GHRP-2
Also known as: Pralmorelin, KP-102, GPA-748
Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2 | Pralmorelin
Overview
GHRP-2 is a synthetic growth hormone secretagogue that stimulates the pituitary gland to release growth hormone. It is one of the most potent members of the GHRP family, being 2-3 times more effective than GHRP-6 in stimulating GH release. Originally developed as a diagnostic agent for growth hormone deficiency, it works by mimicking ghrelin and binding to the GHS-R1a receptor.
Key benefits
- Potent stimulation of natural growth hormone release
- Enhanced muscle growth and recovery
- Improved body composition and fat metabolism
- Better sleep quality and recovery
- Increased appetite (can be beneficial for bulking)
- Maintains natural GH pulsatile release patterns
- Synergistic effects when combined with GHRH peptides
Mechanism of action
GHRP-2 acts as a synthetic agonist of ghrelin, binding to the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a) in the hypothalamus and pituitary. This stimulates cAMP production and promotes pulsatile release of endogenous growth hormone without suppressing natural feedback loops. It works synergistically with GHRH to amplify GH secretion beyond what either peptide achieves alone.
Molecular data
- Type
- Synthetic hexapeptide
- Half-life
- ~30 minutes
Sequence
D-Ala-D-2Nal-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2
Indications
What the research community uses this compound for, with self-reported effectiveness.
Growth Hormone Enhancement
GH Deficiency Assessment
Most effectiveUsed as a diagnostic agent in Japan for assessing growth hormone deficiency in clinical settings.
Natural GH Stimulation
Most effectiveStimulates endogenous growth hormone release through ghrelin receptor activation.
IGF-1 Elevation
EffectiveIndirectly increases IGF-1 levels through enhanced GH secretion.
Body Composition
Muscle Growth
EffectiveEnhanced muscle protein synthesis through elevated growth hormone and IGF-1 levels.
Fat Metabolism
EffectiveImproved lipolysis and body composition through GH-mediated fat oxidation.
Recovery Enhancement
EffectiveFaster recovery from exercise and improved sleep quality.
Protective Effects
Muscle Protection
ModerateMyoprotective effects in muscle atrophy models through GHS-R1a stimulation.
Cardioprotection
ModerateCytoprotective effects observed in cardiac tissue research.
Dosing protocols
Common protocols by delivery method. Adjust the curve below to model accumulation in your own cycle.
Injectable
Subcutaneous injection is the primary administration route. Best administered on an empty stomach for optimal GH release. Multiple daily doses recommended to maintain elevated GH levels.
| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Route / duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| GH optimization | 100-150 mcg | 2-3x daily | SubQ |
| Enhanced results | 200-300 mcg | 2-3x daily | SubQ |
| With GHRH (synergy) | 100 mcg each | 2-3x daily | SubQ (combined) |
| Pre-sleep protocol | 100-200 mcg | Before bed | SubQ |
Preparation
You will need
- Bacteriostatic water (BAC)
- Insulin syringes (0.5-1 mL)
- Alcohol swabs
- Peptide vial
- Sterile work surface
Steps
- Clean work area and hands thoroughly
- Calculate required BAC water volume
- Draw BAC water into syringe
- Inject slowly down vial side (not directly onto powder)
- Gently swirl until dissolved (never shake)
- Store in refrigerator, use within 28 days
Work out the water volume and syringe units in the reconstitution calculator →
Interactions
Pairwise interactions with other compounds you might be cycling — the same data behind the cycle builder's safety check.
CJC-1295
SynergisticPowerful synergy; GHRH + GHRP combination amplifies GH release significantly.
Mod GRF 1-29
SynergisticClassic GHRP + GHRH stack for enhanced growth hormone release.
Ipamorelin
CompatibleBoth are GHRPs; can be alternated but typically not stacked together.
GHRP-6
CompatibleSimilar mechanism; GHRP-2 is more potent with less appetite stimulation.
BPC-157
CompatibleNo known negative interactions; different mechanisms.
Timeline
Typical week-by-week effects reported in clinical and observational data.
- Immediately
GH spike within 15-30 minutes of injection
- Week 1-2
Improved sleep quality and recovery
- Week 2-4
Noticeable improvements in energy and well-being
- Week 4-8
Visible changes in body composition and muscle fullness
- Week 8-12
Full benefits realized with consistent use
Safety
Reported adverse effects, contraindications, and what to monitor on cycle.
Common side effects
- Increased appetite (less than GHRP-6)
- Mild water retention
- Tingling or numbness in extremities
- Tiredness or lethargy after injection
- Mild headache
Rare side effects
- Elevated cortisol (with high doses)
- Elevated prolactin (with high doses)
Stop signs — stop and seek advice
- Severe or persistent headaches
- Unusual swelling in hands or feet
- Signs of carpal tunnel syndrome
- Allergic reactions
Contraindications
- Active cancer or history of cancer
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Pituitary disorders
- Diabetic retinopathy
- WADA prohibited for competitive athletes
Quality checks
What a legitimate product looks like, what should give pause, and what should make you stop.
Good signs
- White to off-white lyophilized powder
- Clear solution after reconstitution
- Intact vacuum seal on vial
Warning signs
- Slight clumping that dissolves easily
Stop signs — don't use
- Discolored or yellow powder
- Cloudy solution after reconstitution
- Particles or precipitates in solution
References
Primary literature and clinical-trial data informing this entry.
Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2 increases food intake in healthy men
Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism · 2010
GHRP-2 infusion increased food intake by 35.9% compared to saline, demonstrating ghrelin-like orexigenic effects.
Synthetic Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptides: Cytoprotective Effects
Clinical Medicine Insights: Cardiology · 2017
GHRPs including GHRP-2 demonstrated significant cytoprotective effects in cardiac and extracardiac tissues.
GHRP-2 effects on growth hormone release in swine
Domestic Animal Endocrinology · 2000
Chronic GHRP-2 administration increased average daily gain by 22.35% and feed efficiency by 20.64%.
Last updated . How this page was sourced is described in the methodology.