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Evidence profile · Growth Hormone Axis

GHRP-6

GHRP-6 is the first growth hormone releasing peptide. It causes the strongest appetite effect in its class.

EvidenceModerateRegulatoryNot approvedWADAProhibited (S2.2.4)

Checked by the PU Research editorial team — evidence-graded against primary sources. Last check: 23 July 2026. Sources: 3. Who checks this

Sport prohibition notice. WADA prohibits GHRH analogs and growth hormone secretagogues under section S2.2.4. Seven of the eight compounds in this category fall under that section. IGF-1 LR3 falls under S2, and its insulin cross-activity also relates to S4. Check the live WADA list before any decision that involves competition.

01

Identity & Classification

GHRP-6 is a synthetic hexapeptide. The sequence is His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH₂. It is the first compound in the GHRP class.

02

Mechanism: How It Works

GHRP-6 is a full agonist at GHS-R1a. It produces a pulsatile release of growth hormone.

It causes the strongest appetite stimulation of the injectable GHRP compounds. It also causes a transient rise in cortisol and prolactin, and that rise depends on the dose.

03

Research Findings

Evidence tier: clinical neuroendocrine characterization, plus preclinical wound data.

Human neuroendocrine studies characterize the hormone response (Arvat et al., 2001; Bowers, 1997).

A preclinical rodent study showed a topical effect on diabetic wound healing.

Evidence limit. No human outcome trial exists.

04

Reported Dosing & Delivery

Only non-clinical protocols exist. No clinical source supports them.

Not approved for human use.

05

Pharmacokinetics & Timing

The half-life is short.

06

Interactions & Combinations

GHRP-6 acts on the growth hormone axis. Community combinations are anecdotal.

Compare with GHRP-2 and Hexarelin.

07

Safety & Contraindications

Documented effects are:

  • Intense hunger, with an onset about 15 to 30 minutes after the dose.
  • A transient rise in cortisol and prolactin.
  • Mild water retention.

Long-term human safety data are limited.

08

Monitoring & Biomarkers

  • IGF-1.
  • Glucose.
  • Cortisol.
09

Regulatory Status

No regulator approves GHRP-6.

WADA prohibits it under S2.2.4. See the WADA prohibited list status.

10

Works Cited

  1. 01Bowers CY. Endocrine Reviews, 1997. PMID 9331545. View source →
  2. 02Arvat E, et al. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2001. View source →
  3. 03WADA 2025 Prohibited List, section S2.2.4. View source →

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Research use only. This is not medical advice.

PeptideUnlock gives education. Nothing here diagnoses a condition. Nothing here recommends a compound or a dose.

Most peptides on this site have no approval for human use in any country. Some carry documented harms. Several are prohibited in sport.

Regulatory status changes by country and by month. Check the current rule where you live. Speak to a licensed clinician before any health decision.

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