CJC-1295 + GHRP-6 Stack
Also known as: CJC GHRP-6 combination, GH releasing stack, GHRH GHRP combination, CJC-1295 GHRP-6
CJC-1295 and GHRP-6 are research compounds. Not approved for human use.
Overview
CJC-1295 (GHRH analog) combined with GHRP-6 (potent ghrelin receptor agonist) to produce synergistic GH release via complementary mechanisms. GHRP-6's strong appetite stimulation distinguishes this from the CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin stack, making it preferred for bulking and mass-gaining protocols where caloric surplus is the goal. Produces larger GH pulses than CJC + Ipamorelin but with more pronounced appetite effects.
Research Summary
The GHRH + GHRP combination synergistically amplifies GH pulse amplitude compared to either agent alone. CJC-1295 elevates baseline GH via GHRH receptor signaling at the pituitary; GHRP-6 triggers pulse timing via GHS-R1a. GHRP-6's potent appetite stimulation (significantly stronger than ipamorelin) makes this combination preferred in protocols targeting caloric surplus and mass accumulation.
Dosing Range
low
CJC-1295 100mcg + GHRP-6 100mcg
moderate
CJC-1295 100mcg + GHRP-6 200mcg
high
CJC-1295 200mcg + GHRP-6 300mcg
Units: mcg · Frequency: 1–3x daily (pre-sleep, pre-workout, morning)
Dosing ranges are aggregated from preclinical research and community protocols. Not medical dosing guidance.
Administration Routes
Reconstitution Notes
Reconstitute each peptide separately. CJC-1295: 2mg per 2mL bacteriostatic water (1mg/mL). GHRP-6: 5mg per 2mL bacteriostatic water (2.5mg/mL). Draw into the same syringe at time of injection — both are SC peptides with compatible pH ranges.Step-by-step reconstitution guide →
Supplies you'll need
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Reported Side Effects
- Strong appetite stimulation (GHRP-6 dominant effect)
- Water retention
- Tingling / numbness in extremities
- Mild cortisol elevation (GHRP-6 is less selective than ipamorelin)
- Mild prolactin elevation (GHRP-6 effect)
- Headache
- Fatigue (especially at pre-sleep dose)
Research Papers
2 peer-reviewed sourcesCommunity Experiences
Aggregated from public forums. Anecdotal — not clinical evidence.
Community protocols comparing CJC+GHRP-6 vs. CJC+Ipamorelin for bulking vs. recomposition goals.
View original threadDosing guides and anecdotal results from the CJC-1295 + GHRP-6 combination for GH optimization.
View original threadOverview
The CJC-1295 + GHRP-6 stack is one of the classic GH-stimulating peptide combinations in the research community. It predates the widespread adoption of CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin and remains popular in contexts where appetite stimulation is a desired rather than an unwanted effect — particularly bulking and mass-gaining protocols.
The combination exploits the dual-axis nature of GH secretion control: GHRH (growth hormone-releasing hormone) sets the amplitude of GH pulses by priming pituitary somatotrophs, while GHRPs determine the timing and additional amplification of pulses via a distinct ghrelin receptor pathway. CJC-1295 provides the GHRH axis stimulation; GHRP-6 provides the GHS-R1a stimulation.
Mechanism
CJC-1295 (GHRH Analogue)
CJC-1295 (Drug Affinity Complex form) is a modified GHRH analogue with a maleimide linker that covalently binds to albumin in the bloodstream — extending its half-life from minutes to ~6–8 days.
Actions:
- Binds GHRH receptor (GHRH-R) on anterior pituitary somatotrophs
- Activates Gs-cAMP pathway → increases somatotroph sensitivity to subsequent GHRP signals
- Elevates baseline GH pulse amplitude (not frequency)
- Increases IGF-1 over the following 24–48 hours
GHRP-6 (GHS-R1a Agonist)
GHRP-6 is a synthetic hexapeptide that binds the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) — the same receptor that endogenous ghrelin activates.
Actions:
- Binds GHS-R1a on pituitary somatotrophs and hypothalamic neurons
- In hypothalamus: stimulates GHRH release + inhibits somatostatin release (dual effect)
- In pituitary: direct somatotroph stimulation
- Strong appetite stimulation via NPY/AgRP arcuate nucleus activation
- Mild cortisol and prolactin elevation (non-selective GHS-R1a agonism)
Synergistic Combination
| Pathway | CJC-1295 | GHRP-6 | Combined | |---------|----------|--------|---------| | GHRH-R activation | ↑↑↑ | ↑ (indirect, via hypothalamus) | ↑↑↑ | | GHS-R1a activation | ↔ | ↑↑↑ | ↑↑↑ | | Somatostatin suppression | ↔ | ↑↑ | ↑↑ | | GH pulse amplitude | ↑↑↑ | ↑↑ | ↑↑↑↑ | | Appetite | ↔ | ↑↑↑ | ↑↑↑ | | Cortisol | ↔ | ↑ | ↑ |
CJC-1295 + GHRP-6 vs. CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin
| Parameter | CJC + GHRP-6 | CJC + Ipamorelin | |-----------|-------------|-----------------| | GH pulse amplitude | Larger | Significant | | Appetite | Strong | Mild | | Cortisol | Mild ↑ | Minimal | | Prolactin | Mild ↑ | Minimal | | Best for | Bulking, mass | Recomposition, cutting | | Protocol versatility | Meals complicate timing | More flexible |
Dosing and Timing
The optimal timing for GH secretagogue administration:
Pre-sleep (primary): Best single dose if dosing once daily. Growth hormone secretion peaks during slow-wave sleep. Administering 30–60 min before sleep maximizes the nocturnal GH pulse.
Pre-workout (secondary): Increases GH during exercise and recovery window.
Morning: Only if doing 3x/day protocol — fasted state improves GH response.
Important: Administration within 2 hours of a carbohydrate- or fat-rich meal significantly blunts GH response. Insulin elevation suppresses GH release. Fast for 2+ hours before dosing for maximum pulse amplitude.
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