Disclaimer: This post is not a recommendation or endorsement for the use of any of the particular compounds or drugs discussed in this post. The FDA has not approved any of these compounds for “cognitive-enhancement” purposes, and the available research on them is still in a very early stage overall. We have written this post for informational purposes only, and our goal is solely to inform people about what science currently says about these substances’ potential uses and mechanisms.

Drugs Proposed to Improve Memory

INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE:

Much of the research on the compounds listed below is still in a very early stage, and in most cases, it is not yet possible to come to any firm conclusions about their relative efficacy and safety in human users.

Therefore, the potential effects listed below are still considered to have insufficient evidence, and these findings should be taken with a grain of salt until further research work – including large-scale clinical trials in healthy human users – is performed.

1) Semax

Semax is a drug that has been used in Russia for treating strokes and head injuries, and which has also been claimed to potentially improve learning capacities and memory formation [R].

Semax is not approved by the FDA for use in the United States due to a lack of adequate safety and effectiveness data.

According to some early studies in animals and humans, some of semax’s reported effects include:

• Protecting against low oxygen (hypoxia) by promoting the survival of neurons when the brain is not receiving enough oxygen (in rats) [R]
• Enhancing attention and memory storage [R]
• Influencing the formation of newly-learned information and memories [R]
• Increasing selective attention at the moment of receiving information, as well as strengthening and promoting overall learning abilities [R]
• Improving memory and attention in healthy men under extreme conditions [R]

Some of the potential mechanisms that have been suggested to be behind the effects of Semax include:

• Increasing enkephalins (a natural opiate neurotransmitter), which may be involved in memory formation, consolidation, and reactivation/recall [

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Disclaimer: By writing this post, we are not recommending this drug. Ligandrol is an unapproved research chemical without a complete safety profile, and we simply don’t know enough about its adverse effects or efficacy. Some of our readers who were already taking the drug requested that we commission a post on it, and we are simply providing information that is available in the clinical and scientific literature.

We do not recommend taking Ligandrol for any reason.

Ligandrol (LGD 4033) Side Effects & Safety

LGD 4033 is a popular and fairly new oral selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM). Some bodybuilders believe that SARMs are safer alternatives to steroids, but there are no data to suggest that unapproved SARMs are safe at all.

After our previous review of the research behind Ligandrol’s potential uses, this post will focus on its side effects and dangers. We’ll go over up-to-date safety research on LGD 4033 and provide a summary of user experiences to give you a clearer picture of what to expect from this compound.

Clinical Trials

Remember: these early studies are not designed to prove whether a compound is safe — they are only designed to weed out very dangerous substances from future testing. Much larger studies with many more participants are required to determine the safety of an experimental drug.

That being said, no serious adverse events were reported in a small study of doses up to 22 mg/day. In the only proper clinical trial on 76 healthy men, low doses (0.1, 0.3, and 1.0 mg/day) were well tolerated over 3 weeks. None of the participants reported significant adverse effects [R].

The most common side effects from the clinical trial were:

• Headaches
• Dry mouth
• Pain related to muscle biopsy
• Upper respiratory tract infections

The frequency of adverse events was similar in the treatment and placebo groups. Side effects were not influenced by the dose — 0.1 mg/day and 1 mg/day caused similar side effects [R].

However, this clinical study suggests that LGD 4033 can cause mild suppression even at 1 mg/day, which is 10 times lower than the typical bodybuilding doses. It suppressed testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were not affected. Hormone levels returned to normal after stopping treatment [R].

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Disclaimer: This post is not a recommendation or endorsement for ebselen. It’s still not FDA-approved for any medical condition. We have written this post for informational purposes only, and our goal is to inform people about the science behind ebselen’s effects, mechanisms, and potential medical uses.

What Is Ebselen?

Ebselen is a research substance containing the element selenium [R].

It has multiple effects on the body, such as preventing inflammation and oxidative stress [R].

Ebselen was initially tested as a treatment for stroke and is now under investigation in a clinical trial as a potential treatment for bipolar disorder [R, R, R].

Mechanism of Action

Oxidants (hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide) can damage proteins, fats, and DNA. This speeds up aging and leads to age-related diseases, including stroke heart disease, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease [R].

