MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: Educational research guidelines only. Lyophilized peptides are investigational chemical compounds and are NOT approved for human consumption, diagnosis, or therapy. Consult a licensed physician before any research application.
GHRP-1 Dosage Chart, Schedule & Reconstitution Protocol
Quickstart Highlights
GHRP-1 is a first-generation synthetic growth hormone-releasing peptide (heptapeptide Ala-His-D-2-Nal-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) and an agonist of the ghrelin receptor GHS-R1a, not the GHRH receptor (PMID 8095015). It amplifies pulsatile growth hormone release through a calcium/PLC pathway and synergizes with GHRH (PMID 8049717), raising downstream IGF-1. The only published human study used a single ~1 mcg/kg intravenous bolus, with GH peaking at 15-30 minutes (PMID 8279223). There is no approved formulation; research modeling centers on ~100 mcg per dose, one to three times daily, framed here as a subcutaneous reconstitution reference only. Like the class, it can mildly raise cortisol, ACTH, prolactin and appetite (PMID 9285939). GHRP-1 is not FDA- or EMA-approved, is WADA-prohibited, and is sold only as a research chemical.
Reconstitute: Add 2 mL bacteriostatic water → 2.5 mg/mL concentration.
Typical dose: ~100 mcg per dose (≈1 mcg/kg), 1-3x daily SC (research)
Easy measuring: At 2.5 mg/mL, 1 unit = 0.01 mL = 0.0250 mg (25 mcg) on a U-100 insulin syringe.
Storage: Lyophilized powder stored frozen at −20 °C, protected from light and moisture. After reconstitution, refrigerate at 2-8 °C and use within roughly 3-4 weeks; do not freeze the reconstituted solution.
Half-life: Short, roughly 20-30 minutes in plasma; IV GH response peaks at 15-30 minutes and lasts about 2-2.5 hours, so research use models 1-3 doses/day.
Route: Intravenous in the published human study; oral bioavailability of the class is very low (~0.3%). Modeled here as a subcutaneous reconstitution reference for measurement only.
Status: Not approved by FDA, EMA or any regulator; research-use-only chemical, prohibited in sport by WADA. Educational content, not medical advice.
About GHRP-1
GHRP-1 is a synthetic heptapeptide growth hormone secretagogue that stimulates the pituitary to release growth hormone by activating the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a), not the GHRH receptor [2][7]. In the only published human study it was administered as a single intravenous (IV) bolus of about 1 mcg/kg, which raised plasma GH within 15-30 minutes in healthy children and adolescents [1]. There is no approved human formulation and no validated repeat-dosing schedule, so the subcutaneous reconstitution figures below are an educational measurement reference modeled on the wider GHRP class, not a clinical protocol.\n\nThis guide models a 5 mg vial reconstituted with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water, giving 2.5 mg/mL, or 25 mcg per unit on a U-100 insulin syringe. At that concentration a 50 mcg dose is 2 units (0.02 mL), 100 mcg is 4 units (0.04 mL), and 150 mcg is 6 units (0.06 mL). The single intravenous dose tested clinically (~1 mcg/kg) corresponds to roughly 100 mcg for a 100 kg adult; because the GH response saturates near 1 mcg/kg per pulse, pushing a single injection much higher mainly adds cortisol, ACTH and prolactin rather than extra GH [4][5].\n\nFrequency: Research-style use models 1-3 subcutaneous injections per day (commonly twice daily, on an empty stomach), each at or below the ~1 mcg/kg saturating dose. GHRP-1 is not FDA- or EMA-approved and is presented here for educational purposes only.
Quick Protocol Navigation
Reconstitution Instruction & Mixing Step-by-Step
Lyophilized powder must be reconstituted carefully. Agitating peptide chains can shear disulfide bonds and render the peptide biologically inert.
Draw 2 mL of bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe.
Inject the water slowly down the inner wall of the 5 mg GHRP-1 vial; aim the stream at the glass, not directly at the powder, and do not shake.
Gently swirl or roll the vial until the solution is completely clear; this yields a 2.5 mg/mL concentration, or 25 mcg per insulin-syringe unit.
