Ibutamoren (MK-677) may have nootropic effects as lifters and biohackers alike supplement the growth hormone secretagogue as an alternative for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), between cycles, or to rejuvenate the body.
Most excitingly, aside from the host of potential benefits to be enjoyed from Ibutamoren, there appears to be cognitive ability enhancing effects to the drug.
What is Ibutamoren (MK-677)?
Ibutamoren, also known as MK-677, is a non-peptide agonist of the ghrelin receptors and a growth hormone secretagogue. In simple terms, this means that Ibutamoren mimics the growth-hormone stimulating effects of the hormone ghrelin.
The Ibutamoren molecule (C27H36N4O5S)
Although Ibutamoren is not a SARM, it is commonly used in SARM stacks and its effects are similar to those of SARMs; namely, muscle growth and increased bone density, as well as other potentially beneficial effects, which we’ll examine below. Despite this, like most SARMs, Ibutamoren is not currently approved to be marketed for human consumption. Ibutamoren and SARMs can, however, be sold as research chemicals – ‘not for consumption’ – and so this allows users loophole access to them.
Ibutamoren (MK-677): A Nootropic
As we previously discussed in our article covering MK-677:
One of the other beneficial effects of Ibutamoren, as you might expect of a drug that simulates the effects of ghrelin, is improved sleep quality. A small study showed that Ibutamoren improved sleep quality and duration of REM sleep in both young and elderly subjects. [R] There is significant anecdotal evidence for Ibutamoren’s beneficial effects for sleep.
‘All i can say is WOW from the first night i slept the deep sleep normally you get only on Z-drugs or hynotic Benzo’s (which i have been prescribed in the past due to sleep problems) but unlike those there is no suppresion of REM and no morning grogginess. This is shown on the sleep tracker results, unfortunately i did not do a control period before (more later) so can’t give an exact figure.’ [R].
Other potential beneficial effects include nootropic – i.e. cognitive – effects, both because of improved sleep quality and because IGF-1 has important roles to play in cognition and memory, and effects related to general longevity. Both growth hormone and IGF-1 levels are associated with longevity. [R]
Improved sleep quality translates to improved problem solving abilities and memory alongside the IGF-1’s ability to enhance memory and study.
Another study linked low IGF-1 levels and the progression of Alzheimer’s [R][R]. We have previously discussed how supplements such as NAC and Creatine can both delay the onset of such diseases.
IGF-1 levels have been shown to reduce depression and anxiety in animal models [R].
Ibutamoren: a Nootropic: Conclusion
While the most notable benefit of MK-677 is sleep quality and duration tied into improved cognitive function, increasing IGF-1 — despite its neuroregenerative effects — doesn’t necessarily slow the onset of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s, unlike with NAC.
In my personal experience, MK-677 drastically improved my sleep quality and duration to the point where I slept like a baby.
However, there wasn’t a clear pronounced nootropic effect to the supplement. In fact, creatine has a more noticeable nootropic effect than MK-677.
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