Ebselen blocks the activity of oxidants and reduces cell damage via multiple mechanisms:

• Mimics activity of an antioxidant enzyme (glutathione peroxidase): Ebselen converts harmful products made by oxidants back to harmless products (such as converting selenic acid to selenol). It also converts oxidants, such as hydrogen peroxide to water [R].
• Prevents cell death (apoptosis) caused by injury or toxic exposure by blocking proteins involved in apoptosis (thiol groups) [R].
• Crosses the blood-brain barrier and blocks an enzyme in the brain involved in the breakdown of acetylcholine (acetylcholinesterase), which may improve memory [R, R].
• Irreversibly blocks an enzyme involved in cell communication and growth (Inositol Monophosphatase) in a similar way to lithium (approved treatment for bipolar disorder) [R].
• Prevents the spread of brain cancer cells (glioblastoma cells) by [R, R].
• Decreases the production of pro-inflammatory compounds (cytokines IL-6, IL-8)
• Prevents iron overload in the heart, a major cause of heart failure [R].
• Decreases the production of proteins involved in Alzheimer’s disease (amyloid precursor protein and β-secretase) and reduces toxic protein accumulation (amyloid plaques) in the brain [R].
• Increases

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What Is Tempol?

Tempol, also known as 4-hydroxy-TEMPO, is a stable, synthetic compound that mimics the superoxide dismutase enzyme. This enzyme helps to increase the rate of breakdown of the superoxide radical into oxygen or hydrogen peroxide [R].

Tempol may protect against radiation and is used as a chemical antioxidant [R].

Tempol restores the effects of the cytokine TNF-alpha, which is involved in immune function and acute inflammation [R].

In rats, Tempol decreased blood pressure and the activity of the fight-or-flight (sympathetic) nervous system [R].

Tempol is very similar to the antioxidant Tempo but is often preferred due to its lower price [R].

It has the potential to improve diseases caused by oxidative stress, particularly diabetes and its complications such as high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, and kidney damage. Tempol acts in a similar way to the superoxide dismutase: it prevents the production of free radicals through oxidation of iron [R].

Snapshot

Proponents

• Antioxidant activity
• May protect from radiation
• Few adverse effects reported

Skeptics

• Insufficient evidence for all potential benefits
• Most studies have been carried out in animals
• May cause toxicity, especially if repeatedly used

Health Benefits

Insufficient Evidence

The following purported benefits are only supported by limited, low-quality clinical studies and animal research. There is insufficient evidence to support the use of Tempol for any of the below-listed uses. Remember to speak with a doctor before taking Tempol never use it as a replacement for approved medical therapies.

1) Reducing Oxidative Damage

Free radicals are molecules with unpaired electrons. These molecules are highly reactive and can damage the tissues by chemically reacting with cell components [R].

The buildup of free radicals is referred to as “oxidative stress” and contributes to the development and progression of many diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome, inflammatory diseases, blood vessel disorders, and high cholesterol. Importantly, it may contribute to kidney failure, heart disease, obesity, and stroke by raising blood pressure [R, R].

As previously mentioned, Tempol

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What is Myo-Inositol Trispyrophosphate?

Myo-Inositol Trispyrophosphate (ITPP) is a synthetic compound that has become popular for its potential as a performance-enhancing substance for athletes and in horse racing [R, R].

ITPP is an inositol phosphate, which is a group of compounds that play an important role in cellular function and cell signalling [R].

ITPP works by binding to the membrane of red blood cells (hemoglobin), which promotes the release of oxygen from the cells [R].

According to some, this increase in oxygen delivery may improve muscle function and activity. There’s also evidence from animal studies that ITPP may have anti-cancer properties, although no studies in humans have been performed [R, R].

ITPP is banned in most professional sports and horse racing. Researchers have developed ways to detect this substance in the urine of humans and horses [R, R].

Purported Benefits of ITPP

Animal and Cell Research

No clinical evidence supports the use of ITPP for any of the conditions listed in this section. Below is a summary of the existing animal and cell-based research, which should guide further investigational efforts. However, the studies listed below should not be interpreted as supportive of any health benefit.

It’s also important to note that ITPP is on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s prohibited list of substances [R].

1) Improving Hypoxia

ITPP’s potential ability to improve the oxygen release capacity of red blood cells has led some researchers to explore its effect on hypoxia, a condition where tissues in the body do not receive enough oxygen.

