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Hexarelin

peptide · headlineResearch use only

Binds to ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a)

Summary

Hexarelin is a potent growth hormone secretagogue peptide that stimulates GH release via ghrelin receptor binding. It is studied in animal models and human research for its robust GH stimulation and potential cardiovascular effects. Although effective, long-term continuous use may lead to GH axis desensitization.

How it works

  • Binds to ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a)
  • Stimulates release of growth hormone from the anterior pituitary
  • Activates GH-dependent anabolic and lipolytic pathways

Dosing

  • unit: mcg
    low dose: 0.5
    frequency: Daily
    high dose: 2
    standard dose: 1
    administration route: Subcutaneous (SQ)
  • unit: mcg
    low dose: 1
    frequency: Twice daily
    high dose: 3
    standard dose: 1.5
    administration route: Intramuscular (IM)

Cycling

  • Administer daily or 5 days on, 2 days off. Cycle for 8–12 weeks with equal time off to prevent desensitization.
  • Inject 1–2x daily, especially post-workout. Limit cycle to 6–10 weeks followed by GH recovery phase.

Side effects

common: ["Injection site irritation","Mild headache","Increased appetite"]
warnings: ["Potential increase in prolactin and cortisol at high doses","Monitor for GH desensitization during prolonged use"]
long term: ["May reduce endogenous GH response with long-term continuous use"]

Chemistry & PK

sequence: H-Aib-His-D-2-Nal-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-2-Nal-Arg-Lys
half life: 0.5–1 hour
degradation: Primarily metabolized in the liver and kidneys.
molecular weight: 887.04
molecular formula: C47H58N12O6
tissue specificity: Affects pituitary, skeletal muscle, and adipose tissue.

Verified citations

2 · PubMed-checked
  • The GH Secretagogue Hexarelin Protects Rat Cardiomyocytes From Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury.preclinicalPMID 28321024
  • The Safety and Efficacy of Growth Hormone Secretagogues.reviewPMID 28400207

Used for

No condition evidence rows yet.

Legal / compounding

Research use only

Legal status is a hard gate: non-compoundable or delisted agents cannot be filled and are blocked from protocol export. Keep 503A status current.