 2006

GHRP-6 studies on heart and blood vessels

26 results · people 0 · animals 26 · lab 0

Top 5 of 26 results

In dogs, heart blood flow did not differ between GHRP‑6, GH, and vehicle during occlusion and reperfusion.The Journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics, 2003
In rats with salt-sensitive hypertension, continuous GHRP‑6 did not change blood pressure.Journal of molecular neuroscience, 2011
In fasted rats, GHRP‑6 increased blood flow in pancreatic islets fourfold.American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolism, 2019
In hamsters with cardiomyopathy, GHRP‑6 improved heart contraction compared with untreated animals.Cardiovascular research, 2004
In fasting ghrelin-deficient mice, GHRP‑6 restored the blood pressure decrease seen in wild-type mice during torpor.Frontiers in endocrinology, 2024

GHRP-6 studies on brain and nerves

29 results · people 0 · animals 25 · lab 4

Top 3 of 29 results

In rats, GHRP‑6 increased IGF-I gene expression in the hypothalamus.Endocrinology, 2002
In rats, researchers observed no gliosis after any treatment, including GHRP‑6.Endocrinology, 2014
In rats, GHRP‑6 reduced glutamate-induced cell death in the hypothalamus and cerebellum.Journal of neurochemistry, 2006

GHRP-6 studies on stomach and gut

25 results · people 0 · animals 17 · lab 8

Top 5 of 25 results

In rats, GHRP‑6 sped up emptying of the stomach, while motilin did not.European journal of pharmacology, 2005
In rats under stress, GHRP‑6 injected into the belly before the stress protected the stomach lining from damage.World journal of gastroenterology, 2012
In mice, GHRP‑6 sped up emptying of the stomach.Neurogastroenterology and motility, 2004
In rats after surgery, a single dose of GHRP‑6 shortened the time to the first bowel movement compared with saline.The Journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics, 2009
In diabetic mice, GHRP‑6 improved stomach emptying.World journal of gastroenterology, 2008

GHRP-6 studies on bones and joints

11 results · people 0 · animals 11 · lab 0

Top 3 of 11 results

In female rats, GHRP‑6 increased bone mineral content compared with vehicle.The Journal of endocrinology, 2000
In growth-retarded rats, GHRP‑6 increased skeletal growth, with effects that depended on dose and delivery pattern.Journal of neuroendocrinology, 2001
In female rats, once body weight was taken into account, GHRP‑6 did not change bone mineral content.The Journal of endocrinology, 2000

GHRP-6 studies on cholesterol and blood fats

9 results · people 0 · animals 9 · lab 0

Top 3 of 9 results

In rats, GHRP‑6 did not change plasma triglycerides versus excipient-treated controls.Growth hormone & IGF research, 2000
In rats with diabetes, GHRP‑6 increased fat-tissue fatty acid synthase gene expression compared with saline.Endocrinology, 2010
In rats with removed ovaries, GHRP‑6 reversed increased total cholesterol compared with unsupplemented rats.Endocrine regulations, 2012

GHRP-6 studies on skin, hair and wounds

10 results · people 0 · animals 6 · lab 4

Top 5 of 10 results

In rabbits, topical GHRP6 prevented hypertrophic scars compared with vehicle.International wound journal, 2018
In cells, GHRP‑6 increased intestinal cell migration.Clinical science, 2006
In rats with wounds, GHRP‑6 reduced fibrotic cytokine expression.Plastic surgery international, 2016
In cells, GHRP‑6 increased colon cancer cell migration.Clinical science, 2006
In rabbits, GHRP6 did not significantly reverse mature scars compared with sterile saline.International wound journal, 2018

GHRP-6 studies on survival and serious illness

6 results · people 0 · animals 6 · lab 0

Top 5 of 6 results

In dogs, none died with GHRP‑6 during coronary occlusion, compared with 55% survival with vehicle.The Journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics, 2003
In rats receiving doxorubicin, GHRP‑6 preserved epithelial organ integrity compared with doxorubicin alone.Frontiers in pharmacology, 2024
In rats receiving doxorubicin, GHRP‑6 reduced deaths compared with doxorubicin alone.Frontiers in pharmacology, 2024
In pigs with coronary occlusion, GHRP6 did not change deaths during surgery compared with saline.Clinical science, 2007
In rats receiving doxorubicin, GHRP‑6 reduced tissue scarring compared with doxorubicin alone.Frontiers in pharmacology, 2024

GHRP-6 studies on cells, genes and aging

5 results · people 0 · animals 5 · lab 0

5 results

In rats, GHRP‑6 increased proteins/pathways involved in fatty acid breakdown versus saline.Pharmaceuticals, 2026
In pigs with coronary occlusion, markers suggested that GHRP6 reduced reactive oxygen species compared with saline.Clinical science, 2007
In rats receiving doxorubicin, GHRP‑6 preserved heart muscle cell mitochondria compared with doxorubicin alone.Frontiers in pharmacology, 2024
In pigs with coronary occlusion, markers suggested that GHRP6 preserved antioxidant defences compared with saline.Clinical science, 2007
In rats, GHRP‑6 increased proteins/pathways involved in mitochondrial metabolic reprogramming versus saline.Pharmaceuticals, 2026