A sign of hypoxia is angiogenesis, which is the formation of new blood vessels. The body naturally accelerates angiogenesis during hypoxia in order to supply more oxygen to tissues [R].

A cell study found that ITPP may reduce angiogenesis and other markers of hypoxia, including VEGF and hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha [R].

Another study in mice suggests that ITPP administration may decrease the ability of red blood cells to bind oxygen and increases the delivery of oxygen to tissues [R].

2) Improving Exercise Capacity

According to a mouse study, ITPP may increase maximal exercise capacity in a dose-related manner, with a maximum

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What is NSI-189?

NSI-189 is an investigational drug being developed by Neuralstem Inc., a biopharmaceutical company.

NSI-189 was studied in phase I and II clinical trials for the treatment of major depressive disorder. As of July 2017, NSI-189 has failed to meet effectiveness outcomes for depression in phase II trials [R].

According to the developer, NSI-189 is still currently in preclinical trials for a number of other conditions, including [R]:

• Cognitive impairment and radiation-induced cognitive impairments
• Diabetic neuropathy, a form of nerve damage caused by diabetes
• Ischemic stroke
• Angelman Syndrome (a genetic disorder that causes developmental disabilities and nerve-related symptoms)

Mechanism of Action

The mechanism of action of NSI-189 is not completely understood. Initial research suggests that this experimental drug may work by promoting neurogenesis, the growth of new nerve and brain cells. More specifically, NSI-189 appears to primarily affect the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for emotion, learning, and memory [R].

In a cell study using human cells derived from the hippocampus, NSI-189 stimulated neurogenesis. A study using mice also suggests that NSI-189 may promote neurogenesis in the hippocampus [R].

Potential Uses of NSI-189

NSI-189 is an experimental drug that has not been approved by the FDA. The safety and effectiveness of this drug are unknown. The following sections detail investigational uses of NSI-189, but there is insufficient evidence to support the use of NSI-189 for any of these conditions.

The below sections are for informational purposes only and in no way promotes the use of this drug.

Clinical Research

Major Depressive Disorder

In a phase I randomized placebo-controlled trial of 24 people, those taking NSI-189 showed significant improvements in depression symptoms compared to placebo after 28 days of treatment [R]

A phase II randomized placebo-controlled trial of 220 people compared the effects of NSI-189 (40 mg/day and 80 mg/day) with placebo after 12 weeks of treatment. This trial failed to meet the researchers expected effectiveness outcome for depression [

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What Is BPC 157?

BPC is a protein found in stomach acid and discovered in the ‘90s. BPC 157 is a 15-amino-acid-long fragment of this protein that is synthetically produced [R].

Some studies refer to BPC as “body protection compound,” hinting at its therapeutic potential. Scientists consider it a blueprint for an entirely new class of organ-protective/healing drugs, but research is still in the early stages [R, R, R].

How Does BPC 157 Work?

BPC 157 likely promotes muscle and tendon healing by triggering the formation of new blood vessels – a process called angiogenesis (by increasing VEGF). This explains its regenerative potential and why it might also help heal wounds, cuts, and other types of damage in the body [R, R].

By increasing new blood vessels, it might help with IBD, in which healing of the inflamed gut lining is slow [R].

Additionally, BPC 157 may promote wound and tendon healing by blocking the growth-inhibiting effects of a specific molecule (called 4‐hydroxynonenal) [R].

It might specifically help tendons heal by causing tendon cells to make more receptors for growth signaling molecules. This, in turn, allows the tendon cells to grow and move during injury repair, speeding up the process [R, R].

It can also reduce inflammation, which is probably involved in its effects on wounds, ulcers, and tissue protection [R, R].

BPC 157 can also influence the activity of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. In turn, it might help with depression, seizures, pain, and may even promote gut health. More research is needed to understand exactly how it works in the brain [R, R, R, R].

Lastly, it can increase the production of nitric oxide (NO), which lowers blood pressure and helps to reduce the effects of high potassium levels [R, R].

Snapshot of BPC 157

Proponents

• May promote healing

The post Benefits of BPC 157 + Dosage, Side Effects & Reviews appeared first on SelfHacked.

Disclaimer: By writing this post, we are not recommending this drug. Some of our readers who were already taking the drug requested that we commission a post on it, and we are simply providing information that is available in the clinical and scientific literature.

The Basics of Epitalon

What Is Epitalon?

