GHRP-2 (Acetate)

What is GHRP-2?

GHRP-2 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2) is a synthetic hexapeptide ghrelin receptor agonist — one of the original generation of GH secretagogues developed in the 1980s-90s. It produces robust, dose-dependent GH release through GHSR-1a activation, making it one of the most potent GH secretagogues by total GH pulse amplitude.

Mechanism of Action

GHRP-2 activates GHSR-1a receptors on pituitary somatotrophs, stimulating GH release through the same pathway as ghrelin — the 'hunger hormone' discovered in 1999. Unlike the more selective Ipamorelin, GHRP-2 also produces modest elevation of cortisol and prolactin at higher doses, reflecting its slightly broader receptor binding profile.

GHRP-2 also acts on GHRH receptors, providing dual-pathway GH stimulation — an important distinction from Ipamorelin, which is primarily GHSR-selective.

Key Research Findings

GH Pulse Amplitude

GHRP-2 produces larger acute GH peaks than Ipamorelin at equivalent doses — making it valuable for research requiring maximum GH pulse amplitude. Dose-dependent GH release has been well-characterized in human clinical studies.

Muscle Preservation

Research in cachexia and muscle-wasting models demonstrates GHRP-2's ability to preserve lean mass through GH/IGF-1 axis activation — relevant for research in conditions associated with muscle loss.

Appetite Stimulation

As a ghrelin receptor agonist, GHRP-2 produces ghrelin-like appetite stimulation — making it potentially useful for research in anorexia, cachexia, or conditions requiring orexigenic intervention.

GHRP-2 vs. Ipamorelin

GHRP-2 produces a stronger GH pulse but with somewhat less selectivity — cortisol and prolactin may elevate at higher doses. Ipamorelin produces a cleaner stimulation profile. Researchers choose GHRP-2 when maximum GH amplitude is the priority and choose Ipamorelin when hormonal selectivity is paramount.

*For research use only. Not for human consumption.*