Comparison
GHRP-2 vs. Hexarelin
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Growth
Growth
CAS no.
158861-67-7
140703-51-1
Molecular weight
817.93 g/mol
887.05 g/mol
Half-life
0.5 h
0.9 h
Sequence
D-Ala-D-2-Naphthyl-Ala-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2His-D-2-methyl-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2Mechanism of action
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.
Hexarelin
Hexarelin is a synthetic analog of the GHRP-6 family binding both the GH secretagogue receptor (GHSR-1a) and CD36. GHSR activation in the pituitary releases pulsatile growth hormone. Via CD36 in endothelium and myocardium, cardioprotective effects have been described in animal studies.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human trial
Human trial
Studies
4
4
of which in humans
4
3
Effects recorded
3
3
Open conflicts
0
0
Documented adverse events
1
1
Legal status
Full entries
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between GHRP-2 and Hexarelin?
- GHRP-2 is classified as "Growth", while Hexarelin is classified as "Growth". GHRP-2: Synthetic hexapeptide of the GH secretagogue family. Approved in Japan as GHRP Kaken as a diagnostic test for GH deficiency. Not available as a medicine outside Japan. Hexarelin: Synthetic hexapeptide of the growth-hormone secretagogue (GHRP) family. In the 1990s investigated as an acromegaly diagnostic and for GH deficiency. Not an approved medicine. This page contrasts both neutrally and source-based — with no usage or dosing recommendation.
- Which peptide is better supported by science, GHRP-2 or Hexarelin?
- The highest available evidence level is "Human trial" for GHRP-2 and "Human trial" for Hexarelin. A higher evidence level means more robust data, but says nothing about suitability for an individual. The full body of evidence is on each peptide's own page.
- What is the legal status of GHRP-2 and Hexarelin in Germany and the United States?
- Germany: GHRP-2 — Unapproved, Hexarelin — Unapproved. United States: GHRP-2 — Unapproved, Hexarelin — Unapproved. These are factual summaries with source and review date on the individual pages.