GHRP-6, better known as Growth hormone releasing hexapeptide 6, is a well-known peptide that’s widely used for its Growth Hormone (GH) releasing properties. It’s an amino acid peptide used to increase GH production. It falls in Human Growth Hormone secretagogues category. The other peptides that come under the same category are Ipamorelin, GHRP-2, and Hexarelin. GHRP-6 sends a message to the pituitary gland to begin secreting the Growth Hormone and this is the most critical function of GHRP-6. This protein peptide helps in weight loss. In most case, it also helps build lean muscles. GHRP-6 is usually used as an alternative for GHRP, as the former is known to have properties that somehow work towards increasing appetite. It also helps to minimize inflammation and aids in the healing of injury. Here, we are going to take a closer look at GHRP-6, its benefits and other details. We’ll look at a few studies conducted on this peptide, its composition and functions.
GHRP-6 or Growth Hormone Releasing Hexapeptide – 6: Product Information
- Chemical Information
GHRP-6 has a molecular mass of 873 Dalton. The molecular formula of GHRP-6 is C46H56N12O6.
- Systematic Name (IUPAC)
L-histidyl-D-tryptophyl-L-alanyl-L-tryptophyl-D-phenylalanyl-L-Lysinamide
- Pharmacokinetic and other information
The use of GHRP-6 has not been given legal approval yet or received permission for medical use as such. It’s a new compound and needs to be studied extensively. The peptide is still under medical trials. GHRP-6 hasn’t received any official approval for sale either. However, scientists believe that they can determine the effects GHRP-6 in the next few years with extensive research and findings.
A number of studies have been conducted on GHRP-6 to determine the saturation levels for usage. The peptide shows variations in the half-life duration, ranging between 15 minutes to an hour. The increase in GH levels maximizes around half an hour post the administration.
GHRP-6: The Biochemical Process
GHRP-6 is a peptide that is also referred to as the protein hormone, sends messages to the pituitary gland to start the secretion of the Growth Hormone. The process of releasing the GH is enabled by a number of synthetic secretagogues. When GH levels go up, it’s followed by an increased level of IGF-1 which is secreted by the liver. This combined action leads to the loss of fat cells. There have been instances where the usage of GHRP-6 has resulted in muscle gain as well.
The increased levels in GH and IGF-1 provide ideal body conditions for fitness trainers, athletes and for anyone else who works out and engages in any form of physical activity.
There are also instances where GHRP-6 and insulin have been used together to produce a spike in GH release, as opposed to use of GHRP-6 alone. However, if one consumes carbs or dietary fats during the phase of GH secretagogues release, then the rate of GH release is negatively impacted. So the use of GHRP-6 needs to be monitored to get the best results.
GHRP-6 and Ghrelin
The use of GHRP-6 is associated with a spike in appetite. This happens when GHRP-6 seems to imitate another peptide – Ghrelin.
Ghrelin is most times linked to insulin resistance and obesity. Though it seems that GHRP-6 copies the function of Ghrelin, it works against Ghrelin in reality. This process results in greater appetite and makes one eat more than usual. This phenomenon is great when you are in the bulking phase of bodybuilding.
However, studies show that if you consume more than 150 mcg, there will spike in appetite. This will become too much for the user and would result in him eating more than required. Therefore, one needs to monitor the dosage carefully.
If administered in the right doses, not only does GHRP-6 help in bulking, but is also known to result in increased strength and vigour.
GHRP-6, unlike most other peptides, is known to minimize inflammation and helps cure tendonitis. Also, it strengthens and increases lean muscles. These advantages make GHRP-6 a preferred peptide to increase GH levels. It gives the users the feeling of tapping into the body’s capability to get the desired results rather than using artificial agents to do the same.
GHRP-6 Handling
GHRP-6 is mostly available in small vials of 5 mg each. This comes as a lyophilized powder form and is stable at room temperature. Once diluted with specific liquids such as bacteriostatic or sterile water, they need to be refrigerated to maintain the peptide’s properties.
Related Research and Findings of GHRP-6
Many researchers have agreed that GHRP-6 increases the production of growth hormone which promote the building of lean body mass and reduce fat deposits.
Recent study, also go on to show that GHRP-6 show signs of having a neuroprotective effect. It works to aid the caspase-independent pathway which in turn aids in removal of faulty cells from the organism. GHRP-6 was shown to alter the process of glutamate-induced cell death. This goes on to show that GHRP-6 has a neuroprotective effect by blocking the pathway of caspase-independent cell death.
This peptide seems to have a lot more properties than just that of increasing GH levels. We need extensive research to shed light on what those properties are and how they’ll benefit us in future.
