MECHANISM OF ACTION
Ibutamoren mimics the action of the endogenous hormone Ghrelin in the body: In the hypothalamus binds to Ghrelin receptors (also known as Growth hormone secretagogue receptors), stimulates the release of Growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH), enhances GHRH signaling in GHRHRs (Growth hormone releasing hormone receptors) in the pituitary gland, inhibits the amount of Somatostatin (Growth hormone-inhibiting hormone; GHIH) and also suppresses the activity of Somatostatin by inhibiting Somatostatin receptor signaling. Thus, Ibutamoren stimulates Growth hormone secretion in all to date known ways, making it one of the most effective, potent and strongest known Growth hormone secretagogues ever. The action of ibutamoren MK-677 results in significantly increased plasma levels of GH (Growth hormone) and IGF-1 (Insulin-like growth factor 1) in the body without affecting cortisol and prolactin levels.
IBUTAMOREN, CLINICAL TRIALS AND POSSIBLE MEDICAL USE
Ibutamoren is being studied as a potential treatment for low levels of Growth hormone and IGF-1, for example, in children or older adults with Growth hormone deficiency (GHD). Human studies have shown a strong ability of Ibutamoren to increase both muscle mass and bone mineral density, making it a promising potential therapy in the treatment of bone fragility in the elderly. According to some recent research, there is also concern that its particularly prolonged half-life may over-stimulate ghrelin receptors in the brain and lead to harmful psychological side effects.
IBUTAMOREN PREVENTS MUSCLE WASTING, HAS ANTI-CATABOLIC EFFECT
In a clinical study of 8 food-deprived healthy volunteers, ibutamoren reversed protein loss that could cause muscle wasting. In 123 elderly patients with hip fracture, ibutamoren improved gait speed and muscle strength and reduced the number of falls. These studies have shown that ibutamoren has a great ability to prevent muscle loss and strong anti-catabolic effects. Because of these abilities, ibutamoren is a promising candidate for the treatment of muscle wasting diseases (muscular dystrophy etc).
IBUTAMOREN IS EFFECTIVE IN THE TREATMENT OF GH DEFICIENCY
Ibutamoren may increase levels of growth hormone, IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 in children with growth hormone deficiency. In addition, these effects are achieved without changing the concentration of prolactin (PRL), glucose, triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyrotropin, cortisol or insulin. In severely ill men with GH deficiency, ibutamoren increase IGF-1 and growth hormone, without significant changes in cortisol, prolactin and thyroid hormones. However, an increased amount of insulin and glucose has been reported.
IBUTAMOREN INCREASES BONE DENSITY
Growth hormone increases bones mineral absorption and eventually bones density. But it takes time more than 1 year to see a statistically significant increase in bone density. In 24 healthy, obese male volunteers, ibutamoren increased bone density. In 187 older adults (aged 65 and more), ibutamoren increased bone formation, measured by osteocalcin, and a bone density marker in many studies. In study with 292 postmenopausal women, ibutamoren increased bone mineral density, which helps to increase bone strength and prevent osteoporosis. These results demonstrate that the use of MK-677 may have significant results in increasing bone mineral density.
IBUTAMOREN MAY SUPPORT WOUND HEALING & TISSUE REGENERATION
Growth hormone increases tissue regeneration and wound healing, so ibutamoren may be useful in this respect as well. There are individual reports of the usefulness of ibutamoren in wound healing and tissue repair, but there is a lack of scientific studies confirming these positive effects.
IBUTAMOREN IMPROVES SLEEP QUALITY
Performed scientific study showed that both in younger and older people, ibutamoren improved the quality of sleep and increased REM sleep time phase (rapid eye movement). In addition to scientific research, there have been many reports about subjective improvement of sleep quality in various internet forums.
IBUTAMOREN MAY PROMOTE LONGEVITY
Both growth hormone secretion (GH) and IGF-1 levels decrease with age. It is believed that IGF-1 may have beneficial effects on longevity. In a study of 65 elderly men and women, daily supplementation with ibutamoren increased the levels of GH and IGF-1 without serious side effects. In another study with 24 obese males (double-blind randomized controlled trial), ibutamoren rejuvenated the growth hormone profile.
IBUTAMOREN CAN HAVE A NOOTROPIC EFFECT
Two indirect mechanisms by which ibutamoren may improve brain function include:
Increasing IGF-1, which improves memory and learning
Boosting REM sleep duration and sleep quality, which is essential for cognitive function
One study questioned the association of low IGF-1 and Alzheimer’s disease, and whether ibutamoren could help. However, in this study, ibutamoren was ineffective at slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s in humans.
SCIENTIFICALLY INVESTIGATED POSSIBLE BENEFITS OF IBUTAMOREN
Significantly increases serum levels of IGF-1 and growth hormone
Can be promising treatment of growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and bone fragility in the elderly
Helps reduce excess body fat, stimulates the breakdown of triglycerides and oxidation in adipocytes
Promotes lean muscle growth, can increase performance and endurance
Has a strong anti-catabolic effect and the ability to maintain muscle mass / prevents muscle wastage
Supports overall regeneration of the whole body (including internal organs), anti-aging effects
Helps increase calcium retention and increases bone density
Can help in healing wounds, bones, tendons and ligaments
Can help reduce the risk of heart and cardiovascular disease
Can help strengthen the immune system
Can help improve the quality of skin, nails and hair
Promotes a sense of energy and vitality
Improves sleep and its quality
Nootropic effects, indirectly (by increasing IGF-1 – which improve memory and learning; and by increasing REM sleep duration and sleep quality – which is essential for cognitive functions)