GHRP-6 studies on lungs and breathing

5 results · people 0 · animals 5 · lab 0

5 results

In animals, GHRP‑6 alone reduced lung injury after interrupted and restored blood flow.Clinical science, 2006
In mice with acute lung injury, GHRP‑6 reduced lung compliance failure versus saline.International immunopharmacology, 2026
In mice with chronic lung injury, GHRP‑6 preserved lung tissue integrity versus saline.International immunopharmacology, 2026
In mice with acute lung injury, GHRP‑6 improved alveolar-capillary permeability versus saline.International immunopharmacology, 2026
In mice with chronic lung injury, GHRP‑6 limited collagen accumulation versus saline.International immunopharmacology, 2026

GHRP-6 studies on metabolism and nutrition

5 results · people 0 · animals 5 · lab 0

5 results

In rats, GHRP‑6 injected into the brain briefly lowered core temperature.Endocrinology, 2002
In fish, dietary GHRP‑6 maintained stable blood lactate after IFA treatment, unlike control-fed fish.Biology, 2025
In shrimp, GHRP‑6 increased protein concentration.Aquaculture research., 2017
In mice with sepsis, GHRP‑6 did not change the drop in body temperature.Neurogastroenterology and motility, 2004
In mice with sepsis, GHRP‑6 did not improve the worsening of behaviour scores.Neurogastroenterology and motility, 2004

GHRP-6 studies on daily life and fitness

3 results · people 0 · animals 3 · lab 0

3 results

In goldfish, injected GHRP‑6 reduced movement.Peptides, 2012
In rats during nicotine withdrawal, GHRP‑6 reduced hyperactivity on the eighth day versus rats without GHRP‑6.Biomedicines, 2025
In rats during nicotine withdrawal, GHRP‑6 reversed reduced activity on the ninth day versus rats without GHRP‑6.Biomedicines, 2025

GHRP-6 studies on kidneys and bladder

3 results · people 0 · animals 3 · lab 0

3 results

In animals, GHRP‑6 alone reduced kidney injury after interrupted and restored blood flow.Clinical science, 2006
In rats recovering from kidney injury, GHRP6 was followed by normal structure in some kidney filters, but repair was less complete than with both drugs.Iranian journal of kidney diseases, 2014
In rats recovering from kanamycin kidney injury, GHRP6 was followed by normal tissue between kidney tubes, but repair was less complete than with both drugs.Iranian journal of kidney diseases, 2014

GHRP-6 studies on infections

7 results · people 0 · animals 2 · lab 5

Top 5 of 7 results

In European seabass, GHRP‑6 reduced brain viral replication compared with controls.Aquaculture international, 2025
In tilapia infected with P. aeruginosa, GHRP‑6 reduced the bacterial load.Fish & shellfish immunology, 2021
In cells, GHRP‑6 increased survival during viral infection compared with control cells.Aquaculture international, 2025
In lab tests with tilapia gill mucus, GHRP‑6 increased antimicrobial activity against P. aeruginosa.Fish & shellfish immunology, 2021
In cells, GHRP‑6 reduced viral genome replication compared with control cells.Aquaculture international, 2025

GHRP-6 studies on mood, stress and behavior

2 results · people 0 · animals 2 · lab 0

2 results

In stressed rats, central GHRP‑6 reduced depression-like behavior in the forced swimming test.Behavioural brain research, 2017
In stressed rats, central GHRP‑6 reduced depression-like behavior in the sucrose preference test.Behavioural brain research, 2017

GHRP-6 studies on liver

1 result · people 0 · animals 1 · lab 0

1 result

In animals, GHRP‑6 alone reduced liver damage after interrupted and restored blood flow.Clinical science, 2006

GHRP-6 studies on cancer

2 results · people 0 · animals 0 · lab 2

2 results

In thyroid cancer cells, GHRP‑6 reduced DNA synthesis stimulated by serum.The Journal of endocrinology, 2000
In thyroid cancer cell lines, GHRP‑6 slowed cell growth, early in all three lines and late in one.The Journal of endocrinology, 2000

Trials and papers

GHRP-6 trials

Registered trials that test the peptide, with phase, status and dates. A dot marks trials with posted results.

StatusPhase

0 trials match. Highest phase first. Data from ClinicalTrials.gov.

No trial matches these filters.

Papers

Studies on this peptide. Some have results. The others have none yet.

Sort

Design

571 studies match. Retracted studies are left out.

Showing 18 of 571 studiesquery qry_e42036f6ca7786403135fa98

Studies with results

359 studies in all, 12 on this page

Animal study (in vivo) · cattle, chicken and monkey · 1984

20 results

On the in vitro and in vivo activity of a new synthetic hexapeptide that acts on the pituitary to specifically release growth hormone.

Bowers et al. 1984Endocrinologycited by 338

PMID 6714155DOI 10.1210/endo-114-5-1537PUB-06714155

Full text at the publisher18 results where GHRP-6 was given (plus 2 on tools or combinations, listed separately)

Publisher page See results (20)

Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 2002

7 results

Acute central ghrelin and GH secretagogues induce feeding and activate brain appetite centers.

Lawrence et al. 2002Endocrinologycited by 318

PMID 11751604DOI 10.1210/endo.143.1.8561PUB-11751604

Rights unknown5 results where GHRP-6 was given (plus 2 on tools or combinations, listed separately)

Source link See results (7)

Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 2000

4 results

Systemic administration of ghrelin induces Fos and Egr-1 proteins in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus of fasted and fed rats.

Hewson et al. 2000Journal of neuroendocrinologycited by 242

PMID 11069119DOI 10.1046/j.1365-2826.2000.00584.xPUB-11069119

Full text at the publisher4 results where GHRP-6 was given

Publisher page See results (4)

Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 1997

6 results

Induction of c-fos messenger ribonucleic acid in neuropeptide Y and growth hormone (GH)-releasing factor neurons in the rat arcuate nucleus following systemic injection of the GH secretagogue, GH-releasing peptide-6.

