Comparison
Argireline vs. GHRP-2
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Cosmetic
Growth
CAS no.
616204-22-9
158861-67-7
Molecular weight
888.99 g/mol
817.93 g/mol
Half-life
no data
0.5 h
Sequence
Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-NH2D-Ala-D-2-Naphthyl-Ala-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2Mechanism of action
Argireline
Argireline is a synthetic hexapeptide whose sequence corresponds to the N-terminus of the SNAP-25 protein. In vitro it has been shown to competitively inhibit SNARE complex formation (necessary for vesicle fusion in neurotransmitter release). Topical application is intended — given very limited skin permeation — to attenuate cholinergic signalling at the neuromuscular endplate. The effect is orders of magnitude weaker than intramuscular botulinum toxin; the clinical translatability of the in-vitro observations to the skin microenvironment is contested.
GHRP-2
GHRP-2 binds with high affinity to the GH secretagogue receptor (GHSR-1a) in the pituitary and hypothalamus. Activation leads to rapid release of pulsatile growth hormone. Unlike GHRH, GHRP-2 acts via a separate pathway and can be combined synergistically with GHRH to elicit maximal GH responses in provocation tests.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human trial
Human trial
Studies
3
4
of which in humans
2
4
Effects recorded
3
3
Open conflicts
1
0
Documented adverse events
1
1