Evidence supporting the use of: MK-677
For the health condition: Muscle Tone (lack of)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4
MK-677 (also known as Ibutamoren) is a non-peptide agonist of the ghrelin receptor and functions as a growth hormone secretagogue. Its ability to stimulate growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) secretion has made it a subject of research for improving muscle mass and muscle tone, particularly in populations experiencing muscle wasting or age-related declines in muscle function. Several clinical trials have demonstrated that MK-677 increases circulating GH and IGF-1 levels in both young and elderly adults. For example, a pivotal study by Nass et al. (2008) in healthy older adults found that daily MK-677 administration for one year led to an increase in lean body mass and improved muscle strength compared to placebo. Additionally, other studies have reported positive effects on muscle protein synthesis and physical performance measures, although the impact on functional outcomes (such as mobility or direct measures of muscle tone) is less consistently reported.
While the evidence is robust for increases in lean body mass and GH/IGF-1 levels, direct evidence for improvements in "muscle tone" as a clinical endpoint is more limited. Nonetheless, the consistent anabolic effects observed suggest scientific support for its use in conditions marked by muscle wasting or sarcopenia. Safety considerations, including potential adverse effects like edema, increased appetite, and changes in glucose metabolism, remain important for clinical application.
Other ingredients used for Muscle Tone (lack of)
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
beet
branched-chain amino acids
calcium
caterpillar mushroom
cissus quadrangularis
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
fish protein
l-isoleucine
l-arginine
l-carnitine
l-citrulline
l-leucine
l-valine
maca
magnesium
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
phytocannabinoids
potassium
sardines
black ginger
tongkat ali
Urolithin A
vitamin D
whey protein
atractylodes
cistanche
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
camphor oil
chickpea protein
brown rice protein
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
Aralia
Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate
Antler
Arginine Creatine
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
Algal protein
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
Animal protein
Beef Protein
Beef
Beef liver
Bovine Protein
beta-lactoglobulin
Banyan
Ba Ji Tian
BCAA
Casein
Chinese Silkvine
Chinese Mountain Ant
Cyathula
Chuchuhuasi
Creatine
Chicken
Deer Velvet
Egg
Ecdysteroids
Ecdysterone
Egg protein
Isoleucine
Milk Protein
Quinoa Protein
salt