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Hexarelin

Growth HormoneResearch-Grade

Last reviewed: July 21, 2026

Quick Facts

What it is
A lab-made 2-methyl-Trp GHRP analog — the most potent acute growth-hormone releaser of the class, with additional CD36-mediated cardiac effects independent of GH. Its GH response desensitizes with continuous use, so it is cycled.
How it's taken
Subcutaneous injection on an empty stomach
Half-life
~30–70 minutes
Typical research dose
100–200 mcg, one to three times daily, cycled rather than continuous
Research status
Not FDA-approved — research use only. WADA-prohibited (S2).
On this page
  1. 1.What is Hexarelin?
  2. 2.How does Hexarelin work?
  3. 3.What is Hexarelin used for?
  4. 4.How long does Hexarelin take to work?
  5. 5.How is Hexarelin dosed?
  6. 6.How is Hexarelin administered?
  7. 7.What does Hexarelin stack well with?
  8. 8.What are the side effects of Hexarelin?
  9. 9.Does Hexarelin interact with other drugs?
  10. 10.How should Hexarelin be stored?
  11. 11.What are the limitations of Hexarelin research?
  12. 12.Where to source Hexarelin
  13. 13.Hexarelin FAQ
  14. 14.References
  15. 15.Published Studies

What is Hexarelin?

Hexarelin (examorelin, or hexarelin acetate; His-D-2-methyl-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) is a potent synthetic hexapeptide growth-hormone secretagogue — a methylated, more stable analog of the original GHRP-6. It activates the ghrelin receptor (GHSR-1a) to release a strong GH pulse, but its distinctive feature is a second receptor: hexarelin also binds CD36 in the heart and vasculature, giving it cardioprotective effects in animal models that appear largely independent of GH. Two caveats define its practical use: the GH response desensitizes with continuous dosing (so it is cycled), and its cardiac research — while genuinely interesting — is preclinical. Like GHRP-2, it is not fully GH-selective. New to peptide research? Start with the basics →

Reported benefits:

  • Potent pulsatile GH release via the ghrelin receptor (most potent of the classic GHRPs)
  • Distinctive CD36-mediated cardioprotective effects in animal models, largely GH-independent
  • Raises IGF-1 downstream of GH; supports lean mass (extrapolated)
  • Synergizes with GHRH analogs (CJC-1295/sermorelin) for a larger GH pulse
  • Caveat: GH response desensitizes with continuous use — must be cycled
  • Caveat: not GH-selective (modest cortisol/prolactin); cardiac data is preclinical

Common research dose: Most protocols use 100–200 mcg subcutaneously, 1–3 times daily, on an empty stomach — cycled rather than continuous because of desensitization. Beyond ~1–2 mcg/kg, extra dose adds cortisol, not GH.

Where to buy: PP maintains a vetted list of peptide vendors with verified discount codes. See Verified Discount Codes → for current options.

How does Hexarelin work?

Hexarelin is a potent synthetic hexapeptide GH secretagogue — a methylated analog of GHRP-6 built for greater potency and stability. It has two targets: the ghrelin receptor (GHSR-1a) on the pituitary, which drives GH release, and the CD36 scavenger receptor in the heart and vasculature, which underlies its cardiovascular effects independent of GH. Its GH response desensitizes with continuous use.

  1. GHSR-1a receptor activation [3]. Hexarelin (His-D-2-methyl-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) binds the ghrelin receptor on pituitary somatotrophs, triggering a pulse of GH via the Gq/PLC calcium pathway. The 2-methyl-tryptophan modification makes it more potent and more metabolically stable than the parent GHRP-6 [3].
  2. CD36 receptor / cardiac action [1][2]. Uniquely among the common GHRPs, hexarelin also binds CD36 — a scavenger receptor expressed in cardiomyocytes and microvascular endothelium. Through CD36 it produces cardiovascular effects (changes in coronary perfusion, improved post-infarction left-ventricular function) that are largely independent of GH release [1][2].
  3. Somatostatin suppression + GHRH synergy. Like other GHRPs, hexarelin blunts somatostatin and synergizes with GHRH-class peptides (different receptor), producing a larger combined GH pulse.
  4. Desensitization. Continuous daily dosing attenuates the GH response over days to weeks — hexarelin desensitizes the pituitary more readily than the other common GHRPs, which is why it is typically cycled.
  5. Partial selectivity. Hexarelin raises cortisol, prolactin, and ACTH modestly (more than ipamorelin); its appetite effect is present but generally milder than GHRP-6.