Dickson et al. 1997Endocrinologyn = 10cited by 211

PMID 9003014DOI 10.1210/endo.138.2.4907PUB-09003014

Rights unknown6 results where GHRP-6 was given

Source link See results (6)

In vitro (cells) · rat · 1989

16 results

The synergistic effects of His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2 on growth hormone (GH)-releasing factor-stimulated GH release and intracellular adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate accumulation in rat primary pituitary cell culture.

Cheng et al. 1989Endocrinologycited by 168

PMID 2541999DOI 10.1210/endo-124-6-2791PUB-02541999

Full text at the publisher10 results where GHRP-6 was given (plus 2 on tools or combinations, listed separately)

Publisher page See results (16)

Non-randomized trial · 1990

9 results

Growth hormone (GH)-releasing peptide stimulates GH release in normal men and acts synergistically with GH-releasing hormone.

Bowers et al. 1990The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolismn = 18cited by 163

PMID 2108187DOI 10.1210/jcem-70-4-975PUB-02108187

Full text at the publisher8 results where GHRP-6 was given (plus 1 on tools or combinations, listed separately)

Publisher page See results (9)

Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 1991

7 results

On the actions of the growth hormone-releasing hexapeptide, GHRP.

Bowers et al. 1991Endocrinologycited by 156

PMID 2004615DOI 10.1210/endo-128-4-2027PUB-02004615

Full text at the publisher1 result where GHRP-6 was given (plus 6 on tools or combinations, listed separately)

Publisher page See results (7)

Not a test of GHRP-6 alone · 2004

6 results

Hypopituitarism as a consequence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and its possible relation with cognitive disabilities and mental distress.

Popovic et al. 2004Journal of endocrinological investigationcited by 131

PMID 15754737DOI 10.1007/bf03345308PUB-15754737

Full text at the publisher6 results where GHRP-6 was a tool, carrier or part of a combination

Publisher page See results (6)

Not a test of GHRP-6 alone · 1996

15 results

Identification of a new G-protein-linked receptor for growth hormone secretagogues.

Pong et al. 1996Molecular endocrinology (Baltimore, Md.)cited by 128

PMID 8838145DOI 10.1210/mend.10.1.8838145PUB-08838145

Rights unknown4 results where GHRP-6 was a tool, carrier or part of a combination

Source link See results (15)

Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 1997

2 results

Hypothalamic growth hormone secretagogue-receptor (GHS-R) expression is regulated by growth hormone in the rat.

Bennett et al. 1997Endocrinologycited by 128

PMID 9348177DOI 10.1210/endo.138.11.5476PUB-09348177

Full text at the publisher2 results where GHRP-6 was given

Publisher page See results (2)

Non-randomized trial · 1995

6 results

Blocked growth hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP-6)-induced GH secretion and absence of the synergic action of GHRP-6 plus GH-releasing hormone in patients with hypothalamopituitary disconnection: evidence that GHRP-6 main action is exerted at the hypothalamic level.

Popovic et al. 1995The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolismn = 23cited by 114

PMID 7883854DOI 10.1210/jcem.80.3.7883854PUB-07883854

Full text at the publisher3 results where GHRP-6 was given (plus 3 on tools or combinations, listed separately)

Publisher page See results (6)

Not a test of GHRP-6 alone · 2000

7 results

GH-releasing hormone and GH-releasing peptide-6 for diagnostic testing in GH-deficient adults.

Popovic et al. 2000Lancet (London, England)cited by 114

PMID 11030292DOI 10.1016/s0140-6736(00)02755-0PUB-11030292

Smith et al. 2005Endocrine reviewscited by 112

PMID 15814848DOI 10.1210/er.2004-0019PUB-15814848

Rights unknown

Source link

No result for GHRP-6 (7 studies on this page, 112 in all)

These studies name GHRP-6 but give no result for it (for example, the results concern another peptide in the study).

PubMed tag: none · 1997

1 result

Molecular analysis of rat pituitary and hypothalamic growth hormone secretagogue receptors.

McKee et al. 1997Molecular endocrinology (Baltimore, Md.)cited by 249

Leal-Cerro et al. 2005Clinical endocrinologycited by 121

PMID 15853820DOI 10.1111/j.1365-2265.2005.02250.xPUB-15853820

Full text at the publisher

Publisher page

Newer studies

PepBank reads each paper before it shows the results. This search looks in Europe PMC for newer papers that PepBank has not read yet.

