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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
Hexarelin
Growth hormone secretagogue
Evidence level
Limited evidence
Approval status
Not approved
Mechanism of action
- 1.Activates the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) in the pituitary, triggering growth-hormone release.
- 2.Produces one of the strongest growth-hormone responses of the secretagogue family in comparative studies.
- 3.Also binds CD36 in cardiac tissue in laboratory models, which is the basis of claims about heart protection.
- 4.Raises IGF-1 secondarily with repeated use.
- 5.Tolerance to the growth-hormone response has been observed with continuous dosing.
Studied for
- Growth-hormone secretion research
- Cardiac protection in animal models
- Body-composition claims without trials
- Growth-hormone reserve testing in research settings
Reported effects
- A rapid growth-hormone pulse
- Raised IGF-1 with repeated use
- Cardiac signalling effects in laboratory models
- Fluid retention and joint stiffness
Side effects
- Headache, flushing and dizziness
- Water retention and joint aches
- Numbness or tingling in the hands
- Possible prolactin rise
- Desensitisation of the GH response with sustained use
Research protocol
Research context only — no approved protocol exists. Human studies used single microgram-per-kilogram doses to characterise growth-hormone release. Community schedules of 100–200 micrograms once or twice daily for limited cycles come from forums, not trials, and the peptide is prohibited in sport.
Research context only
Evidence justification
Small human studies document growth-hormone release; the cardiac and body-composition claims rest on animal or laboratory work, and it has no regulatory approval.