What is Hexarelin used for?

Hexarelin's research splits into two threads: GH stimulation (potent, but limited by desensitization) and a distinctive cardiovascular line of work via CD36 that is largely GH-independent. The cardiac research is preclinical and was not carried to approval. Body-composition uses are extrapolated from GH physiology. It is not FDA-approved.

  1. Potent GH stimulation [3][4]. Hexarelin is among the most potent acute GH releasers of the GHRP class, though the effect attenuates with continuous dosing.
  2. Cardioprotection via CD36 [1][2]. In animal models, hexarelin improves left-ventricular function after myocardial infarction and modulates coronary perfusion — effects mediated substantially by CD36 rather than GH. This is hexarelin's distinctive research area.
  3. IGF-1 and body composition (extrapolated). GH-driven IGF-1 elevation supports lean mass and fat loss in principle; controlled long-term hexarelin trials are lacking.
  4. Cytoprotective signals. Broader tissue-protective effects have been reported in preclinical GHRP research, with hexarelin's cardiac data the most developed example.
  5. Limited long-term human data [4]. The class review notes sparse controlled long-term human efficacy and safety data; desensitization further limits sustained GH use.

How long does Hexarelin take to work?

Hexarelin produces a strong, fast GH pulse, but the GH response wanes with continuous use. The pulse appears within roughly 15–60 minutes of a dose; IGF-1 rises over days, but sustained daily dosing leads to desensitization within days to weeks.

The GH pulse is fast and potent — within about 15–60 minutes of a subcutaneous dose. IGF-1 rises over days of consistent dosing. The important caveat unique to hexarelin is desensitization: with continuous daily dosing the GH response attenuates over days to weeks, so many protocols cycle hexarelin (on/off) or use it intermittently rather than continuously. Cardiovascular effects seen in animal models develop over the dosing period and are studied separately from the GH response. Plasma half-life is short (roughly 30–70 minutes).

How is Hexarelin dosed?

Hexarelin is given by subcutaneous injection, commonly 100–200 mcg per dose, once to three times daily, on an empty stomach. Because of desensitization, it is usually cycled (e.g. shorter blocks with breaks) rather than run continuously, and is often paired with a GHRH analog.

  1. Standard dose. 100–200 mcg subcutaneously per injection, on an empty stomach.
  2. Bedtime dosing. A single dose 30–60 minutes before sleep aligns with the natural overnight GH peak.
  3. Cycle to limit desensitization. Hexarelin desensitizes faster than other GHRPs — shorter blocks (e.g. a few weeks) with breaks, or intermittent use, preserve the GH response.
  4. Saturation caveat. Beyond roughly 1–2 mcg/kg, extra dose mostly adds cortisol/prolactin, not GH.
  5. Cardiovascular research dosing. The CD36/cardiac literature uses its own model-specific dosing and is not a human protocol.

For GH purposes, hexarelin is stacked with CJC-1295 (different receptor, synergistic pulse); the pre-blended GH Stack uses this principle with ipamorelin.

Need to calculate your dose? Convert mg to syringe units and plan reconstitution with the dosage calculator →.

How is Hexarelin administered?

Hexarelin is given as a subcutaneous injection using a small insulin syringe, on an empty stomach so food-driven insulin does not blunt the GH response. Because of desensitization, it is typically cycled. For syringe mechanics and units-vs-mcg conversion, see the syringes and injection technique guide.

