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Pick up to three peptides to see how their mechanisms, studied uses and evidence levels differ. Rows where the entries disagree are marked with a blue edge.
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Comparison
GHRP-6
Growth hormone secretagogue
Evidence level
Limited evidence
Approval status
Not approved
Mechanism of action
- 1.Activates the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) in the pituitary and hypothalamus.
- 2.Triggers growth-hormone release directly rather than through GHRH priming.
- 3.Strongly stimulates appetite through the same receptor circuits that make ghrelin hunger-inducing — the reason it is a poor fit for anyone trying to lose fat.
- 4.Raises IGF-1 secondarily with repeated use.
- 5.Acts on a different receptor from GHRH analogues, so the two are often combined in research.
Studied for
- Growth-hormone secretion research
- Appetite and ghrelin signalling studies
- Body-composition claims without trials
- Gut motility research in animal models
Reported effects
- A clear growth-hormone pulse after dosing
- Marked increase in hunger — the effect it is best known for
- Raised IGF-1 with repeated use
- Water retention and joint stiffness in the growth-hormone class
Side effects
- Intense hunger
- Headache, flushing and dizziness
- Water retention, joint pain
- Numbness or tingling in the hands
- Possible desensitisation of the growth-hormone response with continuous use
Research protocol
Research context only — no approved protocol exists. Human studies used single microgram-per-kilogram doses to measure growth-hormone response. Community schedules of 100–300 micrograms two or three times daily are widespread online but have never been evaluated for safety or outcome, and are prohibited in sport.
Research context only
Evidence justification
Human studies confirm it raises growth hormone and appetite, but there are no controlled trials of the muscle, fat-loss or recovery claims made for it, and it is unapproved.