Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2 (GHRP 2) is a peptide made up of just six amino acids, which stimulates secretion of endogenous GH. Research shows GHRP 2 can stimulate the pituitary to increase secretion of GH by 7-15 times, stimulating ghrelin receptors to promote appetite. GHRP 2 acts as a synthetic ghrelin analogue that stimulates the release of an endogeneous growth hormone within the somatotropes of the anterior pituitary. Specifically, GHRP 2 will increase the number of somatotropes in a GH pulse by limiting the amount of somatostatin present while standard GHRH increases the amplitude at which the pituitary cells pulse.
The main effects of GHRP 2 are GH secretion, appetite enhancement, fat mass decrease and muscle mass increase, lowering of cholesterol level, skin and bone strengthening, protection of the liver and anti-inflammatory action. GHRP 2 possesses many repair properties that can be attributed to its immune boosting function. GHRP 2 has been shown to increase prolactin, aldosterone and cortisol levels and in some cases may not be the peptide of choice.
‘Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide -2 (GHRP 2), like ghrelin, increases food intake in healthy men.’ – Blandine Laferrère, Cynthia Abraham, Colleen D. Russell, and Cyril Y. Bowers
Source: The publisher’s final edited version of this article is available free at J Clin Endocrinol Metab
Abstract: GHRP 2 is a synthetic agonist of ghrelin, the newly-discovered gut peptide which binds to the growth hormone (GH) secretagogue receptor. Ghrelin has been shown to have two major effects, stimulating both GH secretion and appetite/meal initiation. GHRP 2 has been extensively studied for its utility as a growth hormone secretagogue (GHS). Animal studies have shown its effect on food intake. We subcutaneously infused 7 lean, healthy males with GHRP 2 (1µg/kg/h) or saline for 270 minutes and then measured their intake of an ad libitum, buffet-style meal. Similar to what has been reported for ghrelin administration, our subjects ate 35.9±10.9 % more when infused with GHRP 2 vs. saline, with every subject increasing their intake even when calculated per kg body weight (136.0±13.0 kJ/kg vs 101.3±10.5 kJ/kg, p=0.008). The macronutrient composition of consumed food was not different between conditions. As expected, serum GH levels rose significantly during GHRP 2 infusion (AUC 5550±1090 µg/L/240 min vs. 412±161 µg/L/240 min, p=0.003). This data is the first to demonstrate that GHRP 2, like ghrelin, increases food intake, suggesting that GHRP 2 is a valuable tool for investigating ghrelin effects on eating behavior in humans.
GHRP-2 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2) is a synthetic peptide developed to stimulate the release of growth hormone (GH). Its anabolic effects have made it popular among bodybuilders, helping to increase muscle mass, burn fat and improve overall physical performance.
Anabolic Effects
1. Growth Hormone Release: GHRP-2 stimulates the release of growth hormone in the pituitary gland, which is crucial for muscle growth and regeneration. GH increases protein synthesis, which leads to the growth of muscle fibers.
2. Increase IGF-1 Level: Under the influence of growth hormone, the liver produces IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor-1), which directly contributes to muscle growth and fat burning. Through its anabolic effect, IGF-1 enhances the proliferation and differentiation of muscle cells.
3. Fat burning: GHRP-2 increases lipolysis, i.e. the breakdown of fat tissue, which reduces body fat percentage. This effect is especially beneficial for bodybuilders who want to achieve a low body fat percentage while maintaining muscle mass.
4. Regeneration and Healing: Increased GH and IGF-1 levels promote faster regeneration and healing of injuries. This is especially important for bodybuilders who follow intense training programs and often suffer minor injuries.
Use in Bodybuilders Circle
1. Dosage: Bodybuilders usually inject GHRP-2 subcutaneously or intramuscularly 1-3 times a day. The optimal dosage depends on the individual, but usually ranges between 100-300 micrograms per occasion.
2. Cyclic Use: GHRP-2 is often used cyclically, i.e. in 6-12 week cycles followed by a 2-4 week rest period. This helps prevent the body from getting used to it and maintains hormone efficiency.
3. Combination with Other Supplements: GHRP-2 is often combined with other growth hormone-releasing peptides (such as GHRH) or steroids for optimal anabolic effects. It can also be combined with nutritional supplements such as protein powders and BCAAs.
4. Diet and Exercise: To maximize the effects of GHRP-2, bodybuilders follow a strict diet and exercise regimen. A high-protein diet and adequate caloric intake are essential for muscle growth, while intense weight training and cardio work out to reduce body fat.
Side Effects and Risks
1. Water Retention and Edema: Some users may experience water retention and edema, especially in the extremities.
2. Appetite increase: GHRP-2 can increase appetite, which can be beneficial for mass gain, but can be a problem for controlling body fat.
3. Hormonal Disorders: Hormonal disorders may occur with long-term use, so it is important to use it cyclically and take appropriate breaks.
4. Local Reactions: Redness, itching or pain may occur at the injection site.
Conclusion
GHRP-2 can be an effective tool for bodybuilders to increase muscle mass, increase fat burning and promote regeneration. However, proper dosing, cyclical use, and monitoring of side effects are important. A medical consultation is definitely recommended before using GHRP-2 to ensure safe and effective use.