Description
Hexarelin is a synthetic hexapeptide and is among the most potent compounds in the GH secretagogue class. Structurally it is a modified analog of GHRP-6 with a 2-methyl tryptophan substitution that increases binding affinity to the ghrelin receptor (GHSR-1a) and to CD36. This structural property makes hexarelin a distinct research tool within the GHRP family.
The central research mechanism lies in the high potency of GH secretion stimulation. In preclinical studies, hexarelin shows GH level increases that exceed other GHRPs. A particularity of hexarelin: binding to the CD36 receptor in cardiac tissue, distinguishing hexarelin from other GHRPs and associated in research literature with cardioprotective effects in preclinical models.
The research data on hexarelin encompasses both GH secretion studies and cardiovascular research. In animal models, hexarelin has been associated with effects on myocardial repair, reduction of cardiac apoptosis and modulation of cardiac remodeling processes. This dual activity axis (GH plus CD36) makes hexarelin a mechanistically interesting compound.
With a half-life of approximately 60 minutes, it is somewhat longer than other GHRPs, making research application somewhat less frequent. In modern study designs, hexarelin is frequently used in cardiovascular-focused setups.
Hexarelin is available in 5mg vials as 10-vial packs.
This information is for research and educational purposes only. No medical recommendations.
Risks & Safety
Hexarelin is considered well tolerated per study reports. As a highly potent ghrelin receptor agonist, the compound stimulates the body’s own GH secretion and additionally binds to the CD36 receptor in cardiac tissue.
Observed in research and user reports:
- Injection site: mild redness, pressure or transient irritation at the injection site is the most common observation with subcutaneous use.
- GH-typical effects: as is common with GH secretagogues, the literature describes transient water retention as well as numbness or tingling in the hands (carpal-tunnel-type symptoms), usually dose-dependent and reversible.
- Cortisol and prolactin: as a non-selective GHRP, Hexarelin shows a moderate elevation of cortisol and prolactin in studies, as well as increased hunger perception.
- Possible desensitization: the literature discusses a comparatively rapid attenuation of the GH response with continuous use of Hexarelin.
- No long-term data: robust long-term human studies for research use do not exist. The profile rests primarily on short-term studies and anecdotal experience.
This classification does not replace medical advice. Risk and responsibility for any actual use lie entirely with the buyer.
Studies
- Growth hormone-releasing activity of hexarelin, a new synthetic hexapeptide, after intravenous, subcutaneous, intranasal, and oral administration in man - Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 1994: In 12 healthy volunteers, intravenous hexarelin released about twice as much GH as GHRH. Bioavailability was 77% subcutaneously, 4.8% intranasally and 0.3% orally.
- Growth hormone status during long-term hexarelin therapy - Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 1998: Sixteen weeks of twice-daily dosing led to a partial attenuation of the GH response that was reversible 4 weeks after stopping, while IGF-1 and body composition did not change.
- Growth hormone-independent cardioprotective effects of hexarelin in the rat - Endocrinology 1999: In hypophysectomized rats, hexarelin prevented the worsening of cardiac function after ischemia and reperfusion, i.e. independently of GH and probably through specific cardiac receptors.
- CD36 mediates the cardiovascular action of growth hormone-releasing peptides in the heart - Circulation Research 2002: Identifies CD36 as the binding protein for hexarelin in the heart: in perfused hearts, hexarelin raised coronary perfusion pressure dose-dependently, an effect absent in animals lacking CD36.
