Side-by-side · Research reference
HexarelinvsPinealon
Side-by-side comparison across mechanism, dosage, evidence, side effects, administration, and stack synergies. Citations on every claim where available.
APhase 1Reviewed19/45 cited
BHuman-MechanisticDraft12/36 cited
Hexarelin
Hexapeptide GHRP · Cardio-tropic
SQ · Multiple sites · 1–3×/day
Pinealon
Pineal-derived · Neuroprotective
SQ or IM · Daily for 10 days · 1-2×/year
01Mechanism of Action
Parameter
Hexarelin
Pinealon
Primary target
Ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) + cardiac CD36Smith 1996Ghigo 1997
Antioxidant defense + neuronal gene expression (proposed)Khavinson 2014
Pathway
GHS-R1a → Gαq → Ca²⁺ → GH release. CD36 engagement → direct cardio-tropic actionGhigo 1997
Modulation of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, catalase) + neurotrophic factor expressionKhavinson 2014
Downstream effect
Strong GH pulse + IGF-1 elevation; cardio-protective effects in animal MI modelsGhigo 1997
Reduced oxidative stress in neurons; improved cognitive function in age-related declineKhavinson 2014
Origin
Synthetic hexapeptide His-D-2-Methyl-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH₂Smith 1996
Synthetic 4-AA peptide derived from pineal gland extractKhavinson 2014
Antibody development
—
—
02Dosage Protocols
Parameter
Hexarelin
Pinealon
Frequency
1–2× per day max (tachyphylaxis with chronic 3× daily)
Once daily during cycle
Lower / starter dose
50 mcg per dose
2.5 mg / day
Evidence basis
Phase 1 / Phase 2 trialsSmith 1996Ghigo 1997
Russian clinical trials + in vitroKhavinson 2014
Duration
4–8 weeks on / 4–8 weeks off (tachyphylaxis mitigation)
10-day cycles, 1–2× per year
Reconstitution
Bacteriostatic water
Bacteriostatic water
Timing
Pre-sleep + fasted preferred
No specific time
04Side Effects & Safety
Parameter
Hexarelin
Pinealon
Hunger
Strong appetite increase via ghrelin agonism
—
IGF-1 elevation
Strong; monitor with chronic high-dose use
—
Cancer risk
Contraindicated in active malignancy (GH/IGF-1 axis)
—
Pregnancy / OB
Avoid
Avoid
Injection site reaction
—
Mild irritation
Long-term safety
—
Limited Western data
Absolute Contraindications
Hexarelin
- ·Active malignancy
- ·Pregnancy / breastfeeding
- ·Disrupted hypothalamic-pituitary axis
Pinealon
- ·Pregnancy / breastfeeding
Relative Contraindications
Hexarelin
- ·Untreated diabetes
- ·Severe hyperprolactinemia
Pinealon
- ·Active malignancy (theoretical via gene expression modulation)
05Administration Protocol
Parameter
Hexarelin
Pinealon
1. Reconstitution
Add 2 mL bacteriostatic water to 5 mg vial → 2.5 mg/mL = 250 mcg per 0.1 mL.
Add 1–2 mL bacteriostatic water to 10 mg vial.
2. Injection site
SQ — abdomen or thigh. Rotate sites.
SQ — abdomen preferred.
3. Timing
Pre-sleep + fasted preferred. Cycle on/off to avoid tachyphylaxis.
Daily during cycle, any time.
4. Storage
Lyophilised: room temp, light-protected. Reconstituted: refrigerate ≤30 days.
Lyophilised: room temp. Reconstituted: refrigerate ≤30 days.
5. Needle
29–31G, 4–8 mm insulin syringe.
29–31G, 4–8 mm insulin syringe.
06Stack Synergy
Hexarelin
+ CJC-1295 (no DAC)
StrongHexarelin (GHRP) + CJC-1295-no-DAC (GHRH analogue) is the higher-amplitude variant of the standard GHRH+GHRP stack. Hexarelin produces a stronger pulse than ipamorelin but with cortisol + prolactin signal — choose this stack for maximum GH amplitude when side-effect tolerance is acceptable. Cycle aggressively.
- Hexarelin
- 100 mcg SQ · pre-sleep
- CJC-1295 (no DAC)
- 100 mcg SQ · same injection
- Primary benefit
- Maximum GH pulse amplitude (with side-effect signal)
Pinealon
+ Epitalon
ModeratePinealon (neuroprotection) + Epitalon (telomerase activation) form the canonical Khavinson "longevity stack" — both pineal-derived bioregulators with complementary axes. Pinealon supports neuronal antioxidant defense; Epitalon supports telomere maintenance. Anecdotally cycled together 1–2× per year.
- Pinealon
- 5–10 mg SQ · daily × 10 days
- Epitalon
- 5–10 mg SQ · daily × 10 days (overlap or alternate)
- Primary benefit
- Neuroprotection + telomere preservation