GHRP-6 10 MG

Description

GHRP-2, also known as pralmorelin, is a synthetic growth hormone secretagogue that functions by binding to the ghrelin/growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R). It was the first compound of its class to be developed and remains in use as a test peptide for evaluating growth hormone deficiency and secondary adrenal insufficiency. GHRP-2 has undergone Phase II clinical trials for its potential role in treating short stature and continues to be actively researched for its broader physiological effects. These include appetite stimulation, muscle growth, immune system modulation, and regulation of sleep cycles. Notably, GHRP-2 is effective via oral and sublingual administration, eliminating the need for injection to achieve therapeutic activity.

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

Studies conducted in yaks have demonstrated that GHRP-2 supports muscle growth through two primary mechanisms: increasing protein synthesis and reducing protein degradation. This research revealed that GHRP-2 can help overcome natural growth limitations caused by environmental stressors such as malnutrition, disease, and cold exposure [1].

One of the most notable findings is GHRP-2’s ability to reduce muscle atrophy by inhibiting atrogin-1 and MuRF1, two key proteins involved in the muscle degradation pathway [2]. This action has significant implications for conditions characterized by chronic catabolism, including autoimmune diseases, cancer, and other wasting disorders.

Additionally, by stimulating the release of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), GHRP-2 promotes muscle protein deposition. The dual effect—suppressing muscle breakdown and enhancing muscle building—makes GHRP-2 a promising candidate for increasing lean body mass, particularly under adverse physiological conditions [3].

2. Stimulates Appetite

GHRP-2 has been consistently shown to increase food intake in both animal and human studies [4], [5]. While this effect may appear minor at first glance, appetite stimulation is critically important in managing chronic illnesses. For patients suffering from conditions that suppress appetite—such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, and various inflammatory diseases—GHRP-2 may offer a reliable means to enhance nutritional intake, thereby improving overall treatment outcomes and quality of life.

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

3. May Protect the Heart

Studies in fetal heart cell cultures suggest that GHRP-2 and its analogues (GHRP-1 and GHRP-6) may protect cardiac cells by reducing apoptosis (programmed cell death)[6]. This cardioprotective effect is especially relevant after myocardial infarction (heart attack), when heart tissue becomes vulnerable due to reduced blood and nutrient supply. Additional research using Hexarelin, a GHRP-2 analogue, has led to the identification of a potential specific receptor for these peptides[7]. Discovering new receptors not only enhances our understanding of human physiology but also opens doors to innovative therapeutic development.

4. Enhances Immune Function

GHRP-2 has demonstrated the ability to stimulate the thymus, the gland responsible for the maturation of T cells, which are vital components of the adaptive immune system. With age, thymic function naturally declines, leading to impaired immunity, reduced tissue regeneration, and greater vulnerability to infections and cancers. Research shows that GHRP-2 rejuvenates thymic activity, resulting in increased production and diversity of T cells[8]. This rejuvenation may lead to stronger immune defenses and improved resilience in aging populations.

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

5. Improves Sleep Quality

GHRP-2 has demonstrated a positive impact on sleep architecture, notably by increasing the duration of stages 3 and 4 (deep sleep) by approximately 50% each, and enhancing REM sleep by about 20%. It also reduces deviation from typical sleep patterns by as much as one-third. These improvements in sleep quality have been associated with enhanced cognitive function, blood pressure regulation, tissue healing, and overall energy levels [9].

While these benefits apply to adults broadly, they are especially significant in the elderly, who often suffer from age-related sleep disturbances. GHRP-2 may offer a potential pathway for modulating sleep quality, with the intriguing possibility of condensing the restorative effects of a full night’s sleep into a shorter sleep duration. This could lead to future advances in managing sleep disorders or enhancing recovery and performance through more efficient rest.

6. May Affect Pain Perception

Initial studies on animal models of osteoarthritis suggested that GHRP-2’s pain-relieving properties were due to its ability to elevate growth hormone levels and accelerate tissue repair. However, researchers observed that pain relief often occurred before any noticeable healing, prompting investigation into other mechanisms. Subsequent findings revealed that GHRP-2 interacts with opioid receptors, suggesting a more direct role in modulating pain perception [10].

There are four known types of opioid receptors, each responsible for different physiological effects. Most opioid medications non-selectively activate all of them, which often leads to undesirable side effects such as respiratory depression, addiction, and disrupted wakefulness. In contrast, GHRP-2 is a selective opioid receptor agonist, primarily targeting receptors associated with pain relief and sedation. This selective binding opens the door for developing next-generation analgesics that may retain the benefits of opioid therapy while significantly reducing associated risks.

Research Use Only

GHRP-2 demonstrates low to moderate side effects, with excellent subcutaneous and low oral bioavailability in murine models. However, dosages in mice do not directly translate to human equivalents. GHRP-2 offered by Peptide Sciences is intended strictly for scientific and educational research. It is not for human consumption. Only licensed researchers should purchase or work with this compound.

Article Author

The above literature was researched, edited, and organized by Dr. Logan, M.D.
Dr. Logan earned his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and holds a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Molecular Biology. His work focuses on translating complex biomedical research into accessible, evidence-based content for educational and scientific purposes.

Scientific Journal Author

Dr. Jean-Alain Fehrentz was born in Nancy, France, in 1955. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Nancy in 1983 and began his scientific career at the Centre CNRS-INSERM de Pharmacologie Endocrinologie in Montpellier, working in the laboratory of Professor B. Castro. Between 1989 and 1992, Dr. Fehrentz served as a researcher at Sanofi Research, also in Montpellier, before joining the Faculty of Pharmacy of Montpellier under Professor J. Martinez.

His research spans a variety of fields, including peptide aldehydes, enzyme inhibitors, peptidomimetics, growth hormone interactions, and heterocycle-based receptor ligands. Over the course of his distinguished career, Dr. Fehrentz has authored more than 150 peer-reviewed scientific publications.

Dr. Jean-Alain Fehrentz is cited here as a leading contributor to the research and development of GHRP-2. His mention is solely to acknowledge his scientific contributions. Dr. Fehrentz is not affiliated with Peptide Sciences in any capacity and does not endorse or advocate for the purchase, sale, or use of this product. His work is referenced in [11] among the cited scientific 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.

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