GHRP-6

PEPTIDES

GHRP-6 (Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptide 6) is a synthetic hexapeptide that activates the GHS-R1a receptor to stimulate growth hormone release and appetite-related signaling.

⚠️ For Research Use Only — This product is not intended for human consumption. By purchasing, you confirm you are a qualified researcher.

GHRP-6 Research Peptide Overview

GHRP-6 (Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptide 6) is a synthetic hexapeptide that activates the GHS-R1a receptor to stimulate growth hormone release and appetite-related signaling. As one of the earliest ghrelin-mimetic research peptides, GHRP-6 is widely used in preclinical studies investigating GH secretion, orexigenic pathways, and the broader pharmacology of ghrelin receptor activation.

What Is GHRP-6 ?

GHRP-6 (His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) was one of the first synthetic peptides identified to stimulate GH release through the GHS-R1a receptor, predating the discovery of ghrelin itself. This historical significance makes GHRP-6 a foundational tool in growth hormone secretagogue research. The peptide activates GHS-R1a on pituitary somatotroph cells and hypothalamic neurons, stimulating both GH release and appetite signaling through overlapping but distinct pathways. GHRP-6 has a broader hormonal impact than selective secretagogues like ipamorelin, producing measurable increases in cortisol, prolactin, and ACTH alongside GH release. It also strongly stimulates appetite through hypothalamic neuropeptide Y (NPY) and agouti-related peptide (AgRP) pathways. Published research has used GHRP-6 extensively to characterize the ghrelin signaling system and its intersection with energy homeostasis (Smith et al., Science, 1999). Investigators continue to use GHRP-6 when studying the full spectrum of GHS-R1a-mediated physiological responses.

GHRP-6 Mechanism of Action in Research

GHRP-6 binds GHS-R1a and activates Gq/11 signaling, triggering PLC, IP3, and calcium mobilization in somatotroph cells. At the hypothalamic level, GHRP-6 activates arcuate nucleus neurons expressing NPY/AgRP, stimulating appetite signaling. The peptide also engages CRH pathways, explaining the observed cortisol and ACTH elevation. The broad activation profile reflects GHRP-6’s ability to engage multiple downstream effectors of GHS-R1a signaling, making it useful for studying the full receptor response rather than isolated GH effects.

Key Research Applications & Findings

  • Ghrelin Pathway Characterization:GHRP-6 was instrumental in identifying and characterizing the GHS-R1a receptor prior to the discovery of endogenous ghrelin.
  • Appetite and Energy Homeostasis: Preclinical models use GHRP-6 to study orexigenic signaling through NPY/AgRP pathways and their interaction with GH secretion.
  • Broad-Spectrum GHS-R1a Studies: Researchers use GHRP-6 when studying the full range of physiological responses to GHS-R1a activation, including hormonal, metabolic, and behavioral effects.
  • Comparative Selectivity Research: GHRP-6 serves as a non-selective reference compound for evaluating the selectivity of newer GH secretagogues.

GHRP-6 Compared with Related Peptides

GHRP-6 is less selective than both GHRP-2 and Ipamorelin, producing the broadest hormonal and appetite-stimulating effects among common GH secretagogues. This makes it ideal for studying the full pharmacological profile of GHS-R1a activation, while GHRP-2 and Ipamorelin are preferred when researchers need more targeted GH stimulation.

Related products in the Axiom Research Supply catalog: GHRP-2, Ipamorelin, CJC-1295.

Research & Handling Guidelines

Reconstitute in bacteriostatic water. Store reconstituted peptide at 2–8°C. Lyophilized storage at -20°C. Protect from light.

Why Choose Axiom Research Supply?

Axiom Research Supply provides GHRP-6 at ≥98% (HPLC verified), verified through independent HPLC analysis with third-party testing documentation. Every batch undergoes rigorous quality control including identity confirmation, purity assessment, and endotoxin testing. Our peptides are properly lyophilized and shipped with cold-chain protocols to maintain stability from production to your laboratory. Axiom Research Supply is committed to advancing metabolic peptide science with precision, reproducibility, and dedicated research support. Access our educational resources including the Axiom Research Supply Metabolic Peptide Research eBook for comprehensive scientific background.

Product Name GHRP-6
Available Sizes Multiple dosage options available — see product listing
CAS Number 87616-84-0
Molecular Formula C46H56N12O6
Molecular Weight 873.01 g/mol
Purity ≥98% (HPLC verified)
Physical Form Lyophilized Powder
Storage Store at -20°C, protect from light and moisture
Peptide Class Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptide (Ghrelin Mimetic)
Key Receptor Targets Growth Hormone Secretagogue Receptor 1a (GHS-R1a)
Research Applications GHS-R1a signaling, appetite regulation studies, GH release models, ghrelin pathway research
GHRP-6 is used to study GHS-R1a receptor signaling, ghrelin pathway pharmacology, appetite regulation, and broad-spectrum growth hormone secretagogue effects in preclinical models.
GHRP-6 has a broader activation profile, stimulating appetite, cortisol, and prolactin more strongly than GHRP-2. GHRP-2 is more potent for GH release with fewer non-GH effects.
The CAS number for GHRP-6 is 87616-84-0
GHRP-6 from Axiom Research Supply is for research use only and has not been approved by the FDA for any medical condition.
GHRP-6 targets the Growth Hormone Secretagogue Receptor 1a (GHS-R1a), also known as the ghrelin receptor.

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