Epitalon is a synthetic peptide made of four amino acids (alanine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and glycine), that is based on a natural peptide called epithalamin extracted from the pineal gland. It was synthesized by Vladimir Khavinson, a Russian professor and gerontologist, whose research focused on the development of peptide preparations used to restore function in various organs in order to prevent and reverse the aging process. He is currently the Director of the Saint Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology.

Khavinson first extracted Epithalamin from the pineal gland of calves. However, due to the inherent limitations in production, he formulated a synthetic version of the peptide called Epitalon.

How Is Epitalon Used?

Epitalon is usually administered via intravenous or intramuscular injection or transdermally (through the skin), as peptides are broken down in the digestive tract and therefore unable to enter the bloodstream, where they can exert their effects, intact.

Although some results are promising, most of the research has been conducted in animals and cells, meaning that both the potential health benefits and safety profile of Epitalon remain largely unresearched. Never take Epitalon without consulting your doctor or use it as a replacement for approved medical therapies.

What the Research Shows for Epitalon

Insufficient Evidence for:

1) Retinitis Pigmentosa

Retinitis pigmentosa is a genetic, degenerative eye disease that results in the degeneration of the rods in the retina. Rods are one of two types of receptors in the eye (the other one being cones) that convert light into chemical signals that can be processed by the brain.

In a clinical trial, Epitalon improved degenerative damage to the retina caused by this condition in 90% of the patients [R].

In rats, Epitalon improves the function of retinal cells by preserving their structure and preventing degeneration [R].

A single study using humans and rats cannot be considered sufficient evidence to support this potential use of Epitalon. Further clinical research is needed to confirm these preliminary findings.

2) Correcting Circadian Rhythms

As we age, our circadian rhythms become disrupted

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What Is Laetrile (Vitamin B17)?

Laetrile is a purported anticancer drug developed in the early 1950s and patented in 1961 by Dr. Ernst T. Krebs and his son Ernst T. Krebs Jr. The compound is derived from amygdalin, the substance that gives bitter almonds their taste. They named it “vitamin B17,” although it is not a vitamin at all [R].

A popular alternative anticancer therapy in the 70s, its unproven benefits, potential toxicity, and ban by the FDA caused its use to dramatically fall. Although still used as part of “holistic” regimens in a few alternative clinics (mainly in Mexico), Laetrile has been largely abandoned or replaced by apricot seeds as a source of amygdalin [R].

Amygdalin vs Laetrile vs Vitamin B17

A lot of confusion was created – among fraudulent claims, media portrayal, and scientific research – around the terms amygdalin, Laetrile, and “vitamin B17.” Even today, most people are not sure if these substances are all one the same thing or if they’re different in some way.

Here is what you need to know to start with…

Amygdalin is a natural substance found in the seeds of several stone fruits of the Rosaceae family, such as apricots, peaches, almonds, plums, and apples. It is made up of two sugar molecules bound to a compound (mandelonitrile) that releases cyanide when broken down [R].

Laetrile is a man-made version of amygdalin (mandelonitrile is bound to a sugar derivative called glucuronic acid). However, the product made in Mexico and often sold under the names “Laetrile” and “vitamin B17” is actually amygdalin obtained from crushed apricot seeds [R, R].

Vitamin B17 is the new name that the Krebs gave to Laetrile after suggesting that all cancers are caused by a deficit in this “vitamin”. This name fulfilled several purposes [R]:

• Promoting Laetrile as a substance that not only cures but also prevents cancer
• Escaping strict FDA drug regulations by classifying it as a supplement
• Exploiting the love affair of the general public with vitamins

However, Laetrile doesn’t fit the scientific definition of vitamin – a substance that is essential to sustain health without supplying energy or building blocks for cells [R].

Notably, the Krebs had previously patented another “vitamin” (“B15”

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Disclaimer: We highly recommend against using this drug since its effects and safety are unknown. Proper clinical trials are completely lacking. Therefore, we are presenting the available information from the clinical and scientific literature with the aim of helping readers understand the dangers involved.

What is S23?

S23 belongs to a new class of drugs called selective androgen receptor modulators (SARM). SARMs mimic testosterone by binding to hormone receptors in specific parts of the body.

Similar to testosterone and other SARMs, researchers hypothesized that S23 targets the muscle and bone tissues to promote muscle growth and bone health. Some blogs cite animal studies in which S23 reduced the size of the prostate. However, clinical trials are completely lacking to back up any of these claims [R].

