Research Evidence Anecdotal Efficacy Side Effects Price Dosing & Protocol Regulatory Safety Notes

GHRP-2

GHRP-2 is a synthetic ghrelin mimetic that functions as a potent growth hormone secretagogue, primarily utilized by the community to stimulate the GH/IGF-1 axis. Users typically report a wide dosage range spanning from 100 µg to 10 mg daily, with 10 mg being the most frequently cited amount, though specific timing and cycling schedules remain largely undefined in public reports. Prospective users should note that all human use is off-label or compounded, and the clinical evidence base for these applications is significantly thinner than the current discourse suggests, with most exploratory indications lacking published results.

Half-life~30 min

Data last updated June 13, 2026

Measured on 5 of 6 axes

Research Evidence

Evidence shape

No CT.gov-registered trials for GHRP-2, but 37 published human studies were extracted from the literature — peer-reviewed reports below, split into treatment vs diagnostic/mechanistic, not registry-grade evidence. Off-label / exploratory data exists for 2 additional indications (Treatment studies; Diagnostic & mechanistic studies).

Depthhow much

0 registered trials

Breadthhow many areas

3 indications mapped

2 thin / exploratory · 1 animal-only

Qualityhow rigorous

No completed trials

Breadth and depth50 rows captured

Human

direct clinical signal

37

Animal

translational support

12

In vitro

mechanistic support

1

HighMediumLow

Source data

Every row behind the score.

50 total

RCTPMID 12030918n=33

Treatment studies

tested GH, TSH, LH secretion and metabolic markers

result Combined GHRP-2+TRH+GnRH reactivated GH, TSH, LH axes and reduced ureagenesis (P=0.01) and increased serum osteocalcin (P=0.03), effects not seen with GHRP-2 alone.

Published human study (PubMed / Europe PMC), extracted from its abstract — not a CT.gov-registered trial.

RCTPMID 15963058n=15

Diagnostic & mechanistic studies

tested GH secretion (pulsatile GH, GH regularity, IGF‑I, IGFBP‑3, IGFBP‑1, GH mass after GHRP‑2 infusion)

result Testosterone increased serum Te from 0.87 to 5 and 7.3 nmol/L (P<0.001) but did not change pulsatile GH (29, 32, 27 µg/L/12h), GH regularity (0.52‑0.57), IGF‑I (126‑141 µg/L), or GH mass after GHRP‑2 (123‑147 µg/L/3h).

Published human study (PubMed / Europe PMC), extracted from its abstract — not a CT.gov-registered trial.

RCTPMID 16861611n=19

Diagnostic & mechanistic studies

tested food intake

result GHRP-2 increased ad libitum food intake by 10.2 ± 3.9% at low dose (p=0.011) and 33.5 ± 5.8% at high dose (p<0.001) versus placebo.

Published human study (PubMed / Europe PMC), extracted from its abstract — not a CT.gov-registered trial.

RCTPMID 19458139n=24

Diagnostic & mechanistic studies

tested GH secretion response to GHRP-2

result GHRP-2–stimulated GH secretion was unchanged after GnRH agonist–induced short‑term hypogonadism (no significant difference reported).

Published human study (PubMed / Europe PMC), extracted from its abstract — not a CT.gov-registered trial.

RCTPMID 20299490n=42

Diagnostic & mechanistic studies

tested cortisol concentrations and pulsatile cortisol secretion

result GHRP-2 raised peak cortisol to 616±42 nmol/L, higher than saline/GHRH/SS (≈420±21 nmol/L).

Published human study (PubMed / Europe PMC), extracted from its abstract — not a CT.gov-registered trial.

RCTPMID 25374440n=126

Treatment studies

tested change in height SD score (growth) after 48 weeks

result Mean height SD change: placebo 0.07 SD, low‑dose GHRP‑2 0.03 SD, high‑dose GHRP‑2 0.02 SD; no significant differences among groups.

Published human study (PubMed / Europe PMC), extracted from its abstract — not a CT.gov-registered trial.

HumaPMID 10037246n=76

Diagnostic & mechanistic studies

tested synchronization of GH, TSH and prolactin secretion

result GHRP-2 infusion (1 µg/kg/h) markedly synchronized serum GH, TSH and PRL profiles (all P≤0.007), whereas placebo showed no synchrony.

