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Peptide Library / Growth Hormone / Performance

GHRP-2

Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2

GHRP-2 Research Protocol

Complete Research Guide 4 min read1 peer-reviewed references

Quickstart Overview

GHRP-2 is a synthetic hexapeptide growth-hormone secretagogue that strongly activates the ghrelin receptor. It produces a robust GH pulse and stimulates appetite, with mild effects on cortisol and prolactin at higher doses.

Reconstitution
Add 2.0 mL bacteriostatic water to a 5 mg vial → 2.5 mg/mL
Literature Range
100–300 mcg per administration
Measuring Reference
At 2.5 mg/mL: 100 mcg = 0.04 mL = 4 units
Frequency
1–3× daily
Route (studies)
Subcutaneous
Cycle
8–12 weeks

Scientific Data

Molecular Formula
—
Molecular Weight
817.98 Da
Sequence
D-Ala-D-2-Nal-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2
Sequence Length
23
CAS
Research compound
Peptide Family
GHRP
Half-life
Refer to published literature
Solubility
Bacteriostatic water, sterile saline
Storage
Lyophilized: -20°C. Reconstituted: 2–8°C, use within 2–4 weeks.
Appearance
White lyophilized powder
Standard: 5 mg vial · 2 mL diluent

Dosing & Reconstitution Guide

Interactive Reconstitution
Adjust vial size, diluent and target dose. Results update live.
Full Precision Calculator →
Concentration
2.50 mg/mL
Draw Volume
0.040 mL
Syringe Units
4.0 U
Doses / Vial
50

Units assume a U-100 insulin syringe (100 units = 1 mL). Potent but less selective than ipamorelin; ~100 mcg is near saturation.

Frequency: 1–3× daily, fasted

Reconstitution Steps

  1. 1Allow the lyophilized vial and bacteriostatic water to reach room temperature (~15 min).
  2. 2Swab both vial stoppers with a fresh 70% isopropyl alcohol pad and let them dry.
  3. 3Draw 2.0 mL of bacteriostatic water into a mixing syringe.
  4. 4Insert at an angle and let the water run slowly down the glass wall — never directly onto the powder.
  5. 5Gently swirl (do not shake) until the solution is completely clear.
  6. 6Label with date and concentration (mg/mL) and refrigerate at 2–8 °C immediately.

Supplies Needed

Planning example for a 12-week protocol at approximately 300 mcg per day.

Peptide (5 mg vials)
Estimate vials from total mass: 300 mcg/day × 84 days.
Bacteriostatic Water
One 10–30 mL vial typically covers a full cycle.
Insulin Syringes (U-100)
One per administration (29–31 G, 0.3–0.5 mL).
Alcohol Swabs
Two per administration (vial + site).
Sharps Container
Required for safe disposal.

Protocol Overview

Goal
Model potent ghrelin-receptor GH release.
Schedule
Daily, 8–12 weeks.
Dose Range
100–300 mcg per dose.

Dosing Protocol

Start
100 mcg 1–3× daily
Target
100–300 mcg per dose
Frequency
Pre-bed, fasted AM, post-training
Cycle Length
8–12 weeks
Timing
Fasted; ~100 mcg is near the saturation dose
Route
Subcutaneous

Storage Instructions

Lyophilized
−20 °C long term (18–24 months); stable at room temperature for short transit.
Reconstituted
2–8 °C refrigerated; use within 4 weeks.
Light
Protect from direct light; keep in the original carton.
Freeze/Thaw
Avoid repeat freeze–thaw cycles after reconstitution.

Important Notes

  • Appetite stimulation is the most noticeable effect.
  • Keep doses near saturation (~100 mcg) — higher doses mainly add off-target effects.

How This Works

GHRP-2 binds the GHS-R1a ghrelin receptor on the pituitary and hypothalamus, driving GH release and suppressing somatostatin. It is a potent secretagogue — stronger than ipamorelin on raw GH output — but less selective, so appetite rises and cortisol/prolactin can increase modestly at higher doses. It is typically paired with a GHRH analog for a synergistic pulse.

Potential Benefits & Side Effects

Reported in research
  • Strong, reliable GH pulse
  • Appetite stimulation (useful in some research contexts)
  • Increased IGF-1 and improved recovery markers
  • Synergy with GHRH analogs
Possible considerations
  • Increased appetite (pronounced)
  • Mild cortisol and prolactin elevation at higher doses
  • Water retention
  • Head-rush/flushing
  • Tingling in extremities

Lifestyle Factors

  • Adequate hydration and 7–9 h of sleep are standard controls in most research protocols.
  • Consistent dose timing improves the reliability of any self-tracked endpoints.
  • Maintain a clean, sterile workflow for every draw to avoid contamination.

Injection Technique

  1. 1Wash hands, then prep the vial top and the target site with separate alcohol swabs.
  2. 2Pinch a subcutaneous skin fold (abdomen, ~2 inches from the navel) and insert at 45–90°.
  3. 3Depress the plunger slowly over 3–5 seconds, hold 5 seconds, then withdraw.
  4. 4Rotate sites each administration and dispose of the syringe in a sharps container.

Frequently Asked Questions

Third-party HPLC testing

CG Labz Verified Batches

No published batches yet.

Research Disclaimer

All compounds are supplied strictly for laboratory research. Dosing figures below summarize ranges reported in published preclinical and clinical literature for reference purposes only. CG Labz does not provide medical advice or individualized dosing recommendations.

Peer-reviewed literature

References

  1. [1] Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism
    Bowers C.Y. GH-releasing peptides — structure and function.
    View Source