GHRP-6 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-6) is a synthetic hexapeptide and one of the earliest growth hormone secretagogues characterized. Like other members of its family, it acts through the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) rather than the classical GHRH pathway. Its pronounced ghrelin-type signaling makes it a valuable reference tool in growth-hormone-axis and appetite-signaling research. Puritide Research supplies GHRP-6 as a high-purity, research-use-only material for in vitro and animal-model work, backed by third-party-verified certificates of analysis.
Product Specifications
- Application
- Growth hormone secretagogue and ghrelin-receptor signaling research
- Appearance
- Solid, white lyophilized powder in a sealed glass vial
- Chemical Formula
- C46H56N12O6
- PubChem SID
- 4345065
- CAS Number
- 87616-84-0
- Molecular Weight
- ~873.01 g/mol
- Synonyms
- GHRP-6, Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-6, His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2, SKF-110679
- Storage
- Store at ≤25°C, sealed, away from heat, light, and moisture. For extended storage, keep lyophilized and refrigerated or frozen.
What Is GHRP-6?
GHRP-6 is a synthetic hexapeptide (sequence His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) classified as a growth hormone secretagogue. As the original member of the GHRP family to be widely studied, it is frequently used as a benchmark for characterizing this class of peptides in experimental systems.
In research settings, GHRP-6 is used to probe the ghrelin/GHS-R1a receptor system and its role in growth hormone regulation and appetite-related signaling. Because it produces pronounced ghrelin-type effects in models, it is a common comparator for peptides such as GHRP-2 and Hexarelin.
Present understanding derives from in vitro assays, animal models, and biochemical studies. Findings should be interpreted within their experimental context and not treated as established clinical outcomes. Puritide Research supplies GHRP-6 strictly for laboratory use; it is not approved for human or veterinary application.
GHRP-6 Mechanism of Action (Research Only)
GHRP-6 is studied for its action at the ghrelin receptor and its effects on growth hormone secretion in model systems. The mechanisms below reflect observations from biochemical assays, cell-culture studies, and animal models, and should be read strictly in a research context.
Ghrelin Receptor (GHS-R1a) Engagement
GHRP-6 acts as an agonist at the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a), the receptor for endogenous ghrelin. Receptor engagement couples to Gq/11 signaling, driving inositol trisphosphate production and intracellular calcium mobilization, pathways studied as mediators of the growth-hormone-releasing and appetite-associated responses observed in models.
Growth Hormone and Appetite-Signaling Studies
In experimental models, GHRP-6 is investigated for its ability to stimulate growth hormone release from pituitary somatotrophs. It is distinguished within the GHRP family by strong ghrelin-mimetic activity, and is therefore frequently used to study appetite-related signaling and food-intake behavior in animal models.
Because it produces this pronounced ghrelin-type signature, GHRP-6 serves as a reference point for evaluating the selectivity of newer secretagogues that were designed to reduce such off-target effects.
GHRP-6 Research Applications
GHRP-6 is investigated across endocrine and receptor-signaling research as a foundational growth hormone secretagogue. The observations below derive from biochemical studies, cell-based assays, and animal models, and should be interpreted within their respective settings.
Growth Hormone Axis and Appetite Signaling
A primary application is the study of GHS-R1a-mediated growth hormone release and appetite-related signaling in pituitary-cell and animal models. GHRP-6's strong ghrelin-mimetic profile makes it a common tool for investigating food-intake behavior and energy-balance pathways.
Researchers also use GHRP-6 to examine interactions between the ghrelin receptor pathway and the somatostatin and GHRH systems within the broader growth-hormone regulatory network.
Comparative Secretagogue Studies
GHRP-6 is widely used as a benchmark in comparative studies alongside GHRP-2 and Hexarelin, allowing researchers to characterize differences in potency, receptor engagement, and off-target signaling across the GHRP family. These studies aim to characterize secretagogue pharmacology rather than to establish physiological or therapeutic effects.
Comparison
| Parameter | GHRP-6 | GHRP-2 | Hexarelin |
|---|
| Molecular classification | Synthetic hexapeptide secretagogue | Synthetic hexapeptide secretagogue | Synthetic hexapeptide secretagogue |
| Primary receptor target | Ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) | Ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) | Ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) |
| Molecular formula | C46H56N12O6 | C45H55N9O6 | C47H58N12O6 |
| Molecular weight | ~873.01 g/mol | ~817.97 g/mol | ~887.04 g/mol |
| Research profile note | Original GHRP; pronounced ghrelin-type (appetite) signaling in models | Potent GH release with reduced ghrelin-type appetite signaling in models | Highly potent secretagogue studied for receptor and cardiac-tissue signaling |
Laboratory Safety & Handling (Research Use Only)
GHRP-6 is a synthetic, lyophilized research peptide for laboratory investigation only. It should be handled by qualified personnel in controlled environments, in accordance with institutional policies, laboratory safety procedures, and applicable regulations. As an investigational material, laboratories should implement practices that prioritize material integrity, traceability, and reproducibility.
Handling & Storage Guidelines
Follow institutional SOPs, chemical hygiene plans, and approved protocols; wear appropriate PPE (lab coat, gloves, eye protection); and use engineering controls where required. Record lot numbers, storage conditions, and handling activities, and retain Certificates of Analysis and batch documentation to support traceability and audit readiness.
Store material under the conditions specified in product documentation, protected from excessive heat, moisture, and direct light. Maintain consistent conditions throughout the study period and monitor storage records as part of quality assurance.
Certificate of Analysis & Quality Assurance
Each GHRP-6 batch ships with a third-party-verified Certificate of Analysis, providing transparent, research-grade quality control. The CoA includes a purity assessment (HPLC / reverse-phase chromatography), mass-spectrometry identity confirmation, and lot number, testing date, and method documentation.
Researchers may request sample CoAs (PDF) ahead of purchase to confirm testing parameters, analytical methods, and batch consistency, and are encouraged to perform independent verification.
Research Use Only
