GHRP-2 (growth hormone-releasing peptide 2), also known as pralmorelin, is a synthetic growth hormone secretagogue that triggers growth hormone release. It can be used as a diagnostic agent for the assessment of growth hormone deficiency (GHD). GHRP-2 was also under phase II investigations for the treatment of GHD and short stature. However, it was never marketed for these indications.

Further, research shows that it is involved in the regulation of appetite, sleep cycle and immune system. Like all other GH secretagogues, it is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) because of its potential to boost strength and performance. At Pinnacle Peptides, GHRP-2 for sale is exclusively available for research.

From Pubchem

IUPAC Name: (2S)-6-amino-2-[[(2R)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2R)-2-[[(2R)-2-aminopropanoyl]amino]-3-naphthalen-2-ylpropanoyl]amino]propanoyl]amino]-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)propanoyl]amino]-3-phenylpropanoyl]amino]hexanamide
Synonyms: Pralmorelin, 158861-67-7 and KP-102
Molecular Formula: C45H55N9O6
Molecular Weight: 818.0 g/mol
Sequence: AXAWFK
CAS number: 158861-67-7
PubChem CID: 6918245

GHRP-2 is a synthetic agonist of the ghrelin/growth hormone secretagogue receptor. It binds to ghrelin receptors and stimulates the release of growth hormone. Research shows that it may partially act through the growth-releasing factor (GRF) receptor and increase GH secretion via protein kinase C and cAMP pathways [1]. Further, it blocks somatostatin release and plays a significant role in the regulation of appetite.

1. Appetite

GHS play a key part in the regulation of appetite. A clinical trial showed that GHRP-2 treatment twice a day for a year caused an increase in appetite in the first six months of study in 7/10 of prepubertal children [2]. Furthermore, another study was conducted on 7 healthy individuals to assess its effect on hunger. The participants were randomized to receive either a subcutaneous infusion of GHRP-2 or a placebo for 270 minutes, and then their food intake was measured. The results found that the treatment group ate 26-46% more as compared to the control group [3].

2. Muscle Growth and Healing

Research conducted on Yaks found that GHRP-2 injection increased both the diameter and area of myofibers in skeletal muscles. This particular effect might be due to the increased release of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) induced by GHRP-2. Additionally, GHRP-2 has been shown to boost protein synthesis and enhance the mRNA expression of IGF-1 and growth hormone in the liver and skeletal muscles [4].

Furthermore, GHRP-2 shows protective effects against muscle proteolysis following injury. Research was conducted to explore the impact of GHRP-2 on the expression of E3 ubiquitin ligases in rats with thermal injury. GHRP-2 administration through slow in vivo release over 24 hours via minipump effectively downregulated the mRNA expression of IL-6 and E3 ubiquitin ligases, MuRF-1 and MAFbx. Moreover, GHRP-2 reduced total and myofibrillar protein breakdown in the rat EDL muscle induced by burns [5].

3. Cardioprotective Effects

GHRP-2 exert a beneficial effect on the heart. A study was conducted to check the impact of GHRP-2 on myocardial stunning in rabbit model. GHRP-2 treatment for 2 weeks was found to prevent diastolic dysfunction. On the other hand, recombinant GH didn’t exhibit this similar effect [6].

Moreover, research shows that GHRP-2 can prevent cardiac remodeling following myocardial infarction and improve ventricular dysfunction. Results from a study conducted on a hamster model revealed that GHRP-2 treatment reduced myocardial fibrosis. Additionally, it slowed down the progression of left ventricular remodeling and dysfunction [7].

4. Anti-inflammatory Effects

Ghrelin has anti-inflammatory effects and suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α through the GHS receptor pathway. Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) damage the liver and increase the levels of TNF-α, transaminases and nitrates. Research conducted on LPS-treated rats found that GHRP-2 treatment alleviated the impact of LPS on the levels of transaminase, nitrate and TNF-α [8].

In another study, male Wistar rats with induced arthritis were treated with either saline water or GHRP-2 for eight days. The results revealed that GHRP-2 alleviated external symptoms of arthritis and reduced IL-6 levels. Furthermore, one study revealed that GHRP-6 prevent the release of IL-6 and nitrate. This suggests that GHRP-6 has anti-inflammatory activity potentially mediated by ghrelin receptors present in immune cells [9].

GHRP-2 is a man-made agonist of the ghrelin/GHS receptor, and it stimulates the release of growth hormone. It has been shown to exert cardioprotective effects, treat growth hormone deficiency and increase hunger. Further, it blocks proinflammatory cytokines and possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Like all other GHS, it might boost strength, performance and recovery following injury. It is prohibited by WADA and is not available as an FDA-approved drug. We don’t support its unwarranted use and offer GHRP-2 purchase for research and experimentation. Only buy GHRP-2 if you are an authorized researcher; don’t buy it for human consumption.

1. Roh, S.G., et al., Mechanisms of action of growth hormone-releasing peptide-2 in bovine pituitary cells. J Anim Sci, 1997. 75(10): p. 2744-8.
2. Mericq, V., et al., Changes in appetite and body weight in response to long-term oral administration of the ghrelin agonist GHRP-2 in growth hormone deficient children. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab, 2003. 16(7): p. 981-5.
3. Laferrère, B., C. Abraham, C.D. Russell, and C.Y. Bowers, Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2 (GHRP-2), Like Ghrelin, Increases Food Intake in Healthy Men. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2005. 90(2): p. 611-614.
4. Hu, R., 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, 2016. 11(2): p. e0149461.
5. Sheriff, S., et al., Ghrelin receptor agonist, GHRP-2, attenuates burn injury-induced MuRF-1 and MAFbx expression and muscle proteolysis in rats. Peptides, 2009. 30(10): p. 1909-1913.
6. Weekers, F., E. Van Herck, J.r. Isgaard, and G. Van den Berghe, Pretreatment with Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptide-2 Directly Protects against the Diastolic Dysfunction of Myocardial Stunning in an Isolated, Blood-Perfused Rabbit Heart Model**Presented in part at the Annual Meeting of the Belgian Endocrine Society, Brussels, November 20, 1999 (Young Investigator Award Winning abstract). This work was in part supported by a FUTURA Research Award (Voorzorgskas voor Geneesheren) 1998–1999 (to F.W.), research grants from the University of Leuven (OT 99/32 to G.V.d.B.), the Belgian Fund for Scientific Research (FWO G. 0144.00 & FWO G.3C05.95N) (to G.V.d.B.), and the Belgian Foundation for Research in Congenital Heart Diseases (to G.V.d.B. and F.W.). Endocrinology, 2000. 141(11): p. 3993-3999..
7. Kato, Y., et al., Beneficial effects of growth hormone-releasing peptide on myocardial oxidative stress and left ventricular dysfunction in dilated cardiomyopathic hamsters. Circ J, 2010. 74(1): p. 163-70.
8. Granado, M., et al., GH-releasing peptide-2 administration prevents liver inflammatory response in endotoxemia. American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism, 2008. 294(1): p. E131-E141.
9. Granado, M., et al., Anti-inflammatory effect of the ghrelin agonist growth hormone-releasing peptide-2 (GHRP-2) in arthritic rats. American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism, 2005. 288(3): p. E486-E492.