Disclosed are peptide and peptidomimetic compounds generally according to formula (I), and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, that are useful as GHRP analogs: R1-A2-A3-A4-A5-R2 (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: A1 is Aib, Apc or Inp A2 is D-Bal, D-Bip, D-Bpa, D-Dip, D-1Nal, D-2Na1, D-Ser(Bzl), or D-Trp A3 is D-Bal, D-Bip, D-Bpa, D-Dip, D-1Nal, D-2Nal, D-Ser(Bzl), or D-Trp A4 is 2Fua, Orn, 2Pa1, 3Pal, 4Pa1, Pff, Phe, Pim, Taz, 2Thi, 3Thi, Thr(Bzl) A5 is Apc, Dab, Dap, Lys, Orn, or deleted R1 is hydrogen, (C1-6)alkyl, (C5-14)aryl, (C1-6)alkyl(C5-14)aryl, (C3-8)cycloakyl, or (C2-10)acyl and R2 is OH or NH2 and pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use thereof.