In reality, the “SARMs selectivity theory” might be completely false. It has never been proven, and SARMs like S23 never passed proper clinical trials. SARMs may turn out to be much more dangerous than previously thought.

S23 is becoming increasingly popular in the bodybuilding community. It is allegedly effective at increasing muscle mass and decreasing fat all while having minimal side effects. However, S23 can deplete testosterone levels, which requires users to need unapproved post-cycle therapy (PCT) [R].

This SARM has attracted strong interest for its potential to be used as male birth control. In rats, S23 led to infertility in 100% of the cases. The triggered infertility was temporary and could be completely reversed after stopping the drug [R].

Research has explored the use of S23 for increasing sexual motivation in women. Other potential uses include preventing muscle loss and increasing bone density [R, R].

It is important to note that S23 has not been studied in humans and is not approved for human use. Currently, all SARMs are banned in professional sports by the World Anti-Doping Agency [R].

Snapshot

Proponents

• Increases lean muscle mass
• Decreases fat mass
• A potential male birth control
• May increase bone strength
• May increase female sexual motivation

Skeptics

• Unapproved drug
• No human studies
• Unknown short- and long-term risks
• Testosterone depletion
• Testicle shrinkage
• Unknown

The post S23 SARM Unbiased Review: Uses, Dangers & Side Effects appeared first on SelfHacked.

Disclaimer: We highly recommend against using this drug since its effects and safety are completely unknown. No human data on it have been published so far. Therefore, we are presenting the available information from the scientific literature with the aim of helping readers understand the dangers involved.

About SR9009 (Stenabolic)

What is it exactly?

Stenabolic or SR9009 is a research chemical. To date, no human studies on the use of SR9009 have been published. 

Thus, we don’t know how dangerous this substance may be. Its effectiveness in humans is also unknown. This means it has a high potential for harm and should be avoided at all costs.

Our bodies function in a coordinated manner, in 24-hour cycles that are adjusted to the rise and fall of the sun. This pattern is called the circadian rhythm.

The circadian rhythm is maintained through a loop mechanism that turns genes on and off (when CLOCK and BMAL1 genes are turned on, they turn on PER and CRY. Then, PER/CRY turn BMAL1/CLOCK off and the 24-hour cycle resets) [R].

The REV-ERBs are a pair of proteins that stabilize our internal clock by turning BMAL1 off. They are, in turn, activated by the heme group. Heme is a small iron-containing compound found all throughout our body, for example, in red blood cells [R, R].

SR9009 is a compound that enhances REV-ERB activity (known as agonists) and has good bioavailability [R].

Because of the many positive effects seen in animals, SR9009 found its way online and is being sold and used as a supplement, mainly within the bodybuilding community. It has been referred to as “exercise in a bottle.” However, there are still a lot of things we don’t know about this drug, including its side effects.

Mechanism of Action

All the effects observed for SR9009 derive from REV-ERB (NR1D1, NR1D2) activation in the body.

REV-ERB affects the circadian behavior of mice, altering their activity and sleep patterns [R].

Besides its effect on the circadian rhythm (suppression of BMAL1 production), REV-ERB affects many other functions related

The post 9 Effects of SR9009 (Stenabolic) appeared first on SelfHacked.

Disclaimer: We strongly recommend against using YK11 for any reason. This is an unapproved drug which has caused serious adverse effects in the limited available studies. Some of our readers who were already taking the drug requested that we commission a post on it, and we are simply providing information that is available in the clinical and scientific literature.

Due to reported toxic incidents, the FDA has issued letters warning against the use of YK11 and similar research chemicals [R].

What is YK11?

Steroid-SARM Hybrid

YK11 is a new synthetic steroid based on 5-α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone naturally found in the human body. DHT is a stronger form of testosterone that targets androgen receptors in the prostate, sex organs, hair, and liver.

YK11 is gaining interest from bodybuilders, who believe it can help them quickly build muscle with minimal side effects—a belief which is not founded in the available science. The YK molecule has more in common with steroids than SARMs, although it’s often mistakenly labeled as a non-steroidal SARM [R].

According to preliminary cell studies, YK11 may increase muscle mass and enhance bone health [R, R].

Some bodybuilders who have experimented with YK11 report great muscle gains and fat loss with minimal side effects. However, there are currently not even any animal studies of YK11 and its safety profile is unclear. It is extremely dangerous to use research chemicals which are so poorly studied. We strongly recommend against using YK11 for this reason.

Along with all steroids and SARMs, YK11 is banned in professional sports by the World Anti-Doping Agency [R].

Snapshot

Proponents:

• May increases muscle growth
• May boost fat-burning
• May increase bone strength

Skeptics:

• Not enough data to know whether it’s safe or effective
• Steroidal structure (not a typical SARM)
• Testosterone suppression
• No human or animal studies
• Long-term risks unknown
• Insufficient safety data
• May have additional unknown side effects

Is It a SARM?

Bodybuilders and researchers sometimes refer to YK11 as a SARM (selective androgen receptor modulator). This may be misleading as other SARMs differ from YK11.

YK11 is a

The post YK11: What is it Used For? + Safety & Side Effects appeared first on SelfHacked.

Disclaimer: By writing this post, we are not recommending this drug. Some of our readers who were already taking the drug requested that we commission a post on it, and we are simply providing information that is available in the clinical and scientific literature.

We strongly recommend against taking ibutamoren for any reason. This drug was never approved for human use. It is considered unsafe and ineffective.

What is Ibutamoren?

Growth Hormone Stimulator

Ibutamoren is frequently discussed on online forums for its muscle-building properties. It is available online and used by those wishing to increase their growth hormone levels. Be aware, however, that it is illegal to sell ibutamoren for human consumption.

However, clinical studies of this compound are few. Below we will highlight the current knowledge about ibutamoren.

Ibutamoren (also known as ibutamoren mesylate or MK-677), is thought to promote the secretion of the growth hormone (GH) and increase insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) [R, R].

Ibutamoren potentially increases growth hormone levels by mimicking the action of the hormone ghrelin and binding to one of the ghrelin receptors (GHSR) in the brain. Activated GHSR stimulates growth hormone release from the brain.

GHSR is found in brain regions that control appetite, pleasure, mood, biological rhythms, memory, and cognition [R].

Therefore, some people expect that ibutamoren may also affect these functions. However, so far, clinical studies describe only the effects ibutamoren has on appetite – and as expected, like ghrelin, ibutamoren increases it.

According to some studies, ibutamoren could potentially increase growth hormone levels with little or no increase in other hormones, such as cortisol. Cortisol suppresses the immune system, reduces wound healing, and impairs learning and memory, and it’s usually not good to have this hormone elevated [R, R].

Snapshot

Proponents:

• Boosts growth hormone
• May increase lean body mass and enhance fat burning
• Strengthens the bones
• May improve sleep quality
• May support cognition and longevity

Skeptics:

• Not approved for human use
• Likely to be unsafe for human consumption
• May cause

The post What is Ibutamoren (MK-677) + Side Effects & Dangers appeared first on SelfHacked.

Disclaimer: We highly recommend against using this drug since its effects and safety are unknown. Therefore, we are presenting the available information from the clinical and scientific literature with the aim of helping readers understand the dangers involved.

What Is Ostarine?

Steroid or Not?

Ostarine (MK-2866), also known as enobosarm, is a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM). SARMs like Ostarine stimulate steroid hormone receptors – androgen receptors – mimicking testosterone [R].

Scientists initially hypothesized that, unlike typical steroids, SARMs would be able to target specific tissues, such as the muscles or bones. In theory, this was supposed to limit their side effects [R].

Bodybuilders tend to take this unapproved theory as “proof” that they won’t have to deal with severe testosterone suppression and increased estrogens if they take SARMs. However, this is far from true.

Still, SARMs have surfaced as a popular new class of appearance and performance enhancers. People misperceive them as safer and “cleaner” due to a basic misunderstanding of the available scientific data, which is hyped in various bodybuilding blogs.

Many bodybuilders and athletes swear by Ostarine and claim it offers significant muscle mass and performance gains with few risks.

In reality, the “SARMs selectivity theory” might be completely false. It has never been proven, and SARMs like Ostarine never passed proper clinical trials. SARMs may turn out to be much more dangerous than previously thought.

To create further confusion, some researchers believe Ostarine might be safer than steroids, though they still have no data to back up their claims. Additionally, it has not yet been approved for human use anywhere in the world [R, R].

