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Research-grade compound with certificate of analysis. Full analytical testing on every lot.
GHRP-2 is a growth hormone–releasing peptide studied for its ability to stimulate endogenous GH and downstream IGF-1 signaling.
By engaging the GHS-R1a receptor and CD36-associated pathways such as PI3K-AKT, it influences tissue protection, inflammatory balance, pain modulation, and body composition through coordinated endocrine and cellular signaling.
Growth Hormone–Releasing Peptide-2 (GHRP-2) is a synthetic hexapeptide designed to stimulate the endogenous release of growth hormone (GH).
GHRP-2 activates GHS-R1a, a receptor expressed in both the pituitary gland and hypothalamus [1]. GHS-R1a increases GH secretion, which then stimulates hepatic and peripheral production of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), a key mediator of GH’s effects on tissue growth, tissue repair, and metabolic regulation.
In addition to its role in GH release, GHRP-2 interacts with membrane glycoprotein CD36, which activates downstream pathways such as PI3K-AKT to help with cell survival, nutrient signaling, and anabolic processes [2].
While the functional relevance of these non-GHS-R pathways continues to be explored, they suggest that GHRP-2 may influence cellular metabolism beyond GH secretion alone.
GHRP-2 has been studied for its role in tissue-protective signaling, an effect that appears to arise from activating intracellular survival pathways.
A study investigated whether GHRP-2 could protect against glucocorticoid-induced muscle atrophy both in whole rats and muscle cell models [3].
Researchers found that dexamethasone significantly increased expression of the muscle-specific ubiquitin ligases Atrogin-1 and MuRF1, drivers of muscle protein breakdown.
Treatment with GHRP-2 resulted in:
These results support GHRP-2’s potential role in muscle preservation during catabolic states, such as steroid exposure, chronic illness, or disuse.
GHRP-2 may influence inflammatory signaling and immune modulation through both endocrine and intracellular pathways.
An animal study examined the effects of GHRP-2 on inflammation, metabolic disruption, and cachexia in a rat model of chronic inflammatory arthritis [4].
Arthritis and inflammation was induced in male Wistar rats using Freund’s adjuvant, followed by daily administration of GHRP-2 or saline for eight days.
Arthritis induction was associated with:
Despite not increasing food intake in arthritic animals, GRHP-2 administration resulted in:
These results suggest that GHRP-2’s benefits were not just driven by appetite stimulation.
GHRP-2 can influence pain modulation, an effect thought to arise from its interaction with growth hormone signaling as well as central opioid pathways.
An animal study investigated the role of GHRP-2 in central pain modulation using a mouse model of acute pain [5].
Researchers increased doses of GHRP-2 via intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration (0.1, 0.3, 1, 3, and 10 nmol/L) and measured pain through the tail immersion test. Results showed:
Results indicate GHRP-2 modulates pain perception through central ghrelin receptor activation and opioid receptor crosstalk, supporting its value as a pain regulation adjunct.
GHRP-2 can influence body composition through IGF-1. A case study examined the effects of long-term GHRP-2 administration in a patient with a 20-year history of anorexia nervosa [6].
Although the patient’s fear of eating and desire to be thin had improved, persistent gastrointestinal dysfunction (vomiting, constipation, hypoglycemia, and sub-ileus) prevented meaningful increases in food intake or body weight.
GHRP-2 was administered intranasally before each meal for one year. Following treatment initiation, the patient experienced:
No significant adverse effects were recorded, presenting a new approach to managing treatment-resistant anorexia nervosa through GHRP-2 signaling.
Future studies will need to analyze greater sample sizes for reproducibility.
References
1 Laferrère, B., Abraham, C., Russell, C. D. and Bowers, C. Y. (2005) Growth hormone releasing peptide-2 (GHRP-2), like ghrelin, increases food intake in healthy men. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., The Endocrine Society 90, 611–614
2 Demers, A., McNicoll, N., Febbraio, M., Servant, M., Marleau, S., Silverstein, R., et al. (2004) Identification of the growth hormone-releasing peptide binding site in CD36: a photoaffinity cross-linking study. Biochem. J., Portland Press Ltd. 382, 417–424
3 Yamamoto, D., Ikeshita, N., Matsubara, T., Tasaki, H., Herningtyas, E. H., Toda, K., et al. (2008) GHRP-2, a GHS-R agonist, directly acts on myocytes to attenuate the dexamethasone-induced expressions of muscle-specific ubiquitin ligases, Atrogin-1 and MuRF1. Life Sci., Elsevier BV 82, 460–466
4 Granado, M., Priego, T., Martín, A. I., Villanúa, M. A. and López-Calderón, A. (2005) Anti-inflammatory effect of the ghrelin agonist growth hormone-releasing peptide-2 (GHRP-2) in arthritic rats. Am. J. Physiol. Endocrinol. Metab., American Physiological Society 288, E486–92
5 Zeng, P., Li, S., Zheng, Y.-H., Liu, F.-Y., Wang, J.-L., Zhang, D.-L., et al. (2014) Ghrelin receptor agonist, GHRP-2, produces antinociceptive effects at the supraspinal level via the opioid receptor in mice. Peptides, Elsevier BV 55, 103–109
6 Haruta, I., Fuku, Y., Kinoshita, K., Yoneda, K., Morinaga, A., Amitani, M., et al. (2015) One-year intranasal application of growth hormone releasing peptide-2 improves body weight and hypoglycemia in a severely emaciated anorexia nervosa patient: GHRP-2 treatment for anorexia nervosa. J. Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle, Wiley 6, 237–241
Every lot undergoes five independent assays before release. Results are published in the lot-specific Certificate of Analysis.
Every lot undergoes our 4-panel testing protocol: HPLC purity analysis, ESI-MS identity confirmation, LAL endotoxin screening, and amino acid analysis (for peptides >15 residues). Full analytical data is published in the Certificate of Analysis for each lot.
Lyophilized peptides should be stored at -20°C or below for long-term stability. Once reconstituted, peptides should be stored at 2–8°C and used within a reasonable timeframe depending on the specific compound. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Always store in a dry environment away from direct light.
Orders placed before noon PST, Monday–Saturday, ship the same day. We offer free standard shipping on orders over $150. All orders are shipped in insulated packaging with ice packs when necessary. Standard delivery typically takes 2–4 business days within the continental US.
No. All compounds sold by Genesis Peptides are strictly for in vitro and preclinical laboratory research purposes only. They are not approved for human consumption, therapeutic use, or diagnostic purposes. By purchasing, you confirm the products will be used solely for legitimate research applications.
A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is a document issued by our analytical laboratory that reports the results of all quality control tests performed on a specific lot of product. Each COA includes HPLC chromatograms, mass spectra, endotoxin results, and amino acid analysis where applicable. COAs are available in our COA Library for every lot we have shipped.
Yes. We offer volume pricing for universities, research institutions, and laboratories with recurring needs. Discounts begin at 10+ units and scale with volume. Contact our team for a custom quote tailored to your research requirements.
Research Use Only. All findings described above are derived from preclinical studies (animal models and in vitro experiments). GHRP-2 is not approved by the FDA for any diagnostic or therapeutic use in humans. Genesis Peptides makes no claims regarding human clinical efficacy. This product is sold exclusively for laboratory research.
FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY — Products are sold exclusively for in vitro and preclinical laboratory research. Not for human consumption or administration. Not intended for diagnostic or therapeutic use. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.
