GHRP-2
Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2 / Pralmorelin
Potent GH secretagogue with stronger GH pulse than Ipamorelin but significant cortisol and prolactin elevation. Largely replaced by Ipamorelin in clinical settings.
Mechanism of action
GHS-R1a agonist — more potent than Ipamorelin for GH release but significantly elevates cortisol and prolactin. Also has ghrelin-like appetite stimulating effects through hypothalamic pathways.
Effects in the body
GHRP-2 was the clinical standard before Ipamorelin became available. Still used in research for maximum GH stimulation but the cortisol and appetite side effects make Ipamorelin the preferred clinical option for most applications.
Pros & cons (from the literature)
- Very potent GH release — one of the strongest secretagogues
- Well characterized mechanism with decades of research
- Useful when maximum GH stimulation is the specific research goal
- Extensive published pharmacological data
- Significant cortisol and prolactin elevation
- Strong appetite stimulation
- Currently RUO — not legally compoundable in USA
- Higher side effect profile than Ipamorelin
- Largely replaced clinically by Ipamorelin
Protocol summary (from published research)
Dosing ranges reproduced from published research literature. Not a prescription, not medical advice.
FDA & regulatory status
Evidence base
Multiple human pharmacology studies published. Mechanism well characterized. Replaced in clinical practice by Ipamorelin but foundational research data well established.
Primary research sources
Peer-reviewed literature referenced throughout this profile is drawn from PubMed, Cell Metabolism, and clinical trial registries cited in the evidence base above.