Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| GHRP-6 | SS-31 (Elamipretide) | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Peptides | Peptides |
| Standard Dose | Research indicates 100-300 mcg administered 1-3 times daily via subcutaneous injection. | Research indicates 0.05-0.25 mg/kg daily via subcutaneous injection. Clinical trials used 4-40 mg/day IV or SC. |
| Timing | On empty stomach, 30+ minutes before meals. Bedtime dose most important. The strong hunger effect makes pre-meal timing practical. | Morning dosing preferred. No food timing restrictions. |
| Cycle Duration | 8-16 week cycles. | Clinical trials ranged from single dose to 48 weeks. Optimal cycle length not established. |
| Evidence Level | moderate_human | Emerging (Phase 2/3 trials) |
GHRP-6 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-6) is a synthetic hexapeptide that stimulates GH release through activation of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a/ghrelin receptor) on pituitary somatotrophs. It acts via dual sites — pituitary and hypothalamic — possibly involving regulatory factors beyond GHRH and somatostatin. GHRP-6 also stimulates ghrelin-mediated appetite signaling, increases cortisol and prolactin release, and has demonstrated cytoprotective properties including cardioprotection.
Research indicates 100-300 mcg administered 1-3 times daily via subcutaneous injection.
On empty stomach, 30+ minutes before meals. Bedtime dose most important. The strong hunger effect makes pre-meal timing practical.
8-16 week cycles.
SS-31 (D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2, also known as elamipretide/Bendavia) is a cell-permeable tetrapeptide that localizes to the inner mitochondrial membrane and binds cardiolipin via electrostatic interactions. This stabilizes cardiolipin against oxidative damage, preserving cristae integrity, reducing ROS production, and maintaining mitochondrial ATP production. SS-31 interacts with proteins in two functional groups: oxidative phosphorylation complexes and 2-oxoglutarate metabolic enzymes — all known cardiolipin binders. It restores mitochondrial function without acting as a direct antioxidant.
Research indicates 0.05-0.25 mg/kg daily via subcutaneous injection. Clinical trials used 4-40 mg/day IV or SC.
Morning dosing preferred. No food timing restrictions.
Clinical trials ranged from single dose to 48 weeks. Optimal cycle length not established.
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