GHRP-6 studies: 359 papers with results

Page 1 of 8

Growth hormone responses to GH-releasing peptide (GHRP-6) in hypothyroidism.
Pimentel-Filho FR · Clinical endocrinology · 1997
Randomized controlled trial · 5 results
Growth hormone secretion after the administration of GHRP-6 or GHRH combined with GHRP-6 does not decline in late adulthood.
Micic D · Clinical endocrinology · 1995
Randomized controlled trial · 7 results
Influence of endogenous cholinergic tone and growth hormone-releasing peptide-6 on exercise induced growth hormone release.
Nooitgedagt A · Clinical endocrinology · 1997
Randomized controlled trial · 3 results
Different effects of growth hormone releasing peptide (GHRP-6) and GH-releasing hormone on GH release in endogenous and exogenous hypercortisolism.
Borges MH · Clinical endocrinology · 1997
Randomized controlled trial · 4 results
Acute dexamethasone administration enhances GH responsiveness to GH releasing peptide-6 (GHRP-6) in man.
Pinto AC · Clinical endocrinology · 1999
Randomized controlled trial · 8 results
Growth hormone-releasing peptide-6 stimulates sleep, growth hormone, ACTH and cortisol release in normal man.
Frieboes RM · Neuroendocrinology · 1995
Randomized controlled trial · 6 results
Diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency using the GHRP-6 Test: comparison with the insulin tolerance test in patients with hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal disease.
Alaioubi B · Hormone and metabolic research = Hormon- und Stoffwechselforschung = Hormones et metabolisme · 2010
Non-randomized trial · 6 results
Diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency in adults: provocative testing with GHRP6 in comparison to the insulin tolerance test.
Alaioubi B · Hormone and metabolic research = Hormon- und Stoffwechselforschung = Hormones et metabolisme · 2009
Non-randomized trial · 5 results
Influence of sex, age and adrenergic pathways on the growth hormone response to GHRP-6.
Peñalva A · Clinical endocrinology · 1993
Non-randomized trial · 4 results
Impairment of GH responsiveness to GH-releasing hexapeptide (GHRP-6) in Prader-Willi syndrome.
Grugni G · Journal of endocrinological investigation · 2001
Non-randomized trial · 9 results
Growth hormone (GH) response to GH-releasing peptide-6 and GH-releasing hormone in normal-weight and overweight patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.
Micić D · Metabolism: clinical and experimental · 1999
Non-randomized trial · 9 results
Ghrelin and GHRP-6-induced ACTH and cortisol release in thyrotoxicosis.
Nascif SO · Pituitary · 2009
Non-randomized trial · 2 results
Blocked growth hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP-6)-induced GH secretion and absence of the synergic action of GHRP-6 plus GH-releasing hormone in patients with hypothalamopituitary disconnection: evidence that GHRP-6 main action is exerted at the hypothalamic level.
Popovic V · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 1995
Non-randomized trial · 6 results
Diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency in adults by testing with GHRP-6 alone or in combination with GHRH: comparison with the insulin tolerance test.
Petersenn S · European journal of endocrinology · 2002
Non-randomized trial · 5 results
Decreased GH secretion and enhanced ACTH and cortisol release after ghrelin administration in Cushing's disease: comparison with GH-releasing peptide-6 (GHRP-6) and GHRH.
Correa-Silva SR · Pituitary · 2006
Non-randomized trial · 4 results
Growth hormone (GH)-releasing peptide stimulates GH release in normal men and acts synergistically with GH-releasing hormone.
Bowers CY · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 1990
Non-randomized trial · 9 results
Decreased ghrelin-induced GH release in thyrotoxicosis: comparison with GH-releasing peptide-6 (GHRP-6) and GHRH.
Nascif SO · Pituitary · 2007
Non-randomized trial · 3 results
Effects of ghrelin, growth hormone-releasing peptide-6, and growth hormone-releasing hormone on growth hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, and cortisol release in type 1 diabetes mellitus.
de Sá LB · Metabolism: clinical and experimental · 2010
Non-randomized trial · 4 results
Effect of a new synthetic hexapeptide to selectively stimulate growth hormone release in healthy human subjects.
Ilson BE · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 1989
Non-randomized trial · 9 results
Arginine enhances the growth hormone-releasing activity of a synthetic hexapeptide (GHRP-6) in elderly but not in young subjects after oral administration.
Ghigo E · Journal of endocrinological investigation · 1994
Non-randomized trial · 4 results
Inhibition of growth hormone release after the combined administration of GHRH and GHRP-6 in patients with Cushing's syndrome.
Leal-Cerro A · Clinical endocrinology · 1994
Non-randomized trial · 9 results
GH-releasing peptide (GHRP-6)-induced ACTH release in patients with addison's disease: effect of glucocorticoid withdrawal.
Martins MR · Journal of endocrinological investigation · 2003
Non-randomized trial · 6 results
Growth hormone (GH) secretion in active acromegaly after the combined administration of GH-releasing hormone and GH-releasing peptide-6.
Popovic V · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 1994
Non-randomized trial · 4 results
Growth hormone (GH) response to GH-releasing peptide-6 in type 1 diabetic patients with exaggerated GH-releasing hormone-stimulated GH secretion.
Catalina PF · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 1998
Non-randomized trial · 3 results
The growth hormone (GH) response to GH-releasing peptide (His-DTrp-Ala-Trp-DPhe-Lys-NH2), GH-releasing hormone, and thyrotropin-releasing hormone in acromegaly.
Alster DK · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 1993
Non-randomized trial · 2 results
GHRP-6 is able to stimulate cortisol and ACTH release in patients with Cushing's disease: comparison with DDAVP.
Oliveira JH · Journal of endocrinological investigation · 2003
Non-randomized trial · 5 results
Effects of ghrelin, GH-releasing peptide-6 (GHRP-6) and GHRH on GH, ACTH and cortisol release in hyperthyroidism before and after treatment.
Molica P · Pituitary · 2010
Non-randomized trial · 7 results
The growth hormone-releasing activity of a synthetic hexapeptide in normal men and short statured children after oral administration.
Bowers CY · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 1992
Non-randomized trial · 10 results
Effects of a prolonged growth hormone (GH)-releasing peptide infusion on pulsatile GH secretion in normal men.
Jaffe CA · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 1993
Non-randomized trial · 11 results
Pharmacokinetic study of Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptide 6 (GHRP-6) in nine male healthy volunteers.
Cabrales A · European journal of pharmaceutical sciences : official journal of the European Federation for Pharmaceutical Sciences · 2013
Non-randomized trial · 6 results
Absence of growth hormone (GH) secretion after the administration of either GH-releasing hormone (GHRH), GH-releasing peptide (GHRP-6), or GHRH plus GHRP-6 in children with neonatal pituitary stalk transection.
Pombo M · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 1995
Non-randomized trial · 7 results
Growth hormone-releasing effect of oral growth hormone-releasing peptide 6 (GHRP-6) administration in children with short stature.
Bellone J · European journal of endocrinology · 1995
Non-randomized trial · 2 results
Growth hormone-releasing activity of growth hormone-releasing peptide-6 is maintained after short-term oral pretreatment with the hexapeptide in normal aging.
Ghigo E · European journal of endocrinology · 1994
Non-randomized trial · 3 results
Intranasal administration of His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-LysNH2 (growth hormone releasing peptide) increased plasma growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-I levels in normal men.
Hayashi S · Endocrinologia japonica · 1991
Non-randomized trial · 15 results
Ghrelin-induced GH secretion in normal subjects is partially resistant to homologous desensitization by GH-releasing peptide-6.
Micic D · European journal of endocrinology · 2002
Non-randomized trial · 3 results
Effect of one month ketoconazole treatment on GH, cortisol and ACTH release after ghrelin, GHRP-6 and GHRH administration in patients with Cushing's disease.
Correa-Silva SR · Arquivos brasileiros de endocrinologia e metabologia · 2007
Non-randomized trial · 3 results
Acute growth hormone (GH) response to GH-releasing hexapeptide in humans is independent of endogenous GH-releasing hormone.
Robinson BM · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 1992
Non-randomized trial · 1 result
Secretory mechanisms of growth hormone (GH)-releasing peptide-, GH-releasing hormone-, and thyrotropin-releasing hormone-induced GH release in patients with acromegaly.
Hanew K · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 1998
Non-randomized trial · 13 results
Massive growth hormone (GH) discharge in obese subjects after the combined administration of GH-releasing hormone and GHRP-6: evidence for a marked somatotroph secretory capability in obesity.
Cordido F · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 1993
Non-randomized trial · 7 results
GH releasing peptides--structure and kinetics.
Bowers CY · The Journal of pediatric endocrinology · 1993
Non-randomized trial · 6 results
Effect of growth hormone (GH)-releasing hormone (GHRH), atropine, pyridostigmine, or hypoglycemia on GHRP-6-induced GH secretion in man.
Peñalva A · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 1993
Non-randomized trial · 7 results
Effects of growth hormone-releasing peptide-6 on the nocturnal secretion of GH, ACTH and cortisol and on the sleep EEG in man: role of routes of administration.
Frieboes RM · Journal of neuroendocrinology · 1999
Non-randomized trial · 10 results
Plasma growth hormone response to growth hormone-releasing hexapeptide (GH-RP-6) in children with short stature.
Pombo M · Acta paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992) · 1995
Observational study · 3 results
Different growth hormone (GH) response to GH-releasing peptide and GH-releasing hormone in hyperthyroidism.
Ramos-Dias JC · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 1996
Observational study · 3 results
Growth hormone response to GHRH, GHRP-6 and GHRH + GHRP-6 in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Micić D · Clinical endocrinology · 1996
Observational study · 6 results
Growth hormone (GH) response to GH-releasing peptide-6 in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.
Villas-Boas Weffort RF · Metabolism: clinical and experimental · 1997
Observational study · 3 results
Growth hormone secretion elicited by GHRH, GHRP-6 or GHRH plus GHRP-6 in patients with microprolactinoma and macroprolactinoma before and after bromocriptine therapy.
Popovic V · Clinical endocrinology · 1998
Observational study · 10 results
Determination of growth hormone releasing peptides metabolites in human urine after nasal administration of GHRP-1, GHRP-2, GHRP-6, Hexarelin, and Ipamorelin.
Semenistaya E · Drug testing and analysis · 2015
Case report or series · 9 results
In vivo response to growth hormone-releasing peptide-6 in adrenocorticotropin-dependent Cushing's syndrome by lung carcinoid tumor is associated with growth hormone secretagogue receptor type 1a mRNA expression.
Machado MC · Journal of endocrinological investigation · 2007
Case report or series · 2 results
A growth hormone secretagogue prevents ischemic-induced mortality independently of the growth hormone pathway in dogs with chronic dilated cardiomyopathy.
Shen YT · The Journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics · 2003
Animal study (in vivo) · dog · 12 results

