Growth hormone is a hormone typically produced by the pituitary gland, located behind the bridge of the nose, just under the brain. When the pituitary gland does not function properly and there is a growth hormone deficiency, injectible growth hormone is sometimes used as part of a treatment plan. The only HGH that is approved by the FDA is the injectable variety, also known as recombinant growth hormone, which mimics the hormone produced by the pituitary gland, however it is produced synthetically in a lab.
Synthetic growth hormone is a peptide that acts like a protein in the body, much like the proteins we ingest. The acidic environment of the digestive system breaks proteins down so that the body can begin using them. A peptide that is "broken down" cannot be used by the body, therefore growth hormone must be injected so that the body can absorb and use it properly. There are a number of ingredients in recombinant growth hormone, and each plays an important role to ensure that the medication is delivered into the body and works effectively.
Somatropin
Simply put, somatropin is another name for synthetic growth hormone (HGH). Until 1985, growth hormone was extracted from the pituitary glands of human cadavers, and was referred to as human GH (somatotropin). The biosynthetic form of hGH, also called recombinant growth hormone (rhGH), replaced the human-derived form in the mid-1980s and is the only form used in hormone therapy today.
Histidine
A positively charged histidine is an essential amino acid that is important for catalyzed reactions. Essential amino acids cannot be formed by other nutrients, and therefore must be present in the diet or supplemented. Histidine is effective in preventing cellular damage in a variety of conditions that cause inflammation.
Poloxamer 188
Poloxamers are common chemicals used in the pharmaceutical industry to help repair cell membrane damage. Chemically, poloxamers inserting themselves into small holes in cell membranes to act like "a finger in a dike."
Phenol
Phenol naturally occurs in some foods, as well as human and animal wastes, decomposing organic matter, and also is produced within in the gut as a result of aromatic amino acid metabolism. It is also manufactured synthetically. Because phenol has anesthetic properties, is often used in injectible medicines.
Mannitol
Mannitol is a crystalline alcohol found in many plants. It is also a diuretic often used to treat medical conditions that cause an increase in body fluid/water retention.
Hydrogen Chloride and Sodium Hydroxide
The combination of hydrogen chloride and sodium hydroxide that helps the growth hormone survive the gastric mucosa. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a strong chemical base commonly used in pharmaceutical laboratories to drive chemical reactions and neutralize acidic materials. Hydrogen chloride (HCl), when dissolved in water, produces hydrochloric acid, and is commonly used in pharmaceutical laboratories to manufacture water-soluble drugs that dissolve when injected or digested.
Water
Growth hormone is injected subcutaneously with a fine needle. Water is used to aid the transfer of liquids from the tube, through the hypodermic syringe, into the body.
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