Growth hormone secretagogue

GHRP-2 (pralmorelin)

A potent ghrelin-receptor secretagogue used in some countries as a growth-hormone test; sold unapproved for body composition.

Limited evidenceInvestigationalAdd to compare

What it is

GHRP-2, generic name pralmorelin, is a synthetic six-amino-acid peptide that acts on the ghrelin receptor to trigger growth-hormone release. It has been used in some countries as a diagnostic agent for growth-hormone deficiency, but it is not approved for therapeutic use and it is prohibited in sport.

How it works

1
Activates the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) on pituitary cells.
2
Produces a larger growth-hormone pulse than GHRP-6 at equivalent doses in comparative studies.
3
Stimulates appetite less than GHRP-6, which is part of its appeal in research settings.
4
Synergises with GHRH analogues, so the two are commonly studied together.
5
Increases IGF-1 secondarily with repeated use.

What it's studied for

Growth-hormone deficiency testing (used diagnostically in some countries)

Growth-hormone secretion research

Body-composition and recovery claims without trials

Combination with GHRH analogues

Reported and studied effects

A pronounced growth-hormone pulse after dosing
Raised IGF-1 with repeated use
Less hunger stimulation than GHRP-6
Fluid retention and joint stiffness in the growth-hormone class

Research protocol notes

Research context only

Research context only — no approved protocol exists. Doses in human studies were in the microgram-per-kilogram range, given intravenously or subcutaneously for growth-hormone testing. Schedules circulated online, usually 100–300 micrograms once or twice daily, are community practice with no trial evidence behind them.

These figures are described so you can understand what researchers did. They are not a dose, a schedule, or a suggestion — and they are not a substitute for a doctor.

Possible side effects and contraindications

Safety profile

Possible side effects

Headache, flushing, dizziness
Water retention and joint aches
Numbness or tingling in the hands
Increased appetite
Prolactin and cortisol can rise transiently

Contraindications and cautions

Cancer history or active malignancy
Diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance
Pregnancy, breastfeeding and childhood
Prohibited in competitive sport

A side-effect list is never complete, and these are not the only situations that warrant caution. Anything unexpected, or anything you are unsure about, should be discussed with a doctor before use.

Evidence assessment

Limited evidenceSmall human studies or animal data only

Small human studies or animal data only

Its ability to raise growth hormone is documented in small human studies, some using it as a diagnostic agent, but the body-composition and recovery claims have not been tested in controlled trials.

References

References link to published literature, regulator pages or literature indexes. Where a link points to a search, it collects the peer-reviewed work on that molecule rather than a single study.

Compare GHRP-2 (pralmorelin) with another peptide →

Related peptides

Other entries in Growth hormone secretagogue.

All Growth hormone secretagogue peptides →

Growth hormone secretagogue

CJC-1295

A modified growth-hormone-releasing hormone analogue whose albumin binding gives it an unusually long action. Studied in small human trials; not an approved medicine.

Limited evidenceNot approved

Growth hormone secretagogue

CJC-1295 (no DAC) + Ipamorelin blend

The classic growth-hormone stack in one vial: a GHRH fragment with a secretagogue, unapproved and prohibited in sport.

Anecdotal evidenceNot approved

Growth hormone secretagogue

CJC-1295 (no DAC) / mod GRF 1-29

The short-acting sister of CJC-1295: a GHRH fragment that produces brief growth-hormone pulses instead of sustained elevation.

Limited evidenceNot approved