Status and safety

Regulatory and safety

Approval and sport status, and the safety outcomes reported in study results. Laws and labels change, so check the regulator for the current status.

Regulatory status by jurisdiction, with date and source
Jurisdiction	Body	Status	As of	Source
US	FDA	No Drugs@FDA record (openFDA drugsfda searches for GHRP-6 and hexapeptide-2 on 2026-10-09 returned no matches). FDA states that compounded drugs containing GHRP-6 may pose an immunogenicity risk for certain routes because of possible aggregation and peptide-related impurities, and that it has identified limited safety-related information, but the available data reveal safety concerns including potential effect on cortisol and increase in blood glucose due to decreases in insulin sensitivity. FDA orphan designation 1990-05-23 to SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals for 'His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys NH2' for long-term treatment of children with growth failure from inadequate endogenous growth hormone secretion has status Designated/Designation Withdrawn or Revoked.	9 Oct 2026	fda.gov (opens in a new tab)
EU	EMA	No match for GHRP-6, hexapeptide-2 or growth hormone releasing hexapeptide in the EMA medicines data file or the EMA orphan designation data file, both downloaded 2026-10-09 (medicines file timestamp 2026-10-09T06:23:44Z, 2,746 records; orphan designations file timestamp 2026-10-09T06:32:20Z, 3,310 records).	9 Oct 2026	ema.europa.eu (opens in a new tab)
Sport	WADA	Banned in sport (WADA S2.2.4) Named in S2.2.4 in the list of GH-releasing peptides (GHRPs).	2026 List	wada-ama.org (opens in a new tab)
World (WADA 2027 list)	Note	The 2027 Prohibited List, in force from 2027-01-01, names GHRP-6 in S2.2.4.	9 Oct 2026	wada-ama.org (opens in a new tab)

Safety outcomes

32 safety results for GHRP-6.

