How to Increase Growth Hormone Naturally

22 January 2025

What is Optimised Research Labs Somatrope GH-191?

How to increase growth hormone naturally with Chlorophytum Borivilianum and Velvet Bean (Mucuna Pruriens)

Here at Optimised Research Labs, we pride ourselves on employing the findings of the latest cutting-edge research to produce the most effective, state-of-the-art, evidence-based products. Our research team monitors constantly the development of the very latest and most innovative ergogenic and health promoting substances and the research that demonstrates their beneficial effects. Sometimes, however, in order to move forward, we need to look back, as modern science demonstrates the benefits of substances that have been used for hundreds, and sometimes even thousands, of years by indigenous people all over the world to benefit their health, vitality and performance. Two such substances are Chlorophytum Borivilianum and Velvet Bean (Mucuna Pruriens), which come together to form Optimised Research Labs Somatrope GH-191.

What are the benefits of Chlorophytum Borivilianum and Velvet Bean (Mucuna Pruriens)?

Chlorophytum Borivilianum and Velvet Bean (Mucuna Pruriens) have been shown scientifically to provide a wide range of benefits for health and performance. These include:

What is Chlorophytum Borivilianum?

Chlorophytum Borivilianum, also known as Safed Musli, is an Indian medicinal herb which has been used in traditional medicine for over 5000 years. It is prized for its diverse range of therapeutic applications, including as an adaptogen used to promote overall health and vitality, as an aphrodisiac agent and revitalizer, as general sex tonic, a remedy for diabetes and arthritis and to improve immune function. It has also been used as an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent, and in the treatment of gastrointestinal issues. It has spermatogenic property and is used to cure impotency. Hence it is considered to be a herbal alternative to Viagra (20).

Chlorophytum Borivilianum contains a host of bioactive compounds that are believed to contribute to its medicinal properties, including its potential to increase growth hormone levels. These include various vitamins, minerals, proteins, fatty acids and natural steroid compounds.

What is Velvet Bean?

Velvet Bean, also known as Mucuna pruriens, Cowitch, Werepe, and Karara, is part of the Fabaceae, or bean family.  It is found in tropical regions of the world, including South America, Asia, and Africa, where it has been used in traditional medicine for at least 1,000 years. It has a wide range of applications including as an aphrodisiac, a treatment for nervous system disorders, and even as an antidote against snake venom. There is also evidence indicating its potential effectiveness in improving sperm concentration, count, and motility, increasing testosterone and helping to control blood glucose levels.

The seeds of Velvet Bean are rich in levodopa. This is a naturally occurring amino acid, synthesized from L-tyrosine, and found in some foods and herbs. An important function of levodopa is to act as the precursor to the neurotransmitter dopamine. This has led to the plant gaining attention as a potential treatment for the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, a disorder that affects movement, which occurs due to low levels of dopamine in certain areas of the brain. There is even some evidence to suggest that this natural source of levodopa may possess advantages over conventional levodopa preparations in the long-term management of Parkinson’s disease (7).  Dopamine also plays a vital role in the production of growth hormone.

What does the science say about Chlorophytum Borivilianum and Velvet Bean?

While Chlorophytum Borivilianum and Velvet Bean have been used for millennia in traditional medicine, with much anecdotal evidence to support their effectiveness, modern science has only recently begun to investigate their use with very promising results. As we review a selection of that research, you will begin to see why Optimised Research Labs Somatrope GH-191 is such an effective product and how it may benefit you.

What is growth hormone and what does it do?

Growth hormone (somatotropin) is a peptide hormone produced by the pea-sized pituitary gland located at the base of the brain, which has a powerful anabolic effect on many tissues throughout the body, where it stimulates growth, cell reproduction and regeneration. It is responsible for the growth we experience as children and adolescents, and also provides many benefits throughout our life.

Growth hormone is particularly important for those engaged in demanding exercise, as it increases protein synthesis, lipolysis, collagen synthesis, and cartilage growth, while decreasing glycogen synthesis and glucose utilisation. This means that it promotes muscle growth and directly stimulates the mobilisation of fat and its use as an energy source while decreasing the rate of carbohydrate use. It also increases our levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), a hormone similar to insulin which has a powerful anabolic effect, and plays a role in the regulation of body fluids. In short, growth hormone boosts muscle growth, strength and exercise performance, while helping us to get leaner.

Various factors influence the release of growth hormone, such as age, sex, sleep, nutritional status, alcohol consumption, and exercise. For example, once we enter middle age, the pituitary gland reduces its production of growth hormone, which is associated with a loss of muscle mass, reduced exercise capacity, and an increase in body fat. However, there are a number of things we can do to increase our levels of growth hormone naturally. These include exercising at a high intensity, reducing sugar and alcohol intake and avoiding the accumulation of excessive amounts of body fat, particularly on the abdomen, and ensuring we get sufficient sleep, all of which have been shown to be effective.

