GHRP-2 10 MG

Description

GHRP-2, also known as pralmorelin, is a synthetic growth hormone secretagogue that binds to the ghrelin/growth hormone secretagogue receptor. It was the first peptide of its class introduced and is currently used as a diagnostic test agent for evaluating growth hormone deficiency and secondary adrenal insufficiency.

Key research insights:

• Clinical applications: GHRP-2 has undergone Phase II clinical trials to assess its potential in treating short stature.
• Biological effects: Research is actively exploring GHRP-2’s role in stimulating appetite, promoting muscle growth, modulating immune function, and regulating sleep patterns.
• Administration: Unlike many peptides, GHRP-2 is effective when taken orally or sublingually, eliminating the need for injections.

For research use only: GHRP-2 products available here are intended strictly for laboratory and scientific research purposes. They are not approved drugs or supplements, and use in humans or animals is prohibited by law.

GHRP-2 Structure

Source: PubChem

Sequence: D-Ala-D-2Nal-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys
Molecular Formula: C₄₅H₅₅N₉O₆
Molecular Weight: 817.9749 g/mol
PubChem CID: 6918245
CAS Number: 158861-67-7
Code Names: KP-102, GPA-748, WAY-GPA-748

GHRP-2 Research

1. Protects and Enhances Muscle Structure

Research in yaks indicates that GHRP-2 can boost muscle growth in two ways: increasing protein deposition and decreasing protein degradation. The study showed GHRP-2 can overcome natural growth plateaus caused by food deprivation, disease, and harsh environments such as cold temperatures [1]. A significant finding is that GHRP-2 reduces muscle atrophy by inactivating atrogin-1 and MuRF1, proteins that regulate muscle degradation pathways [2]. These results offer hope for reducing muscle wasting common in chronic illnesses like autoimmune diseases and cancer.

By activating growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), GHRP-2 further enhances muscle protein synthesis. The combined effect of reducing degradation and promoting deposition encourages lean body mass development even in adverse conditions [3].

2. Stimulates Appetite

GHRP-2 has been shown to increase food intake effectively [4], [5]. While this might seem simple, appetite stimulation is crucial in managing chronic diseases, where reduced hunger can impact recovery. GHRP-2’s ability to boost appetite may help improve nutrition and health outcomes in patients with chronic illnesses.

Food intake in healthy adult men, placebo versus GHRP-2
Source: PubMed

3. May Protect the Heart

Studies in fetal heart cell cultures demonstrate that GHRP-2 and related peptides (GHRP-1 and GHRP-6) can protect heart cells by reducing apoptosis, or programmed cell death [6]. This protection is especially important after a heart attack, when heart cells are vulnerable due to reduced blood and nutrient supply. Research with a GHRP-2 analogue called Hexarelin suggests the presence of a specific receptor for these peptides [7]. Discovering new receptors not only paves the way for innovative drug development but also enhances our understanding of human physiology and ways to prevent heart dysfunction.

4. Improves the Immune System

GHRP-2 stimulates the thymus gland, which is essential for the maturation of T cells—key players in adaptive immunity. As we age, thymus function declines, contributing to reduced immune response, impaired tissue repair, and increased vulnerability to infections and cancer. Research shows that GHRP-2 can rejuvenate the thymus, increasing both the number and diversity of T cells produced [8], leading to stronger immunity and better defense against disease.

Change in number of active T-cells following administration of GHRP-2
Source: PubMed

5. Improves Sleep Quality

GHRP-2 has been shown to significantly enhance sleep by increasing stages 3 and 4 of the sleep cycle by about 50% each and boosting REM sleep by roughly 20%. It also reduces deviations from normal sleep patterns by up to one-third. These improvements in sleep quality have been linked to better cognitive function, lower blood pressure, faster healing, and higher energy levels [9]. While beneficial for adults in general, these effects are especially important for the elderly, whose sleep quality often declines with age. GHRP-2 may offer insights into optimizing sleep, potentially allowing people to gain the benefits of a full night’s rest in less time.

6. May Affect Pain Perception

Initially, it was believed that GHRP-2’s pain relief in osteoarthritis models was due to increased growth hormone and accelerated tissue healing. However, pain reduction was observed well before healing began, suggesting GHRP-2 may directly influence pain perception. Research shows that GHRP-2 acts on opioid receptors [10].

There are four types of opioid receptors, but most opioid medications affect all of them indiscriminately, causing side effects like respiratory depression, addiction, and altered wakefulness. GHRP-2 selectively binds to opioid receptors linked to pain relief, sedation, and addiction, which could lead to development of opioid agonists that provide pain relief without undesirable side effects.