Human evidence· 11

No side effects were observed during GHRP6 administration in the tested patients and controls.
Non-randomized trialn = 69
In patients with suspected HPA axis dysfunction, no side effects were detected with GHRP6.
Non-randomized trialn = 69
In adults tested for pituitary or adrenal disease, the only side effects seen during GHRP‑6 administration were flush symptoms.
Non-randomized trialn = 20
In normal men, no adverse clinical effects or laboratory abnormalities were observed in response to GHRP.
Non-randomized trialn = 18
GHRP was safe and well tolerated in all normal men studied.
Non-randomized trialn = 17
In healthy men, GHRP failed to affect plasma TSH.
Non-randomized trialn = 6
In healthy men, GHRP failed to affect plasma LH.
Non-randomized trialn = 6
In healthy men, GHRP failed to affect plasma FSH.
Non-randomized trialn = 6

Animal evidence· 21

In dogs, arrhythmic beats did not differ between GHRP‑6, GH, and vehicle during occlusion and reperfusion.
Animal study (in vivo)dogsn = 26
In dogs, no GHRP‑6-treated animals died during coronary occlusion, compared with 55% survival with vehicle.
Animal study (in vivo)dogsn = 19
In dogs, no GHRP‑6-treated animals died during coronary occlusion, compared with 57% survival with GH.
Animal study (in vivo)dogsn = 15
In swine, GHRP‑6 administration increased plasma ACTH levels.
Animal study (in vivo)swine
In swine, GHRP‑6 administration increased plasma cortisol levels.
Animal study (in vivo)swine
In adult male Wistar rats, no treatment, including GHRP‑6, produced observed gliosis.
Animal study (in vivo)rat
In pigs with coronary occlusion, GHRP6 did not influence intraoperative mortality associated with rhythm and conductance disturbances.
Animal study (in vivo)pig
In doxorubicin-treated rats, GHRP‑6 reduced mortality.
Animal study (in vivo)rat

The top 13 of 21 results.

Doses studied · 135

The doses that these studies used. They are not recommendations.

1 microgram/kgHuman
Species
human
Route
intravenous
Duration
Not reported
Design
Randomized controlled trial · n = 21
90 microgramsHuman
Species
human
Route
intravenous bolus
Duration
Not reported
Design
Randomized controlled trial · n = 18
100 microgramsHuman
Species
human
Route
intravenous
Duration
Not reported
Design
Randomized controlled trial · n = 11
1 microgram/kgHuman
Species
human
Route
intravenous
Duration
Not reported
Design
Randomized controlled trial · n = 9
1 microg/kgHuman
Species
human
Route
intravenous
Duration
Not reported
Design
Randomized controlled trial · n = 8
4 x 50 microgramsHuman
Species
human
Route
intravenous
Duration
Not reported
Design
Randomized controlled trial

Doses studied in the study results, as given in the studies.
Dose as reported	Class	Species	Route	Duration	Design
1 microgram/kg	Human	human	intravenous	Not reported	Randomized controlled trial · n = 21
90 micrograms	Human	human	intravenous bolus	Not reported	Randomized controlled trial · n = 18
100 micrograms	Human	human	intravenous	Not reported	Randomized controlled trial · n = 11
1 microgram/kg	Human	human	intravenous	Not reported	Randomized controlled trial · n = 9
1 microg/kg	Human	human	intravenous	Not reported	Randomized controlled trial · n = 8
4 x 50 micrograms	Human	human	intravenous	Not reported	Randomized controlled trial

6 of 135 shown

PepBank is a research reference. Talk to a doctor before you use any peptide.

Data

Data and API

Data version, change history and code for this peptide.

Data version 30856030 Oct 2026

Peptide

Peptide id: PEP-000044
Peptide version: 8
Peptide hash: 03476843df9b592e…
Data version: 308560

Latest changes

27 Oct 2026UpdatedData version 256691
22 Oct 2026UpdatedData version 254523
21 Oct 2026UpdatedData version 213619
14 Oct 2026UpdatedData version 194693
13 Oct 2026UpdatedData version 173541
12 Oct 2026UpdatedData version 165116

For developers

curl -s https://pepbank.io/v1/briefs/ghrp-6

Evidence summary for GHRP-6: counts by class, key results with sources, notices, data version.

