Anabolic Insider

QUESTION: I’ve heard a rumor that all UG GH that is not a solid puck is not really GH but in fact is GHRP-6. Is there any truth to this?

ANSWER: There probably is some truth to this. The solid puck you refer to in the bottom of the vial is the result of lyophilization, or the process of freeze-drying the protein. This complicated process removes excess water, and protects the hormone from degradation. This can significantly increase the lifespan of a medicine like this. For example, I just had this discussion with a pharmacist concerning hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin). This medicine is commonly sold by U.S. compounding pharmacies, both with and without lyophilization. A vial with loose powdered hCG will only last about 6 months on the shelf. A vial with the protein lyophilized can last for 1-2 years. Pharmaceutical companies manufacturing human growth hormone (legitimately) should have produced the medication in the form of a lyophilized disc. The hGH protein is too fragile and expensive to make to expect anything else. It is not mandatory to run this process on the protein mind you, as the growth hormone will work just fine even if it was not lyophilized. It just wouldn’t last as long. This, however, wouldn’t be acceptable given the costs involved. Any large pharmaceutical company that has the capacity to manufacture hGH with recombinant technology (which is very complex) will also have the equipment to lyophilize. Don’t expect to see real powdered hGH. With that said, do not let the presence of a disc lull you into a false sense of security. One thing I remind readers of in ANABOLICS 10th ed. is how similar lyophilized hCG looks to hGH. It is too easy to slap an hGH label on one of these vials. I do explain how readers can use a pregnancy test kit to detect fake hCG growth hormone. The process is pretty reliable. Unfortunately, some counterfeiters know about this detection method, and have started switching over to other substitute ingredients. Instead of hCG, GHRP-6 is a very logical choice. It stimulates GH output, and may mimic the effects of somatropin. It is also cheap compared to real hGH. Powdered GHRP-6 just doesn’t look much like lyophilized hGH, however, so its easy to spot.

If you want William Llewellyn to answer one of your questions, send it to questions@muscle-insider.com or visit www.BodyofScience.com. Watch for his new book ANABOLICS 2011 which is the leading resource on the use of anabolic steroids. He is also the CEO of Molecular Nutrition (www.MolecularNutrition.net) which is a supplement company devoted to producing cutting-edge supplements backed by science.