Human Growth Hormone

Overview

Human Growth Hormone is a Hormone produced in and released by the anterior Pituitary Gland.  It is stored in specific secretory granules in cells specialized for its synthesis (known as Somatotrophs).  These secretory granules are the most abundant Cell type in the Pituitary Gland (stored hGH represents approximately 4% - 8% of the dry weight of the Pituitary Gland).  HGH is the human equivalent of Auxins (Plant Growth Hormones).

 hGH - Biological Function/Therapeutic Uses

Cytokines

 HGH may enhance the optimal production of Interleukin 2 (IL-2).  ^[1]

Growth Factors

 HGH may stimulate the production of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1).  ^[2]

Hormones

 HGH may increase Osteocalcin levels.  ^[3]

Immune System Chemicals

 HGH may be essential for the manufacture of Interferons. 

Minerals

 HGH replacement therapy may increase the Calcium content of Bones.  ^[4]

 HGH may improve the body's . 

Nucleic Compounds

 HGH may increase the endogenous production of Ribonucleic Acid (RNA).

Prescribed Medications

 Exogenous hGH may be with the Muscle Growth-stimulating effects of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids (A-ASs).

Proteins

 HGH may cause many of its Growth effects by stimulating the synthesis of Proteins - Endogenous by Ribosomes.   ^[5]

 HGH may increase the Collagen content of Bones and significantly increases Collagen Type III levels (especially in elderly people).

 HGH may stimulate the production of Elastin.  ^[6]

 HGH is involved in increasing the body’s production of Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein-3 (IGFBP-3).

Prescribed Medications

 HGH (6 mg per day) may reverse the Lipodystrophy (accumulation of Visceral Fat) that is caused by HIV Protease Inhibitors.  ^[7]

Amino Acids

 Arginine (especially when combined with Lysine) may stimulate the release of hGH from the Pituitary Gland:  ^[8]

 One human study found that 1,200 mg Lysine combined with 1,200 mg Arginine was ten times more effective at stimulating hGH release than Arginine alone.  ^[9]

 Another (different) study concludes that Arginine does not stimulate hGH release unless it is administered in the form of Arginine Pyroglutamate and combined with Lysine Hydrochloride.  ^[10]

 Some studies have shown that a likely mechanism for Arginine stimulating hGH release is by inhibiting Somatostatin (a Hormone that inhibits the release of hGH).

 The lowest effective dose of Arginine that caused increased hGH levels was 8,000 mg per day.

 Some researchers regard the Arginine Aspartate form of Arginine as the best form of Arginine for stimulating the release of hGH from the Pituitary Gland.

 Arginine Pyroglutamate (when administered concurrently with Lysine Hydrochloride) may increase the release of Human Growth Hormone.  ^[10]

 Citrulline may stimulate the release of hGH (after its conversion to Arginine in the Kidneys). 

 Creatine Monohydrate may stimulate the secretion of hGH.  ^[12]

 Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) (in some circumstances such as during resting) (5,000 mg per day) may increase hGH levels (however GABA also inhibits hGH if consumed while exercising).  ^[13]

 Glutamine (2,000 mg per day) supplementation may increase plasma Human Growth Hormone levels by up to 400%.  ^[14]

 Glycine (4,000 - 8,000 mg per day) may stimulate the release of hGH.  ^[15]

 L-Dopa may be a powerful hGH stimulant.  ^[16]

 Leucine may increase the release of hGH from the Pituitary.  ^[17]

 Lysine (especially when combined with Arginine) may enhance the release of hGH:  ^[9]

 One human study found that 1,200 mg Lysine combined with 1,200 mg Arginine was ten times more effective at stimulating hGH release than Arginine alone.

 Methionine may stimulate the release of hGH (in children).  ^[19]

 Ornithine may stimulate the release of hGH (especially when consumed in conjunction with Arginine and Carnitine).  ^[20]

 Ornithine Alpha-Ketoglutarate (OKG) may stimulate the release of hGH.  ^[21]