Published human study (PubMed / Europe PMC), extracted from its abstract — not a CT.gov-registered trial.

HumaPMID 10337858n=8

Diagnostic & mechanistic studies

tested GH secretion (peak level and AUC)

result Peak GH to GHRP-2 was 80.8±21.2 µg/L before prednisone and 71.3±18.4 µg/L during prednisone (no significant change); AUC decreased significantly (P=.04).

Published human study (PubMed / Europe PMC), extracted from its abstract — not a CT.gov-registered trial.

ObsePMID 10770184n=66

Diagnostic & mechanistic studies

tested GH response; sensitivity 78.6%, specificity 100%

result Using a cut‑off of 17 mU/L, the GHRH/GHRP‑2 test showed 78.6% sensitivity and 100% specificity for diagnosing adult GHD compared with ITT.

Published human study (PubMed / Europe PMC), extracted from its abstract — not a CT.gov-registered trial.

HumaPMID 15126555n=17

Diagnostic & mechanistic studies

tested pulsatile GH secretion and IGF‑I, IGFBP‑3, IGFBP‑5 concentrations

result 30‑day GHRP‑2 infusion (1 µg/kg·h) increased pulsatile GH >3‑fold on day 1 and >1.8‑fold on days 14/30 (P<0.001 vs saline) and raised IGF‑I to a stable plateau (P<0.025).

Published human study (PubMed / Europe PMC), extracted from its abstract — not a CT.gov-registered trial.

StudPMID 15230633

Diagnostic & mechanistic studies

tested plasma growth hormone (GH) peak levels

result Pralmorelin markedly increased plasma GH in healthy subjects; GH response was significantly lower in GH‑deficient patients, with a diagnostic cut‑off GH peak of 15.0 µg/L.

Published human study (PubMed / Europe PMC), extracted from its abstract — not a CT.gov-registered trial.

CrosPMID 15356066n=10

Diagnostic & mechanistic studies

tested GH secretory burst mass, frequency, and irregularity

result Octreotide (1 µg/kg) reduced fasting GH from 0.27±0.07 to 0.12±0.02 µg/L (P=0.020) and GH burst mass from 2.7±0.65 to 0.55±0.11 µg/L (P=0.013); in GHRP-2‑stimulated setting, burst mass fell from 28±3.2 to 18±2.0 (P=0.045).

Published human study (PubMed / Europe PMC), extracted from its abstract — not a CT.gov-registered trial.

CrosPMID 15613434n=13

Diagnostic & mechanistic studies

tested GH secretory-burst mass

result E2 clamp increased mean fasting GH (P=0.032), GH burst mass (P=0.037), and maximal stimulation by l-arginine/GHRP-2 (P=0.028).

Published human study (PubMed / Europe PMC), extracted from its abstract — not a CT.gov-registered trial.

HumaPMID 15634714n=14

Diagnostic & mechanistic studies

tested pulsatile GH secretion

result L-arginine/GHRP-2 induced 2.2‑fold greater burst‑like GH release in women vs men (P=0.015); fasting GH 7.6‑fold higher in women (P<0.001).

Published human study (PubMed / Europe PMC), extracted from its abstract — not a CT.gov-registered trial.

CrosPMID 15811926n=17

Diagnostic & mechanistic studies

tested percentage feedback inhibition (GH autofeedback)

result Feedback inhibition correlated negatively with age after rhGH/saline infusion (R²=0.42, P=0.005) and with IGF‑I after rhGH/GHRP‑2 infusion (R²=0.40, P=0.009).

Published human study (PubMed / Europe PMC), extracted from its abstract — not a CT.gov-registered trial.

CrosPMID 16189179n=7

Diagnostic & mechanistic studies

tested GH and IGF‑I secretion

result Testosterone raised fasting GH (~7.5‑fold) and IGF‑I, but did not alter maximal GH response to GHRP‑2 infusion (no‑change).

Published human study (PubMed / Europe PMC), extracted from its abstract — not a CT.gov-registered trial.