Can Chlorophytum Borivilianum and Velvet Bean increase growth hormone?

When considering the potential health and performance benefits of increasing growth hormone, it is not surprising that a number of different natural substances have been investigated for their growth hormone stimulating abilities. Two that have received considerable attention and shown to be effective are Chlorophytum Borivilianum and Velvet bean.

A study by Alleman et al., (1) investigated the effects of acute ingestion of a mixture of Chlorophytum Borivilianum and Velvet Bean on growth hormone levels in healthy, exercise-trained men. Fifteen men consumed the supplement on two different days, separated by one week. Blood was collected from the subjects before consumption of the supplement and at 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, and 120 minutes post consumption. The results showed that growth hormone increased significantly over time, with higher values at 60 minutes, 80 minutes and 100 minutes compared to pre ingestion.

In light of these results, the authors concluded that acute ingestion of a supplement containing Chlorophytum Borivilianum and Velvet Bean results in an increase in circulating growth hormone in exercise-trained men. 

How do Chlorophytum Borivilianum and Velvet Bean increase growth hormone?

The exact mechanisms responsible for Chlorophytum Borivilianum and Velvet Bean’s ability to increase growth hormone are still not fully understood. However, it is believed that the steroidal saponins contained within Chlorophytum Borivilianum are primarily responsible for its growth hormone stimulating effects. These are natural steroid compounds, which are found in various plants and have significant biological activities, including anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties and are also used in the synthesis of hormones (1).

With regard to Velvet Bean, research suggests that its high levodopa content is responsible for its associated increases in growth hormone (1). When Velvet Bean is consumed orally it has been shown to produce an increase in levodopa in the blood (2) which in turn has been shown to increase dopamine levels, and ultimately boost growth hormone (3,5).

Dopamine does this by interacting with two other hormones. Firstly, when dopamine is present, it enhances the effect of growth hormone-releasing hormone, which stimulates growth hormone synthesis and secretion leading to increased growth hormone levels (3).  Secondly, dopamine impedes the secretion of a hormone called somatostatin, the role of which is to inhibit the release of growth hormone (4).

Sleep and growth hormone

When it comes to growth hormone, it seems that if you don’t snooze, you lose. This is because achieving the right quantity and quality of sleep is essential for optimising growth hormone levels. In fact, it is estimated that as much as 75% of our growth hormone is released while we sleep. On the other hand, failure to get sufficient sleep can result in a decline in growth hormone secretion.

This is another way in which Somatrope GH-191 can further enhance your growth hormone production and provide other benefits.

The results of a study by McCarthy et al., (6) showed that consuming a combination of Chlorophytum Borivilianum and Velvet Bean improved various aspects of sleep in men and women. These include the quality of sleep, sleep duration, the time taken to get to sleep, sleep disturbances and daytime sleepiness.

It is important to note that although a small number of people can get by with only 3 hours of sleep per night, most adults need approximately 8 hours. Just as we need to eat more when we are training, we also need to sleep more. Consequently, if you participate in demanding exercise regularly, you may need 9 hours or more per night.

Failure to get sufficient sleep can have serious consequences not only for growth hormone production, but can also lead to reduced testosterone production, reduced muscle protein synthesis, poorer physical and cognitive performance, poorer post-exercise recovery, increased body fat, decreased immune function, and decreased productivity at work. 

Can Velvet Bean increase testosterone?

Decreasing testosterone levels are increasingly common not only in older men, but also young men. This has serious implications for both health and performance, as this powerful naturally occurring steroid hormone is the most important androgen (male sex hormone). It has a number of anabolic effects including directly increasing muscle mass and strength and stimulating the release of growth hormone.

It is also essential for good general health and well-being, as it plays a role in bone density and strength, the production of red blood cells, reproductive health (sperm production), libido, heart health and cognitive function. Testosterone also helps us to maintain a healthy body composition, as it not only contributes to the development and maintenance of muscle, but also enhances fat metabolism to help us to stay leaner.

Shulka and colleagues (8) investigated the effects of Velvet Bean on male infertility. The results showed that prior to treatment with Velvet Bean, the serum testosterone levels in the infertile men were as much 52% lower than those of the control group of fertile men. After treatment, testosterone levels increased significantly (up to 39%). An increase in dopamine was also observed with the Velvet Bean treatment. 

Can Chlorophytum Borivilianum and Velvet Bean enhance libido and sexual function?