Ostarine is being researched for its ability to improve serious muscle wasting diseases. Interestingly enough, it is one of the few SARMs still in clinical trials while most others proved to be toxic. It may be approved for clinical use if the trials attest to its favorable benefits/risks ratio [R].

However, its use in professional sports will almost certainly remain illegal. The World Anti-Doping Agency banned Ostarine under the S1 Anabolic Agent category of the Prohibited List, along with all other SARMs back in 2008.

Snapshot

Proponents

• Increases lean muscle mass and strength
• Shouldn’t cause hormonal imbalance
• May improve bone strength
• May lower cholesterol and improve insulin resistance

Skeptics

• No clinical data to back up proponents’ claims
• Not allowed for use in professional sports
• Not approved

The post Ostarine (Enobosarm, MK-2866): Uses, Side Effects & Dangers appeared first on SelfHacked.

Disclaimer: While testolone is not illegal to have, it is illegal to sell and banned in professional and amateur league sports. Some of our readers who were already taking the drug requested that we commission a post on it, and we are simply providing information that is available in the clinical and scientific literature.

Testolone is an unsafe experimental drug not approved for human consumption. Do not take it under any circumstances.

What is RAD140 (Testolone)?

SARMs

RAD140, also known as testolone, is a new investigational drug which has become popular among bodybuilders, who claim that it has muscle-building effects. RAD140 belongs to a class of compounds called selective androgen receptor modulators, or SARMs [R].

SARMs bind to androgen receptors that are found in different areas of the body. Normally, these receptors interact with androgens, which are a group of steroid hormones. Androgens like testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and androstenedione are naturally produced by the body [R].

SARMs and testosterone tend to have similar effects because they work on the same receptor. The intended targets of SARMs include the muscles, bones, and liver [R].

SARMs are of particular interest to researchers because they are selective about where they work. They mostly target muscle and bone tissues, and appear to have minimal effects on the prostate and other organs. Because of this, some researchers believe that SARMs could potentially treat hormone-related or muscle-wasting disorders with fewer side effects than existing treatments, but this is an unproven hypothesis without data to back it up [R].

This potential has also made SARMs a popular choice over testosterone or steroids for bodybuilders. Although testosterone and steroids boost muscle growth, they also have unwanted effects on the prostate and reproductive organs, among others [R].

Snapshot

Proponents:

• May increase muscle mass
• May increase fat-burning
• May protect brain cells
• May be beneficial for certain breast cancers

Skeptics:

• May suppress testosterone
• May cause hair loss, fatigue, and mood swings
• No human studies
• Long-term risks are unknown
• Safety profile and full side effects are unknown
• Appropriate dosage are unknown

Use

The post RAD140 (Testolone): Uses, Side Effects & Danger appeared first on SelfHacked.

Disclaimer: Cardarine is illegal, its purported “benefits” are unproven, and it was shown to cause cancer as part of standard research before advancing through clinical trials. Do not under any circumstances take this compound. We cannot stress this enough. Some of our readers who were already taking the drug requested that we commission a post on it, and we are simply providing information that is available in the clinical and scientific literature.

What Is Cardarine?

Controversial Drug

Cardarine was developed by GlaxoSmithKline for its potential benefits on the heart, blood vessels, and diabetes. However, studies were halted in Phase II on animals because it caused cancers [R].

Some of cardarine’s proponents argue that cancer risks have not been proven in humans, but this is only because it was never found safe enough to justify long-term safety studies in humans. In fact, most carcinogenic substances usually don’t cause cancer in these types of animal studies because they are not sensitive enough to pick up compounds that only slightly increase the chance of developing cancer. They are designed to pick up on the worst compounds so we don’t risk the lives of human subjects in early clinical work [R].

We cannot stress this enough: cardarine has been shown to cause cancer, period! 

But how did scientists discover cardarine (less elegantly known as GW501516) in the first place?

It’s no secret that the modern inactive lifestyle contributes to many metabolic problems, such as diabetes, inflammation, and heart disease. In the search for substances that could speed up fat burning and increase physical endurance in sedentary adults, scientists turned to the PPAR-delta pathway.

Activation of PPAR-delta is associated with increased energy, fat burning, muscle building, and endurance and decreased lipids in the blood. Cardarine binds to and activates the peroxisome proliferator activator receptor delta (PPAR-delta). A lot of PPAR-delta is in the muscles, and it activates many genes important for energy use [R].