HumaPMID 17686882

Diagnostic & mechanistic studies

tested GH secretory burst duration/shape

result GHRP-2 stimulation lengthened GH secretory bursts regardless of estradiol presence.

Published human study (PubMed / Europe PMC), extracted from its abstract — not a CT.gov-registered trial.

HumaPMID 19088159n=42

Diagnostic & mechanistic studies

tested basal and pulsatile growth hormone secretion

result Te/placebo raised testosterone 2.8‑fold, DHT 2.6‑fold, estradiol 1.9‑fold; Te/dutasteride reduced DHT 89% and Te/anastrozole reduced estradiol 86%; testosterone positively predicted GH peak (P<0.001) and GHRP‑2‑stimulated pulsatile GH (P<0.001).

Published human study (PubMed / Europe PMC), extracted from its abstract — not a CT.gov-registered trial.

HumaPMID 19470834n=42

Diagnostic & mechanistic studies

tested pulsatile growth hormone secretion

result GHRP-2 stimulated GH more than GHRH (P<0.001) under both low and high estradiol; postmenopausal women had lower GH responses to GHRP-2 (P<0.001).

Published human study (PubMed / Europe PMC), extracted from its abstract — not a CT.gov-registered trial.

OpenPMID 21249726n=125

Diagnostic & mechanistic studies

tested Rec/Pit ratio (GH isoform ratio)

result GHRP-2 (100 µg IV) reduced the rhGH‑induced Rec/Pit ratio to 39.9‑43.9% of the elevated level, masking detection of rhGH doping.

Published human study (PubMed / Europe PMC), extracted from its abstract — not a CT.gov-registered trial.

CrosPMID 21467302n=25

Diagnostic & mechanistic studies

tested GH nadir, peak concentrations and integrated GH recovery

result Dual‑peptide infusion increased nadir GH (P=0.001) and peak GH (P<0.001) versus saline, with greater peak response in women (P=0.016).

Published human study (PubMed / Europe PMC), extracted from its abstract — not a CT.gov-registered trial.

CrosPMID 21613353n=20

Diagnostic & mechanistic studies

tested GH recovery (integrated, nadir, peak)

result GHRP-2 enhanced nadir and peak GH during feedback (P<0.001 for both)

Published human study (PubMed / Europe PMC), extracted from its abstract — not a CT.gov-registered trial.

StudPMID 22083629

Diagnostic & mechanistic studies

tested detection window of approximately 4.5 h for GHRP‑2 in urine

result Detection window of approximately 4.5 h for GHRP‑2 in urine

Published human study (PubMed / Europe PMC), extracted from its abstract — not a CT.gov-registered trial.

CasePMID 25869809n=1

Diagnostic & mechanistic studies

tested urinary detection window of GHRP-2 and its metabolites

result GHRP-2 free acid and GHRP-2 (1-3) free acid detected in urine up to 47 h post‑nasal dose.

Published human study (PubMed / Europe PMC), extracted from its abstract — not a CT.gov-registered trial.

CasePMID 26401470n=1

Treatment studies

tested body weight increase of 6.7 kg and improved hypoglycemia

result Body weight increased by 6.7 kg (21.1 kg→27.8 kg) over 14 months; hunger and food intake increased, early satiety decreased, hypoglycemia improved.

Published human study (PubMed / Europe PMC), extracted from its abstract — not a CT.gov-registered trial.

ObsePMID 28623445n=28

Diagnostic & mechanistic studies

tested GH secretion (peak) after GHRP‑2 stimulation

result GH peak correlated negatively with BMI (r=-0.59, p=0.001) and increased after LSG in the two obese patients.

Published human study (PubMed / Europe PMC), extracted from its abstract — not a CT.gov-registered trial.

ObsePMID 28830317n=14

Treatment studies

tested serum IGF-1 level

result IGF-1 rose from 159.5 ± 26.7 ng/mL to 239.0 ± 54.6 ng/mL after ~134 days (p < .0001).

Published human study (PubMed / Europe PMC), extracted from its abstract — not a CT.gov-registered trial.

