Growth hormone axis
GHRP-2
Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2 · Pralmorelin · 6-aa · GHS
A potent growth-hormone secretagogue that also stimulates appetite — human pharmacology is documented, downstream physique claims are not.
Reference status
Editorial research · independent review pending · 3 claims graded
What it is
GHRP-2 binds the ghrelin receptor to trigger a strong GH pulse, and — as a side effect of that same receptor — a noticeable increase in appetite. It has been studied clinically under the name pralmorelin, mainly as a diagnostic test for GH deficiency in some countries.
Community use is almost always for bodybuilding/recomposition goals, at doses and durations that diagnostic studies never tested. The appetite effect in particular is one of the better-documented parts of its pharmacology.
The science, graded
What’s claimed — and how strong the evidence behind each claim actually is.
“Triggers a strong GH pulse”
Reasonably well documented from its use as a diagnostic GH-stimulation agent.
Claim-level citation mapping is in progress.
“Increases appetite”
A well-characterised ghrelin-receptor effect, consistently reported.
Claim-level citation mapping is in progress.
“Builds meaningful muscle mass on its own”
Reported by users, but not demonstrated in controlled outcome trials at community doses.
Claim-level citation mapping is in progress.
Legal and regulatory context
Separate summaries for Great Britain, the United States, and the European Union. These are preliminary research summaries awaiting independent regional review; they are not legal determinations or advice.
Great Britain
Not a licensed medicine in the UK; sold only as a research chemical, with no legal human-use supplement route.
This is preliminary regulatory research, not a reviewed legal determination or legal advice.
United States
Regional legal and regulatory review required before publication.
This is preliminary regulatory research, not a reviewed legal determination or legal advice.
- FDA's Concerns About Unapproved Drugs · U.S. Food and Drug Administration
European Union
Regional legal and regulatory review required before publication.
This is preliminary regulatory research, not a reviewed legal determination or legal advice.
- Buying medicines online · European Medicines Agency
What the community says
Often chosen specifically for its appetite-stimulating side effect during bulking phases. Users note it's less selective (more cortisol/prolactin impact) than alternatives like Ipamorelin.
Where they’re talking
- Bodybuilding forumsBulking-phase appetite effect is the main draw.
- r/PeptidesFrequently compared unfavourably to Ipamorelin on selectivity.
References
- 1.Supply unlicensed medicinal products (specials) · MHRA
- 2.FDA's Concerns About Unapproved Drugs · U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- 3.Buying medicines online · European Medicines Agency