Source comparison
Growth Hormone Secretagogue Peptides Compared: Research Application Comparison
Choosing the right secretagogue requires matching receptor pharmacology to research objectives. This table summarizes the functional differences that determine which compound fits which study design. GHRP-6 Moderate (8–12 ng/mL) High (+30–40%) Very High Low Ca
This comparison does not assign a generated winner or score.
- Choosing the right secretagogue requires matching receptor pharmacology to research objectives. This table summarizes the functional differences that determine which compound fits which study design.
- GHRP-6
- Moderate (8–12 ng/mL)
- High (+30–40%)
- Very High
- Low
- Cachexia models, appetite research, GH+ghrelin pathway studies
- Strong GH and ghrelin co-activation. Avoid in metabolic studies requiring controlled intake
- GHRP-2
- Moderate (10–14 ng/mL)
- Moderate (+15–25%)
- Moderate
- Mixed endocrine research, HPA axis studies
- Balanced GH and moderate HPA activation. Useful when cortisol is a study variable
- Hexarelin
- High (20–30 ng/mL)
- High (+35–50%)
- Minimal
- High (14 days)
- Acute GH peak studies, cardiovascular research
- Largest single-dose GH response but rapid desensitization limits chronic protocols
- Ipamorelin
- Moderate (10–12 ng/mL)
- Minimal (0–5%)
- Very Low
- Lean mass, lipolysis, bone density, pure GH studies
- Most selective GHS-R1a agonist. Isolates GH without cortisol or appetite confounds
- MK-677
- Sustained elevation (not pulsatile)
- Minimal (0–8%)
- Moderate (receptor sensitivity)
- Chronic IGF-1 elevation, extended body composition studies
- Highest cumulative IGF-1 but disrupts physiological GH pulsatility. Best for long-term protocols
- CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin
- High (amplifies endogenous pulses)
- Synergistic GH research, extended anabolic models
- GHRH+secretagogue synergy produces largest natural pulses without HPA activation