The easy answer here is peptides, insulin and protein. Insulin is mainly anti-catabolic but at certain doses (roughly 5iu’s) in a normally functioning system, and with Leucine present in the bloodstream, insulin becomes anabolic. Nonetheless, the term “anabolic” just means building up of tissue. Given that muscle protein is constantly turning over, anything that reduces the rate of catabolism also amounts to more muscle mass in the long term. A penny saved is a penny earned.
Supplemental Insulin + elevated GH/IGF levels is probably just as potent as AAS in terms of strength, mass and recovery is concerned.