Both Chlorophytum Borivilianum and Velvet Bean have been shown to have a positive effect on various aspects of men’s sexual health and function. For example, a study using rodent subjects found that treatment with Chlorophytum Borivilianum produced a marked aphrodisiac action resulting in an increase in libido, sexual vigour and sexual arousal and a significant increase in sperm count (9,13). It has also been shown to enhance erectile function (13,14).

A study on human subjects found that supplementation with Velvet Bean resulted in a significant increase in sperm count and motility in previously infertile men (8). Semen quality has also been shown to improve (12).

Chlorophytum Borivilianum’s aphrodisiac and erection enhancing effects may, in part, be due to its ability to improve vasodilation (i.e., widening of the of blood vessels), and blood flow by increasing nitric oxide levels (13,14). This is a molecule formed from the amino acid arginine, nitrogen, oxygen and several other substances, which causes vasodilation by relaxing the smooth muscle in the walls of the blood vessels. Insufficient levels of nitric oxide have a negative effect on penile erection resulting in erectile dysfunction.

Nitric oxide is not only essential for male sexual function, but also plays an essential role in multiple physiological processes, ranging from immunity to nerve function. For example, it helps to maintain healthy blood pressure and circulation, and relax the airways, which can be beneficial for conditions such as asthma.

Additionally, due to its ability to relax the blood vessels, nitric oxide is essential for the increase in blood into working muscles during exercise that is responsible for the phenomenon commonly referred to as the ‘pump’. Consequently, a reduction in nitric oxide availability can result in a variety of health problems including an increased risk of cardiovascular and have a negative impact on exercise performance.

Can Velvet Bean and Chlorophytum Borivilianum reduce stress?

It is well documented that stress plays a major role in the development of various health problems including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and mental health issues. Less well acknowledged are its effects on performance and muscle size and strength due to impaired recovery, disrupted sleep, decreased focus and concentration, increased muscle breakdown, reduced muscle protein synthesis, and increased muscle atrophy.

Chlorophytum Borivilianum (10) and Velvet Bean (12) have been shown to possess adaptogenic properties. Adaptogens are substances, which improve our ability to cope with stress and reduce its negative effects.

Deore and Khadabadi (11) evaluated the antistress effects of Chlorophytum Borivilianum in rodent subjects. The results showed 21 days of supplementation produced a decrease in stress-related ulcers.  A higher dose of Chlorophytum Borivilianum was found to be as effective as the medication diazepam (Valium) in decreasing stress.

Kenjale et al., (15) achieved similar results including a significant reduction in the number of stress related ulcers in subjects treated with Chlorophytum Borivilianum compared to controls. Chlorophytum Borivilianum also provided better protection against ulcers than diazepam and resulted in a decrease in the stress hormone, corticosterone.

In another study (12), treatment with Velvet Bean for just 5 days reduced levels of stress significantly, which was evidenced by a reduction in measurements of anxiety and a reduction in levels of the stress-related catabolic hormone, cortisol.

Can Chlorophytum Borivilianum improve exercise performance?

While Chlorophytum Borivilianum’s ability to increase growth hormone is likely to have a knock-on effect on certain parameters of physical performance, the results of a several studies suggest that it may also have a direct effect.

Tripathi and colleagues (10) found that supplementation with Chlorophytum Borivilianum over a period of 60 days was associated with an increase in strength, as measured by handgrip, and an improvement in cycling and walking performance. A reduction in blood pressure was also noted during the cycle test compared to the placebo.

A study conducted in mice found that 21 days supplementation with Chlorophytum Borivilianum increased performance in swimming endurance tests (11).

Can Chlorophytum Borivilianum enhance immunity?

Our immune system is fundamental to our health, wellbeing and ultimately, our ability to train and reach peak levels of fitness and performance, yet is rarely considered unless we are ill. While a minor infection, such as a common cold or gastrointestinal upset, may just be a slight inconvenience for many people, it can limit an athlete’s ability to train and even compete in major competitions. Therefore, while maintaining a healthy, efficient and robust immune system is important for everyone, it is particularly important for this group, yet can be made more difficult by demands of intense training.

A variety of supplements are often taken to provide additional support for the immune system to enable it to deal with the rigours of hard training. Typically, these consist of a selection of vitamins and minerals known to play a role in immune function. While these are useful, there is a growing body of scientific evidence to support the use of a range of novel ingredients to enhance immune function in addition to the traditionally used micronutrients. One of these is Chlorophytum Borivilianum. A number of studies have demonstrated its beneficial effects on immune function, including an increase survival rate against infection. (16,17).

Thakur and colleagues (17) found that Chlorophytum Borivilianum has the ability to enhance immune function in a number of ways. These include increasing natural killer (NK) cell function. NK cells are a type of white blood that play a vital role in the body’s defence against viral infections and cancer. Impaired NK cell activity is associated with an increased risk of infection.