Store the reconstituted vial refrigerated at 2-8 °C and draw the prescribed number of units per dose (50 mcg ≈ 2 units, 100 mcg ≈ 4 units, 150 mcg ≈ 6 units).
For the educational subcutaneous model, swab the site, pinch the skin, insert at 45-90°, inject slowly, and dispose of the needle in a sharps container; GHRP-1 is best timed on an empty stomach because food (especially fat) blunts the GH response.
Interactive GHRP-1 Syringe Calculator
Currently visualizing the 5 mg vial reconstituted with 2 mL bacteriostatic water. Adjust the target dose to dynamically render syringe units.
Reconstitution Calculation: 5mg dry powder in 2mL water yields 2.50 mg/mL. To evaluate a 250mcg dose, pull to 10.0 units (10 syringe ticks).
U-100 Syringe Representation
Educational reference visual. Assumes standard U-100 insulin syringe where 1.0 mL volume = 100 units.
Titration & Dose Escalation Schedules
| Phase | Dose per injection | Units (per injection) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1-2 — assessment, single morning dose | 50 mcg | 2 units (0.02 mL) |
| Standard research dose (~1 mcg/kg), 1-2x daily | 100 mcg | 4 units (0.04 mL) |
| Upper per-injection reference, 1-3x daily | 150 mcg | 6 units (0.06 mL) |
Administration guidelines: Refer to guidelines | 2 mL Reconstitution
Research Supplies Quantity Planner
Scientific mathematical planning of syringes, bacteriostatic water and dry vials needed for extended research blocks using the 5 mg vial.
Peptide Vials (GHRP-1, 5 mg each):
- check8 weeks at 200 mcg/day (2 × 100 mcg) ≈ 11.2 mg ≈ 3 vials
- check12 weeks at 200 mcg/day ≈ 16.8 mg ≈ 4 vials
- check16 weeks at 200 mcg/day ≈ 22.4 mg ≈ 5 vials
- checkA reconstituted 5 mg vial lasts ~25 days at 200 mcg/day; discard after ~3-4 weeks even if peptide remains
Insulin Syringes (U-100):
- checkTwice-daily dosing: 14 syringes per week
- check8 weeks ≈ 112 syringes; 12 weeks ≈ 168 syringes
- check16 weeks ≈ 224 syringes
- checkAdd ~50% more if dosing three times daily instead of twice
Bacteriostatic Water (30 mL bottles): Use 2 mL per 5 mg vial for reconstitution.
- check8 weeks (3 vials) ≈ 6 mL — well under 1 bottle
- check12 weeks (4 vials) ≈ 8 mL — under 1 bottle
- check16 weeks (5 vials) ≈ 10 mL — 1 bottle covers a full course
Alcohol Swabs: 1-2 per injection (vial top + injection site).
- checkTwice daily ≈ 14-28 swabs per week
- check8 weeks ≈ 112-224 swabs; 12 weeks ≈ 168-336 swabs
- check16 weeks ≈ 224-448 swabs
- checkKeep extras for re-swabbing multi-use vials between draws
Mechanism of Action (MOA)
GHRP-1 is a synthetic heptapeptide (Ala-His-D-2-Nal-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2, ~955 Da) that was invented, not discovered, through Cyril Bowers' systematic modification of met-enkephalin. Crucially, it retains potent growth hormone (GH)-releasing activity while losing opioid activity [6][7]. It belongs to the same first-generation family as GHRP-6 and the super-analogs GHRP-2 and hexarelin.\n\nMechanistically, GHRP-1 does not bind the growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) receptor. It is an agonist of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor type 1a (GHS-R1a), the same G-protein-coupled receptor later shown to be the target of the endogenous hormone ghrelin [7]. GHS-R1a is expressed on anterior-pituitary somatotrophs and on hypothalamic neurons. Receptor activation drives GH secretion through a phospholipase-C / inositol-trisphosphate pathway that mobilizes intracellular calcium and engages protein kinase C, rather than through cyclic AMP: in isolated rat anterior pituitary cells, GHRP-1 increased GH release up to roughly three-fold in a dose-dependent, calcium-dependent manner with no change in cAMP [2]. In perifused ovine pituitary cells it released GH in vitro and, like other GHRPs, acted synergistically with GHRH, consistent with a dual pituitary-plus-hypothalamic site of action that also restrains inhibitory somatostatin tone [3]. The integrated effect in vivo is amplified pulsatile GH output and, downstream, a rise in hepatic IGF-1.