heres a list of many benefits...
MK-677 Effects
Increases Bone Density
In a 12 month study conducted on postmenopausal osteoporotic women, 25 mg of MK-677 per day increased bone mineral density and was well tolerated without any significantly concerning side effects [R].
In a 2 month randomized, double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled study on 24 healthy obese men (ages 19-49), 25 mg of MK-677 per day increased markers of bone formation within the first 2 weeks, and increased serum osteocalcin levels at the 2 month mark.
Predictably, large increases in serum IGF-1 levels were also noted [R].
In a clinical study evaluating the changes in serum IGF‐I and markers of bone turnover in 187 elderly adults (65 years or older) lasting 2–9 weeks, dosages of 10-50 mg were administered once daily.
All treated individuals experienced increased bone turnover, regardless if they were healthy or functionally impaired men or women [R].
Builds Muscle
Growth hormone (GH) can accelerate lipolysis, and has an an anabolic effect in muscle tissue by increasing insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I and nitrogen retention [R].
In a 2 month study on 24 healthy obese men using 25 mg of MK-677 per day, 3 kg of lean muscle mass was gained in the MK-677 treated group compared to the placebo group.
According to a DEXA scan, total body fat did not change during the study, equating to a gain of 6.62 pounds of muscle in the MK-677 treated group [R].
It should be noted that this conclusion has limitations, due to the fact that intracellular water very likely contributed a fair portion of that “fat-free mass” that was gained.
In another study conducted on sixty-five healthy men and women ages 60-81, 25 mg MK-677 per day increased fat-free mass (FFM) by 1.6 kg relative to placebo.
The average lifetime loss of fat-free mass in adults is ~ 5.5, therefore MK-677 has exhibited the potential to offset aging induced catabolism by as much as 29% [R].
Increases BMR
Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) was increased by MK-677 at 2 weeks of treatment, even after correction for the increase in fat-free mass [R].
Due to its positive effect on body composition, there is a case to make in regards to MK-677 being a possible treatment for obesity.
BMR (a) and BMR corrected for the increase in FFM (b) during 2-month treatment with MK-677 (25 mg) or placebo daily
BMR (a) and BMR corrected for the increase in FFM (b) during 2-month treatment with MK-677 (25 mg) or placebo daily
Increases Nitrogen Retention
Ibutamoren exhibits blatantly anti-catabolic properties, one of which is its ability to retain nitrogen even in a steep caloric deficit.
Eight healthy volunteers (ages 24–39 yr) were calorically restricted (18 kcal/kg·day) for two 14-day periods.
During the last 7 days of each diet period, subjects received either oral MK-677 25 mg or placebo once daily.
MK-677 reversed nitrogen wasting caused by the caloric deficit, suggesting that if these short-term anabolic effects are sustainable, it could be a viable treatment for those experiencing chronic disease, or other muscle wasting catabolic conditions [R].
Improves Sleep Quality
A study with eight young subjects (18-30 years) and six older subjects (65-71 years) found that MK-677 was able to increase REM sleep by as much as 50% [R].
Many anecdotal logs report much deeper sleep as a result of MK-677 usage as well (myself included).
Longevity
Natural Growth Hormone secretion downregulates with age, consequently lowering serum IGF-1 levels in the body, which results in significant lean muscle catabolism and increased mortality [R, R].
By restoring GH and IGF-1 levels to that of young healthy adults, it is likely that a significant amount of muscle and bone degradation could be prevented entirely.
In a study conducted on sixty-five healthy men and women ages 60-81, 25 mg MK-677 treatment per day resulted in increases in GH and IGF-1 levels to levels seen in young adults [R].
In another study conducted on one hundred sixty‐one hip‐fracture patients aged 65 and older, 25 mg MK-677 treatment per day increased serum IGF‐I levels by 84% [R].
Higher levels of IGF-1 are also associated with longer telomere length (a generally accepted marker of aging) [R].
Improves Immune System
A study on mice showed that a growth hormone secretagogue could generally duplicate the same enhancement of the immune system observed by treating mice with synthetic GH injections.
Statistically significant changes in immunological parameters in the young and old mice treated with the growth hormone secretagogue were noted.
Tumor resistance increased substantially, and there were signs of anti-aging whereby a deficiency in the thymus in mice (a result of aging) was reversed entirely [R].
Currently, growth hormone injections are an approved treatment for treating muscle wasting caused by AIDS, and the findings in this study would suggest that a growth hormone secretagogue like MK-677 could fulfill a clinical need for AIDS patients and individuals undergoing chemotherapy and irradiation.
It would also have the obvious advantage of being orally bioavailable, whereas GH can only be administered via injection.
Hair Loss Prevention
IGF-1 has been shown to affect follicular proliferation and differentiation, remodelling of tissue, as well as the hair growth cycle itself.
More evidence is arising to suggest that IGF-1 plays an important role as a regulator in hair follicle biology.
It should be noted that patients with growth hormone (GH) deficiency resulting from defective hormone binding with low serum IGF-1 levels exhibit very sparse hair growth [R].
Anecdotally, several users of synthetic GH injections and Ibutamoren have reported a faster growth rate of their hair, as well as improved overall hair density.
Prevention Of Growth Hormone Deficiency
MK-677 has exhibited the ability to increase serum GH and IGF-1 levels to that of a young healthy adult, thus it was obviously desirable to assess if it could be a potential alternative treatment to growth hormone injections for those diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency.
In a study conducted on nine severely GH-deficient men ages 17-34 yr who had been treated for GH deficiency with GH during childhood, once daily dosages of 10 or 50 mg MK-677 or placebo were administered.
10 mg MK-677 increased serum IGF-1 levels by 52% on average, and increased GH levels by 79% on average.
50 mg MK-677 increased serum IGF-1 levels by 79% on average, and increased GH levels by 82% on average.
These improvements are indicative of Ibutamoren's potential as an alternative form of treatment for GH deficiency during childhood
Lean & Permanent Muscle gains:
One of the reasons why a lot of athletes and fitness buffs opt for HGH instead of anabolic steroids is that gains made with HGH are more long lasting. With a good diet and exercise program, there’s every chance of them lasting forever. MK-677 allows you to gain lean, hard muscle while trimming your waistline down. The IGF-1 and GH combo amplifies both hypertrophy (growth) & hyperplasia (new cell formation)
Fat Loss:
By regulating homeostasis, Ibutamoren allows your body to tap into the stored fat reserves for energy. At the same time, the reduced activity of somatostatin receptors ensures that there’s no muscle loss. That’s the reason why it is considered one of the best compounds for body recomposition and while on a cutting cycle. It helps you conserve your muscle while burning fat. Just keep an eye on the intense hunger pangs.
Sleep:
The better you sleep, the faster you recover. Also, good, uninterrupted sleep can improve the secretion of natural GH and testosterone which translates into more muscle. MK-677 not only increases the duration of REM sleep, it also improves the quality of sleep.
Recovery:
IGF-1 allows the body to recover faster from injuries, muscle tears and heavy lifting. Athletes who tore a muscle or a ligament and were asked to rest for months have reported recovery within weeks after taking HGH.
Better quality of life:
There’s an overall improvement in your quality of life while you use Ibutamoren. You look and feel better. You are alert, focused, stronger and healthier.