Side-by-side · Research reference
CortagenvsGHRP-6
Side-by-side comparison across mechanism, dosage, evidence, side effects, administration, and stack synergies. Citations on every claim where available.
AAnimal-MechanisticHUMAN-REVIEWED11/35 cited
BPhase 1HUMAN-REVIEWED10/36 cited
Cortagen
Bioregulatory Tetrapeptide · Khavinson-School
Injectable · Animal models
GHRP-6
Hexapeptide GHRP · Strong appetite stimulant
SQ · Multiple sites · 1–3×/day
01Mechanism of Action
Parameter
Cortagen
GHRP-6
Primary target
Cerebral cortex tissue — molecular targets under investigation
Ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a)Bowers 1990
Pathway
Antioxidant pathway modulation — suppression of LPO cascade, reduction of protein oxidative modificationKozina 2007
GHS-R1a → Gαq → Ca²⁺ → GH release; central appetite driveBowers 2002
Downstream effect
Decreased lipid peroxidation products, reduced oxidative protein damage, altered gene expression in cardiac tissueKozina 2007Anisimov 2004
GH pulse + strong appetite stimulation; modest IGF-1 elevationBowers 2002
Feedback intact?
—
—
Origin
Synthetic tetrapeptide derived from amino acid analysis of natural brain cortex peptide preparation CortexinAnisimov 2004
Synthetic hexapeptide; first-generation GHRP from Bowers groupBowers 1990
Antibody development
—
—
02Dosage Protocols
Parameter
Cortagen
GHRP-6
Animal model dose (rat)
Injection protocol (dose not specified in abstracts)
Multiple injections over study period.
—
Avian model dose (chicken)
40-day injection courseKuznik 2008
Compared to epithalon in hypophysectomized and aged birds.
—
Human peripheral nerve study
Therapeutic course (protocol details not provided)
Posttraumatic recovery context — reference cited but not detailed.
—
Route
Injectable (inferred from animal protocols)
—
Frequency
—
1–3× per day
Lower / starter dose
—
50 mcg per dose
Duration
—
8–12 weeks on / 4 off
Reconstitution
—
Bacteriostatic water
Timing
—
Pre-meal preferred for appetite support
04Side Effects & Safety
Parameter
Cortagen
GHRP-6
Antioxidant suppression
Suppression of antioxidant activity noted alongside LPO reductionKozina 2007
Mechanism unclear — possible homeostatic adaptation.
—
Immune/hemostasis effects
No effect on immunity or hemostasis parameters in avian hypophysectomy model (unlike epithalon)Kuznik 2008
Epithalon reversed deficits; cortagen did not.
—
Human safety data
No adverse events reported in peripheral nerve recovery context
Limited detail in available abstracts.
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Hunger
—
Pronounced — defining feature vs ipamorelin
Cortisol elevation
—
Mild
Prolactin elevation
—
Mild
Injection site reaction
—
Mild
Cancer risk
—
Contraindicated in active malignancy
Pregnancy / OB
—
Avoid
Absolute Contraindications
Cortagen
—GHRP-6
- ·Active malignancy
- ·Pregnancy / breastfeeding
Relative Contraindications
Cortagen
—GHRP-6
- ·Severe insulin resistance (appetite-driven caloric load)
05Administration Protocol
Parameter
Cortagen
GHRP-6
1. Preparation
Reconstitute lyophilised peptide with bacteriostatic water per supplier protocol. Exact volumes depend on concentration supplied.
Add 2 mL bacteriostatic water to 5 mg vial → 2.5 mg/mL.
2. Injection site
Subcutaneous injection typical for bioregulatory peptides — abdomen or thigh. Rotate sites.
SQ — abdomen. Rotate sites.
3. Timing
Animal protocols used repeated dosing over weeks. Human timing not established — evening administration common in Khavinson tradition.
Pre-meal for appetite support; pre-sleep for GH alignment.
4. Storage
Lyophilised: refrigerate or freeze per supplier. Reconstituted: refrigerate 2–8 °C, use within guideline window.
Lyophilised: room temp. Reconstituted: refrigerate ≤30 days.
5. Needle
—
29–31G, 4–8 mm insulin syringe.