Follistatin vs GHRP-6
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Follistatin
Follistatin is a glycoprotein that inhibits myostatin, the protein responsible for limiting muscle growth. By blocking myostatin, follistatin can theoretically allow for increased muscle development beyond natural limits.
Full details →GHRP-6
Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide 6 (GHRP-6) is one of the first synthetic growth hormone secretagogues discovered. It stimulates significant GH release but is known for causing intense hunger.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Follistatin | GHRP-6 |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Binds to and neutralizes myostatin and activin, both of which are negative regulators of muscle mass. This removes the natural brake on muscle growth, allowing for enhanced hypertrophy. | Acts as a ghrelin mimetic, binding to the GHS-R receptor in the pituitary and hypothalamus. Stimulates GH release and also significantly increases appetite by mimicking ghrelin's hunger-signaling effects. |
| Typical Dosage | Research protocols typically use 100-300mcg daily, though optimal dosing is not well established. Gene therapy approaches have also been studied. | Typical dosing: 100-300mcg administered 2-3 times daily. Often combined with GHRH peptides like CJC-1295 for synergistic effects. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection. Different isoforms exist (FS344, FS315) with varying properties. Requires careful sourcing due to complexity. | Subcutaneous injection. Best administered on an empty stomach. The strong hunger response can be beneficial for those trying to gain weight but challenging for cutting. |
| Side Effects | Limited human data. Theoretical concerns about effects on other organs where activin signaling is important. | Intense hunger (most notable effect), water retention, increased cortisol and prolactin, tingling/numbness, and potential blood pressure changes. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Both Follistatin and GHRP-6 are commonly used for: