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.
In clinical settings, the studies usually report that Ibutamoren was administered in the morning. Yet, most bodybuilders take ibutamoren at night in order to avoid the increase in hunger which would otherwise affect their appetite throughout the whole day.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Since MK-677 shares a lot of similar qualities to Ghrelin and binds to its receptors, it is believed that MK 677 can have the same effects on the brain that Ghrelin has.
However, there are no studies that confirm whether or not MK 677 has direct nootropic effects on the brain. Scientists do have hope though that a couple of noticeable indirect methods may explain how MK 677 can be of assistance to cognitive function. Looking back at the previous section, one method that shows promise is Ibutamoren’s ability to improve sleep quality by increasing REM sleep.
Metabolism: MK-677 is mainly investigated for the treatment of growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and muscle wasting. According to a trial in 32 healthy elderly people, ibutamoren leads to a 55% increase in IGF-1 levels at 2 weeks and 88% by 4 weeks.
Absorption: Well absorbed following parenteral administration.
Route of elimination: Urinary excretion
Half life: According to studies, MK-677 has an elimination half-life of about 6 hours, which is why it can be taken once a day.
Considering the fact that it takes 4-5 half-lives until a substance is completely eliminated from the human body, MK-677 would stay in your system for about 24-30 hours.
During this period, research reports that Ibutamoren is detectable in the blood as well as in the urine, as growth hormone secretagogue has mostly urine excretion. MK-677 is also banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), and it can be detected via drug tests.
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Some medical conditions may interact with Ibutamoren.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions.
The most commonly reported side effect of MK-677 is an increase in appetite, which is a result of triggering the ghrelin receptors. However, the effect appears to be transient and decreases with prolonged use.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider.