GHRP-2 has minimal to moderate side effects, with low oral and excellent subcutaneous bioavailability in mice. Note that dosing in mice does not directly translate to humans. GHRP-2 available from Peptide Sciences is for educational and scientific research only and not intended for human consumption. Purchase only if you are a licensed researcher.

Article Author

The above content was researched, edited, and organized by Dr. Logan, M.D. Dr. Logan holds a doctorate from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and a B.S. degree in Molecular Biology.

Scientific Journal Author

Jean-Alain Fehrentz, Ph.D., was born in Nancy, France in 1955. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Nancy in 1983 and has held research positions at the CNRS-INSERM Centre of Pharmacology and Endocrinology in Montpellier, as well as at Sanofi Research. He later joined the Faculty of Pharmacy in Montpellier, focusing on peptide aldehydes, enzyme inhibitors, peptidomimetics, growth hormone interactions, and heterocyclic receptor ligands. Dr. Fehrentz has published over 150 scientific papers.

Jean-Alain Fehrentz is recognized as one of the leading scientists involved in the research and development of GHRP-2. Please note that Dr. Fehrentz does not endorse, promote, or support the purchase, sale, or use of this product. There is no affiliation or relationship, implied or otherwise, between Peptide Sciences and Dr. Fehrentz. The citation serves solely to acknowledge the important scientific contributions made by researchers studying this peptide. Dr. Fehrentz is referenced as [11] in the cited literature.

References

1. R. Hu et al., “Effects of GHRP-2 and Cysteamine Administration on Growth Performance, Somatotropic Axis Hormone and Muscle Protein Deposition in Yaks (Bos grunniens) with Growth Retardation,” PloS One, vol. 11, no. 2, p. e0149461, 2016. [PLOS ONE]
2. D. Yamamoto et al., “GHRP-2, a GHS-R agonist, directly acts on myocytes to attenuate the dexamethasone-induced expressions of muscle-specific ubiquitin ligases, Atrogin-1 and MuRF1,” Life Sci., vol. 82, no. 9–10, pp. 460–466, Feb. 2008. [PubMed]
3. L. T. Phung et al., “The effects of growth hormone-releasing peptide-2 (GHRP-2) on the release of growth hormone and growth performance in swine,” Domest. Anim. Endocrinol., vol. 18, no. 3, pp. 279–291, Apr. 2000. [PubMed]
4. B. Laferrère, C. Abraham, C. D. Russell, and C. Y. Bowers, “Growth hormone releasing peptide-2 (GHRP-2), like ghrelin, increases food intake in healthy men,” J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., vol. 90, no. 2, pp. 611–614, Feb. 2005. [PubMed]
5. B. Laferrère, A. B. Hart, and C. Y. Bowers, “Obese subjects respond to the stimulatory effect of the ghrelin agonist growth hormone-releasing peptide-2 on food intake,” Obes. Silver Spring Md, vol. 14, no. 6, pp. 1056–1063, Jun. 2006. [PMC]
6. G. Muccioli et al., “Growth hormone-releasing peptides and the cardiovascular system,” Ann. Endocrinol., vol. 61, no. 1, pp. 27–31, Feb. 2000. [PubMed]
7. V. Bodart et al., “Identification and characterization of a new growth hormone-releasing peptide receptor in the heart,” Circ. Res., vol. 85, no. 9, pp. 796–802, Oct. 1999. [AHA Journals]
8. D. D. Taub, W. J. Murphy, and D. L. Longo, “Rejuvenation of the aging thymus: growth hormone-mediated and ghrelin-mediated signaling pathways,” Curr. Opin. Pharmacol., vol. 10, no. 4, pp. 408–424, Aug. 2010. [PubMed]
9. G. Copinschi et al., “Prolonged oral treatment with MK-677, a novel growth hormone secretagogue, improves sleep quality in man,” Neuroendocrinology, vol. 66, no. 4, pp. 278–286, Oct. 1997. [PubMed]
10. P. Zeng et al., “Ghrelin receptor agonist, GHRP-2, produces antinociceptive effects at the supraspinal level via the opioid receptor in mice,” Peptides, vol. 55, pp. 103–109, May 2014. [PubMed]
11. Moulin, A. , Ryan, J. , Martinez, J. and Fehrentz, J. (2007), Recent Developments in Ghrelin Receptor Ligands. ChemMedChem, 2: 1242-1259. doi:10.1002/cmdc.200700015

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Products offered through this site are intended for in vitro research only—that is, studies conducted outside of a living organism (e.g., in a laboratory setting). These products are not drugs or medications and have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA for the prevention, treatment, or cure of any medical condition or disease.

Any bodily administration or introduction of these substances into humans or animals is strictly prohibited by law.