GHRP-2

Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2

Half-life: ~1 hour

KP-102Pralmorelin

Research Profile

Research Depth

Potency

Half-Life Score

Selectivity

Stability

Relative research assessments — educational reference only.

Target Receptors

GHSR-1a

Critical Research Warning

For educational reference only. Cortisol and prolactin elevation, while less than Hexarelin/GHRP-6, may still confound research results requiring isolated GH evaluation.

PeptidePlaza Entry #017

"A second-generation synthetic hexapeptide GHRP and potent GHSR-1a agonist. More selective than GHRP-6 with less ghrelin-like appetite stimulation, making it widely used in GH axis research protocols."

Full Description

GHRP-2 (D-Ala-D-β-Nal-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH₂) is a second-generation synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue with higher GH-releasing potency than GHRP-6 and less appetite stimulation due to reduced ghrelin-receptor side activity. It is one of the most studied GHRPs with extensive human pharmacology data. Like GHRP-6, it elevates cortisol and prolactin, but to a lesser degree. Research has also examined GHRP-2 in the context of GH deficiency diagnosis (as a provocation test) and muscle protein synthesis.

Mechanism of Action

Selective GHSR-1a agonism in pituitary and hypothalamus. Stimulates GH release in a pulsatile manner; also mildly elevates cortisol and prolactin. Synergistic with GHRH analogs (CJC-1295, Tesamorelin).

Reported Benefits

• Potent GH stimulation (3–5x GHRP-6 at equivalent doses)
• Clinically validated diagnostic tool for GH deficiency
• Less appetite stimulation than GHRP-6

Potential Side Effects

• Mild cortisol and prolactin elevation
• Increased appetite (less than GHRP-6)
• Headache and flushing in some protocols

Frequently Asked Questions

How does GHRP-2 compare to other GH secretagogues?▼

GHRP-2 sits between Ipamorelin (most selective, mildest GH release) and Hexarelin (most potent, least selective) — providing strong GH release with intermediate cortisol/prolactin effects and less appetite stimulation than GHRP-6.

Can GHRP-2 diagnose GH deficiency?▼

Yes, GHRP-2 has been validated as a diagnostic provocation test for adult growth hormone deficiency, with sensitivity exceeding the traditional insulin tolerance test in some studies while avoiding the risks of inducing hypoglycemia.

For Research Reference Only

Not medical advice. Peptides may be regulated or restricted in your jurisdiction.

References

1.Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptide 2 May Be Associated With Decreased M1 Macrophage Production and Increased Histologic and Biomechanical Tendon-Bone Healing Properties in a Rat Rotator Cuff Tear Model. PubMed (2025). Li Y, et al.. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39672241/ ↑
2.Assessment of anterior pituitary reserve capacity based on growth hormone response to growth hormone-releasing peptide-2 test in the elderly. PubMed (2023). Teramoto S, et al.. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37295337/ ↑
3.Clinical Usefulness of the Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptide-2 Test for Hypothalamic-Pituitary Disorder. PubMed (2022). Suzuki S, et al.. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35795807/ ↑
4.On the road of dried blood spot sampling for antidoping tests: Detection of GHRP-2 abuse. PubMed (2021). Reverter-Branchat G, et al.. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33197153/ ↑