GHRP-6
Also known as: Growth Hormone Releasing Hexapeptide
Quick summary
GHRP-6 was one of the first synthetic growth hormone secretagogues, developed by Cyril Bowers' group before ghrelin was discovered. Research focus: GH secretagogue receptor history, GHRH/GHRP synergy and appetite signaling. This page leads with SRP's low-and-slow starting dose.
Amino acid sequence (one-letter code): HWAWFK
Overview
GHRP-6 was one of the first synthetic growth hormone secretagogues, developed by Cyril Bowers' group before ghrelin was discovered. It works through the GHS receptor and is known for a strong effect on appetite in addition to GH release.
Looking for research material? Simple Research Peptides lists GHRP-6 (10 mg) Vial for laboratory research use.
Mechanism
An early synthetic GHS-R1a agonist that releases growth hormone and strongly stimulates appetite through ghrelin-like signaling.
Research areas
- GH secretagogue receptor history
- GHRH/GHRP synergy
- appetite signaling
Storage & reconstitution
Supplied as a lyophilized powder; keep sealed, dry and away from light, ideally frozen or refrigerated for long-term holding. Laboratories typically reconstitute with bacteriostatic or sterile water, swirling gently rather than shaking, then hold the solution refrigerated (2–8 °C) and use it within the window set by their own stability protocol.
Recommended starting dose (low and slow)
| Starting dose | 100 mcg per injection (first step, 3 times daily); ranges also begin at 100 mcg. |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Reported schedules: 1–3x daily; 100–300mcg 1–3x daily; 1–3× daily. |
| Reconstitution | Examples: 5 mg vial + 2 mL bacteriostatic water = 2.5 mg/mL; 5 mg vial + 3 mL water = 1.67 mg/mL; 5mg vial + 2mL diluent (as listed). Different water volumes can be used; that only changes the draw volume, not the amount of peptide. storage note: Reconstituted: refrigerate, used within 4 weeks. |
Studied higher doses
Studies have used doses up to the amounts below. Higher doses can be dangerous. Whether a person can reach them safely depends on height, weight, activity level, training and pre-existing conditions. We recommend following the lower starting dose above, and contacting SRP with any questions.
| Highest amount reported in studies | 300 mcg per injection (agree), up to 3 times daily. human studies at 1-2 mcg/kg. |
|---|---|
| Step-up schedules reported | Example: 100 mcg three times daily for weeks 1-2, 200 mcg for weeks 3-4, 300 mcg for weeks 5-12, injections at least 4 hours apart. |
Route and timing
Route: Subcutaneous injection after reconstitution is the route most often described in research protocols.
Timing: Pending - to be added by SRP
Cycle length and repeat
Pending - to be added by SRP
Half-life
Approximate, for Bobby's review: Short, roughly 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Side effects
Pending - to be added by SRP
Suggested bloodwork and monitoring
Draft, for Bobby's review: CBC and comprehensive metabolic panel (kidney and liver function, electrolytes) before starting and again after a few weeks; IGF-1, fasting glucose and HbA1c.
Cautions
Pending - to be added by SRP
Reconstitution calculator
Math aid only. It converts the numbers you enter; it is not dosing advice. For research use only. Prefilled with this page's vial size, reconstitution and low-and-slow starting dose where known; change any value.
Frequently asked questions
What is GHRP-6 studied for?
In research it is studied for GH secretagogue receptor history, GHRH/GHRP synergy and appetite signaling. An early synthetic GHS-R1a agonist that releases growth hormone and strongly stimulates appetite through ghrelin-like signaling.
How is GHRP-6 given in research?
Subcutaneous injection after reconstitution is the route most often described in research protocols. See the dosing frequency block on this page for how often.
What amount should a researcher start with?
This page lists SRP's low-and-slow starting dose in the Recommended starting dose section. Higher amounts that appear in studies are listed separately with their safety context. Start with the lower dose and contact SRP with any questions.
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Last updated: October 19, 2026