\n\nBecause GHRP-1 works through the ghrelin receptor, its effects extend beyond GH. Like the class, it can modestly and dose-dependently raise ACTH, cortisol and prolactin, stimulate appetite, and, via the alternative scavenger receptor CD36, engage cytoprotective PI3K/AKT survival signaling described in cardiac, neural and gastrointestinal tissue [5][6].\n\nPharmacokinetics: GHRP-1 is a small peptide with a short plasma half-life on the order of 20-30 minutes, typical of this class [4]. After intravenous dosing, plasma GH climbs within minutes and peaks around 15-30 minutes [1]; after oral dosing of the closely related hexapeptide GHRP-6, GH peaked near 60 minutes with the response lasting about 120-150 minutes, but oral bioavailability was extremely low (roughly 0.3% relative to IV) [4]. This is why the realistic routes for GHRP-1 are parenteral (IV in the published study) or, in research-use modeling, subcutaneous, and why dosing is timed away from meals. The GH response saturates near 1 mcg/kg per pulse; raising a single dose far above this adds little extra GH while increasing cortisol, ACTH and prolactin [4][5].\n\nThe subcutaneous reconstitution scheme on this page is an educational measurement convention. GHRP-1 has no approved clinical formulation, and the figures here are not a validated delivery method [7].
Clinical Trial Efficacy Highlights
- starLaron and colleagues (1993, Acta Endocrinologica) gave a single intravenous bolus of ~1 mcg/kg GHRP-1 to 15 healthy short children/adolescents and 8 juvenile patients with pituitary insufficiency; healthy subjects showed a progressive plasma GH rise peaking at 15-30 minutes, the pubertal group responded significantly more strongly than the prepubertal group, and the GH response was similar to or slightly below that of GHRH (1-29) tested at the same dose, while most hypopituitary patients did not respond [1].
- starAkman and colleagues (1993, Endocrinology) studied the second-generation GHRP-1 sequence in rat anterior pituitary monolayer cultures and found it increased GH release up to roughly three-fold in a dose-dependent fashion; the effect depended on extracellular and intracellular calcium and protein kinase C, with no change in cyclic AMP, defining the calcium/PLC signaling route rather than a GHRH-like cAMP mechanism [2].
- starWu and colleagues (1994, Journal of Neuroendocrinology) perifused ovine pituitary cells and showed that GHRP-1 (also designated KP-101) directly stimulated GH secretion in vitro and acted additively/synergistically with GH-releasing factor, supporting a direct pituitary component to its action alongside hypothalamic effects [3].
- starBowers, Alster and Frentz (1992, JCEM) characterized the GHRP class in normal men using the prototypic hexapeptide: oral doses of 30, 100 and 300 mcg/kg produced dose-dependent peak GH of about 5-18 mcg/L versus ~26 mcg/L for a 1 mcg/kg IV bolus, with the GH response lasting roughly 120-150 minutes and a plasma half-life near 20 minutes, establishing the short-acting, route-sensitive pharmacokinetics that GHRP-1 shares [4].
- starArvat and colleagues (1997, Peptides) compared the GHRP super-analogs GHRP-2 and hexarelin with GHRH, TRH and hCRH in healthy young adults and found that, beyond strong GH release, the GHRPs produced mild but real increases in prolactin, ACTH and cortisol, quantifying the off-target endocrine effects that the whole GHRP family, including GHRP-1, can share [5].
- starBerlanga-Acosta and colleagues (2017, Clinical Medicine Insights: Cardiology) reviewed the GHRP class and documented that these peptides bind both GHS-R1a and the scavenger receptor CD36, activating PI3K/AKT pro-survival signaling, reducing reactive-oxygen-species damage and inflammation, and producing cytoprotective effects in cardiac, neuronal, gastrointestinal and hepatic models independent of GH release [6].