CasePMID 28871578n=1

Diagnostic & mechanistic studies

tested GHRP-2 test showed preserved GH response, confirming isolated ACTH deficiency

result GHRP-2 test indicated normal GH secretion, supporting isolated ACTH deficiency in the patient

Published human study (PubMed / Europe PMC), extracted from its abstract — not a CT.gov-registered trial.

CasePMID 31036085n=1

Diagnostic & mechanistic studies

tested poor ACTH response to GHRP-2 load test

result GHRP-2 load test failed to elicit an ACTH response, indicating ACTH deficiency.

Published human study (PubMed / Europe PMC), extracted from its abstract — not a CT.gov-registered trial.

OpenPMID 33197153

Diagnostic & mechanistic studies

tested GHRP-2 detectable in DBS up to 4 h post‑dose

result A single 100 µg IV dose of GHRP‑2 was detectable in DBS for up to 4 h; limit of detection 50 pg/ml; long‑term stability >2 years.

Published human study (PubMed / Europe PMC), extracted from its abstract — not a CT.gov-registered trial.

CasePMID 34090190n=1

Diagnostic & mechanistic studies

tested GHRP-2 assay showed excessive basal GH response; hypoglycemia resolved after dexamethasone treatment

result GHRP-2 assay revealed an excessive basal GH reaction, confirming NICTH; hypoglycemia was corrected with dexamethasone

Published human study (PubMed / Europe PMC), extracted from its abstract — not a CT.gov-registered trial.

CasePMID 34686480n=1

Diagnostic & mechanistic studies

tested GH deficiency identified via GHRP-2 test

result A GHRP-2 provocation test revealed GH deficiency in the patient; subsequent GH replacement therapy improved his muscle pain and depression.

Published human study (PubMed / Europe PMC), extracted from its abstract — not a CT.gov-registered trial.

ObsePMID 35452483n=104

Diagnostic & mechanistic studies

tested peak GH response to GHRP‑2 / prevalence of severe GHD

result 45/104 (43%) had severe GHD; overweight odds ratio 3.86 (95% CI 1.02‑14.66); postoperative severe GHD 100% vs 48% (P<0.001).

Published human study (PubMed / Europe PMC), extracted from its abstract — not a CT.gov-registered trial.

ObsePMID 35795807n=36

Diagnostic & mechanistic studies

tested diagnostic accuracy of ACTH response in GHRP2 test for secondary adrenal insufficiency

result ACTH response cutoff 1.55‑fold achieved 83% sensitivity, 88% specificity; combined with cortisol >10 µg/dL gave 100% specificity and accuracy 0.94 for diagnosing pituitary‑AI.

Published human study (PubMed / Europe PMC), extracted from its abstract — not a CT.gov-registered trial.

ObsePMID 41596479n=15

Diagnostic & mechanistic studies

tested GH peak level after GHRP-2 stimulation

result GH response was preserved with a mean peak of 35.5 ng/mL after GHRP-2 stimulation in 15 long COVID patients.

Published human study (PubMed / Europe PMC), extracted from its abstract — not a CT.gov-registered trial.

ObsePMID 7559885n=24

Diagnostic & mechanistic studies

tested GH peak response (µg/L)

result All 15 children given intranasal GHRP-2 (5–20 µg/kg) had significant GH response; mean peak GH 31.3 µg/L at 15 µg/kg. Responses to GHRP-2 comparable to iv GHRH and superior to arginine, L‑dopa, insulin.

Published human study (PubMed / Europe PMC), extracted from its abstract — not a CT.gov-registered trial.

StudPMID 8887169

Diagnostic & mechanistic studies

tested GH response

result additive to synergistic GH response

Published human study (PubMed / Europe PMC), extracted from its abstract — not a CT.gov-registered trial.

AnimalPMID 10713408

Preclinical / mechanistic research

tested rat · A 6-day intracerebroventricular infusion of the growth hormone-releasing peptide KP-102 stimulates food intake in both non-stressed and intermittently-stressed rats. (PMID 10713408 · DOI 10.1016/s0304-3940(00)00882-x)

result Preclinical publication captured from PubMed/Europe PMC; effect details require paper-level extraction.

