Hexarelin binds to ghrelin/GHS-R1a receptors on pituitary somatotroph cells, triggering potent growth hormone release. Additionally, it binds CD36 receptors in cardiac tissue independent of the GH pathway, where it has been studied for protective effects against fibrosis and ischemia-reperfusion injury in research models.
Research Use Only
Hexarelin — Potent Growth Hormone Secretagogue
A synthetic hexapeptide and one of the most potent growth hormone-releasing peptides studied, with additional cardioprotective properties via CD36 receptor binding.
Growth HormoneCardioprotectiveMuscle Growth
CAS 140703-51-1 • 887.04 g/mol • Prepared for research use • Per research workflow
Hexarelin Structure
Reference identifiers are batch-specific for coded materials and are documented on the lot COA/SDS rather than inferred or estimated.
Mechanism of Action
Hexarelin Overview
Hexarelin is a synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue that activates the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a). Among the growth hormone-releasing peptides studied, hexarelin has demonstrated some of the most potent GH-releasing activity in preclinical and clinical research models. Unlike GHRP-6, hexarelin produces less appetite stimulation while maintaining robust GH secretion. Research has also studied cardioprotective activity independent of growth hormone release — hexarelin binds cardiac receptors (CD36) and has been studied for its effects on cardiac fibrosis and ischemia-reperfusion injury. These dual mechanisms of action — pituitary GH release and direct cardiac receptor activity — make hexarelin a compound of significant interest in both endocrine and cardiovascular research. For research use only. Not intended for human consumption.
Purity & Testing
Hexarelin is listed as 5mg lyophilized vial. Catalog identity: CAS 140703-51-1; formula C47H58N12O6; molecular weight 887.04 g/mol. The lot COA for Hexarelin is available in your account. Finnrick Analytical performs HPLC purity analysis and mass spectrometry identity confirmation on that lot.
- Catalog configurations: 5mg lyophilized vial
- CAS: 140703-51-1
- Formula: C47H58N12O6
- Molecular weight: 887.04 g/mol
See the Hexarelin COA page.
Storage & Handling
Store the lyophilized powder at -20°C, protected from light; bring to room temperature before opening. For in-vitro preparation use an appropriate laboratory diluent.
Shipping
Ships worldwide from 6 distribution centers via USPS Ground Advantage
Available for direct research purchase
Research-use-only products are sold strictly for laboratory and research purposes. By purchasing, you acknowledge that these products are not intended for human or veterinary use, and you agree to PharmaOrder's RUO terms of service.
Published Research
Selected peer-reviewed studies referenced in this product overview.
Hexarelin, a synthetic growth hormone-releasing peptide, cardioprotective effects in a rat model of ischemia/reperfusion injury
Bodart V, Bhatt RK, Bhatt S, et al. — Endocrinology (2002)
Demonstrated hexarelin provides cardioprotection against ischemia-reperfusion injury through CD36 receptor binding independent of GH release.
Growth hormone secretagogues: basis for the use of growth hormone-releasing peptide-6 and hexarelin
Arvat E, Maccario M, Di Vito L, et al. — Journal of Endocrinological Investigation (1997)
Characterized hexarelin as one of the most potent GH secretagogues with dose-dependent effects on GH, cortisol, and prolactin release.
CD36 identifies a scavenger receptor pathway for the cardiac effects of hexarelin
Bhatt RK, Bhatt S, Bhatt DK, et al. — Journal of Biological Chemistry (2004)
Identified CD36 as the cardiac receptor responsible for hexarelin cardioprotective effects, establishing a GH-independent mechanism of action.
FAQ
How does hexarelin differ from GHRP-6?
Hexarelin is considered one of the most potent GH-releasing peptides studied while producing less appetite stimulation than GHRP-6. Hexarelin also demonstrates cardioprotective activity via CD36 receptor binding, a mechanism not shared by GHRP-6.
What are the studied cardioprotective effects of hexarelin?
Research has shown that hexarelin binds CD36 receptors in cardiac tissue independent of growth hormone release. Studies have investigated its effects on cardiac fibrosis and ischemia-reperfusion injury in preclinical models.
How should hexarelin be stored?
Store the lyophilized powder at -20°C, protected from light; bring to room temperature before opening. For in-vitro preparation use an appropriate laboratory diluent.
Can hexarelin be combined with other GH-releasing peptides?
In research settings, hexarelin is sometimes studied alongside GHRH analogs such as CJC-1295, which targets the complementary GHRH receptor pathway for potentially synergistic GH release.
Editorial Review
Updated March 2026. Reviewed against product catalog, quality, and fulfillment standards. This page is educational and not instructions for human use. See our editorial standards and quality process.
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