What is the reason for the study?A Blend of Chlorophytum Borivilianum and Velvet Bean Increases Serum Growth Hormone in Exercise-Trained Men
Abstract
Background:
Several isolated ingredients have been proposed to increase growth hormone (GH) release, including Chlorophytum borivilianum and Velvet bean. A combination of these two ingredients has been packaged within an investigational dietary supplement. It was the purpose of the present investigation to determine the impact of acute ingestion of this supplement on circulating GH in healthy, exercise-trained men.
Methods:
Fifteen men ingested the dietary supplement on two different days, separated by one week. Blood was collected from subjects before ingestion of the supplement and at 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, and 120 minutes post ingestion. GH was analyzed in serum samples using an ELISA method. Values for GH for each subject, at each collection time, were averaged over both test days and used in the main analysis.
Results:
Serum GH increased over time, with higher values at 60 minutes (1.56 ± 0.65 ng · mL−1; P = 0.04; +767%), 80 minutes (1.76 ± 0.69 ng · mL−1; P = 0.02; +878%), and 100 minutes (1.48 ± 0.62 ng · mL−1; P = 0.05; +722%) compared to pre ingestion (0.18 ± 0.04 ng · mL−1). A great deal of subject variability existed in the area under the curve (AUC) for GH, with pooled values ranging from 0.49 to 61.2 ng · mL−1 · 2 hr−1
Conclusion:
Acute ingestion of an investigational dietary supplement containing the active ingredients Chlorophytum borivilianum and Velvet bean results in an increase in circulating GH in exercise-trained men. Additional placebo controlled investigations are needed to extend these findings. Moreover, studies are needed to determine if chronic use of such supplementation leads to favorable changes in health-related parameters associated with increased circulating GH.
To see the impact Chlorophytum Borivilianum and Velvet Bean has on serum growth hormone (GH)
Who are the participants?
15 healthy, exercise-trained males
What was the study design?
An exploratory non-blinded trial
What was done?
The subjects reported to the lab in a fasted state on 2 different occasions separated by one week. During their visit they ingested three capsules of a dietary supplement that contained an identical concentration of Chlorophytum Borivilianum and Velvet Bean, totalling 2250 mg. No other food was allowed during the two hour post intake period. However, water was allowed ad libitum. Blood samples were taken 10min after arrival to the lab and at 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, and 120 minutes following ingestion of the supplement.
What was found?
Researchers observed an approximate 9 fold increase in circulating GH following ingestion of Chlorophytum Borivilianum and Velvet Bean.
Limitations of the study?
There was no placebo or control group used in the study. Because of this we can not really rule out the increase GH observed was not just the result of extended fasting. However, it is unlikely considering previous research has shown that GH remains relatively stable over an acute fasting period, like how was done in this study. A control group would still have been nice to rule this out though. Also I would have really liked to have seen the participants participate in some form of exercise after taking the supplement. Considering that exercise itself will stimulate a GH response, it would have been interesting to see if the addition of Chlorophytum Borivilianum and Velvet Bean would have done. Lastly, longer studies looking at various outcomes from the chronic use of Chlorophytum Borivilianum and Velvet Bean would be nice.
Takeaway?
Supplementation of Chlorophytum Borivilianum and Velvet Bean may result in an increase of serum GH levels in young exercise trained males. As was seen in this study -> http://anabolicminds.com/forum/supplement-science/262457-chlorophytum-borivilianum-velvet.html , this increase may lead to improved sleep quality as well as many other potential benefits from increased GH levels.