GHRP-2

Quickstart highlights

Dosing & reconstitution guide

Standard protocol (2 mL = 2,5 mg/mL)

A 5 mg vial dissolved in 2 mL bacteriostatic water gives a concentration of 2,5 mg/mL. Calculate your own dilution →

Reconstitution steps

1. Let the vial reach room temperature and wash your hands.
2. Disinfect both rubber stoppers with an alcohol swab.
3. Draw up 2 mL of bacteriostatic water.
4. Inject the water slowly down the glass wall, not directly onto the powder.
5. Swirl gently until clear — never shake.
6. Label the vial with date and concentration and refrigerate.

Supplies needed

• GHRP-2 vial (5 mg)
• Bacteriostatic water
• Mixing syringe (1–3 mL) and U-100 insulin syringes
• Alcohol swabs and sharps container

Protocol overview

Dosing protocol in research

Values as described in literature and research protocols; not dosing advice.

Storage instructions

• Lyophilised (powder): cool, dry and dark; long-term at −20 °C.
• After reconstitution: refrigerator at 2–8 °C, use within ~4 weeks.
• Avoid repeated freezing and thawing.

Important notes

How this works

GHRP-2, also known as pralmorelin, is a synthetic hexapeptide belonging to the growth hormone secretagogue class. It was developed to stimulate the natural release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland. Researchers study this peptide for its effectiveness in growth disorders and potential applications in muscle wasting.

This peptide acts as an agonist of the ghrelin receptor, specifically GHS-R1a. Binding to this receptor in the brain triggers a direct pulse of endogenous growth hormone. The response is stronger than that of ipamorelin, though GHRP-2 is less selective. Alongside the rise in growth hormone, it causes a measurable increase in cortisol and prolactin levels. The biological half-life is short, typically lasting between 30 and 60 minutes. Unlike native ghrelin, the hunger stimulation caused by GHRP-2 is present but moderate.

Clinical trials have utilized GHRP-2 as a diagnostic tool to identify growth hormone deficiency. It received limited medical approval for this specific use in Japan. Scientists have also studied the peptide in patients with chronic kidney disease and severe burns to test muscle preservation. GHRP-2 is listed as a prohibited substance by WADA for use in sports. Significant questions remain regarding the safety of long-term exposure in healthy subjects.

Potential benefits & side effects

Effects described in research

• Strong GH release
• Recovery support

Common side effects

• Temporary water retention
• Tingling or numbness in the hands
• Injection-site redness
• Headache
• Increased appetite
• Elevated cortisol/prolactin

Common side effects reported in literature include increased appetite and water retention. Because the peptide affects the adrenal axis, cortisol levels may rise temporarily. There is currently a lack of data regarding the effects of daily use over several years.

Contraindications

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Active or prior cancer
• Under 18 years of age
• Uncontrolled diabetes

Lifestyle factors

• Administration on an empty stomach (2 h after / 30 min before food) is most often described.
• Carbohydrates and fat around administration blunt the GH pulse.
• Adequate sleep supports natural nocturnal GH release.

Injection technique

• Choose a site with subcutaneous fat: abdomen (5 cm from the navel), thigh or back of upper arm.
• Disinfect, pinch a skin fold and insert at a 45–90° angle.
• Inject slowly, wait 5 seconds and withdraw.
• Rotate sites and use each needle once.

Recommended source

Quality varies widely between suppliers. Look for an independent HPLC/MS lab report per batch, purity ≥ 98% and clear storage and shipping conditions.

As a reference we use the GHRP-2 from PeptideWinkel, which publishes lab reports per batch.

Frequently asked questions