Peptide as JSON Evidence summary as JSON

Outcome group	Human	Animal	Lab	Computer model	Total
Growth hormone and IGF-1Nervous system and cognition	Human: 117 results from 43 studies: 47 increase, 25 decrease, 32 no significant change, 1 mixed, 12 not reported. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	Animal: 156 results from 45 studies: 88 increase, 28 decrease, 27 no significant change, 4 mixed, 9 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	Lab: 104 results from 34 studies: 54 increase, 15 decrease, 23 no significant change, 12 not reported. Strongest design: Ex vivo tissue	No results	377
Stress hormonesEndocrine and hormones	Human: 25 results from 7 studies: 10 increase, 1 decrease, 9 no significant change, 5 not reported. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	Animal: 8 results from 3 studies: 2 increase, 3 no significant change, 2 mixed, 1 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	33
PharmacokineticsPharmacology	Human: 13 results from 3 studies: 1 increase, 12 not reported. Strongest design: Non-randomized trial	Animal: 7 results from 4 studies: 1 increase, 6 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	Lab: 2 results from 2 studies: 2 not reported. Strongest design: In vitro (cell-free)	No results	22
Pituitary hormonesEndocrine and hormones	Human: 9 results from 4 studies: 2 increase, 1 decrease, 6 no significant change. Strongest design: Non-randomized trial	Animal: 4 results from 2 studies: 1 increase, 3 no significant change. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	Lab: 3 results from 2 studies: 3 no significant change. Strongest design: Ex vivo tissue	No results	16
Adverse eventsWhole body	Human: 6 results from 6 studies: 3 no significant change, 3 not reported. Strongest design: Non-randomized trial	Animal: 14 results from 6 studies: 2 increase, 2 decrease, 4 no significant change, 6 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	20
SleepSleep	Human: 6 results from 2 studies: 1 increase, 1 decrease, 4 no significant change. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	Animal: 3 results from 2 studies: 1 decrease, 1 no significant change, 1 mixed. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	9
Sex hormones and fertilityReproductive and sexual health	Human: 4 results from 2 studies: 1 increase, 3 no significant change. Strongest design: Non-randomized trial	No results	Lab: 11 results from 2 studies: 6 increase, 4 no significant change, 1 not reported. Strongest design: Ex vivo tissue	No results	15
Glycemic controlMetabolic and weight	Human: 3 results from 2 studies: 3 no significant change. Strongest design: Non-randomized trial	Animal: 13 results from 5 studies: 5 increase, 4 decrease, 3 no significant change, 1 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	Lab: 2 results from 1 study: 2 increase. Strongest design: Ex vivo tissue	No results	18
Thyroid functionEndocrine and hormones	Human: 3 results from 2 studies: 2 decrease, 1 no significant change. Strongest design: Non-randomized trial	Animal: 1 result from 1 study: 1 no significant change. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	4
Receptor activity and mechanismWhole body	Human: 1 result from 1 study: 1 increase. Strongest design: Case report or series	Animal: 67 results from 26 studies: 34 increase, 7 decrease, 8 no significant change, 3 mixed, 15 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	Lab: 122 results from 41 studies: 62 increase, 14 decrease, 32 no significant change, 14 not reported. Strongest design: Ex vivo tissue	No results	190
NeuroprotectionNervous system and cognition	No results	Animal: 25 results from 6 studies: 7 increase, 7 decrease, 10 no significant change, 1 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	Lab: 4 results from 1 study: 1 increase, 2 decrease, 1 no significant change. Strongest design: In vitro (cells)	No results	29
Appetite and food intakeMetabolic and weight	No results	Animal: 27 results from 15 studies: 16 increase, 1 decrease, 10 no significant change. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	27

Outcome group	Human	Animal	Lab	Computer model	Total
Growth hormone and IGF-1Nervous system and cognition	Human: 117 results from 43 studies: 47 increase, 25 decrease, 32 no significant change, 1 mixed, 12 not reported. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	Animal: 156 results from 45 studies: 88 increase, 28 decrease, 27 no significant change, 4 mixed, 9 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	Lab: 104 results from 34 studies: 54 increase, 15 decrease, 23 no significant change, 12 not reported. Strongest design: Ex vivo tissue	No results	377
Stress hormonesEndocrine and hormones	Human: 25 results from 7 studies: 10 increase, 1 decrease, 9 no significant change, 5 not reported. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	Animal: 8 results from 3 studies: 2 increase, 3 no significant change, 2 mixed, 1 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	33
PharmacokineticsPharmacology	Human: 13 results from 3 studies: 1 increase, 12 not reported. Strongest design: Non-randomized trial	Animal: 7 results from 4 studies: 1 increase, 6 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	Lab: 2 results from 2 studies: 2 not reported. Strongest design: In vitro (cell-free)	No results	22
Pituitary hormonesEndocrine and hormones	Human: 9 results from 4 studies: 2 increase, 1 decrease, 6 no significant change. Strongest design: Non-randomized trial	Animal: 4 results from 2 studies: 1 increase, 3 no significant change. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	Lab: 3 results from 2 studies: 3 no significant change. Strongest design: Ex vivo tissue	No results	16
Adverse eventsWhole body	Human: 6 results from 6 studies: 3 no significant change, 3 not reported. Strongest design: Non-randomized trial	Animal: 14 results from 6 studies: 2 increase, 2 decrease, 4 no significant change, 6 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	20
SleepSleep	Human: 6 results from 2 studies: 1 increase, 1 decrease, 4 no significant change. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	Animal: 3 results from 2 studies: 1 decrease, 1 no significant change, 1 mixed. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	9
Sex hormones and fertilityReproductive and sexual health	Human: 4 results from 2 studies: 1 increase, 3 no significant change. Strongest design: Non-randomized trial	No results	Lab: 11 results from 2 studies: 6 increase, 4 no significant change, 1 not reported. Strongest design: Ex vivo tissue	No results	15
Glycemic controlMetabolic and weight	Human: 3 results from 2 studies: 3 no significant change. Strongest design: Non-randomized trial	Animal: 13 results from 5 studies: 5 increase, 4 decrease, 3 no significant change, 1 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	Lab: 2 results from 1 study: 2 increase. Strongest design: Ex vivo tissue	No results	18
Thyroid functionEndocrine and hormones	Human: 3 results from 2 studies: 2 decrease, 1 no significant change. Strongest design: Non-randomized trial	Animal: 1 result from 1 study: 1 no significant change. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	4
Receptor activity and mechanismWhole body	Human: 1 result from 1 study: 1 increase. Strongest design: Case report or series	Animal: 67 results from 26 studies: 34 increase, 7 decrease, 8 no significant change, 3 mixed, 15 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	Lab: 122 results from 41 studies: 62 increase, 14 decrease, 32 no significant change, 14 not reported. Strongest design: Ex vivo tissue	No results	190
NeuroprotectionNervous system and cognition	No results	Animal: 25 results from 6 studies: 7 increase, 7 decrease, 10 no significant change, 1 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	Lab: 4 results from 1 study: 1 increase, 2 decrease, 1 no significant change. Strongest design: In vitro (cells)	No results	29
Appetite and food intakeMetabolic and weight	No results	Animal: 27 results from 15 studies: 16 increase, 1 decrease, 10 no significant change. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	27

