Hexarelin vs VIP
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
- Summary
- Hexarelin is a potent synthetic GHRP and the strongest GH secretagogue in its class per unit dose. It also exhibits unique cardioprotective properties through direct binding to cardiac CD36 receptors, independent of GH release. Its potency is balanced by a tendency to desensitize GH release with prolonged use, making cycling important.
- VIP is a 28-amino acid neuropeptide with profound anti-inflammatory, vasodilatory, and immunomodulatory effects. It plays a critical role in gut motility, circadian rhythm, and immune tolerance. Used therapeutically for CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome), MCAS, and inflammatory conditions.
- Half-Life
- ~70 minutes
- ~2 minutes in plasma (rapidly degraded by peptidases); intranasal delivery may extend local CNS effects
- Admin Route
- SubQ
- Intranasal, SubQ, IV
- Research
- —
- —
- Typical Dose
- 100–200 mcg
- 50 mcg (4 sprays of 12.5 mcg each)
- Frequency
- 2–3 times daily
- 4x daily
- Key Benefits
- Strongest GH pulse per mcg among GHRPs
- Unique direct cardioprotective effects via CD36
- Increased IGF-1 and muscle anabolism
- Accelerated recovery from training
- Bone density support
- Anti-aging via GH axis
- Potential cardiac rehabilitation benefits
- Potent anti-inflammatory for CIRS and mold illness
- Improves pulmonary hypertension symptoms
- Regulates gut motility and IBS symptoms
- Modulates circadian rhythm and sleep quality
- Reduces mast cell activation (MCAS)
- Improves cognitive function in neuroinflammatory conditions
- Vasodilatory — reduces vascular resistance
- Side Effects
- Water retention
- Elevated cortisol
- Elevated prolactin (more pronounced than other GHRPs)
- Receptor desensitization with continuous use
- +1 more
- Facial flushing (transient, intranasal)
- Mild nausea
- Headache at initiation
- Hypotension at high doses
- +1 more
- Stacks With
- —
- —