PeptideTreatments
Reviewed by Peptide Treatments Medical Advisory Board

Hexarelin: Research & Evidence

Established Evidence

Published research, clinical trial data, and evidence grading for Hexarelin across studied indications.

Back to Hexarelin overview

Research Summary

Hexarelin is the most potent GHRP with 3-5 RCTs and unique CD36 cardiac receptor binding. It produces the least appetite stimulation of any GHRP. The cardiac effects represent a unique research opportunity, but long-term safety of chronic CD36 activation remains uncharacterized. Not FDA approved; WADA-prohibited since 2008.

Evidence by Indication (2 indications)

Indication Tier Trials Summary
Growth hormone secretion Tier B 7 Potent GHS-R1a agonist with consistent GH release in dose-response studies
Cardioprotection Tier C 2 Improves cardiac function in GH-deficient patients; direct cardiac receptor binding

Graded using our evidence tier methodology.

Research Gap Score /10

Higher score = larger gap between therapeutic potential and available clinical evidence.

Citations (6 sources)

  1. 1. Novel domain-selective ACE-inhibiting activity of synthetic growth hormone secretagogues. Study

    (2012), Pharmacological research

  2. 2. CD36 mediates the cardiovascular action of growth hormone-releasing peptides in the heart. Study

    Bodart V, et al. (2002), Molecular Cell Endocrinology

  3. 3. Ghrelin plays a minor role in the physiological control of cardiac function in the rat. Study

    (2003), Endocrinology

  4. 4. Cortistatin, but not somatostatin, binds to growth hormone secretagogue (GHS) receptors of human pituitary gland. Study

    (2001), Journal of endocrinological investigation

  5. 5. Growth hormone-releasing peptides and their analogs. Study

    (1998), Frontiers in neuroendocrinology

  6. 6. Low hexarelin dose and pyridostigmine have additive effect and potentiate to the same extent the GHRH-induced GH response in man. Study

    (1997), Clinical endocrinology