Hexarelin

Growth Hormone Releasing Hexapeptide

Half-life: ~1–2 hours

ExamorelinGHRP-His-D2Nal

Research Profile

Research Depth

Potency

Half-Life Score

Selectivity

Stability

Relative research assessments — educational reference only.

Target Receptors

GHSR-1aCD36 (cardiac)ACTH/cortisol axis

Critical Research Warning

For educational reference only. Cortisol and prolactin elevation may be undesirable in many research contexts. Not suitable for protocols requiring isolated GH evaluation.

PeptidePlaza Entry #015

"A potent six-amino acid growth hormone secretagogue. Among the strongest GHRPs studied, but notable for also elevating cortisol and prolactin — making it useful for studying GH axis effects with concurrent stress-hormone activation."

Full Description

Hexarelin is a synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue (GHS) and one of the most potent GHSR-1a agonists studied. It produces significantly greater GH release than GHRP-2 or GHRP-6 at equivalent doses. Unlike the highly selective Ipamorelin, Hexarelin also activates ACTH/cortisol and prolactin pathways. Research has also identified cardioprotective effects independent of GH — Hexarelin binds CD36 receptors in cardiac tissue, reducing ischemic damage. This dual GHS/cardiac receptor activity makes it a unique research compound.

Mechanism of Action

Potent GHSR-1a agonism drives GH release; also activates ACTH, cortisol, and prolactin pathways (non-selective). Separate cardioprotective mechanism via CD36 receptor binding in myocardial tissue — GH-independent.

Reported Benefits

• Most potent GH secretagogue among GHRPs studied
• Cardioprotective effects via CD36 receptor (GH-independent)
• Strong appetite stimulation for anabolic research protocols

Potential Side Effects

• Cortisol and prolactin elevation (non-selective HPA axis activation)
• Water retention and mild edema
• Appetite increase (ghrelin receptor activation)

Frequently Asked Questions

Why would researchers choose Hexarelin over Ipamorelin?▼

Hexarelin is chosen when studying the combined GH + cortisol + prolactin axis, or when exploring its unique CD36-mediated cardioprotective effects. Ipamorelin is preferred for isolated GH axis research without stress hormone interference.

What are the cardiprotective effects of Hexarelin?▼

Independent of GH release, Hexarelin binds the CD36 scavenger receptor on cardiac cells, reducing damage from ischemia-reperfusion injury by 30–40% in animal models. This dual mechanism makes it unique among GHSRs.

For Research Reference Only

Not medical advice. Peptides may be regulated or restricted in your jurisdiction.

References

1.Hexarelin promotes the survival of retinal ganglion cells after optic nerve transection. PubMed (2026). Chow KBS, et al.. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41766237/ ↑
2.Hexarelin alleviates apoptosis on ischemic acute kidney injury via MDM2/p53 pathway. PubMed (2023). Guan C, et al.. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37710348/ ↑
3.Protective Effects of Hexarelin and JMV2894 in a Human Neuroblastoma Cell Line Expressing the SOD1-G93A Mutated Protein. PubMed (2023). Meanti R, et al.. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36674509/ ↑
4.Using Synchrotron Radiation Imaging Techniques to Elucidate the Actions of Hexarelin in the Heart of Small Animal Models. PubMed (2021). Waddingham MT, et al.. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35126171/ ↑

Where to Source Hexarelin

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