AnimalPMID 14551231

Preclinical / mechanistic research

tested rabbit · Endocrine and metabolic effects of growth hormone (GH) compared with GH-releasing peptide, thyrotropin-releasing hormone, and insulin infusion in a rabbit model of prolonged critical illness.

result Preclinical publication captured from PubMed/Europe PMC; effect details require paper-level extraction.

AnimalPMID 15507538

Preclinical / mechanistic research

tested rat · Anti-inflammatory effect of the ghrelin agonist growth hormone-releasing peptide-2 (GHRP-2) in arthritic rats.

result Preclinical publication captured from PubMed/Europe PMC; effect details require paper-level extraction.

AnimalPMID 15645295

Preclinical / mechanistic research

tested rat · ACTH releasing activity of KP-102 (GHRP-2) in rats is mediated mainly by release of CRF.

result Preclinical publication captured from PubMed/Europe PMC; effect details require paper-level extraction.

AnimalPMID 15985453

Preclinical / mechanistic research

tested mouse · Effects of long-term treatment with growth hormone-releasing peptide-2 in the GHRH knockout mouse.

result Preclinical publication captured from PubMed/Europe PMC; effect details require paper-level extraction.

AnimalPMID 19009643

Preclinical / mechanistic research

tested mouse · Growth hormone releasing peptide 2 reverses anorexia associated with chemotherapy with 5-fluoruracil in colon cancer cell-bearing mice.

result Preclinical publication captured from PubMed/Europe PMC; effect details require paper-level extraction.

AnimalPMID 19577604

Preclinical / mechanistic research

tested rat · Ghrelin receptor agonist, GHRP-2, attenuates burn injury-induced MuRF-1 and MAFbx expression and muscle proteolysis in rats.

result Preclinical publication captured from PubMed/Europe PMC; effect details require paper-level extraction.

AnimalPMID 20805679

Preclinical / mechanistic research

tested rat · Growth hormone releasing peptide-2, a ghrelin agonist, attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in rats.

result Preclinical publication captured from PubMed/Europe PMC; effect details require paper-level extraction.

AnimalPMID 24607724

Preclinical / mechanistic research

tested mouse · Ghrelin receptor agonist, GHRP-2, produces antinociceptive effects at the supraspinal level via the opioid receptor in mice.

result Preclinical publication captured from PubMed/Europe PMC; effect details require paper-level extraction.

AnimalPMID 7775651

Preclinical / mechanistic research

tested rat · [Effect of newly developed analogue of growth hormone releasing peptide [D-Ala-D-beta Nal-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2 (KP-102)] on growth hormone secretion in adult male rats].

result Preclinical publication captured from PubMed/Europe PMC; effect details require paper-level extraction.

AnimalPMID 7846295

Preclinical / mechanistic research

tested rat · Effect of D-Ala-D-beta Nal-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2 (KP-102) on GH secretion in urethan-anesthetized rats. (PMID 7846295 · DOI 10.1016/0167-0115(94)90168-6)

result Preclinical publication captured from PubMed/Europe PMC; effect details require paper-level extraction.

AnimalPMID 8761023

Preclinical / mechanistic research

tested rat · Effects of the synthesized growth hormone releasing peptide, KP-102, on growth hormone release in sodium glutamate monohydrate-treated low growth rats. (PMID 8761023 · DOI 10.1016/0024-3205(96)00356-6)

result Preclinical publication captured from PubMed/Europe PMC; effect details require paper-level extraction.

In vitroPMID 17185792

Preclinical / mechanistic research

tested Differential regulation of GHRH-receptor and GHS-receptor expression by long-term in vitro treatment of ovine pituitary cells with GHRP-2 and GHRH.

result In-vitro publication captured from PubMed/Europe PMC; assay details require paper-level extraction.

Anecdotal efficacy

Sleep & recovery

All community reports on GHRP-2 for GH/IGF-1 axis stimulation were positive. Users described the peptide acting mainly on organs, noting chest growth and stronger heart and lungs, and also reported improved outcomes related to recovery and GH pathways.

1-2 of 2

+“Seemed like the HGH releasing peptides* I used went mostly to my organs. My chest grew a couple of inches (no gyno) heart and lungs much stronger.”r/Peptides · -12 upvotes +“With subq you get way more predictable dosing and better results, especially for anything related to recovery or GH pathways.”r/NTNPerformance · 1 upvotes

GHRP-2 side effects

Clinical research side effects

Clinical safety table not projected yet.

