GHRP-2 vs Humanin

Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.

GHRP-2Humanin
CategoryPeptidesPeptides
Standard DoseResearch indicates 100-300 mcg administered 1-3 times daily via subcutaneous injection.Research indicates dosing remains experimental. Animal studies use 1-10 mcg/day equivalents. Human protocols are not established.
TimingOn empty stomach, bedtime administration preferred. Wait 2+ hours after last meal.No established timing protocol. Morning dosing suggested for neuroprotective applications.
Cycle Duration8-16 week cycles.Experimental — no established cycle lengths.
Evidence Levelmoderate_humananimal_plus_anecdotal
A

GHRP-2

Peptides

Mechanism

GHRP-2 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2) is a synthetic hexapeptide GHS-R1a agonist that is the most potent of the GHRP family for GH release. It stimulates pituitary GH secretion through the ghrelin receptor while also modulating hypothalamic GHRH and somatostatin pathways. GHRP-2 increases GH, cortisol, prolactin, and ACTH release, but with less appetite stimulation than GHRP-6. It also has demonstrated anxiolytic properties and sleep-promoting effects.

Standard Dosing

Research indicates 100-300 mcg administered 1-3 times daily via subcutaneous injection.

Timing

On empty stomach, bedtime administration preferred. Wait 2+ hours after last meal.

Cycle Duration

8-16 week cycles.

Side Effects

  • Water retention
  • Moderate hunger increase (less than GHRP-6)
  • Cortisol elevation
  • Prolactin elevation
  • Tingling
  • Vivid dreams

Contraindications

  • Active cancer
  • Cushing's syndrome
  • Hyperprolactinemia
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Best Stacking Partners

CJC-1295 (no DAC)SermorelinBPC-157
B

Humanin

Peptides

Mechanism

Humanin is a 24-amino acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded by the 16S rRNA gene of mitochondrial DNA. It binds IGFBP-3 with high affinity (via Phe-6), interfering with IGFBP-3 binding to importin-beta and suppressing IGFBP-3-mediated apoptosis. It also inhibits the pro-apoptotic protein Bax (Bcl-2 family), preventing mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization and intrinsic apoptosis. Humanin and IGFBP-3 synergistically protect neurons from amyloid-beta-induced apoptosis, and it activates the STAT3 and ERK1/2 pathways for cytoprotection.

Standard Dosing

Research indicates dosing remains experimental. Animal studies use 1-10 mcg/day equivalents. Human protocols are not established.

Timing

No established timing protocol. Morning dosing suggested for neuroprotective applications.

Cycle Duration

Experimental — no established cycle lengths.

Side Effects

  • Limited data on side effects in humans
  • Theoretical: interference with normal apoptotic processes

Contraindications

  • Active cancer (anti-apoptotic effects could support tumor survival)
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Best Stacking Partners

MOTS-cEpitalonSS-31

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