  1. Route. Subcutaneous injection. Common sites: abdomen, thigh, upper arm.
  2. Time of day. Bedtime is common; empty stomach in all cases.
  3. With or without food. Empty stomach required (2+ hours after eating, ~30 min before next meal) — insulin blunts GH release.
  4. Cycle to preserve response. Continuous daily use desensitizes the GH pathway; shorter blocks with breaks maintain effect.
  5. Site rotation. Rotate sites each injection; stay at least 1 inch from the previous site.
  6. Missed dose. Skip and resume the next scheduled dose; do not double up.
  7. Cycle structure. Intermittent / cycled use rather than continuous, specifically because of desensitization.

Timing context. Hexarelin's short half-life makes each dose a discrete, potent GH pulse — but its defining practical variable is desensitization. Unlike the other GHRPs, running hexarelin continuously blunts its own GH effect, so cycling is not optional for sustained results. Empty-stomach timing still matters for each pulse.

AspectRecommendation
Frequency1–3× daily during a cycled block
Best time of dayBedtime preferred — aligns with the natural overnight GH peak
FoodEmpty stomach required — 2+ hours after eating, 30+ min before next meal
Injection site rotationRotate between abdomen, thigh, upper arm
Half-life~30–70 minutes (plasma)
Steady-statePer-pulse effect that desensitizes with continuous use — cycle to maintain the GH response

Reconstitution math. Hexarelin research vials are typically 5 mg. Because doses are small (100–200 mcg), 2 mL or 3 mL reconstitution gives more precise unit draws. All units below are measured on a U-100 insulin syringe (100 units = 1 mL). The table assumes a 5 mg vial.

BAC waterConcentration100 mcg dose150 mcg dose200 mcg dose300 mcg dose
1 mL5 mg/mL2 units3 units4 units6 units
2 mL2.5 mg/mL4 units6 units8 units12 units
3 mL1.67 mg/mL6 units9 units12 units18 units

Units vs mcg. At a 5 mg vial, each unit delivers 50 mcg at 1 mL reconstitution, 25 mcg at 2 mL, and 16.7 mcg at 3 mL. For a primer on reading insulin syringes, see our guide on syringes and injection technique.

What does Hexarelin stack well with?

For GH, hexarelin's canonical pairing is a GHRH analog (CJC-1295 or sermorelin) — different receptor, synergistic pulse. It does NOT stack usefully with other ghrelin-receptor agonists (GHRP-2, GHRP-6, ipamorelin, MK-677). Because of desensitization, cycling matters more than stacking.

  1. CJC-1295 / sermorelin (GHRH analogs). CJC-1295 or Sermorelin add a second receptor pathway for a larger GH pulse. The GH Stack uses this principle.
  2. Recovery peptides. BPC-157 and TB-500 pair cleanly for tissue repair during a GH-driven block.
  3. Avoid: other ghrelin-receptor agonists. GHRP-2, GHRP-6, Ipamorelin, and MK-677 hit the same receptor — combining is redundant.
  4. Cycling > stacking. Because hexarelin desensitizes, managing on/off timing does more for sustained results than adding compounds.

What are the side effects of Hexarelin?

Hexarelin shares the GHRP side-effect profile — mild injection-site reactions, some appetite, and GH-related water retention — plus a modest cortisol/prolactin rise (it is not GH-selective). Its two distinctive considerations are desensitization of the GH response and, on the cardiovascular side, effects that are still being characterized preclinically. Long-term human safety data is limited.

Common (most users)

  1. Injection-site reactions. Mild redness or irritation, usually brief.
  2. Mild appetite increase. Present but generally milder than GHRP-6.
  3. Water retention / tingling. GH-related; often eases with lower doses.

Less common (moderate)

  1. Waning GH response (desensitization). With continuous use, the GH effect fades — a functional limitation more than a toxicity.
  2. Cortisol / prolactin rise. Modest; more than ipamorelin.
  3. Reduced insulin sensitivity. Sustained GH elevation can modestly raise fasting glucose.

Serious (rare)

  1. Cardiovascular effects are not fully characterized in humans. Hexarelin's CD36-mediated cardiac actions are mostly preclinical; long-term human cardiovascular safety is not established.
  2. Theoretical tumor-growth risk. GH/IGF-1 elevation could accelerate a pre-existing malignancy; contraindicated with active cancer.

