GHRP-2
The Appetite-Enhancing Growth Hormone Secretagogue
What is GHRP-2?
GHRP-2 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2) is a synthetic hexapeptide and ghrelin mimetic that powerfully stimulates the natural release of growth hormone (GH) from the anterior pituitary gland. Part of the GHRP (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide) family, GHRP-2 is known for its strong GH release, appetite stimulation, and enhanced recovery benefits.
GHRP-2 binds to the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) and acts synergistically with GHRH analogs like CJC-1295 or Mod GRF 1-29 to amplify pulsatile GH release, promoting improved metabolism, tissue repair, fat loss, and lean muscle growth.
Key Mechanism: GHRP-2 activates the ghrelin receptor in the hypothalamus and pituitary, boosting endogenous GH secretion and influencing appetite, metabolism, and immune modulation.
How It Works
GHRP-2 works by:
- Stimulating GH release via both hypothalamic and pituitary pathways
- Inhibiting somatostatin, a GH-inhibiting hormone
- Mimicking ghrelin, the “hunger hormone,” to increase food intake and growth-promoting signals
- Increasing IGF-1 levels indirectly through enhanced GH pulses
- Enhancing deep sleep, cellular regeneration, and fat metabolism
Reference: Smith RG, et al. “Growth hormone releasing peptides: potent analogs of ghrelin.” Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2005;16(3):129–135. doi:10.1016/j.tem.2005.02.007
Benefits of GHRP-2
💪 Increased Natural Growth Hormone Levels
- Triggers strong, dose-dependent GH pulses
- Enhances IGF-1 secretion without exogenous hormone use
🛠️ Faster Recovery and Tissue Repair
- Supports muscle recovery, wound healing, and joint regeneration
- Useful in injury recovery protocols and anti-aging stacks
⚖️ Improved Body Composition
- Stimulates lipolysis (fat burning) and lean mass retention
- May aid in abdominal fat loss during caloric restriction
🍽️ Increased Appetite
- Strong ghrelin-mimetic effect, useful in underweight individuals or during muscle-gain phases
🧠 Better Sleep, Mood, and Energy
- Enhances deep (delta wave) sleep
- Supports mental clarity and mood regulation through improved GH rhythm
GHRP-2 vs. Other GHRPs
| Feature | GHRP-2 | GHRP-6 | Ipamorelin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appetite Stimulation | Moderate to Strong | Very Strong (often intense hunger) | Mild/None |
| GH Release Potency | High | Moderate | Moderate to High |
| Prolactin/Cortisol Impact | Slight Elevation (dose-dependent) | More likely to increase prolactin/cortisol | Minimal impact |
| Ideal Use | Bulking, GH support, injury recovery | Appetite gain, mass-building | Gentle GH support, stacking with CJC-1295 |
GHRP-2 offers a balance between GH stimulation and appetite control—making it effective for both cutting and bulking phases depending on dosage.
Dosing and Administration
GHRP-2 is typically administered via subcutaneous injection, often stacked with a GHRH analog for synergistic GH release.
Common Protocol:
- Dose: 100–300 mcg per injection
- Frequency: 1–3 times daily (morning, post-workout, before bed)
- Cycle Length: 4–12 weeks, with or without breaks
For enhanced results, combine with CJC-1295 (No DAC) or Mod GRF 1-29 to mimic natural GH pulsatility and increase overall GH/IGF-1 output.
Avoid food (especially carbs/fats) within 30 minutes pre/post injection to maximize GH release.
Safety and Side Effects
GHRP-2 is generally well-tolerated with a strong safety record in both clinical and research settings. Side effects are typically dose-dependent and may include:
- Temporary increase in hunger (can be desirable or inconvenient)
- Mild water retention or bloating
- Increased prolactin (high doses or long-term use)
- Occasional flushing or tingling shortly after injection
Unlike synthetic GH, GHRP-2 stimulates your body’s natural rhythm, reducing risks of suppression or long-term imbalance.
Conclusion
GHRP-2 is a powerful and versatile peptide for those seeking enhanced growth hormone output, improved recovery, and body composition support—with the added bonus of increased appetite for those who need it.
Whether used alone or stacked with GHRH peptides like CJC-1295, GHRP-2 offers a science-backed, physiologic approach to hormone optimization, athletic performance, and recovery enhancement.