Second-generation GH-releasing hexapeptide. More potent GH pulse amplitude than GHRP-6 with less ghrelin-mediated appetite stimulation. Studied for GH deficiency, body composition, and anti-aging hormone optimization.
15–30 minutes; typically dosed 2–3x daily for sustained GH optimization
SKUs
2
Evidence
Moderate Evidence
GHRP-2 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2) is a synthetic hexapeptide that stimulates the pituitary gland to release growth hormone by activating the ghrelin receptor. It is one of the earliest and most potent of the GHRP compounds developed, and was used extensively in research to understand ghrelin receptor pharmacology and GH secretion dynamics before ghrelin itself was identified.
Growth Hormone Secretion Research
GHRP-2 has been extensively used in research as a diagnostic tool for GH axis assessment and as a pharmacological probe. It produces a strong, rapid GH pulse and has been used in many studies examining GH dynamics, IGF-1 responses, and pituitary reserve.
Body Composition and Metabolism
Research has examined the effects of GHRP-2 on body composition in adults. Some studies in GH-deficient and normal adults show increases in IGF-1, lean mass, and reductions in fat mass with repeated use, consistent with GH effects.
Appetite Research
Because GHRP-2 activates the ghrelin receptor, which also plays a role in appetite regulation, some research has examined its effects on food intake and hunger signals. It tends to stimulate appetite, which is a consideration in its use.
Reliably produces large, rapid GH pulses through ghrelin receptor activation.
Used as a standard research tool for GH axis assessment in clinical studies.
IGF-1 elevations and body composition changes consistent with GH effects observed in research.
Stimulates appetite, which is relevant for any research use involving body composition.
Not FDA-approved; development as a pharmaceutical did not result in an approved product.
GHRP-2 also stimulates cortisol and prolactin release alongside GH, which distinguishes it from more selective compounds like ipamorelin. It has not been developed into an approved pharmaceutical despite extensive research use. The appetite-stimulating effect via ghrelin receptor activation is a meaningful consideration. Long-term effects of repeated GH stimulation are not established in human research.
GHRP-2 works by activating the ghrelin receptor in the pituitary gland and hypothalamus. Ghrelin is a hormone made primarily in the stomach that signals hunger and also has a powerful effect on stimulating growth hormone release. GHRP-2 mimics ghrelin's GH-releasing effect. When it reaches the pituitary, it triggers a burst of GH release. Unlike some other GH secretagogues, GHRP-2 also stimulates cortisol and prolactin release, making its hormonal effects broader than compounds that act only at the GHRH receptor. It was important historically as a research tool because it helped scientists map the ghrelin receptor long before ghrelin itself was discovered.
GHRP-2 is not FDA-approved. In research use it stimulates GH, cortisol, and prolactin — all of which have effects on metabolism, immune function, and hormonal balance at elevated levels. The appetite stimulation from ghrelin receptor activation is a consistent finding. Standard considerations around elevated GH and cortisol apply. Research use should account for these hormonal effects.
Moderate Evidence
This compound has been studied in Phase 1 or Phase 2 human trials. Evidence is encouraging but more large-scale trials are needed.
Published Research Ranges
100–300mcg per injection in research contexts; often combined with GHRH analogue
Research Context Only: These are ranges reported in published scientific studies for educational reference. They are not dosing recommendations. This is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Sources listed here are from the platform research library. All links open the original publication. No citations are generated by AI.
GHRP-2: A Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptide with Potent GH-Releasing Activity
Pre- versus postmenopausal age, estradiol, and peptide-secretagogue type determine pulsatile growth hormone secretion in healthy women: studies using submaximal agonist drive and an estrogen clamp
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Absence of anti-rabphilin-3A antibodies in children and young adults with idiopathic central diabetes insipidus: a potential clue to elucidating a tumor etiology
Efficacy and Safety of Once-Weekly Somatrogon Compared with Once-Daily Somatropin (Genotropin®) in Japanese Children with Pediatric Growth Hormone Deficiency: Results from a Randomized Phase 3 Study
Capromorelin oral solution (ENTYCE®) increases food consumption and body weight when administered for 4 consecutive days to healthy adult Beagle dogs in a randomized, masked, placebo controlled study
Novel relationships of age, visceral adiposity, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I and IGF binding protein concentrations to growth hormone (GH) releasing-hormone and GH releasing-peptide efficacies in men during experimental hypogonadal clamp
Pituitary and/or peripheral estrogen-receptor alpha regulates follicle-stimulating hormone secretion, whereas central estrogenic pathways direct growth hormone and prolactin secretion in postmenopausal women
Comparison between insulin tolerance test, growth hormone (GH)-releasing hormone (GHRH), GHRH plus acipimox and GHRH plus GH-releasing peptide-6 for the diagnosis of adult GH deficiency in normal subjects, obese and hypopituitary patients
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Research Education Only: This profile is for educational purposes only. All information is sourced from published scientific literature. This is not medical advice. Not for human consumption. Consult qualified medical professionals for any health decisions.
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