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Research Use Only18+Not for Human ConsumptionReconstitution Materials Not Supplied
Peptide Database

Growth hormone & endocrine research

GHRP-2 (Pralmorelin): Research Overview

Growth hormone-releasing peptide used as a diagnostic agent for growth hormone deficiency.

Also known as pralmorelin · KP-102 · Pralmorelin

Research use onlyStrongest evidence: study type not statedReviewed
DatabaseReferences

What is GHRP-2?

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.

What is GHRP-2 researched for?

  • Used as a diagnostic agent in Japan for assessing growth hormone deficiency in clinical settings.
  • Stimulates endogenous growth hormone release through ghrelin receptor activation.
  • Indirectly increases IGF-1 levels through enhanced GH secretion.
  • Enhanced muscle protein synthesis through elevated growth hormone and IGF-1 levels.
  • Improved lipolysis and body composition through GH-mediated fat oxidation.
  • Faster recovery from exercise and improved sleep quality.
  • Myoprotective effects in muscle atrophy models through GHS-R1a stimulation.
  • Cytoprotective effects observed in cardiac tissue research.

How does GHRP-2 work?

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.

Reported targets: GHS-R1a, growth hormone secretagogue receptor, ghrelin receptor

References

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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%.

Common questions

Is GHRP-2 stronger than GHRP-6 for stimulating growth hormone?

Yes, GHRP-2 is 2-3 times more potent than GHRP-6 at stimulating GH release. However, GHRP-2 causes less appetite stimulation than GHRP-6, making it more tolerable for those sensitive to hunger effects. The trade-off is strength versus side effects—GHRP-2 is more powerful with fewer appetite issues.

Will GHRP-2 cause elevated cortisol like some sources suggest?

At recommended doses (100-300mcg), GHRP-2 rarely elevates cortisol significantly. However, very high doses (>300mcg) or frequent dosing can increase cortisol. Most side effects are manageable water retention and appetite, with cortisol elevation primarily a concern with dose escalation beyond therapeutic ranges.