PeptideTreatments
Reviewed by Peptide Treatments Medical Advisory Board (Medical Advisory Board)

GHRP-6: Research & Evidence

Established Evidence

Published research, clinical trial data, and evidence grading for GHRP-6 across studied indications.

Back to GHRP-6 overview

Research Summary

GHRP-6 is a first-generation GHRP with 2-4 RCTs in humans and the most pronounced appetite stimulation of any ghrelin mimetic. While less potent for GH release than GHRP-2 or Hexarelin, it fills a unique niche for conditions where appetite stimulation is therapeutic. Never FDA-approved; WADA-prohibited since 2008.

Evidence by Indication (2 indications)

Indication Tier Trials Summary
Growth hormone secretion Tier B 10 First GHRP studied in humans — robust GH release documented across multiple trials
Gastroprotection Tier C 3 Cytoprotective effects on gastric mucosa demonstrated in animal and limited human studies

Graded using our evidence tier methodology.

Citations (10 sources)

  1. 1. Growth hormone-releasing peptide 6 (GHRP-6) hydrogel for acute kidney injury therapy via metabolic regulation. Study

    (2025), Journal of nanobiotechnology

  2. 2. Intranasal Delivery of a Ghrelin Mimetic Engages the Brain Ghrelin Signaling System in Mice. Study

    (2025), Endocrinology

  3. 3. Subchronic safety assessment of CIGB-500 in beagle dog after repeated daily dose administration over 28 days. Study

    (2025), Regulatory toxicology and pharmacology : RTP

  4. 4. Combination therapy of Epidermal Growth Factor and Growth Hormone-Releasing Hexapeptide in acute ischemic stroke: a phase I/II non-blinded, randomized clinical trial. Clinical Trial

    (2024), Frontiers in neurology

  5. 5. Calorie restriction activates a gastric Notch-FOXO1 pathway to expand ghrelin cells. Study

    (2024), The Journal of cell biology

  6. 6. Ghrelin Improves Glucolipotoxicity-Induced Pancreatic beta-Cellular Dysfunction and Apoptosis by Inhibiting Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Induced IRE1/JNK Pathway. Study

    (2024), Discovery medicine

  7. 7. Growth hormone secretagogue peptide-6 enhances oreochromicins transcription and antimicrobial activity in tilapia. Study

    (2021), Fish & shellfish immunology

  8. 8. Beyond the androgen receptor: the role of growth hormone secretagogues in the modern management of body composition in hypogonadal males. Study

    (2020), Translational andrology and urology

  9. 9. Atheroprotective and atheroregressive potential of azapeptide derivatives of GHRP-6 as selective CD36 ligands in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. Study

    (2020), Atherosclerosis

  10. 10. D-Lys-3-GHRP-6 impairs memory consolidation and downregulates hippocampal serotonin receptors and glutamate GluA1 subunit. Study

    (2020), Physiology & behavior