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Specimen Atlas of Research Peptides81 plates · MIT
Side-by-side · Research reference

CartalaxvsGHRP-2

Side-by-side comparison across mechanism, dosage, evidence, side effects, administration, and stack synergies. Citations on every claim where available.

AAnimal-MechanisticHUMAN-REVIEWED10/32 cited
BPhase 2HUMAN-REVIEWED15/42 cited
Cartalax
Bioregulator Peptide · Khavinson School
CartilagePrimary tissuePovorozniuk 2007
MSC → ChondrocyteDifferentiation axisLinkova 2023
BMD ↑Bone density effectPovorozniuk 2007
SQ · Protocol Unspecified
GHRP-2
Hexapeptide GHRP · Phase 2 (clinical diagnostic)
100–300 mcgPer doseBowers 1990
Phase 2Evidence levelBowers 1990Sigalos 2018
~30 minHalf-lifeMalagón 1999
SQ · Multiple sites · 1–3×/day

01Mechanism of Action

Parameter
Cartalax
GHRP-2
Primary target
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) undergoing chondrogenic differentiationLinkova 2023
Ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) on anterior pituitaryBowers 1990
Pathway
Modulation of WNT, ERK-p38, and Smad 1/5/8 signaling pathwaysLinkova 2023
GHS-R1a → Gαq → Ca²⁺ → GH vesicle exocytosisBowers 2002
Downstream effect
Upregulation of chondrogenic genes (COL2, SOX9, ACAN); increased bone mineral density; osteoprotective effects in ovariectomy-induced osteoporosisLinkova 2023Povorozniuk 2007
Strong GH pulse + IGF-1 elevation; appetite increase via ghrelin agonismBowers 2002
Feedback intact?
Yes, with somatostatin feedback active
Origin
Derived from cartilaginous tissue extracts (Khavinson bioregulator methodology)Povorozniuk 2007
Synthetic hexapeptide; developed by Bowers/Tulane group in the 1980sBowers 1990
Antibody development

02Dosage Protocols

Parameter
Cartalax
GHRP-2
Animal model dose
Unspecified (cartilaginous tissue extract protocol)
Rat study; extract preparation details not indexed in available abstracts.
Human dosing
Not established in PubMed-indexed literature
Russian-tradition protocols exist but lack peer-reviewed Western validation.
Evidence basis
Animal mechanistic studies only
Phase 2 + clinical diagnostic useBowers 1990
Standard dose
100–300 mcg per injectionBowers 1990
Frequency
1–3× per day
Lower / starter dose
50 mcg per dose
Duration
8–12 weeks on / 4 off (anecdotal)
Reconstitution
Bacteriostatic water
Timing
Pre-sleep + fasted preferred
Half-life

03Metabolic / Fat Loss Evidence

Parameter
Cartalax
GHRP-2
Fat loss evidence
None — primary target is cartilage and bone tissue, not adipose

04Side Effects & Safety

Parameter
Cartalax
GHRP-2
Documented adverse effects
None reported in indexed animal studies
Human safety data
Not available in PubMed-indexed literature
Cortisol elevation
Mild but measurableBowers 1990
Prolactin elevation
Mild but measurable
Hunger
Strong appetite increase
Injection site reaction
Mild erythema
IGF-1 elevation
Strong; monitor with chronic high-dose use
Cancer risk
Contraindicated in active malignancy
Pregnancy / OB
Avoid
Absolute Contraindications
Cartalax
  • ·Unknown due to lack of human clinical trial data
GHRP-2
  • ·Active malignancy
  • ·Pregnancy / breastfeeding
Relative Contraindications
Cartalax
  • ·Active malignancy (theoretical; peptide bioregulators may influence cell proliferation pathways)
GHRP-2
  • ·Untreated diabetes

05Administration Protocol

Parameter
Cartalax
GHRP-2
1. Route
Subcutaneous injection typical for Khavinson bioregulators; specific protocols not detailed in indexed literature.
Add 2 mL bacteriostatic water to 5 mg vial → 2.5 mg/mL.
2. Frequency
Russian-tradition protocols often employ 10-day cycles; precise frequency unspecified in available abstracts.
SQ — abdomen or thigh. Rotate sites.
3. Storage
Lyophilised peptide bioregulators typically stored at 2–8 °C, light-protected. Reconstitution details not indexed.
Pre-sleep + fasted preferred.
4. Storage
Lyophilised: room temp, light-protected. Reconstituted: refrigerate ≤30 days.
5. Needle
29–31G, 4–8 mm insulin syringe.

06Stack Synergy

Cartalax
— no documented stacks
GHRP-2
+ CJC-1295 (no DAC)
Strong
View CJC-1295 (no DAC)

GHRP-2 + CJC-1295-no-DAC is a higher-amplitude alternative to the ipamorelin + CJC-1295 stack. GHRP-2 produces a stronger pulse but with cortisol + prolactin signal — choose when maximum GH amplitude is the goal and the side-effect tolerance is acceptable.

GHRP-2
100–200 mcg SQ · pre-sleep
CJC-1295 (no DAC)
100 mcg SQ · same injection
Primary benefit
High-amplitude GH pulse, body composition