Hexarelin's desensitization means it is best used cycled rather than continuously. Its cardiovascular research is genuinely interesting but preclinical — it should not be read as evidence of a proven human cardiac benefit. Monitor IGF-1 and glucose with sustained use.

Does Hexarelin interact with other drugs?

Hexarelin's interactions are mainly redundancy with other ghrelin-receptor agonists and blunting by insulin/steroids. Its CD36 activity introduces a theoretical cardiovascular-drug consideration that is not well characterized. No major pharmacokinetic drug-drug interactions are reported.

  1. Insulin and corticosteroids. Both blunt GH release; time dosing away from meals and steroid administration.
  2. Other ghrelin-receptor agonists (GHRP-2, GHRP-6, ipamorelin, MK-677). Redundant via the same receptor; no additive GH benefit.
  3. Cardiovascular medications. Given hexarelin's CD36-mediated cardiac activity, caution is reasonable alongside cardiovascular drugs — though this interaction is theoretical and not well studied.
  4. Direct human growth hormone (HGH). Generally unnecessary to combine — hexarelin stimulates endogenous GH; exogenous HGH bypasses regulatory feedback.

How should Hexarelin be stored?

  1. Lyophilized (powder) form: Store at -20°C for long-term storage; refrigerate at 2–8°C for short-term.
  2. Reconstituted solution: Store at 2–8°C; use within 28–30 days.
  3. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water for injection (BAC water). Swirl gently — do not shake.
  4. Never freeze reconstituted solution.
  5. Protect from light. Store in original carton.
  6. Discard if cloudy, discolored, or contains particles.

What are the limitations of Hexarelin research?

Hexarelin is a potent GHRP with a distinctive but preclinical cardiovascular research profile. It is not FDA-approved for any use; its GH utility is limited by desensitization, and its cardiac effects have not been established in controlled human trials. It is WADA-prohibited in sport.

Hexarelin is not FDA-approved for any therapeutic use. Its GH-releasing potency is real, but continuous use desensitizes the response — a functional ceiling that distinguishes it from the other GHRPs.

Its most distinctive research — CD36-mediated cardioprotection independent of GH — is compelling but almost entirely preclinical (rodent models). It should not be read as evidence of a proven cardiovascular benefit in people; controlled human cardiovascular trials do not exist.

The World Anti-Doping Agency prohibits hexarelin in sport under Section S2 (peptide hormones/secretagogues). Research-grade material is sold for laboratory use only and is not approved for human consumption.

Where to source Hexarelin

Hexarelin is sold only as a research-grade peptide. The vendors highlighted below have been vetted for transparent third-party testing, traceable batch documentation, and verified discount codes.

Amino Club20% off
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Hexarelin FAQ

How is Hexarelin different from GHRP-2, GHRP-6, and Ipamorelin?

Hexarelin is the most potent acute GH releaser of the group and is unusually stable (a methylated tryptophan resists breakdown). Its distinctive feature is a second target: hexarelin also binds the CD36 receptor in the heart and blood vessels, giving it cardiovascular effects the other GHRPs do not share. The trade-off is desensitization — its GH response fades with continuous daily use faster than GHRP-2, GHRP-6, or the selective Ipamorelin.

What is the CD36 / cardiac research about?

Beyond the ghrelin receptor, hexarelin binds CD36 — a scavenger receptor expressed in cardiomyocytes and the vasculature. Through CD36, hexarelin shows cardioprotective effects in animal models (improved left-ventricular function after myocardial infarction, altered coronary perfusion) that appear largely independent of growth hormone. This is the main reason hexarelin is studied differently from the other GHRPs, though the work is preclinical and was not carried to approval.

Why does the GH effect fade over time?

Continuous daily hexarelin dosing desensitizes the GH response — the pituitary becomes less responsive and GH release attenuates over days to weeks. This receptor desensitization is more pronounced with hexarelin than with the other common GHRPs and is why research protocols typically cycle it or use it intermittently rather than continuously.

