GHRP-2 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2) is a synthetic hexapeptide that acts as a potent secretagogue for growth hormone (GH) from the pituitary gland. It functions as a ghrelin mimetic, binding to the ghrelin receptor (also known as the GHS-R1a receptor) to stimulate both the release of GH and, to a lesser extent, prolactin and ACTH. Unlike GHRH (Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone), which primarily targets somatotrophs in the pituitary, GHRP-2 works through a distinct mechanism by increasing intracellular calcium levels and activating signaling pathways that lead to pulsatile GH secretion. This dual action on GH release, both directly at the pituitary and by modulating hypothalamic somatostatin (an inhibitor of GH release), makes GHRP-2 a robust stimulator of growth hormone. It is a research chemical and is not approved by regulatory bodies like the FDA for human therapeutic use.
Deep dive
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Known interactions
Category rule: peptide × hormone
Note
Injectable peptides plus hormones can have overlapping or compounding effects that aren't always well characterized.
Track bloodwork with a provider; don't assume combinations are neutral.
Frequently asked
Sources referenced
["DrugBank (DB09100)"]
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Related compounds
Others in the peptide category or studied for the same goals.