Source comparison
Peptides for Muscle Building Research: Compound Comparison
The table below compares primary peptide categories used in muscle-building research based on mechanism, dosing, half-life, and research applications. GHRP-2, GHRP-6 Ghrelin receptor agonist; stimulates pulsatile GH release from pituitary somatotrophs 100–300m
This comparison does not assign a generated winner or score.
- The table below compares primary peptide categories used in muscle-building research based on mechanism, dosing, half-life, and research applications.
- GHRP-2, GHRP-6
- Ghrelin receptor agonist; stimulates pulsatile GH release from pituitary somatotrophs
- 100–300mcg per administration, 1–3× daily
- 20–30 minutes (GHRP-2), 15–25 minutes (GHRP-6)
- Acute GH response studies, appetite modulation research, GH deficiency models
- Strong pulsatile GH response but short duration requires multiple daily doses; GHRP-6 increases ghrelin signaling more than GHRP-2, often causing appetite elevation
- Ipamorelin
- Selective ghrelin receptor agonist; GH release without cortisol or prolactin elevation
- 200–300mcg per administration, 1–2× daily
- 2 hours
- Selective GH stimulation research, models requiring minimal side-effect profile
- Most selective GHRP—no cortisol or prolactin spike, making it ideal for isolating GH-specific effects; lower GH magnitude than GHRP-2 but cleaner hormone profile
- CJC-1295 (No DAC)
- GHRH analogue; binds GHRH receptors to amplify natural GH pulses
- 100–200mcg per administration, 1–2× weekly
- 6–8 days (due to albumin binding)
- Long-duration GH elevation studies, synergistic protocols with GHRPs
- Extended half-life reduces injection frequency; works synergistically with GHRPs to produce 3–5× higher GH peaks than either alone
- Sermorelin
- GHRH analogue; amplifies endogenous GHRH signaling
- 200–500mcg per administration, 1–2× daily
- 8–12 minutes
- Short-pulse GHRH research, pediatric GH deficiency models
- Very short half-life limits practical application in muscle research; primarily used in clinical settings for diagnostic GH stimulation tests
- IGF-1 LR3
- IGF-1 receptor agonist; bypasses GH to directly activate mTOR, PI3K-Akt anabolic pathways
- 20–100mcg per administration, localized or systemic
- 20–30 hours
- Localized hypertrophy studies, sarcopenia models, GH-independent anabolic signaling
- Longest half-life of any research peptide in this class; demonstrates muscle hypertrophy independent of GH secretion, making it valuable for aging or GH-resistant models
- Hexarelin
- Potent ghrelin receptor agonist; highest GH release magnitude among GHRPs
- 100–200mcg per administration, 1–2× daily
- 70–90 minutes
- Maximal GH output research, cardiac protection studies (hexarelin shows cardioprotective signaling)
- Produces highest GH peaks but also stimulates cortisol and prolactin release; receptor desensitization occurs with continuous use, limiting long-term protocols