Side-by-side · Research reference
GHRP-2vsSelank
Side-by-side comparison across mechanism, dosage, evidence, side effects, administration, and stack synergies. Citations on every claim where available.
APhase 2Reviewed15/42 cited
BHuman-MechanisticDraft11/40 cited
GHRP-2
Hexapeptide GHRP · Phase 2 (clinical diagnostic)
SQ · Multiple sites · 1–3×/day
Selank
Anxiolytic + Cognitive · Russian Pharma
Intranasal · 2–3×/day during stress / cognitive demand
01Mechanism of Action
Parameter
GHRP-2
Selank
Primary target
Ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) on anterior pituitaryBowers 1990
Monoamine system (serotonin / GABA modulation) + immunomodulation via tuftsin domainZaderej 2014
Pathway
GHS-R1a → Gαq → Ca²⁺ → GH vesicle exocytosisBowers 2002
Tuftsin-derived immune signaling + CNS monoamine modulation → reduced anxiety + improved mood / cognitionMedvedev 2007
Downstream effect
Strong GH pulse + IGF-1 elevation; appetite increase via ghrelin agonismBowers 2002
Anxiolytic + cognitive enhancement; immunomodulation via increased IL-6 + IFN-γMedvedev 2007Zaderej 2014
Feedback intact?
Yes, with somatostatin feedback active
No GABA-receptor binding; no dependence reportedMedvedev 2007
Origin
Synthetic hexapeptide; developed by Bowers/Tulane group in the 1980sBowers 1990
Synthetic 7-AA peptide derived from human tuftsin (immune-system tetrapeptide)Zaderej 2014
Antibody development
—
—
02Dosage Protocols
Parameter
GHRP-2
Selank
Frequency
1–3× per day
2–3× per day during stress
Lower / starter dose
50 mcg per dose
75 mcg / dose
Evidence basis
Phase 2 + clinical diagnostic useBowers 1990
Human-mechanistic + Russian clinical trialsMedvedev 2007
Duration
8–12 weeks on / 4 off (anecdotal)
10–14 day cycles, repeated as needed
Reconstitution
Bacteriostatic water
Pre-formulated nasal spray (commercial); research vial: bacteriostatic water
Timing
Pre-sleep + fasted preferred
Morning + early afternoon preferred
04Side Effects & Safety
Parameter
GHRP-2
Selank
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
Avoid — insufficient data
Nasal irritation
—
Mild burning or congestion (transient)
Cognitive impairment
—
None — opposite effect (enhancement)
Allergic reaction
—
Rare hypersensitivity
Long-term safety
—
Limited Western RCT data
Absolute Contraindications
GHRP-2
- ·Active malignancy
- ·Pregnancy / breastfeeding
Selank
- ·Pregnancy / breastfeeding
- ·Hypersensitivity to peptide
Relative Contraindications
GHRP-2
- ·Untreated diabetes
Selank
- ·Active autoimmune disease (theoretical via immunomodulation)
05Administration Protocol
Parameter
GHRP-2
Selank
1. Reconstitution
Add 2 mL bacteriostatic water to 5 mg vial → 2.5 mg/mL.
Pre-formulated nasal spray (commercial) or research vial reconstituted with bacteriostatic water.
2. Injection site
SQ — abdomen or thigh. Rotate sites.
Intranasal — 1–3 sprays per nostril per dose. Tilt head slightly back.
3. Timing
Pre-sleep + fasted preferred.
Morning + early afternoon for cognitive demand; PRN for acute anxiety.
4. Storage
Lyophilised: room temp, light-protected. Reconstituted: refrigerate ≤30 days.
Refrigerate after reconstitution; ≤30 days. Light-protected.
5. Needle
29–31G, 4–8 mm insulin syringe.
Avoid co-administration with strong sedatives or other anxiolytics initially.
06Stack Synergy
GHRP-2
+ CJC-1295 (no DAC)
StrongGHRP-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
Selank
— no documented stacks