Anecdotal side effects

Side effect source data

22 linked sources are available across clinical rows and community reports.

Clinical 0Anecdotal 22

1-6 of 22

General / systemic

“I started with this reaction and then nine day full on anaphylaxis. Took to again, anaphylaxis. So now I can’t take it any more.”Other (uncategorised) · r/Peptides · stopped over this · 4 upvotes

General / systemic

“Recently, i took a small tolerance break and the first night back on i had a bad allergic reaction.”Other (uncategorised) · r/Peptides · 1 upvotes

General / systemic

“Since the day I started, it feels like I'm on 11 cups of coffee. The stimulant effect is pronounced, and it's even making it hard to go to sleep. I was planning on the same 5/7 day dosing, but I ju…”Other (uncategorised) · r/Peptides · stopped over this

General / systemic

“My heart rate maxed out at 140 and I had incredible pressure in my head and chest.”Other (uncategorised) · r/Peptides · while stacking · 2 upvotes

“get all the usual side effects like facial flushing but no nasty itchy red lumps. I thought my stomach was infected when I went subq.”Itching · r/Peptides · 1 upvotes

“My skin felt stingy and itchy all over my body, I had this the first day I tried it too.”Itching · r/Peptides · 1 upvotes

Price

Full buying guide →

1

--

100 mg×10

$50.00

$0.5/mg

2

Chimera Peptides

CN

150 mg×10

$109.00

$0.73/mg

3

United Kingdom

10 mg

$13.41

$1.34/mg

4

Proforma Peptides

GB

10 mg

$13.41

$1.34/mg

5

--

10 mg

$19.95

$1.99/mg

6

Raccoon Peptides

GB

10 mg

$21.34

$2.13/mg

price offers can be sorted by column · 13 out-of-stock offers not shown

1-6 of 83

GHRP-2 dosing & protocol

How GHRP-2 is dosed across research, clinician, and community sources — each evidence tier kept separate so the dose range, frequency, timing, and cycling stay visible without flattening different levels of evidence.

Research trials

Published clinical-trial protocols · n = 4

weight-based

Typical dose

—

0
mg
mg
mg
mg
mg

no dose captured for this tier yet

Frequency: twice daily
Route: subQ

In research trials, GHRP-2 was administered subcutaneously at a weight‑based dose of 1 µg/kg/h, two to three times daily, with no specific cycling regimen described.

4 sources

Clinician practice

Doctor & published-protocol guidance

Typical dose

—

0
mg
mg
mg
mg
mg

no dose captured for this tier yet

No structured protocol details captured for this tier yet.

Anecdotal

Community-reported real-world use · n = 5

Typical dose

100 µg100 µg – 10 mg

typical

0
mg
mg
mg
mg
mg

distribution of 5 reported doses · darker = more

Frequency: unspecified
Route: subQ

Community reports show GHRP-2 used subcutaneously at amounts ranging from 100 mcg to 10 mg, with one source noting 100 mcg twice daily and another reporting 10 mg weekly; no consistent cycling pattern was described.

5 sources

Dose & protocol sources

9 linked sources are available across the research, clinician, and community tiers. Each card states what that source says, with a link to it.

Research trials 4Clinician practice 0Anecdotal 5

Research trialsPMID 12030918

Dose 1 µg/kg/h

GH, TSH, LH secretion and metabolic markers

PMID 12030918 ↗

Research trialsPMID 25374440

change in height SD score (growth) after 48 weeks

PMID 25374440 ↗

Research trialsPMID 28830317

serum IGF-1 level

PMID 28830317 ↗

Research trialsPMID 26401470

body weight increase of 6.7 kg and improved hypoglycemia

PMID 26401470 ↗

Anecdotalr/BodyHackGuide

Dose 100mcg twice a dayFrequency twice dailyRoute subQ

View source ↗

Anecdotalr/PeptideDiscussion

Dose 10mg/weekFrequency weeklyRoute subQ

View source ↗

1-6 of 9

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