Ibutamoren mesylate, also known as MK-677, is an orally active non peptide growth hormone (GH) secretagogue, which stimulates growth hormone (GH) release through a pituitary and hypothalamic receptor that is different from the GH-releasing hormone receptor. Clinically, it has been demonstrated to increase the endogenous release of growth hormone (GH) as well as insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) without the adverse increase of prolactin or cortisol often seen with GHRPs. Additionally, increases in lean body mass can be achieved while lowering LDL cholesterol. Talk to our medical experts.
Research Behind Ibutamoren
Studies have shown Ibutamoren stimulates brain regions involved with metabolic action, such as the hypothalamus and the pituitary. Ibutamoren may be effective in increasing both muscle mass and bone mineral density, making it a promising therapy for the treatment of frailty and osteoporosis in the elderly. Ibutamoren also aids in wound healing, tissue regeneration and improves sleep.
An affiliated study with Merck Research Laboratories stated growth hormone (GH) stimulates osteoblasts in vitro and increases bone turnover and stimulates osteoblast activity when given to elderly subjects. Probably a major effect of GH on bone is mediated through stimulation of either circulating or locally produced insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). The research determined that once daily dosing with ibutamoren, an orally active GH secretagogue, stimulates bone turnover in elderly subjects based on elevations in biochemical markers of bone resorption and formation.
Ibutamoren Benefits
1. Helps Build Muscle
Ibutamoren is frequently used as an anabolic substance, to increase lean body mass. It is orally active and can be taken once a day. Ibutamoren stimulates Growth Hormone and IGF-1 which each factor in significantly to maintaining lean body mass. Growth Hormone is believed by many to stimulate an increase in muscle size and strength and the ability of ibutamoren to increase Growth Hormone production make it a popular choice.
One study using 60-year-old men indicated that injections to stimulate Growth Hormones led to increased strength in thigh muscles. In another study of 24 obese men, a two-month treatment with ibutamoren increased lean mass, and transiently increased basal metabolic rate (BMR).
2. Reduces Muscle Wasting
Ibutamoren has shown in recent studies to alleviate muscle wasting that can be caused by a decline in protein within an individual’s diet. In one study a group of healthy young adults were tested to determine if ibutamoren could reverse protein catabolism. The study determined that ibutamoren is theorized to be an effective treatment for individuals who suffer from catabolic conditions. Learn more about medical benefits..
3. Increases Bone Density
Several studies have indicated that long-term use of ibutamoren can have tremendous results to increase bone mineral density. An affiliated study with Merck Research Laboratories stated growth hormone (GH) stimulates osteoblasts in vitro and increases bone turnover and stimulates osteoblast activity when given to elderly subjects. Probably a major effect of GH on bone is mediated through stimulation of either circulating or locally produced insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). The research determined that once daily dosing with ibutamoren, an orally active GH secretagogue, stimulates bone turnover in elderly subjects based on elevations in biochemical markers of bone resorption and formation.
4. Improves Sleep
Since Growth Hormone is known to help improve sleep quality, it is commonly thought that Ibutamoren Mesylate can assist with sleep quality since it stimulates production of Growth Hormone. A study showed that in both younger and elderly subjects, ibutamoren improved sleep quality, REM (rapid eye movement) and improved sleep duration.
Apart from scientific studies, there have been many reports of subjective improvements in sleep quality from patients at Aspire Rejuvenation Clinic.
5. Combats Aging and May Increase Longevity
Aging patients taking ibutamoren can benefit greatly since Growth Hormone and IGF-1 can significantly elevate. As we age, our body stops producing as much human growth hormone (HGH) and therefore IGF-1. Human growth hormone is responsible for the development of muscle and bone mass. In fact, the natural production of HGH decreases by around 15% each decade from the age of twenty-five.
Ibutamoren therapy can counteract this decline by stimulating the body to release more HGH, which can lead to an increase in lean muscle mass, a reduction in body fat, increased energy and stamina and a reduction in musculoskeletal inflammation.
6. Nootropic Effects
Since ibutamoren shares a lot of similar qualities to Ghrelin and binds to its receptors, it is believed that ibutamoren can have the same effects on the brain that Ghrelin has.
There are no studies that confirm ibutamoren has direct nootropic effects on the brain. Scientists theorize ibutamoren may indirectly improve cognitive function through IGF-1 elevation. The ability of Ibutamoren to stimulate IGF-1 production can indirectly improve cognitive function based on IGF-1’s role in cognitive function. One study indicated that IGF-1 positively affected patients’ ability to perform well on cognitive tests.
Potential Side Effects
Reported side effects of ibutamoren are typically the result of unnaturally high levels of growth hormone in the body from taking too much too often, which include increased appetite, lethargy, potential joint pain, insulin resistance and possible increase in prolactin levels. When dosed properly, the side effects of ibutamoren are minimal to none. Schedule a Consultation.
