Hexarelin

Hexarelin is a synthetic hexapeptide ghrelin receptor agonist that produces the strongest growth hormone release of any compound in the GHRP class. It is also distinct from other GHRPs in producing direct cardioprotective effects mediated by CD36 receptor binding, separate from the GH axis. Hexarelin is not approved for any medical indication and is sold as a research-use-only compound by third-party laboratories.

What is hexarelin and how does the dual GHRP/cardiac mechanism work?

Hexarelin is a synthetic hexapeptide (His-D-2-methyl-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH₂) that binds the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) to produce strong dose-dependent GH release, and separately binds CD36 receptors on cardiac tissue to produce direct cardioprotective effects independent of the GH axis. The dual mechanism distinguishes hexarelin from other GHRPs like ipamorelin, GHRP-2, and GHRP-6. Half-life is approximately 70 minutes.

Evidence level: human Phase 1/2 (cardiac and growth indications); preclinical cardiac mechanism extensive

What does the research show for hexarelin?

Hexarelin produces the strongest single-dose GH response of any GHRP in human and preclinical studies — meaningfully exceeding GHRP-2, GHRP-6, and ipamorelin. Phase 1/2 trials have explored hexarelin in growth hormone deficiency and cardiac protection (post-MI cardioprotection, heart failure). The cardiac mechanism is mediated by CD36 receptor binding and is independent of GH release. No Phase 3 approval has been achieved in any indication.

Evidence level: phase 1/2 human (growth and cardiac); no Phase 3 approval

How does hexarelin compare to other GHRPs?

Hexarelin is the highest-potency GHRP for GH release but with the most pronounced cortisol/prolactin elevation in the class. The cardioprotective mechanism is unique. Repeated administration produces faster GHRP-receptor desensitization than seen with less potent GHRPs, which constrains long-duration research protocols.

What are the documented side effects of hexarelin?

Hexarelin produces the most pronounced cortisol and prolactin elevation among GHRPs, alongside the strongest GH response. Side effects in Phase 1/2 trials include injection-site reactions, transient flushing, mild headache, and the cortisol/prolactin signal. Receptor desensitization with repeated administration is more pronounced than with other GHRPs. Long-term safety in humans at sustained research-use dosing is not well-characterized.

Source: Effects of GHRP-2 and hexarelin, two synthetic GH-releasing peptides, on GH, prolactin, ACTH and cortisol levels in man. Comparison with the effects of GHRH, TRH and hCRH, Arvat E., di Vito L., et al., Peptides, 1997 · Evidence level: phase 1/2 human safety; long-term unestablished

What is the regulatory status of hexarelin?

Hexarelin is not approved for any medical indication anywhere in the world as of August 2026. Phase 1/2 work in growth and cardiac indications has not advanced to Phase 3 approval. It is sold strictly as a research-use-only compound by third-party laboratories. Regulatory context in are peptides legal regulatory status by country.

Why does hexarelin vendor verification matter?

Hexarelin shares its hexapeptide GHS family with GHRP-2 and GHRP-6, and mislabeling occurs in the research-grade market. Independent HPLC purity testing and mass spectrometry identity confirmation (expected MW 887.0 Da) are the meaningful purity signals. The structural distinction (D-2-methyl-Trp at position 2 versus D-β-Nal in GHRP-2) requires mass-spec-level identity verification. Guidance in how-to-test-peptides hub.

How does Peptigrity verify hexarelin vendors?

Peptigrity collects independent third-party Certificates of Analysis for hexarelin from shops' official channels and verifies each for authenticity before publishing. Because shops choose which COAs to publish, results reflect the batches shops have made public rather than every production batch — a selection bias we state openly. A community-funded Testing Grant to purchase and test vials anonymously is in development. Tests in the database come from independent labs such as Janoshik Analytical, Freedom Diagnostics, and Chromate. Methodology in how we calculate trust scores.

Frequently asked questions

Why is hexarelin researched for cardiac protection?

Hexarelin binds CD36 receptors on cardiac tissue independently of the GH axis, producing direct cardioprotective effects in preclinical and Phase 1/2 cardiac models. This mechanism is unique among GHRPs — ipamorelin, GHRP-2, and GHRP-6 do not show the same cardiac receptor binding profile. The cardiac indication has not advanced to Phase 3 approval.

Is hexarelin legal to purchase?

Hexarelin is legal to purchase as a research chemical for laboratory use in most jurisdictions, but it is not approved for human consumption. Country breakdown in peptide legal status guide.

Why does hexarelin produce more cortisol than other GHRPs?

Hexarelin's strong ghrelin-receptor binding extends to hypothalamic and adrenal axes that more selective GHRPs (especially ipamorelin) avoid. The trade-off is fundamental to the receptor binding profile — higher GH-release potency comes with greater stress-axis engagement. Buyers seeking clean GH-release without cortisol effects typically choose ipamorelin.

Sources: Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue, Raun K., Hansen B.S., Johansen N.L., Thøgersen H., Madsen K., Ankersen M., Andersen P.H., Eur J Endocrinol, 1998; Effects of GHRP-2 and hexarelin, two synthetic GH-releasing peptides, on GH, prolactin, ACTH and cortisol levels in man. Comparison with the effects of GHRH, TRH and hCRH, Arvat E., di Vito L., et al., Peptides, 1997

Does hexarelin show up on a drug test?

Yes. Hexarelin is prohibited at all times by the World Anti-Doping Agency, which names it explicitly among the growth-hormone-releasing peptides under Section S2.2.4 of the Prohibited List. For drug-testing context, see do peptides show up on drug tests.

Source: WADA Prohibited List (current year)

How can I verify a hexarelin vendor is selling real product?

Independent third-party HPLC certificate of analysis from a lab the vendor does not own or pay, with mass spectrometry identity confirmation (expected MW 887.0 Da). Mass spec is essential to distinguish hexarelin from GHRP-2 (MW 817.0). COA interpretation in red flags in peptide certificates of analysis.

Does Peptigrity recommend a hexarelin dose?

No. Hexarelin is not approved for human consumption and Peptigrity is an independent review platform, not a medical authority. Research-use dosing in community protocols varies. Anyone considering use should consult a licensed physician.

This section is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Hexarelin is not approved by the FDA or any other regulator for human use. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any peptide or research compound. Peptigrity is an independent review platform and does not sell, endorse, or recommend specific products or vendors.