Hexarelin

Mechanism of action: Ghrelin receptor (GHSR) agonist; Potently stimulates pulsatile GH release; Preclinical cardioprotective signaling under investigation

Proposed indications: Growth hormone release; IGF-1 increase; Body composition; Cardiac research (preclinical)

Reported dosing range*: IV 1-2 mcg/kg, SC 1.5-3 mcg/kg, intranasal 20 mcg/kg, or oral 20-40 mg

The original human pharmacology study evaluated multiple routes and doses: intravenous 1 and 2 mcg/kg, subcutaneous 1.5 and 3 mcg/kg, intranasal 20 mcg/kg, and oral 20 and 40 mg (Ghigo E et al. (1994). Growth Hormone-Releasing Activity of Hexarelin, a New Synthetic Hexapeptide, After Intravenous, Subcutaneous, Intranasal, and Oral Administration in Man. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism). This was a pharmacology/GH-release study, not a clinical efficacy trial for any indication.

*General range reported in available research or other sources -- not an individualized recommendation. Actual use should be supervised by a qualified provider.

Typical clinical dosing schedule: No established clinical dosing. Human use has been limited to research settings.

Administration: Subcutaneous injection — No established clinical dosing

Compare with: IpamorelinCJC-1295SermorelinTesamorelin

An "emerging / limited evidence" rating means rigorous research hasn't caught up yet -- not that this peptide doesn't work. Many peptides in this category are newer or simply understudied rather than proven ineffective.

Evidence rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ — Human studies demonstrate potent GH and IGF-1 release; evidence for meaningful clinical outcomes such as body composition change is limited, and preclinical cardiac-research findings have not translated into approved human use.

Common side effects: Injection-site reactions, Flushing

Serious risks: Elevated IGF-1; Unknown long-term safety; Repeated exposure to GH-secretagogue/GHSR agonism can produce desensitization/tachyphylaxis in experimental settings; evidence specific to prolonged Hexarelin use in humans is less well characterized than for the phenomenon generally; Increased appetite is pharmacologically plausible given ghrelin/GHSR's role in appetite regulation, but is not established as a documented Hexarelin-specific adverse effect

Monitoring: IGF-1, Blood glucose, Clinical adverse effects

Legal status: Not FDA-approved for human use. This is a research compound, not a medication — any use should only occur under the direction of a licensed healthcare provider, and its legal availability varies and changes frequently. Verify current status independently before considering use.

Regulatory status: Research peptide • Not FDA approved

Contraindications: Not established. Avoid in:; Pregnancy; Active malignancy; Uncontrolled endocrine disease

Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Avoid.