Activating PPAR-delta could play a role in building muscles, improving heart health, boosting metabolism, and reducing inflammation. Targeting this pathway with Cardarine seems promising. But researchers refer to Cardarine as a failed “exercise mimetic,” because it caused cancer in animal studies [R].

According to many

The post What is Cardarine (GW501516)? + Side Effects, Dangers appeared first on SelfHacked.

Disclaimer: By writing this post, we are not recommending this drug. Ligandrol is an unapproved research chemical without a complete safety profile, and we simply don’t know enough about its adverse effects or efficacy. Some of our readers who were already taking the drug requested that we commission a post on it, and we are simply providing information that is available in the clinical and scientific literature.

We do not recommend taking ligandrol for any reason.

What is LGD 4033?

A New SARM

LGD 4033 is a fairly new oral selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM). SARMs have received a lot of attention recently, both in the medical community and among people who are seeking physical performance and appearance enhancement. Scientists are exploring the ways SARMs could be used to overcome muscle wasting and bone diseases.

Bodybuilders believe that they’re safer alternatives to steroids, but there is no data to suggest that unapproved SARMs are safe at all.

LGD 4033 is also known as Ligandrol and Anabolicum. LGD 4033 is among the two most popular SARMs when it comes to bodybuilding, MK-2866 (Ostarine) being the other.

Like all SARMs, LGD 4033 binds to androgen receptors in the muscles and bones with high affinity and selectivity. Because of this, scientists hypothesize that LGD 4033 shouldn’t affect other organs (sparing the liver, prostate, and sebaceous glands) or cause severe suppression of your natural testosterone production. Being nonsteroidal, LGD 4033 shouldn’t be converted to estrogen either; these hypotheses are purely speculative, however, and lacking in clinical data. Future human trials may very well prove them wrong [R].

Users claim that LGD-4033 is more potent than MK-2866. Others prefer MK-2866, especially when it comes to cutting cycles. Both are favored for their perceived muscle gains, unlike steroids that can cause a long list of side effects and can harm your vital organs.

Yet, this is an unapproved drug. We do not know how safe it is, or even if it works. We highly recommend against taking Ligandrol for this reason.

We decided to look into the reasons behind LGD 4033’s ongoing popularity and tease apart its actual effects. In this article, we review the most up-to-date research on its potential uses and provide a summary of its

The post What is Ligandrol (LGD 4033)? A Science-Based Review appeared first on SelfHacked.

Disclaimer: We highly recommend against using this drug since its effects and safety are unknown. Therefore, we are presenting the available information from the clinical and scientific literature with the aim of helping readers understand the dangers involved.

What Is Andarine?

Andarine, also known as S-4, S-40503, or 8, is a SARM developed with the aim of treating osteoporosis and muscle wasting.

SARMs (selective androgen receptor modulators) are drugs that bind to the androgen receptor (AR), which is the main site of action of the hormone testosterone.

In the early days, Andarine was described as the ideal SARM due to high oral bioavailability and great muscle- and bone-building effects (studied in animals) [R].

Phase I human trials with this drug have reportedly been successful but no studies have been published. However, further development of the drug was abandoned in favor of Ostarine, another SARM with a similar structure, also known as S-22 [R].

This was likely because of Andarine’s poor safety profile. It caused vision-related side effects, which further adds to the long list of reasons against ever taking this drug.

Mechanism of Action

Andarine has a high affinity for the androgen receptor (AR) and therefore mimics the effects of testosterone. However, its effects are much stronger in muscles and bones than in reproductive organs. That is why Andarine and other SARMs are hypothesized to cause fewer side effects than anabolic steroids [R].

Bodybuilders tend to take this unapproved theory as “proof” that they won’t have to deal with severe testosterone suppression and increased estrogens if they take SARMs. However, this is far from true.

In reality, the “SARMs selectivity theory” might be completely false. It has never been proven, and SARMs like Andarine and Ostarine never passed proper clinical trials. SARMs may turn out to be much more dangerous than previously thought.

Potential Uses of Andarine

This section focuses on the clinical and scientific research that has been done on Andarine so far.

Anadarine has never been properly studied in humans. 

Based on the existing data, its effects are unknown and its potential to cause harm is high.

1) May Increase Muscle Mass

The post Andarine (S4) Uses, Dangers & Side Effects appeared first on SelfHacked.