GHRP-2 vs GHRP-6 at a glance
| Compared | GHRP-2 | GHRP-6 |
|---|---|---|
| Growth hormone release | Stronger | Strong |
| Hunger | Moderate | Very strong |
| Cortisol and prolactin | Raised | Raised |
| Approval | Japan, as a one-time diagnostic test | None anywhere |
| US compounding | On the FDA’s safety-concern list (outsourcing facilities) | On the FDA’s safety-concern list (outsourcing facilities) |
| Sport | Banned (WADA) | Banned (WADA) |
How are GHRP-2 and GHRP-6 different?
Both are six-amino-acid peptides that act on the ghrelin receptor to release growth hormone. GHRP-2 is generally more potent for growth hormone, while GHRP-6 drives much stronger hunger.
Hexarelin is a modified GHRP-6 that is stronger still, and ipamorelin is a gentler relative.
What does the research show?
Both reliably raise growth hormone in people, which is why Japan uses GHRP-2 (pralmorelin) to test the pituitary. Neither has trials showing it improves muscle, fat loss or health in healthy adults.
How do the side effects compare?
Both can cause hunger, water retention, tingling, tiredness and higher blood sugar, plus higher cortisol and prolactin. GHRP-6’s hunger is the most noticeable difference.
Which is legal?
Neither is approved in the US, and both are on the FDA’s list of compounding substances with safety concerns for outsourcing facilities. Both are banned in sport at all times.