CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin combined provides what is called a GHRH and a GHRP. This combination promotes the increase of growth hormone by increasing the strength of the growth hormone pulse also increasing the number of cells that secrete growth hormone.
Let’s first explore CJC-1295
CJC-1295, alternatively known as drug affinity complex-growth-hormone-releasing factor (DAC-GRF), has the clinically verified potential to induce greater endogenous production of human growth hormone (HGH) by the body. By extension, it also spurs the release of higher quantities of HGH’s critical partner hormone, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1).
Together, IGF-1 and HGH in optimal blood concentrations offer an array of performance-enhancing effects as well as overall health benefits.
Let’s jump into the science behind CJC-1295, including what it can do to boost performance in the gym by (among other benefits) revving metabolism, improving cardiovascular endurance, and promoting lean muscle development.
What Is CJC-1295?
CJC-1295 is a synthetically produced peptide (a short chain of amino acids). It acts as a growth hormone secretagogue, meaning that it stimulates greater release of HGH by the pituitary gland.
CJC-1295 is one of many HGH secretagogues increasingly popular with athletes and anti-aging enthusiasts. As we will explore here, that interest is justified based on the available clinical literature
What Are the Potential Benefits of CJC-1295?
As outlined previously, CJC-1295 exerts its myriad health benefits by way of stimulating greater release of human growth hormone (HGH) into the bloodstream and, by extension, the production of more IGF-1 by the liver (which is dependent on HGH).
If your levels of circulating HGH fall below the optimal thresholds above, your performance and overall wellness are likely to suffer.
The age-related decline of HGH levels is termed “somatopause“:
“The pathological phenomenon of somatopause, noticeable in hypogonadal aging subjects, is based on the growth hormone (GH) production and secretion decrease along with the fall in GH binding protein and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels, causing different Musculoskeletal, metabolic and mental issues.”
Reductions in circulating HGH levels can be devastating, especially for athletic performance and fitness. These negative effects are due to the critical activities of HGH and IGF-1 that support optimal physical function:
- Stimulation of protein synthesis (lean muscle building)
- Regulation of metabolism (energy-burning)
- Bone strengthening and maintenance (critical for the prevention of osteoporosis, the age-related weakening of bones)
- Protecting cardiovascular (heart) health
Multiple studies, such as this one published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, found that CJC-1295 administration significantly boosted both HGH and IGF-1 levels in test subjects:
“After a single injection of CJC-1295, there were dose-dependent increases in mean plasma GH concentrations by 2- to 10-fold for 6 d or more and in mean plasma IGF-I concentrations by 1.5- to 3-fold for 9-11 d. The estimated half-life of CJC-1295 was 5.8-8.1 d. After multiple CJC-1295 doses, mean IGF-I levels remained above baseline for up to 28 d. No serious adverse reactions were reported.”
This means, in short, that CJC-1295 has the potential to boost HGH levels by up to 10x with little risk of negative side effects, based on clinical testing.
How Does CJC-1295 Stack Up Against Synthetic Human Growth Hormone?
Many athletes and anti-aging enthusiasts have become infatuated with synthetic human growth hormone (HGH), most popularly formulated as somatropin. Various pharmaceutical manufacturers produce and sell somatropin under many brand names in the US:
- Humatrope – (Eli Lilly)
- Saizen – (EMD Serono)
- Genotropin – (Pfizer)
- Norditropin – (Novo Nordisk)
- Zomacton – (Ferring)
- Omnitrope – (Sandoz)
- Sogroya – (Novo Nordisk)
However, you may want to consider CJC-1295 as an alternative to somatropin for a variety of reasons. The potential advantages of CJC-1295 over somatropin include:
- CJC-1295 stimulates the release of HGH by the pituitary gland naturally, which confers benefits due to the release of the hormone in pulsatile secretions in accordance with the natural circadian rhythm of the body, allowing for more consistent uptake compared to somatropin.
- CJC-1295 requires fewer injections than somatropin to achieve similar results because it has a longer half-life, especially when paired with Ipamorelin, another powerful peptide (saving both money and pain at the injection site)
Ideal Dosage, Delivery Method, and Potential Side Effects of CJC-1295?
As with most supplements, getting the most out of CJC-1295 depends on implementing the correct therapeutic protocol, including, most importantly, getting the dosage right.
CJC-1295 is injected subcutaneously, meaning under the skin. The basic steps can be broken down thusly:
- Clean the vial with alcohol to eliminate any contaminants
- Extract the desired dosage into a syringe
- Tap the syringe to purge any bubbles
- Clean the skin on the injection site with alcohol
- Gently, slowly introduce the syringe and press the plunger
- Remove needle
- Wipe injection site and dispose of used needle
The standard injection dosage for CJC-1295/Ipamorelin combination (the most common form of supplementation with this peptide due to the synergistic effects) is 300 micrograms (mcg) daily, with slight alterations up or down depending on current HGH levels and overall goals.
The daily dosage can be taken all at once (preferably in the morning before any meals for maximum efficacy) or broken down into two dosages (one in the morning and one at night).
Potential Side Effects of CJC-1295?
As we noted in the above-referenced clinical study of CJC-1295 administration, the supplement successfully and significantly raises HGH and IGF-1 levels with “no serious adverse reactions… reported.”
However, CJC-1295 supplementation, particularly when the process is carried out without expert supervision, does carry some risks of side effects that can include:
- Flushing
- Euphoria surges after injection
- Lightheadedness
- Arthralgia
- Numbness or tingling in the feet and hands
- Intense dreams
These side effects are rare and, additionally, can be largely avoided by correctly titrating the dosage. When in doubt, consult an experienced healthcare provider who specializes in hormone optimization.
This article has been reviewed and approved by our medical team.
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