Chlorophytum Borivilianum has also been shown to increase antibody numbers (19). These are specialised proteins produced by the immune system to identify and destroy foreign invaders, such as bacteria and viruses.

Can Chlorophytum Borivilianum and Velvet Bean enhance glucose metabolism?

Glucose is the body’s preferred fuel and is the predominant energy source for high intensity exercise. It also plays a major role in fuelling endurance activities. In order for glucose to fuel activity and to prevent it from contributing to our fat stores, we need to ensure that it is metabolised effectively by the body. Unfortunately, a growing number of people experience issues with poor glucose metabolism, leading to conditions such as type 2 diabetes and obesity and their many associated health problems.

Although various options exist for the management of diabetes, these are not without problems such as limited and decreased efficacy over time, ineffectiveness against some long-term diabetic complications, poor cost-effectiveness, worsening of heart diseases, increased body weight and hypoglycaemia. Consequently, the development of natural plant-based treatments that are not associated with such issues would be highly beneficial.

To this end, both Velvet Bean and Chlorophytum Borivilianum have been investigated, with promising results.

Majekodunmi et al., (18) found that supplementation with Velvet Bean resulted in a 55.4% reduction in blood glucose levels after 8 hours of treatment in rodent subjects while the administration of the standard hypoglycaemic drug glibenclamide resulted in 59.7% reduction.

Chlorophytum Borivilianum has also been acclaimed for its antidiabetic activity. In a recent study (19) it was shown to produce a 27.57% reduction in blood glucose 6 hours after consumption. Like Velvet Bean, the antihyperglycemic effect of Chlorophytum Borivilianum was shown to be comparable with glibenclamide.

Can Velvet Bean reduce the effects of oxidative stress?

Oxidative stress is a condition that occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that are produced naturally during aerobic metabolism and play key roles as mediators in cell signalling but under certain circumstances, cause cell damage. They can also come from external sources such as pollution, radiation, and cigarette smoke. Antioxidants, on the other hand, are molecules that neutralise free radicals, preventing them from causing harm.

This imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants can lead to cell and tissue damage and is implicated in the ageing process and the development of various health issues, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurological diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, and respiratory disease. It can also impair exercise performance by increasing fatigue and impairing muscle growth, repair and recovery.

While an adequate intake of antioxidants through a varied and balanced diet is the best approach to maintain an optimal antioxidant status, research suggests that those engaged in heavy training may benefit from supplementation with additional antioxidants for preventing or reducing oxidative stress during training. This may be particularly important when athletes are exposed to high oxidative stress or failed to meet dietary antioxidant requirement (22).

This is where Velvet Bean can make a valuable contribution to your antioxidant status, as it has been shown to contain large amounts of phenolic compounds, particularly flavonoids, and exhibits high antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities (21).

How Velvet Bean and Chlorophytum Borivilianum benefit exercise and performance

While Velvet Bean and Chlorophytum Borivilianum are emerging supplements, with many of their beneficial effects still to be discovered, the existing evidence suggests that they have the potential to enhance exercise performance in a number of ways, in addition to Chlorophytum Borivilianum’s ability to improve it directly. These include increasing growth hormone and testosterone levels, both of which are essential for muscle growth, repair and recovery, and reducing levels of the catabolic hormone, cortisol. In addition, they enhance sleep, which contributes to growth hormone production and enhanced performance and recovery.

Velvet Bean and Chlorophytum Borivilianum’s adaptogenic properties have been shown to improve our ability to cope with stress and reduce its negative effects on health and performance. While Chlorophytum Borivilianum has been shown to enhance various aspects of immune function, which help to prevent illness and lessen its severity. Thereby, protecting our ability to exercise. Similarly, Velvet Bean’s high antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities can help to reduce the negative impact of oxidative stress on physical performance.  

Summary

Optimised Research Labs Somatrope GH-191 combines the potent properties of the medicinal herbs Chlorophytum Borivilianum and Velvet Bean. These have a long history of use in traditional medicine for a diverse range of therapeutic applications dating back millennia, with much anecdotal evidence to support their effectiveness. They have now been the subject of rigorous scientific investigation which has not only demonstrated their potential to improve various aspects of health, but also performance. They are particularly prized for their ability to increase growth hormone. This makes Somatrope GH-191 a natural alternative to SARMS Ibutamoren MK677. The benefits do not end there, as supplementation with Chlorophytum Borivilianum and Velvet Bean has been shown to increase testosterone and nitric oxide levels, directly improve exercise performance, enhance libido and sexual health and function, combat free radical damage, improve sleep, enhance immune function, reduce stress and its negative effects, and improve glucose metabolism. Somatrope GH-191 contains only premium grade Chlorophytum Borivilianum and Velvet Bean and at a dose shown to be effective.

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