P Palthera
Hormone Analogues

GHRP-6

Growth hormone releasing hexapeptide

GHRP-6 is one of the original synthetic growth hormone-releasing peptides (Bowers and colleagues, 1980s). It established the GHRP class and remains a reference compound in pharmacology. A substantial rodent literature has subsequently explored cytoprotective and organ-injury models.

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Hormone Analogues
Classification
First-generation synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue (GHRP)
Research stage
Foundational early-phase pharmacology + sizeable rodent literature on cytoprotection and organ-failure models
Sequence
His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2
Molecular weight
872.0 Da

Snapshot

Key takeaways

A three-bullet snapshot before reading the full dossier.

  1. 01

    First-generation GHRP — historical reference for the entire GHS class.

  2. 02

    Releases GH largely independently of hypothalamic and somatostatin in research models.

  3. 03

    Subsequent rodent literature examines cytoprotection in ischaemia, organ-failure, and cardiomyopathy models.

Dossier overview

4

research areas

3

references

3

handling notes

01

Mechanism of action

GHRP-6 activates the GHS-R1a (ghrelin) , releasing GH independently of and somatostatin in animal models. Beyond GH release, rodent research has described pro-survival cytoprotective effects across hepatic, intestinal, renal, lung, and cardiac injury models.

02

Research applications

  • Growth hormone secretion pharmacology
  • Cytoprotection and ischaemia / reperfusion research
  • Cardiomyopathy and chemotherapy-cardiotoxicity research
  • GHRP reference standard

Evidence at a glance

What's behind this profile

3 citations · 1993–2024

Animal
2

Studies in rodents or other animal models.

Other
1

Studies that did not match the categories above.

Publication years

  1. 93
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19932024

Counts are derived from the cited studies below. A study covering both in vivo and in vitro work is counted by its primary model. Sample size is reported in 0 of 3 citations. Findings remain model-specific and are not extrapolated to therapeutic use.

03

Study references

Each profile cites a minimum of two peer-reviewed sources, with model type and reported sample size where the source provides it. Findings are model-specific and must not be extrapolated to therapeutic use.

Regulation of growth hormone secretion by the growth hormone releasing hexapeptide (GHRP-6)

1993

Micic D et al. · Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology

Model
Mixed — animal pharmacology with human-subject extension in obesity
Sample
Not reported in abstract

Reported that GHRP-6 releases GH largely independently of hypothalamic and somatostatin and acts as a potent releaser in obesity contexts.

PMID 7920995 DOI 10.1515/jpem.1993.6.3-4.283

Use of growth-hormone-releasing peptide-6 (GHRP-6) for the prevention of multiple organ failure

2006

Cibrián D et al. · Clinical Science

Model
In vitro cell-culture + in vivo rat ischaemia / reperfusion organ-failure model
Sample
Not reported in abstract

GHRP-6 enhanced epithelial and was associated with reduced hepatic, intestinal, lung, and renal injury in the rat I/R organ-failure model used.

PMID 16417467 DOI 10.1042/CS20050374

Growth hormone releasing peptide-6 (GHRP-6) prevents doxorubicin-induced myocardial and extra-myocardial damages by activating prosurvival mechanisms

2024

Berlanga-Acosta J et al. · Frontiers in Pharmacology

Model
In vivo — rat model of doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy
Sample
Not reported in abstract

GHRP-6 co-administered with doxorubicin was associated with preserved cardiac function, reduced extra-myocardial organ damage, and activation of cellular survival pathways in the rat model used.

PMID 38873418 DOI 10.3389/fphar.2024.1402138

Evidence caveats

  • GHRP-6 is not approved as a medicine. Human pharmacology evidence is limited to early-phase studies.
  • Cytoprotection and organ-failure data are predominantly from rodent models; extrapolation to clinical outcomes is not established.

04

Storage and handling

Store under controlled laboratory conditions with batch and preparation details recorded.

  • Maintain batch traceability for reference-standard comparison work.
  • Avoid repeated cycles where not protocol-supported.
  • Research-only inventory must be clearly separated from clinical material.

Common questions

GHRP-6 FAQ

Plain-English answers backed by the citations on this profile — what it is, what's been studied, regulatory status, evidence limits.

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