GHRP-6 for Growth Hormone & Appetite Stimulation — Performance & Recovery
Potent growth hormone releasing peptide-6 with strong GH secretion and significant appetite stimulation via ghrelin receptor activation.
Overview
Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-6 (GHRP-6) is a synthetic hexapeptide that stimulates growth hormone release by activating the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) on pituitary somatotrophs. Developed in the early 1990s by Bowers et al., GHRP-6 was one of the first synthetic GH secretagogues studied in humans. It produces robust GH release (3-6 fold increase over baseline) but also significantly stimulates appetite through central ghrelin receptor activation in the hypothalamus, and moderately increases cortisol and prolactin levels. Arvat et al. (J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 1997) demonstrated dose-dependent GH release in healthy subjects. GHRP-6 has been extensively used in diagnostic testing of GH deficiency and in research settings since the 1990s. The appetite-stimulating effect makes it particularly useful for underweight patients, those recovering from illness, or athletes seeking caloric surplus. NOT FDA-approved for clinical use.
Indications
- Growth hormone stimulation for recovery and body composition
- Appetite stimulation in underweight or recovering patients
- GH deficiency diagnostic testing (research use)
- Enhanced recovery and muscle growth support
Mechanism of Action
Aging, stress, or poor sleep reduce GH pulse frequency and amplitude from anterior pituitary
Dosing
| Compound | Dose | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| GHRP-6 | 100-300 mcg | 2-3 times daily (30 min before meals) | Pre-meal dosing leverages appetite stimulation; fast 2 hours before injection |
| GHRP-6 | 100-200 mcg | Once daily (before bed, fasting) | Single dose protocol for GH optimization with reduced appetite effect |
Evidence Grade
GRADE C
Safety & Contraindications
- Significant appetite stimulation (may be unwanted in overweight patients)
- Moderate cortisol and prolactin elevation (more than ipamorelin)
- Not FDA-approved; research and off-label use only
- May cause water retention, flushing, and transient dizziness
- Monitor glucose: GH release can impair insulin sensitivity
- Contraindicated in active malignancy