Description
GHRP-6 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide 6) is a synthetic hexapeptide, sequence His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2, molecular formula C46H56N12O6, molecular weight 873.01 g/mol, CAS 87616-84-0. Like GHRP-2, it features an amidated C-terminus and contains D-amino acids (D-Trp and D-Phe), mirror-image versions of the naturally occurring L-forms that increase resistance to enzymatic breakdown.
GHRP-6 was first synthesized in the 1980s, making it one of the earliest synthetic growth hormone-releasing peptides ever created, and the compound that originally demonstrated small synthetic peptides were structurally compatible with the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a). That receptor was later found to be the natural target of ghrelin, the stomach-derived hormone discovered in 1999, giving GHRP-6 retroactive significance as one of the tools that helped characterize ghrelin receptor biology before ghrelin itself was even known. Research on GHRP-6 specifically has also noted a stronger appetite-stimulating effect compared to newer secretagogues like Ipamorelin, a distinction relevant to researchers selecting between compounds in this class.
GHRP-6 is classified as a growth hormone secretagogue and ghrelin mimetic. It is supplied as a white to off-white lyophilized powder that dissolves readily in water. This product is strictly for research purposes only.
PubChem Reference: View compound profile on NIH PubChem
Key Characteristics
MOLECULAR PROFILE
Formula: C46H56N12O6
Weight: 873.01 g/mol
CAS: 87616-84-0
Sequence: His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Form: White to off-white lyophilized powder
Solubility: Readily dissolves in water
Stability: Stable when properly stored
Storage: Keep refrigerated 36‑46 °F (2‑8 °C)
GHRP-6 vs. Newer Secretagogues
GHRP-6’s appetite-stimulating effect, driven by its ghrelin-mimetic activity, is more pronounced than in later-generation secretagogues like Ipamorelin, which was specifically developed for greater receptor selectivity. This makes GHRP-6 useful in research contexts where appetite and GH release are both relevant variables, while Ipamorelin is generally preferred where appetite effects would confound the study.
Frequently Asked Questions :
What is GHRP-6 used for in research?
Growth hormone secretagogue and ghrelin receptor research, including its role in early characterization of the GHS-R1a receptor.
How does it differ from GHRP-2?
GHRP-2 is generally more potent for GH release; GHRP-6 has a more pronounced appetite-stimulating effect.
What’s its historical significance?
It was the first compound to demonstrate synthetic peptides could activate the GHS-R1a receptor, years before ghrelin itself was discovered in 1999.
How should it be reconstituted and stored?
Bacteriostatic water, refrigerate 2–8°C.
Where can I buy it?
5mg and 10mg kits, HPLC/MS verified.
Dr. Amira S. Fathi –
Solid GHRP-6 with verified 99%+ purity. Works exactly as expected in our cell-based assays. Minor feedback the vial label could include more detailed storage instructions, but the peptide quality is excellent
Prof. Yuki Nakamura –
Very impressed with batch-to-batch consistency. The lyophilized powder arrived intact and reconstituted instantly. CAS 87616-84-0 verified. Will definitely reorder for our ongoing metabolic research
Prof. Delia M. Vasquez-Ruiz –
Consistent results across three separate orders. The peptide reconstituted easily and remained stable. Would give 5 stars if international shipping was a touch faster, but the product itself is outstanding
Dr. Samuel K. Orenstein –
Excellent quality GHRP-6. Our ghrelin receptor binding assays showed potent activity with clean dose-response curves. CAS 87616-84-0 confirmed via HPLC. A reliable staple in our peptide library
Dr. Timothy J. Breslin –
Flawless purity our mass spec showed no detectable contaminants. GHRP-6 performed beautifully in our in vivo growth hormone secretion studies. Highly recommend for any research involving the ghrelin pathway.