What Is Hexarelin?
Hexarelin is a synthetic hexapeptide GH secretagogue and potent agonist of the ghrelin/GHS-R1a receptor. It produces the highest GH-releasing potency among the GHRP family compounds, generating supraphysiological GH pulses at research doses. Beyond GH-releasing properties, Hexarelin has attracted significant attention for receptor-independent cardioprotective effects mediated through CD36 — a fatty acid translocase that serves as a secondary Hexarelin receptor in cardiac tissue.
GH-Releasing Mechanism
Hexarelin stimulates pituitary somatotrophs through GHSR-1a agonism and reduces hypothalamic somatostatin tone, producing extremely potent GH pulses. Its GH-releasing potency exceeds that of GHRP-6, GHRP-2, and Ipamorelin on a molar basis, though this comes with more pronounced GH-axis desensitization with frequent dosing compared to Ipamorelin.
Cardioprotective Effects via CD36
Hexarelin's most distinctive research property is its cardioprotection through CD36. In animal models of myocardial infarction, Hexarelin reduces infarct size, preserves ejection fraction, and promotes post-infarction cardiac remodeling. Importantly, this effect occurs even in GH-deficient and hypophysectomized animals — confirming it is independent of GH release and directly mediated by CD36 signaling in cardiomyocytes.
Quick Reference
Member reference tables summarize the compound's research parameters.
Research Indications
Research Protocols
As reported in cited literature and research-community logs (see Research Citations below), not a personal dosing recommendation.
This member section describes parameters reported in the research literature.
Peptide Interactions
This member section summarizes reported compound interactions and evidence limitations.
Reported Research Time Points
This member section summarizes reported research time points.
Safety Notes
Included for harm-reduction awareness only, in the event this compound is encountered outside its labeled research use. Inclusion here does not imply RUO Codes endorses, recommends, or instructs human use.
This member section discusses research safety considerations and uncertainties.
Quality Indicators
Research Citations
- Growth hormone-releasing activity of hexarelin in humans. A dose-response study
Imbimbo, B.P., Mant, T., Edwards, M., Heber, D., Enghild, J., Melman, N., et al., 1994, European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology - Hexarelin treatment preserves myocardial function and reduces cardiac fibrosis in a mouse model of acute myocardial infarction
McDonald, H., Peart, J., Kurniawan, N., Galloway, G., Royce, S., Samuel, C.S., Chen, C., 2018, Physiological Reports - Protective Effects of Hexarelin and JMV2894 in a Human Neuroblastoma Cell Line Expressing the SOD1-G93A Mutated Protein
Meanti, R., Licata, M., Rizzi, L., Bresciani, E., Molteni, L., Coco, S., et al., 2023, International Journal of Molecular Sciences - Chronic administration of hexarelin attenuates cardiac fibrosis in the spontaneously hypertensive rat
Xu, X., Ding, F., Pang, J., Gao, X., Xu, R.K., Hao, W., et al., 2012, American Journal of Physiology - Heart and Circulatory Physiology - Growth hormone-independent cardioprotective effects of hexarelin in the rat
Locatelli, V., Rossoni, G., Schweiger, F., Torsello, A., De Gennaro Colonna, V., Bernareggi, M., et al., 1999, Endocrinology - Growth hormone secretagogues and the regulation of calcium signaling in muscle
Bresciani, E., Rizzi, L., Coco, S., Molteni, L., Meanti, R., Locatelli, V., Torsello, A., 2019, International Journal of Molecular Sciences - The cardiovascular action of hexarelin
Marleau, S., Bherer, P., Bherer, L., Bherer, J., 2006, Journal of Endocrinological Investigation - Growth hormone secretagogues: history, mechanism of action, and clinical development
Ishida, J., Saitoh, M., Ebner, N., Springer, J., Anker, S.D., von Haehling, S., 2020, JCSM Rapid Communications