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evidence · mechanism · dose
Experimental/GH SecretagogueResearch peptide

GHRP-2

aka Pralmorelin · KP-102

Second-generation ghrelin mimetic that drives pulsatile pituitary GH release.

Educational explainer of a research peptide. Profiles in this section deliberately omit clinical-trial citations, dosing protocols, and purchase links. Not FDA-approved as a supplement; not a recommendation to use.

Overview

GHRP-2 is a synthetic hexapeptide that binds the growth-hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a), producing sharp GH pulses with modest cortisol and prolactin spillover.

Source
  • Synthesized in research laboratories
Forms
  • Subcutaneous injection
  • Intranasal (compounded)

Mechanism of action

Activates GHS-R1a on somatotrophs while suppressing somatostatin tone, amplifying endogenous GH pulses.

Pathways
  • · GHS-R1a activation
  • · Somatostatin suppression
Receptors
  • · GHS-R1a
Hormones
  • · GH
  • · IGF-1
  • · Cortisol
  • · Prolactin

How it acts on the body

GHRP-2 is a synthetic ghrelin mimetic tuned for the pituitary. Binding GHS-R1a raises intracellular calcium in somatotrophs and produces a sharp GH pulse within 15-30 minutes. It also silences somatostatin, the natural brake on GH, so the resulting pulse is larger than either signal alone could produce.

Because GHS-R1a is also expressed on hypothalamic appetite neurons and influences the HPA axis, the same dose nudges hunger, cortisol, and prolactin upward. That spillover is the main reason it is usually micro-dosed and paired with a GHRH analog rather than used in isolation.

Hormonal & endocrine impact

How this peptide is reported to shift specific hormones and signaling molecules. Directionality reflects research literature and preclinical models, not clinical prescribing data.

Projected hormonal trajectory
Illustrative curves derived from reported direction of effect. Not measured patient data.

Curves are schematic shapes (sigmoid for increases/decreases, damped oscillation for modulation/stabilization) anchored to a 100% baseline. They communicate direction and tempo of change reported in research literature — not absolute hormone concentrations.

Growth hormoneIncreases
Strong pulsatile GH release within 15-30 minutes of dosing.
IGF-1Increases
Secondary rise over days from sustained GH pulses.
CortisolIncreases
Modest acute elevation, larger than with selective GHRPs like ipamorelin.
ProlactinIncreases
Small transient rise that can compound with other dopamine-suppressing inputs.

Effects on the body

Increases
Endogenous GH pulses
Supports
Lean tissue repair
Increases
Appetite

Organ system effects

Endocrine

Drives pituitary GH / IGF-1 activity.

Brain & CNS

Activates hypothalamic appetite and arousal circuits.

Reported effects

Drawn from preclinical research, anecdote, and small-scale clinical observation. No evidence grades are assigned — most peptides on this page lack rigorous human trials.

  • Used in GH-deficiency stimulation testing
  • Anecdotal recovery and sleep-depth improvements
  • Larger pulses than GHRH alone

Potential side effects

Common
  • · Hunger
  • · Flushing
  • · Lethargy after dosing
Rare
  • · Numbness or tingling
  • · Headache
Serious
  • · Insulin resistance and HPA disruption with chronic use

Drug interactions

Insulin
Altered glucose handling at higher doses.
moderate

Pairing context

Often combined with
  • CJC-1295
    GHRH + GHRP synergy produces a larger, cleaner GH pulse.
Avoid combining with
  • Active malignancy
    Raising IGF-1 is generally contraindicated.
Important. Research peptides described here are not FDA-approved supplements. Supplement Scholar does not endorse, recommend, or link to any source for purchase. Consult a qualified clinician before considering any peptide therapy.