GHRP-2

Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2 · Pralmorelin

Rank#999
Growth HormoneNot ApprovedAnimalResearchSubQ

Popular for:Potent GH release, appetite stimulation, body composition

203

Total Studies

132

Human Studies

Animal

Evidence Level

Not Approved

FDA Status

Overview

GHRP-2 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2) is a synthetic hexapeptide that potently stimulates growth hormone release through the ghrelin receptor. It produces one of the strongest GH pulses among the GHRP family, with significant effects on appetite stimulation, cortisol, and prolactin.

Developed as a research tool for studying GH secretion, GHRP-2 has been studied in clinical settings for GH deficiency and cachexia. It is more potent than GHRP-6 but less selective than Ipamorelin.

Mechanism of Action

GHRP-2 acts as a ghrelin mimetic, binding to GHS-R1a receptors in both the pituitary and hypothalamus to stimulate GH release. It also suppresses somatostatin (the GH-inhibiting hormone), creating a dual mechanism that produces robust GH pulses. This dual action explains its higher potency compared to more selective GHRPs.

Key Research Benefits

One of the most potent GH-releasing peptides
Studied for significant GH elevation in clinical trials
Researched for anti-aging and body composition
Appetite stimulation (may benefit underweight research subjects)
Synergistic when combined with GHRH analogs like CJC-1295

Clinical Evidence Summary

Research Pipeline

Preclinical
Animal
Phase I
Phase II
Phase III
Approved

203

Total Studies

132

Human Studies

Not FDA-approved. Research compound. Used in clinical studies for GH deficiency. FDA Category 2 status under review.

Key Studies / PubMed References

203 studies found on PubMed · showing top 25 by relevance

View all on PubMed

Beyond the androgen receptor: the role of growth hormone secretagogues in the modern management of body composition in hypogonadal males.

Review

Sinha DK, Balasubramanian A, Tatem AJ, et al. · Translational andrology and urology · 2020

PMID: 32257855

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Resolves Low GHRP-2-Stimulated Growth Hormone Levels in Obese Patients.

Human Study

Ohara E, Tokuyama H, Kitamoto T, et al. · Obesity surgery · 2017

PMID: 28623445

Effects of GHRP-2 and Cysteamine Administration on Growth Performance, Somatotropic Axis Hormone and Muscle Protein Deposition in Yaks (Bos grunniens) with Growth Retardation.

Review

Hu R, Wang Z, Peng Q, et al. · PloS one · 2016

PMID: 26894743

Determination of growth hormone releasing peptides metabolites in human urine after nasal administration of GHRP-1, GHRP-2, GHRP-6, Hexarelin, and Ipamorelin.

Review

Semenistaya E, Zvereva I, Thomas A, et al. · Drug testing and analysis · 2015

PMID: 25869809

Detection of GHRP-2 and GHRP-6 in urine samples from athletes.

Review

Cox HD, Hughes CM, Eichner D · Drug testing and analysis · 2015

PMID: 25809000

Side Effects & Safety

Increased appetite and hunger
Elevated cortisol levels
Elevated prolactin levels
Water retention
Potential insulin resistance with prolonged use

Known Interactions

No curated interaction entry is live for GHRP-2 yet.

Until the interaction table is fully populated, use the interaction checker and related peptides below to explore adjacent compounds and likely research pairings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Research Disclaimer

This page is for research and educational purposes only. The information presented is based on published scientific literature and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. GHRP-2 is not approved by the FDA for human therapeutic use. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The studies referenced are linked to their original PubMed sources for verification.