Growth

GHRP-2

Hexapeptide · GHS-R agonist · 6 amino acids

FDA · CATEGORY 2 (2023)

Half-life

~1.5 hours

Short

minsdays

Route

SubQ injection

Evidence

Preclinical only

Risk

Moderate

Overview

Known for

Growth hormone releasing peptide. Stronger GH release than Ipamorelin but increases cortisol, prolactin, and hunger significantly. The hunger effect can be useful for underweight individuals.

Mechanism

Potent GH secretagogue (ghrelin mimetic). Stimulates GH release BUT also raises cortisol, prolactin, and appetite (less selective than Ipamorelin).

Key facts

Format
Lyophilized powder
Mechanism targets
Classification
Secondary
Supply & nature
SecretagogueSecretagogue
FDA category
Category 2 (2023)

Evidence & standing

Evidence base
Preclinical only
Risk level
Moderate
Best studies
4 references
  • Bowers et al. (1990) Endocrinology 126:517-23 — Original GHRP characterization
  • Bowers et al. (2004) J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 17:555-73
  • NOT FDA APPROVED
  • More cortisol/prolactin elevation than ipamorelin

Dosage & protocol

Typical dose
100-300mcg
Research range
100–300 µg
Cycle
4 weeks on / 4 weeks off
Onset
10 days first effects
Full effect
70 days
Half-life
~1-2h
~1-2 hours
Protocol

100-300mcg per injection, 2-3x daily fasted.

Time to effects

EARLY: 1-2 weeks

FULL: 8-12 weeks

Week 1: Intense hunger spikes within 20 min of injection (this is the ghrelin effect). Improved sleep.

Week 2-4: Recovery improvements. GH-related benefits starting.

Week 8-12: Body composition, skin, recovery all improved.

Hunger side effect is immediate and obvious. Minimum commitment: 8 weeks.

Recommended vial
  • 5mg vials

At 300mcg/day, 5mg = ~17 days ✓. 10mg = 33 days ✓. 15mg = 50 days ⚠️ exceeds shelf life. Stick with 5 or 10mg.

Reference figures only

Dosing reflects published laboratory protocols and is not guidance for use in any living subject.

Safety

Reversibility
Fully Reversible
Side effects

Increased appetite (significant — 20-30%), water retention, cortisol elevation, prolactin elevation, flushing

Interactions

Somatostatin analogs, dopamine agonists may reduce prolactin effect

Do not combine
CJC-1295 NO DAC 5mg + Ipamorelin 5mg (Blend)CJC-1295 NO DAC 5mg + Ipamorelin 5mg (Blend) GHRP-6GHRP-6 HexarelinHexarelin HGH 191 AA (97%)HGH 191 AA (97%) IpamorelinIpamorelin

Handle with research caution

  • Do NOT combine with exogenous HGH
  • Do NOT combine with GHRP-6 (same receptor class — pick one)
  • Avoid combining with Hexarelin (stacking GHRPs = excessive cortisol/prolactin)

Storage & handling

Lyophilised
12–24 months
2–8°C
Reconstituted
4–6 weeks
2–8°C

Videos & talks

Independent educational content from researchers, clinicians and science communicators — not affiliated with Pepnerd.

Educational resources only. Videos are independent third-party content. Pepnerd is not affiliated with these creators and does not endorse or make claims based on their content. All products are for in-vitro research.