WHAT IS MK-677 (IBUTAMOREN)?
MK-677 (also known as ibutamoren), promotes the secretion of the growth hormone (GH) and increases insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Ibutamoren increases growth hormone levels by mimicking the action of the hormone ghrelin and binding to one of the ghrelin receptors (GHSR) in the brain.
Activated GHSR stimulates growth hormone release from the brain. Clinical studies describe only the effects ibutamoren has on appetite and as expected, like ghrelin, ibutamoren increases it. GHSR is found in brain regions that control appetite, pleasure, mood, biological rhythms, memory, and cognition.
Therefore, we can expect that ibutamoren may also affect these functions. It increases growth hormone levels with little or no increase in other hormones, such as cortisol. Cortisol suppresses the immune system, reduces wound healing, and impairs learning and memory, and it’s usually not good to have this hormone elevated.
MK-677 BENEFITS AND RESULTS
The benefits of MK-677 include muscle-building, a reduction in muscle wasting, better bone density, improved sleep, and anti-aging properties. It may also have nootropic effects and it can be beneficial in treating growth hormone deficiencies. Read on for a more in-depth look at these benefits.
Helps Build Muscles
Ibutamoren is frequently used as an anabolic substance, to increase lean body mass. It is orally active and can be taken once a day. MK-677 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 MK-677 to increase Growth Hormone production make it a popular choice.
One study that studied 60-year-olds indicated that injections to stimulate Growth Hormones led to increased strength in thigh muscles. When it comes to MK-677 stimulating muscle growth, its results will vary by person depending on their exercise regimen and if they have any health conditions.
In another study of 24 obese men, a two-month treatment with ibutamoren increased lean mass, and transiently increased basal metabolic rate (BMR)
Reduces Muscle Wasting
MK-677 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 MK-677 could reverse protein catabolism and the results proved to be quite positive. As a result, MK-677 is theorized to be possibly being an effective treatment for individuals who suffer from catabolic conditions.
Learn more about growth hormone therapy.
Increases Bone Density
Several studies have indicated that long-term use of MK-677 can have tremendous results to increase bone mineral density. This finding can benefit several populations including obese individuals, older adults, and women with menopause. These distinct populations can have detrimental health problems due to low bone mineral density and MK-677 has proven to be an effective treatment for many of them.
In 24 healthy obese male volunteers, ibutamoren increased bone turnover.
In 187 elderly adults (65 years or older), ibutamoren increased bone building, as measured by osteocalcin, a marker of bone turnover in multiple studies.
In one study with 292 post-menopausal women, ibutamoren increased bone mineral density, which helps increase bone strength and prevent osteoporosis.
The groups of people who serve to benefit by MK-677’s ability to increase bone density must research the possibility of any long-term side effects since increases in bone density typically take more than a year’s use.
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 in Growth Hormone.
A study showed that in both younger and elderly subjects, ibutamoren improved sleep quality and REM (rapid eye movement) sleep duration.
Apart from scientific studies, there have been many reports of subjective improvements in sleep quality.
Combats Aging and May Increase Longevity
As seen with other hormones in the body, Growth Hormone naturally begins a steady decline once a certain age is hit. Individuals who are aging can benefit from taking MK 677 since Growth Hormone and IGF-1 will be increased in the body among its consumption. Aging individuals who take MK 677 can improve their overall hormone profiles as they give their declining GH levels (Growth Hormone levels) a boost.