GHRP-6 studies and research data

GHRP-6 identity

Targets

Sequence and structure

Sequence

Alignment to Ghrelin (human), ghrelin-28

Properties

Net charge by pH

Composition

3D structure

2D structure

GHRP-6 results by year and outcome

What the studies measured

GHRP-6 studies on growth hormone and growth

GHRP-6 studies on hormones

GHRP-6 studies on blood levels and clearance

GHRP-6 studies on side effects

GHRP-6 studies on sleep

GHRP-6 studies on sex hormones and fertility

GHRP-6 studies on blood sugar

GHRP-6 studies on receptors and cell signals

GHRP-6 studies on weight and appetite

GHRP-6 studies on immune system and inflammation

GHRP-6 studies on heart and blood vessels

GHRP-6 studies on brain and nerves

GHRP-6 studies on stomach and gut

GHRP-6 studies on bones and joints

GHRP-6 studies on cholesterol and blood fats

GHRP-6 studies on skin, hair and wounds

GHRP-6 studies on survival and serious illness

GHRP-6 studies on cells, genes and aging

GHRP-6 studies on lungs and breathing

GHRP-6 studies on metabolism and nutrition

GHRP-6 studies on daily life and fitness

GHRP-6 studies on kidneys and bladder

GHRP-6 studies on infections

GHRP-6 studies on mood, stress and behavior

GHRP-6 studies on liver

GHRP-6 studies on cancer

GHRP-6 trials

Papers

Studies with results

On the in vitro and in vivo activity of a new synthetic hexapeptide that acts on the pituitary to specifically release growth hormone.

Acute central ghrelin and GH secretagogues induce feeding and activate brain appetite centers.

Systemic administration of ghrelin induces Fos and Egr-1 proteins in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus of fasted and fed rats.

Induction of c-fos messenger ribonucleic acid in neuropeptide Y and growth hormone (GH)-releasing factor neurons in the rat arcuate nucleus following systemic injection of the GH secretagogue, GH-releasing peptide-6.

The synergistic effects of His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2 on growth hormone (GH)-releasing factor-stimulated GH release and intracellular adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate accumulation in rat primary pituitary cell culture.

Growth hormone (GH)-releasing peptide stimulates GH release in normal men and acts synergistically with GH-releasing hormone.

On the actions of the growth hormone-releasing hexapeptide, GHRP.

Hypopituitarism as a consequence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and its possible relation with cognitive disabilities and mental distress.

Identification of a new G-protein-linked receptor for growth hormone secretagogues.

Hypothalamic growth hormone secretagogue-receptor (GHS-R) expression is regulated by growth hormone in the rat.

Blocked growth hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP-6)-induced GH secretion and absence of the synergic action of GHRP-6 plus GH-releasing hormone in patients with hypothalamopituitary disconnection: evidence that GHRP-6 main action is exerted at the hypothalamic level.

GH-releasing hormone and GH-releasing peptide-6 for diagnostic testing in GH-deficient adults.

More studies

A receptor in pituitary and hypothalamus that functions in growth hormone release.

Ghrelin and des-octanoyl ghrelin promote adipogenesis directly in vivo by a mechanism independent of the type 1a growth hormone secretagogue receptor.

Growth hormone in obesity.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide, growth hormone (GH)-releasing peptide and GH-releasing hormone stimulate GH release through distinct pituitary receptors.

Growth hormone-releasing peptides.

Development of growth hormone secretagogues.

Molecular analysis of rat pituitary and hypothalamic growth hormone secretagogue receptors.

Design and biological activities of L-163,191 (MK-0677): a potent, orally active growth hormone secretagogue.

A nonpeptidyl growth hormone secretagogue.

Ghrelin stimulates proliferation and differentiation and inhibits apoptosis in osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells.

Obestatin promotes survival of pancreatic beta-cells and human islets and induces expression of genes involved in the regulation of beta-cell mass and function.

Ghrelin promotes pancreatic adenocarcinoma cellular proliferation and invasiveness.

Prevalence of hypopituitarism and growth hormone deficiency in adults long-term after severe traumatic brain injury.

Newer studies

GHRP-6 studies: 359 papers with results

Regulatory and safety

Human evidence· 11

Animal evidence· 21

Doses studied · 135

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