Growth Hormone Secretagogue
GHRP-6 Research Peptide
GHRP-6 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-6, CAS 87616-84-0) is the original synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue. Developed in the 1980s, it was among the first synthetic agonists of the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) and remains a foundational reference compound for growth hormone secretion research.
Compound identity
- Name
- GHRP-6
- Class
- Growth Hormone Secretagogue
- CAS number
- 87616-84-0
- Molecular formula
- C46H56N12O6
- Also known as
- Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-6, His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2
- Sequence
- His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2
Research context
GHRP-6 has the sequence His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2 (CAS 87616-84-0, molecular formula C46H56N12O6, MW approximately 873.0 Da). It was originally developed by Bowers, Momany, and colleagues in the 1980s during research into enkephalin analogs and GH regulation. GHRP-6 was among the earliest synthetic GH secretagogues characterized and became a primary reference compound for studying the GHS-R1a receptor, even before the endogenous ghrelin ligand was identified in 1999 (Kojima et al., Nature). GHRP-6 is considered the prototype first-generation GHSR agonist.
GHRP-6 activates GHS-R1a in pituitary somatotrophs, triggering intracellular calcium mobilization and growth hormone secretion. Research literature on GHRP-6 spans receptor pharmacology, CNS appetite regulation, cytoprotection models, and cardiac research. Studies in rodent models have examined GHRP-6's effects in anti-inflammatory contexts and on gastric motility. The compound has documented appetite-stimulating effects in research models, attributable to GHS-R1a activity in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus — the same mechanism by which ghrelin promotes food intake. Co-secretion of cortisol, prolactin, and ACTH alongside GH distinguishes GHRP-6 from more selective second-generation secretagogues such as ipamorelin.
As a research reagent, GHRP-6 is used in studies of the ghrelin receptor signaling axis, growth hormone secretion dynamics, and as a comparison compound in secretagogue selectivity research. DMV Research supplies GHRP-6 as a lyophilized powder with per-batch third-party Certificate of Analysis.
Frequently asked questions
What is GHRP-6?+
GHRP-6 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-6) is a synthetic hexapeptide GH secretagogue with the sequence His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2 (CAS 87616-84-0). Developed in the 1980s, it was one of the first synthetic agonists of the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) and is used as a foundational reference compound in GH secretion research.
How does GHRP-6 work?+
GHRP-6 binds and activates the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a) expressed on pituitary somatotrophs and in the hypothalamus. Receptor activation triggers intracellular calcium signaling and growth hormone release. GHRP-6 acts at a distinct receptor from GHRH (which binds the GHRHR), and the two can have additive GH-stimulating effects in some research models.
What is the difference between GHRP-6 and ipamorelin?+
Ipamorelin (CAS 170851-70-4) was developed as a more receptor-selective pentapeptide GHS-R1a agonist. GHRP-6 co-stimulates cortisol, prolactin, and ACTH in some models; ipamorelin shows significantly higher selectivity for GHS-R1a with less of these off-target effects in published studies.
Is GHRP-6 approved for human use?+
No. GHRP-6 is not FDA-approved for any indication. As supplied by DMV Research, it is for in-vitro and pre-clinical research purposes only, not for human or veterinary administration.
Research use only
All products are intended for laboratory and research use only (RUO) and are not for human consumption, ingestion, or any in-vivo use.
The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the FDA. GHRP-6 is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Content is provided for laboratory research reference only.