- starIshida and colleagues (2020, JCSM Rapid Communications) traced the history and mechanism of growth hormone secretagogues, placing GHRP-1, GHRP-2, GHRP-6 and hexarelin as early GHS-R1a agonists whose mechanism predated the discovery of ghrelin, and noting that despite robust GH/IGF-1 pharmacology none of the first-generation injectable GHRPs advanced to marketing approval [7].
- starAnti-doping work (Determination of GHRP metabolites in human urine after nasal administration of GHRP-1, GHRP-2, GHRP-6, hexarelin and ipamorelin, 2015) confirmed that GHRP-1 and its metabolites are detectable in urine after dosing, underpinning its status as a WADA-monitored growth hormone secretagogue rather than an approved therapeutic [8].
Side Effects & Tolerability Profile
Clinical subjects transiently report mild side effects. Slowly escalating the titration dose represents the single most effective intervention to limit side effects.
- warningBecause GHRP-1 activates the ghrelin receptor, it can stimulate appetite and cause a sensation of hunger or fullness; this is a class effect shared with GHRP-6 and GHRP-2 [5][6].
- warningIt can produce mild, dose-dependent increases in cortisol and ACTH, especially when a single injection exceeds the ~1 mcg/kg saturating dose, so larger per-dose amounts add stress-hormone activation without proportionally more GH [4][5].
- warningTransient prolactin elevation has been documented for the GHRP super-analogs and may occur with GHRP-1; clinical relevance at low research doses is uncertain [5].
- warningSustained elevation of GH and IGF-1 carries the general risks of GH excess (fluid retention, peripheral edema, carpal-tunnel-type symptoms, arthralgia, and reduced insulin sensitivity with higher fasting glucose); people with prediabetes or diabetes are at particular risk.
- warningInjection-route effects in the educational subcutaneous model include local redness, swelling, bruising or irritation at the injection site, plus the general risk of non-sterile technique; the only validated human route in the literature is intravenous bolus [1].
- warningMild flushing, lightheadedness, or transient changes in heart rate/blood pressure have been associated with rapid GHS-R1a activation in the GHRP class.
- warningContraindications and cautions: GHRP-1 should be considered off-limits for anyone with active or prior malignancy, during pregnancy or breastfeeding, in children outside a research setting, and in those with uncontrolled diabetes; it has no established drug-interaction or long-term safety profile.
- warningRegulatory/research status: GHRP-1 is NOT approved by the FDA, EMA, or any regulator, cannot be legally sold as a dietary supplement or medicine, is prohibited in sport by WADA, and is sold only as a research chemical; long-term human safety is unknown [7][8].
Subcutaneous Injection Technique
Most research peptides require subcutaneous injection into fatty tissue. Never inject directly into a blood vessel or deep muscle tissue unless clinically detailed.
1. Site Selection
Common locations include the abdomen (2 inches from navel), outer upper arms, or thighs.
2. Sanitization
Thoroughly clean the selected site, stopper and vial top using 70% isopropyl alcohol prep swabs.
3. Angle & Push
Pinch the skin and insert the needle at a 45 to 90-degree angle. Depress plunger smoothly.
4. Site Rotation
Rotate injection sites continuously to avoid lipodystrophy or tissue scarring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical GHRP-1 dosage?expand_more
There is no approved or standardized human dose. The only published human study used a single intravenous bolus of about 1 mcg/kg, which raised GH within 15-30 minutes (Laron 1993). Research and community modeling for the subcutaneous route centers on this saturating dose, roughly 100 mcg per injection (about 1 mcg/kg for a 100 kg adult), given one to three times daily on an empty stomach, with a practical per-injection range of about 50-150 mcg. Pushing a single dose much above ~1 mcg/kg does not add much GH but does raise cortisol, ACTH and prolactin. These figures are an educational reference only, not a prescription.
Is GHRP-1 FDA approved?expand_more
No. GHRP-1 is not approved by the FDA, the EMA, or any other regulator for any use. It was studied in the early 1990s as part of the growth hormone-releasing peptide research program but never became an approved drug. It cannot legally be sold as a medicine or dietary supplement, it is on the WADA Prohibited List for athletes, and it is distributed only as a research chemical. This page is educational and is not medical advice.
