Educational Wellness Information Only
This platform provides peer-reviewed research summaries and educational content about peptides for wellness and optimization purposes. Nothing on this site is intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not claim any peptide can diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before beginning any wellness protocol.
Statements on this site have not been evaluated by the FDA. Compounded preparations are subject to applicable state and federal regulations. Availability and eligibility vary.
Follistatin 344 vs Hexarelin
An educational, source-based comparison of Follistatin 344 and Hexarelin — how each peptide works, what it's researched for, and what to know before going deeper.
Myostatin-binding protein fragment researched for muscle growth.
A naturally occurring glycoprotein that binds and neutralizes myostatin and activin, releasing the natural brake on skeletal muscle growth in preclinical models.
- Muscular dystrophy models
- Skeletal muscle hypertrophy
- Age-related sarcopenia (preclinical)
- • Off-target effects on activin signaling (reproductive, cardiac) are a concern.
- • Not FDA-approved; banned by WADA.
A synthetic hexapeptide and potent GHS-R agonist. Stimulates GH release more strongly than GHRP-6 and shows cardioprotective signaling in preclinical ischemia-reperfusion models, partly independent of GH.
- GH release
- Cardiac ischemia-reperfusion (preclinical)
- Left ventricular function in animal models
- • Not FDA-approved.
- • Tachyphylaxis with prolonged use.
- • Prohibited by WADA.
Trial-evidence rating
Educational grade reflecting how many peer-reviewed studies and FDA actions we cite for each peptide. Not a clinical recommendation.
Early-stage research; conclusions are tentative.
Early-stage research; conclusions are tentative.
Study-by-study comparison
| Peptide | Study | Source | Year | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Follistatin 344 | Follistatin gene delivery enhances muscle growth and strength | Science Translational Medicine | 2009 | Demonstrated durable hypertrophy in primate models. |
| Hexarelin | Hexarelin and the cardiovascular system | Cardiovascular Research | 2006 | Reviewed direct cardioprotective effects of hexarelin in animal models. |
Side-effect & safety grid
- Off-target effects on activin signaling (reproductive, cardiac) are a concern.
- Not FDA-approved; banned by WADA.
- Not FDA-approved.
- Tachyphylaxis with prolonged use.
- Prohibited by WADA.
Educational summary of considerations reported in research literature — not a complete list of adverse events. Discuss with a licensed clinician before any use.
Follistatin 344 vs Hexarelin — Key differences
- Class: Follistatin 344 is classified as Muscle · Myostatin Inhibition, while Hexarelin is Growth Hormone Axis · Cardiac.
- Primary research focus: Follistatin 344 — muscular dystrophy models; Hexarelin — gh release.
- Tag: Muscle vs Growth hormone.