HGH Substitutes

Human growth hormone, HGH, contributes to development and reproduction. Drug companies manufacture synthetic forms, such as somatropin and somatrem, for use by doctors and patients. Athletes inject HGH to enhance abilities and promote healing. Other substances, known as secretagogues, trigger growth hormone release in the body. Scientists focus on these chemicals as HGH substitutes because they provide advantages over nature growth hormone.

Ghrelin

The endogenous hormone ghrelin, produced in the stomach, plays a role in appetite stimulation and triggers growth hormone release. A 2007 paper published in the medical journal Molecular Biology of the Cell describes the many effects of this substance discovered in 1999. Ghrelin increases body growth and fat deposition making it useful as an muscle building, anabolic, product. In the 2007 study, the hormone had positive effects on cultured muscle cells. Ghrelin intake, therefore, may prevent wasting in conditions such as AIDs.

Somatocrinin

The growth hormone releasing hormone somatocrinin also enhances HGH release. A 2004 experiment offered in the periodical Clinical Endocrinology looked at ghrelin and somatocrinin intake in obese adults. Such patients typically have low growth hormone levels, making them susceptible to cardiovascular pathology. Injecting both hormones created a synergistic effect. It enhanced HGH release more than either substance alone. Reductions in ghrelin and somatocrinin may underlie the low HGH levels often found in obesity. Taking synthetic ghrelin may safely reverse this deficiency, as the patients in 2004 study reported few side effects.

CJC-1295

Analogs of the growth hormone releasing hormone, such as CJC-1295, can also trigger HGH production. A 2006 experiment described in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism evaluated the impact of CJC-1295 in healthy adults. The experimental drug increased the average HGH level without altering the natural growth hormone rhythm. Such results show promise, yet CJC-1295 may cause side effects. According to 2006 report in R & D Focus Drug News, clinical trials of this drug have ended because of cardiovascular concerns.

Capromorelin

Synthetic chemicals, such as Capromorelin, also increase HGH levels. This experimental drug, taken orally, serves as a ghrelin imitator. A 2009 investigation in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, tested Capromorelin intake in older adults at risk for functional decline. Oral doses of this substance triggered growth hormone release in these patients. It also improved physical performance and body mass. Use was, however, associated with negative reactions. Capromorelin increased appetite, insomnia, and symptoms of diabetes.

Tabimorelin

Another growth hormone releaser, Tabimorelin, can also increase HGH levels. However, this substance produces more variable results than Capromorelin. A 2003 experiment in Clinical Endocrinology evaluated Tabimorelin in growth-hormone deficient adults. Oral intake of this experimental drug increased growth hormone in only 11 percent of these patients. While small, that group may represent a specific subset with unique characteristics. Yet, according to 2001 paper in the journal Endocrine, using Tabimorelin often causes drug tolerance and other side effects.