What is the half-life of GHRP-1?expand_more
GHRP-1 is a small peptide with a short plasma half-life on the order of 20-30 minutes, characteristic of the GHRP class (Bowers 1992 reported a ~20-minute half-life for the prototypic hexapeptide). After an intravenous dose, plasma GH rises within minutes and peaks around 15-30 minutes; the overall GH response lasts roughly 2-2.5 hours. The short half-life and pulsatile GH response are why research-style use models one to three doses per day rather than a single daily injection.
How is GHRP-1 reconstituted and administered?expand_more
In the educational subcutaneous model on this site, a 5 mg vial is mixed with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water to give 2.5 mg/mL, which is 25 mcg per unit on a U-100 insulin syringe. Draw the water slowly down the vial wall, swirl gently until clear (do not shake), and refrigerate. At that concentration 50 mcg is 2 units, 100 mcg is 4 units, and 150 mcg is 6 units. In the published human study the route was intravenous; subcutaneous administration here is a measurement convention, and dosing is timed on an empty stomach because food blunts the GH response.
Can GHRP-1 be stacked with other peptides?expand_more
In research and anecdotal practice GHRPs are often paired with a GHRH analog such as CJC-1295 or sermorelin, because GHRPs (GHS-R1a agonists) and GHRH act through different receptors and can synergize on GH release (Wu 1994 showed additive effects with GH-releasing factor in vitro). However, there is no validated GHRP-1 stacking protocol, no controlled safety data for combinations, and stacking GH secretagogues compounds the risks of fluid retention, raised cortisol and reduced insulin sensitivity. Treat any combination as experimental; this is not medical advice.
Related Guides & Tools
Step-by-step references for reconstituting, measuring, and storing GHRP-1, plus the universal dosing calculator.
Academic References & Study Citations
Laron Z, Frenkel J, Deghenghi R, et al. Growth hormone-releasing activity of growth hormone-releasing peptide-1 (a synthetic heptapeptide) in children and adolescents. Acta Endocrinol (Copenh). 1993;129(5):424-426. View Scientific Paper →
Akman MS, Girard M, O'Brien LF, Ho AK, Chik CL. Mechanisms of action of a second generation growth hormone-releasing peptide (Ala-His-D-beta Nal-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) in rat anterior pituitary cells. Endocrinology. 1993;132(3):1286-1291. View Scientific Paper →
Wu D, Chen C, Zhang J, Bowers CY, Clarke IJ. Effects in vitro of new growth hormone releasing peptide (GHRP-1) on growth hormone secretion from ovine pituitary cells in primary culture. J Neuroendocrinol. 1994;6(2):185-190. View Scientific Paper →
Bowers CY, Alster DK, Frentz JM. The growth hormone-releasing activity of a synthetic hexapeptide in normal men and short statured children after oral administration. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1992;74(2):292-298. View Scientific Paper →
Arvat E, di Vito L, Maccagno B, et al. Effects of GHRP-2 and hexarelin, two synthetic GH-releasing peptides, on GH, prolactin, ACTH and cortisol levels in man. Comparison with the effects of GHRH, TRH and hCRH. Peptides. 1997;18(6):885-891. View Scientific Paper →
Berlanga-Acosta J, Abreu-Cruz A, García-del Barco Herrera D, et al. Synthetic Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptides (GHRPs): A Historical Appraisal of the Evidences Supporting Their Cytoprotective Effects. Clin Med Insights Cardiol. 2017;11:1179546817694558. View Scientific Paper →
Ishida J, Saitoh M, Ebner N, et al. Growth hormone secretagogues: history, mechanism of action, and clinical development. JCSM Rapid Commun. 2020;3(1):25-37. doi:10.1002/rco2.9. View Scientific Paper →
Thomas A, Görgens C, Guddat S, et al. Determination of growth hormone releasing peptides (GHRP) and their major metabolites in human urine for doping controls by means of liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (covering GHRP-1, GHRP-2, GHRP-6, hexarelin and ipamorelin). 2015. View Scientific Paper →