Does Hexarelin raise cortisol?

Yes, modestly — like GHRP-2 and GHRP-6, hexarelin is not fully GH-selective and produces some cortisol, prolactin, and ACTH response (more than ipamorelin). Its appetite effect is present but generally less than GHRP-6.

Should I stack Hexarelin with CJC-1295?

Yes for GH purposes — a GHRH analog such as CJC-1295 activates a different receptor and synergizes with hexarelin's ghrelin-receptor action. Stacking hexarelin with another ghrelin-receptor agonist (GHRP-2, GHRP-6, ipamorelin, MK-677) is redundant. Because of desensitization, hexarelin is often cycled rather than run continuously.

Where can I buy Hexarelin?

Hexarelin is sold by specialty research-peptide vendors. PP maintains a list of vetted vendors with verified discount codes — see Verified Discount Codes →.

References

  1. Bodart V, Febbraio M, Demers A, et al. CD36 mediates the cardiovascular action of growth hormone-releasing peptides in the heart. Circ Res. 2002;90(8):844-9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11988484/
  2. Tivesten A, Bollano E, Caidahl K, et al. The growth hormone secretagogue hexarelin improves cardiac function in rats after experimental myocardial infarction. Endocrinology. 2000;141(1):60-6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10614623/
  3. Bowers CY, Momany FA, Reynolds GA, Hong A. On the in vitro and in vivo activity of a new synthetic hexapeptide that acts on the pituitary to specifically release growth hormone. Endocrinology. 1984;114(5):1537-45. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6714155/
  4. Sigalos JT, Pastuszak AW. The Safety and Efficacy of Growth Hormone Secretagogues. Sex Med Rev. 2018;6(1):45-53. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28400207/

Published Studies

Plain-English summaries of the peer-reviewed studies behind the claims above. Click any title to read the source paper.

Circ Res / PubMed · 2002Abstract open
CD36 mediates the cardiovascular action of growth hormone-releasing peptides in the heart →

Bodart V, Febbraio M, Demers A, et al.

The key mechanistic study showing hexarelin's cardiovascular effects run through CD36 — a scavenger receptor in cardiomyocytes and microvascular endothelium — rather than through the growth-hormone-secretagogue receptor. Using CD36-null mice and genetically deficient rats, the authors demonstrated that hexarelin's dose-dependent change in coronary perfusion pressure requires CD36, establishing the second, GH-independent target that sets hexarelin apart from the other GHRPs.

Endocrinology / PubMed · 2000Abstract open
The growth hormone secretagogue hexarelin improves cardiac function in rats after experimental myocardial infarction →

Tivesten A, Bollano E, Caidahl K, et al.

A preclinical study showing hexarelin improved cardiac function and decreased peripheral resistance in rats after myocardial infarction — to an extent similar to growth hormone itself. It is a central piece of the evidence that hexarelin has cardioprotective activity, and (read alongside the CD36 work) that a meaningful part of this action does not depend on GH release.

Endocrinology / PubMed · 1984Abstract open
On the in vitro and in vivo activity of a new synthetic hexapeptide that acts on the pituitary to specifically release growth hormone →

Bowers CY, Momany FA, Reynolds GA, Hong A

The founding GHRP paper (GHRP-6). Hexarelin is a later, methylated analog of this original hexapeptide, engineered for greater potency and metabolic stability — so this study is the class ancestor from which hexarelin's GH-releasing action derives.

Sex Med Rev / PubMed · 2018Open Access
The Safety and Efficacy of Growth Hormone Secretagogues →

Sigalos JT, Pastuszak AW

A clinical review of the GH-secretagogue class. It situates hexarelin as a potent but desensitization-prone GHRP and notes the thin long-term human data across the class — an evidence-honest anchor for separating hexarelin's real (largely preclinical) cardiac research from marketing claims.

Growth HormoneGHRPCD36 / CardiacResearch-Grade

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For educational and research purposes only. Not medical advice. Not for human use.