GHRP-2 vs Ipamorelin vs MOTS-c
A three-way comparison to help you find the right peptide for your research goals.
GHRP-2
Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide 2 (GHRP-2) is considered one of the most potent GHRPs available. It provides strong GH release with moderate hunger increase compared to GHRP-6.
Full details →Ipamorelin
Ipamorelin is a selective growth hormone secretagogue that stimulates the release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland without significantly affecting cortisol or prolactin.
Full details →MOTS-c
MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the Twelve S rRNA type-c) is a mitochondrial-derived peptide that plays a key role in metabolic regulation and has emerged as a significant longevity research target.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | GHRP-2 | Ipamorelin | MOTS-c |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Binds to the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R) to stimulate GH release from the pituitary. Also has some direct effects on the hypothalamus. Causes less appetite increase than GHRP-6. | Acts as a ghrelin mimetic, binding to the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R) in the pituitary to stimulate GH release. Highly selective with minimal effect on other hormones. | Activates AMPK pathway, enhances glucose uptake in skeletal muscle, improves insulin sensitivity, and regulates mitochondrial function. Acts as a metabolic hormone affecting whole-body energy homeostasis. |
| Typical Dosage | Typical dosing: 100-300mcg administered 2-3 times daily. Often stacked with GHRH peptides for enhanced GH release. | Typical dosing ranges from 200-300mcg administered 2-3 times daily, often combined with CJC-1295. | Research protocols typically use 5-10mg administered subcutaneously several times per week. Optimal dosing not yet established. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection on an empty stomach. Can be used at bedtime to enhance natural GH pulse during sleep. | Subcutaneous injection. Best results when administered fasted or before sleep. Often stacked with GHRH peptides. | Subcutaneous injection. Often combined with exercise protocols as it enhances exercise capacity and metabolic adaptation. |
| Side Effects | Moderate hunger increase, water retention, potential prolactin and cortisol elevation (less than GHRP-6), tingling sensations. | Generally well-tolerated. May cause mild headaches, lightheadedness, or increased hunger initially. | Limited human data. Animal studies show good tolerability. May affect energy levels and exercise performance. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
GHRP-2, Ipamorelin, MOTS-c are all commonly used for:
Key Differences
Unique to GHRP-2:
Unique to Ipamorelin:
Unique to MOTS-c:
Detailed Analysis
Commonalities
Both GHRP-2 and Ipamorelin are commonly used for Muscle Growth, Fat Loss, Sleep Quality.
Which Should You Choose?
Ipamorelin has stronger evidence for Fat Loss, Sleep Quality.
Commonalities
Both GHRP-2 and MOTS-c are commonly used for Muscle Growth, Fat Loss.
Which Should You Choose?
GHRP-2 has stronger evidence for Muscle Growth.
Commonalities
Both Ipamorelin and MOTS-c are commonly used for Muscle Growth, Fat Loss.
Which Should You Choose?
Ipamorelin has stronger evidence for Muscle Growth, Fat Loss.