I always find that when people look to supplements to noticibly increase muscle mass, they end up being disappointed. I find that they instead help fuel the mindset of a bulk, or improve quality of life in other ways.
For instance, a test booster may not boost test enough to help pack on the pounds but it might help improve your mental ability, libido and well being so that you actually work harder in the gym.
same as a GH product - we know that it isnt going to increase muscle mass but we do know that it can improve sleep, recovery and well being, all which can translate into more productive gym sessions.
It all depends on what you expect
I saw this post last night and liked it. It is spot on.
I think the general public think that supplements are supposed to be some magic pill to help them lose weight, gain muscle, boost performance, etc. Yes, supplements and ingredients do help, but if one is not following a somewhat decent diet, is not resting and is not following a well structured training plan or is just overall inconsistent, then these things will not work.
Often, expectations are too high on natural supplements. Also, different ingredients will work for different people. I think the overly high expectations speak for the majority of people though. Too often, on this board and others, people say this supplement/ingredients didn't do this. An example of this is with pre workout products, especially high stim products. I have seen many posts from people saying that the product did not give them crazy energy or even "motivate" them to go to the gym. No amount of caffeine, DMAA, etc. will motivate one to go to the gym.
Also, I notice too many people ask for supplement advice before nutrition advice. The definition of a supplement is
something that completes or enhances something else when added to it
I am an advocate of thinking of training/bodybuilding/fitness as a three piece pie; nutrition, training and recovery are all equally important. If one or all of those pieces are not met, supplements will not help.
And yes, I do realize there are many bunk supplements and ingredients out there. I think there are several that are effective, but once again, too many people are missing a piece of the pie or have crazy high expectations.