References
- Melmed S. Physiology of growth hormone. UpToDate. In: Rose BD, editor. UpToDate. 2008. Waltham, MA. [Google Scholar]
- Brooks AJ, Waters MJ. The growth hormone receptor: mechanism of activation and clinical implications. Nature reviews Endocrinology. 2010;6(9):515–25. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Carroll PV, Christ ER, Bengtsson BA, Carlsson L, Christiansen JS, Clemmons D, et al. Growth hormone deficiency in adulthood and the effects of growth hormone replacement: a review. Growth Hormone Research Society Scientific Committee. The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism. 1998;83(2):382–95. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Binnerts A, Swart GR, Wilson JH, Hoogerbrugge N, Pols HA, Birkenhager JC, et al. The effect of growth hormone administration in growth hormone deficient adults on bone, protein, carbohydrate and lipid homeostasis, as well as on body composition. Clinical endocrinology. 1992;37(1):79–87. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Snel YE, Doerga ME, Brummer RJ, Zelissen PM, Zonderland ML, Koppeschaar HP. Resting metabolic rate, body composition and related hormonal parameters in growth hormone-deficient adults before and after growth hormone replacement therapy. European journal of endocrinology/European Federation of Endocrine Societies. 1995;133(4):445–50. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Chong PK, Jung RT, Scrimgeour CM, Rennie MJ, Paterson CR. Energy expenditure and body composition in growth hormone deficient adults on exogenous growth hormone. Clinical endocrinology. 1994;40(1):103–10. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Jorgensen JO, Pedersen SA, Thuesen L, Jorgensen J, Moller J, Muller J, et al. Long-term growth hormone treatment in growth hormone deficient adults. Acta endocrinologica. 1991;125(5):449–53. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Whitehead HM, Boreham C, McIlrath EM, Sheridan B, Kennedy L, Atkinson AB, et al. Growth hormone treatment of adults with growth hormone deficiency: results of a 13-month placebo controlled cross-over study. Clinical endocrinology. 1992;36(1):45–52. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Cuneo RC, Salomon F, Wiles CM, Hesp R, Sonksen PH. Growth hormone treatment in growth hormone-deficient adults. I. Effects on muscle mass and strength. Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md : 1985) 1991;70(2):688–94. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Cuneo RC, Salomon F, Wiles CM, Hesp R, Sonksen PH. Growth hormone treatment in growth hormone-deficient adults. II. Effects on exercise performance. Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md : 1985) 1991;70(2):695–700. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Treatment of Pediatric Growth Hormone Deficiency With Oral Secretagogues Revisited. Yau M, Rapaport R.J Endocr Soc. 2021 May 22;5(7):bvab096. doi: 10.1210/jendso/bvab096. eCollection 2021 Jul 1.PMID: 34141995 Free PMC article.
- Development of a Predictive Enrichment Marker for the Oral GH Secretagogue LUM-201 in Pediatric Growth Hormone Deficiency. Bright GM, Do MT, McKew JC, Blum WF, Thorner MO.J Endocr Soc. 2021 Feb 25;5(6):bvab030. doi: 10.1210/jendso/bvab030. eCollection 2021 Jun 1.PMID: 33982679 Free PMC article.
- Corroboration of Height Velocity Prediction Markers for rhGH With an Oral GH Secretagogue Treatment in Children With GHD. Blum WF, Bright GM, Do MT, McKew JC, Chen H, Thorner MO.J Endocr Soc. 2021 Feb 25;5(6):bvab029. doi: 10.1210/jendso/bvab029. eCollection 2021 Jun 1.PMID: 33982678 Free PMC article.
- Effect of the Orally Active Growth Hormone Secretagogue MK-677 on Somatic Growth in Rats. Lee J, Kwon A, Chae HW, Lee WJ, Kim TH, Kim HS.Yonsei Med J. 2018 Dec;59(10):1174-1180. doi: 10.3349/ymj.2018.59.10.1174.PMID: 30450851 Free PMC article.
- The Safety and Efficacy of Growth Hormone Secretagogues. Sigalos JT, Pastuszak AW.Sex Med Rev. 2018 Jan;6(1):45-53. doi: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2017.02.004. Epub 2017 Apr 8.PMID: 28400207
- J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1998 Feb;83(2):320-5. MK-677, an orally active growth hormone secretagogue, reverses diet-induced catabolism. Murphy MG1, Plunkett LM, Gertz BJ, He W, Wittreich J, Polvino WM, Clemmons DR
- J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1996 Dec;81(12):4249-57. Stimulation of the growth hormone (GH)-insulin-like growth factor I axis by daily oral administration of a GH secretogogue (MK-677) in healthy elderly subjects. Chapman IM1, Bach MA, Van Cauter E, Farmer M, Krupa D, Taylor AM, Schilling LM, Cole KY, Skiles EH, Pezzoli SS, Hartman ML, Veldhuis JD, Gormley GJ, Thorner MO.
- MK-677, an Orally Active Growth Hormone Secretagogue, Reverses Diet-Induced Catabolism. M. G. Murphy L. M. Plunkett B. J. Gertz W. He J. Wittreich W. M. PolvinoD. R. Clemmons. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Volume 83, Issue 2, 1 February 1998, Pages 320–325
- Neuroendocrinology. 1997 Oct;66(4):278-86. Prolonged oral treatment with MK-677, a novel growth hormone secretagogue, improves sleep quality in man. Copinschi G1, Leproult R, Van Onderbergen A, Caufriez A, Cole KY, Schilling LM, Mendel CM, De Lepeleire I, Bolognese JA, Van Cauter E.