GHRP-6 is a synthetic hexapeptide belonging to the growth hormone-releasing peptide family, studied in the literature as a ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist. AminoOptimization Group supplies it as a lyophilised research powder in the 5 mg presentation, tested to 99% purity by HPLC, with a Certificate of Analysis available for the lot supplied. This material is offered strictly for laboratory research use. It is not a drug, and it is not for human or veterinary use.
What is GHRP-6?
GHRP-6 (His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) is a six-residue synthetic peptide with an amidated C-terminus, a feature common to compounds in this class that engage the growth hormone secretagogue receptor, GHS-R1a. It was developed by Bowers and colleagues in the 1980s as part of a structure-activity programme exploring which met-enkephalin-derived fragments could stimulate growth hormone release independently of growth hormone-releasing hormone signalling — work that predated the 1999 identification of ghrelin as the receptor’s endogenous ligand.
GHRP-6 retains a histidine at the N-terminus and an unmodified D-tryptophan at the second position, where the related analogue GHRP-2 substitutes a D-alanine and a 2-methyl-D-tryptophan at those same positions. Comparative binding and metabolic-stability assays in the literature associate GHRP-2’s substitutions with altered receptor affinity and greater resistance to proteolytic cleavage relative to GHRP-6. Where ipamorelin, a later pentapeptide, is described in comparative studies as a more selective GHS-R1a ligand, GHRP-6 is characterised in the literature as a first-generation, less selective secretagogue with reported activity extending to signalling pathways beyond growth hormone release.
Specifications
- Compound: GHRP-6 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-6)
- CAS number: 87616-84-0
- Molecular formula: C46H56N12O6
- Molecular weight: 873.01 g/mol
- Purity: 99% HPLC
- Presentation: Lyophilised powder, sealed vial
- Available sizes: 5 mg
- Physical form: White to off-white powder
- Classification: Research peptide — not for human or veterinary use
Research context
As a GHS-R1a agonist, GHRP-6 is studied for how ligand binding at this receptor activates downstream signalling — principally through Gq-coupled phospholipase C activation, inositol trisphosphate generation, and intracellular calcium mobilisation — in pituitary somatotroph cell models. Published work uses it as a tool compound to probe the pharmacology of this pathway independently of the growth hormone-releasing hormone axis, since the two systems act through separate receptors and converge only downstream.
Because GHS-R1a is also expressed in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus, GHRP-6 appears in study designs examining its interaction with neuropeptide Y and agouti-related peptide neuronal circuits, alongside comparative receptor-binding assays against other members of the GHRP series used to map structure-activity relationships across the family. Some literature also examines its behaviour in models of cortisol and prolactin co-release, a pattern reported as distinguishing less receptor-selective secretagogues such as GHRP-6 from later, more selective analogues.
None of this literature establishes safety or efficacy for use in humans. It is provided as research context only.
Reconstitution
Lyophilised peptide requires reconstitution with a suitable sterile diluent before use in solution. Bacteriostatic water is the diluent most commonly specified for multi-use laboratory preparations; sterile water is typical for single-use work.
Direct the diluent stream against the inner wall of the vial rather than onto the powder itself, and allow the material to dissolve without agitation. Peptides are susceptible to shear stress — do not shake the vial. Swirl gently if needed, and expect full dissolution within a few minutes at room temperature.
Working concentration is a function of how much diluent is added to a given vial mass. Our peptide reconstitution calculator computes the resulting concentration for any combination of vial size and diluent volume.
Storage and stability
Before reconstitution: store the sealed vial in a freezer at -20 °C, protected from light. Lyophilised peptide is comparatively stable in this state. Brief excursions to ambient temperature during shipping are normal and are not expected to compromise a properly lyophilised product.
After reconstitution: refrigerate at 2–8 °C and protect from light. Reconstituted peptide in solution is materially less stable than the dry powder. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which are a well-documented cause of aggregation and loss of measurable potency — aliquot instead if repeated sampling is required.
Inspect solutions before use. Cloudiness, visible particulate, or discolouration indicate the material should not be relied upon for quantitative work.
Certificate of Analysis
Every lot is tested by high-performance liquid chromatography, and the purity figure shown above refers to analytical results for the specific lot supplied — not to a generic specification. A Certificate of Analysis is available on request, and we will provide lot-specific documentation before purchase if your protocol requires it.
Purity by HPLC describes the proportion of the target peptide relative to detectable related substances. It is a statement about the material as manufactured and tested. It is expressly not a representation that the material is suitable for any use in humans or animals.
Handling and safety
Handle in accordance with good laboratory practice. Use appropriate personal protective equipment, work in a suitable containment environment, and dispose of material and consumables according to your institution’s requirements and applicable local regulation. Anyone with access to this material should understand that it is not for human or veterinary use.
Frequently asked questions
What distinguishes GHRP-6 from GHRP-2?
GHRP-6 retains a histidine and an unmodified D-tryptophan at the first two positions of its sequence, where GHRP-2 substitutes a D-alanine and a 2-methyl-D-tryptophan at those positions. Comparative binding and stability assays in the literature associate GHRP-2’s substitutions with altered receptor affinity and greater resistance to proteolytic cleavage.
Is GHRP-6 approved in Canada?
No. This compound has not been evaluated or authorised by Health Canada, the FDA, or any comparable regulatory authority. It carries no DIN or NPN, its safety and efficacy for human use have not been assessed, and it is supplied for laboratory research only.
How much diluent should be used?
That depends on the working concentration your protocol requires. Use the reconstitution calculator to work out the resulting concentration for your vial size.
How long is reconstituted GHRP-6 stable?
Stability in solution is shorter than in lyophilised form and depends on diluent, temperature, and handling. Refrigerate at 2–8 °C, protect from light, avoid freeze-thaw cycling, and validate stability for your own storage conditions if your work depends on it.
Do you provide a Certificate of Analysis?
Yes — lot-specific, available on request, including before purchase.
Research use only
This product is supplied solely for laboratory and scientific research. It is not a drug, food, cosmetic, or medical device, and it must not be administered to humans or animals. Nothing on this page is medical advice or a therapeutic claim. Full terms are set out in our Research Use Only Disclaimer.
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