Hexarelin
A potent growth hormone secretagogue peptide that also has cardioprotective properties independent of GH release.
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This information is for educational purposes. Peptide therapy should be guided by a licensed healthcare provider. Connect with a Noho clinician
What is Hexarelin?
Hexarelin is a synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue that stimulates GH release through the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a). It is one of the most potent GHRP peptides and uniquely possesses cardioprotective properties independent of GH release, acting directly on cardiac tissue.
Why People Talk About It
Potent growth hormone release
ModerateCardioprotective and anti-fibrotic effects via CD36/PPARgamma
ModerateAnti-atherosclerotic effects and lipid metabolism improvement
ModerateNeuroprotective effects against oxidative stress via MAPK/PI3K-Akt
EmergingAnti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects in lung injury
EmergingMuscle growth and recovery
EmergingImproved insulin sensitivity and reduced fat accumulation
EmergingHow It Works
Hexarelin triggers a strong burst of growth hormone from the pituitary gland. Unlike other similar peptides, it also directly protects heart cells from damage, making it unique among growth hormone-releasing peptides.
Common Questions
Safety Information
Common Side Effects
Cautions
- • Rapid desensitization with continuous use — cycling recommended
- • Greater cortisol/prolactin elevation than other GHRPs
- • Stimulates HPA axis via arginine vasopressin
- • Not FDA-approved for any indication
What We Don't Know
Long-term safety of chronic GHS-R1a and CD36 activation is not fully characterized. Impact of sustained PPARgamma activation in non-cardiac tissues needs further study.
Published Research
27 studiesGrowth hormone-releasing activity of hexarelin in humans. A dose-response study
Impact of two or three daily subcutaneous injections of hexarelin, a synthetic growth hormone (GH) secretogogue, on 24-h GH, prolactin, adrenocorticotropin and cortisol secretion in humans
The cardiovascular action of hexarelin
Growth hormone-releasing activity of hexarelin, a new synthetic hexapeptide, before and during puberty
Hexarelin treatment preserves myocardial function and reduces cardiac fibrosis in a mouse model of acute myocardial infarction
Hexarelin targets neuroinflammatory pathways to preserve cardiac morphology and function in a mouse model of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion
The growth hormone secretagogue hexarelin protects rat cardiomyocytes from in vivo ischemia/reperfusion injury through interleukin-1 signaling pathway
Chronic administration of hexarelin attenuates cardiac fibrosis in the spontaneously hypertensive rat
Hexarelin suppresses cardiac fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis in rat
One dose of oral hexarelin protects chronic cardiac function after myocardial infarction
Hexarelin treatment in male ghrelin knockout mice after myocardial infarction
Hexarelin protects cardiac H9C2 cells from angiotensin II-induced hypertrophy via the regulation of autophagy
Modulation of PTEN by hexarelin attenuates coronary artery ligation-induced heart failure in rats
Hexarelin attenuates atherosclerosis via inhibiting LOX-1-NF-κB signaling pathway-mediated macrophage ox-LDL uptake in ApoE(-/-) mice
Hexarelin suppresses high lipid diet and vitamin D3-induced atherosclerosis in the rat
Implications of ghrelin and hexarelin in diabetes and diabetes-associated heart diseases
Improvement of cardiomyocyte function by in vivo hexarelin treatment in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Stimulation of endogenous pulsatile growth hormone secretion by activation of growth hormone secretagogue receptor reduces fat accumulation and improves insulin sensitivity in obese mice
Hexarelin modulation of MAPK and PI3K/Akt pathways in Neuro-2A cells inhibits hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptotic toxicity
Protective effects of hexarelin and JMV2894 in a human neuroblastoma cell line expressing the SOD1-G93A mutated protein
Growth hormone-releasing peptide hexarelin reduces neonatal brain injury and alters Akt/glycogen synthase kinase-3beta phosphorylation
Proliferative and protective effects of growth hormone secretagogues on adult rat hippocampal progenitor cells
Hexarelin modulates lung mechanics, inflammation, and fibrosis in acute lung injury
Short-term administration of intranasal or oral hexarelin does not desensitize the growth hormone responsiveness in human aging
Growth hormone-releasing peptides (review of hexarelin and GHRPs)
Growth hormone secretagogues preserve the electrophysiological properties of mouse cardiomyocytes isolated from in vitro ischemia/reperfusion heart
Using synchrotron radiation imaging techniques to elucidate the actions of hexarelin in the heart of small animal models
Always consult a qualified clinician
This information is for educational purposes. Peptide therapy should be guided by a licensed healthcare provider. Connect with a Noho clinician
Related Peptides
Ipamorelin
ModerateBeginnerA selective growth hormone secretagogue that stimulates GH release without significantly affecting cortisol or prolactin.
GHRP-6
ModerateA synthetic growth hormone secretagogue known for potent GH release and significant appetite stimulation through ghrelin receptor activation.
MK-677
ModerateAn orally active growth hormone secretagogue that mimics ghrelin to stimulate GH and IGF-1 release.
Quick Facts
- Class
- Growth Hormone Secretagogue
- Evidence
- Moderate
- Safety
- Moderate Data
- Updated
- Mar 2026
- Citations
- 27PubMed
Also known as
Tags
Related Goals
Evidence Score
Clinical Trials
View Clinical TrialsLinks to ClinicalTrials.gov for reference. Listing does not imply endorsement.
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