Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| GHRP-2 | Melanotan II | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Peptides | Peptides |
| Standard Dose | Research indicates 100-300 mcg administered 1-3 times daily via subcutaneous injection. | Research indicates 250-500 mcg daily via subcutaneous injection during loading, reducing to 250 mcg 2-3 times weekly for maintenance. |
| Timing | On empty stomach, bedtime administration preferred. Wait 2+ hours after last meal. | Administer 4-6 hours before UV exposure for optimal tanning synergy. Can be taken at any time of day. |
| Cycle Duration | 8-16 week cycles. | Loading phase 1-2 weeks, then maintenance as long as desired. Pigmentation fades gradually upon discontinuation. |
| Evidence Level | moderate_human | moderate_human |
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.
Research indicates 100-300 mcg administered 1-3 times daily via subcutaneous injection.
On empty stomach, bedtime administration preferred. Wait 2+ hours after last meal.
8-16 week cycles.
Melanotan II is a synthetic cyclic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) that non-selectively agonizes melanocortin receptors MC1, MC3, MC4, and MC5. MC1R activation stimulates eumelanin synthesis through tyrosinase upregulation, producing tanning. MC3R activation in the CNS increases libido and produces erectile responses. MC4R activation suppresses appetite. The cyclic structure provides enhanced in vivo stability (half-life 1-2 hours) and increased blood-brain barrier permeability compared to linear alpha-MSH.
Research indicates 250-500 mcg daily via subcutaneous injection during loading, reducing to 250 mcg 2-3 times weekly for maintenance.
Administer 4-6 hours before UV exposure for optimal tanning synergy. Can be taken at any time of day.
Loading phase 1-2 weeks, then maintenance as long as desired. Pigmentation fades gradually upon discontinuation.
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