Medicinal Value of Amino Acid Supplements
The medicinal value of amino acids in the form of supplements can be very beneficial. When taken in concentrated form, these substances can produce remarkable effects in countering deficiencies in the human body, including many aging related factors.
Clinical studies of oral amino acids is an exciting approach to stimulate the production and release of hGH from the pituitary gland, a fact used in the investigation of pituitary function in the young child and adult. For example, a mixture of L-arginine, L-lysine, L-ornithine & L-glutamine has been recommended as a supplement to induce hGH release and consequently increase IGF-1 plasma levels.
Revolutionary Amino Acid Research
It was Dr. Don E. Johnson's revolutionary research of amino acids which led to the development of GHR-15 in 1997. His research continues in laboratories and further strides are being made every day.
Combinations of amino acids were blended, or stacked, into the supplemental mixtures of GHR Products and included other beneficial supplements as well. Studies have been conducted by laboratories on the efficacy of oral amino acids and as a prepared nutritional supplement.
Dr. Johnson, the Colonel Sanders of the GHR world?
For all of us baby-boomers who can remember back to the day when the Colonel kept his recipe of special herbs & spices for Kentucky Fried Chicken locked in a safe, then we think you will be able to follow along with this analogy. It was not long after KFC took the U.S by storm, that a whole slew of chicken stands started popping up right behind them. And you will also remember, the other chicken was not the same and we went back to the Original.
The GHR-15 family of anti-aging supplements are now going into the tenth year, and the competition still has not come up with the secret recipe. We have seen look-alikes and wanna-bes come & go, but the American consumer knows the Original when they see it. And to top it off, we have added two more recipes and a side-dish on top of it all.
Amino Acids Found in GHR Products
The GHR product line are made up of proprietary formulae containing essential amino acid blends. We will discuss the more important aminos in that blend below. When we make reference to an amino acid, we place an "L-" in front of each to denote the natural form of the amino. Synthetic forms of the amino are usually denoted with a "D-". For most purposes, the natural amino is the only form used by the body.
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
GABA, an amino acid, acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter found in the nervous system and helps induce relaxation and deeper sleep cycles. It is a synthesized compound that naturally stimulates the activation of muscle synapses between nerves and muscle cells, which can promote leaner muscle tissue and lower fat levels. GABA also stimulates certain glands, such as the anterior pituitary gland, leading to higher levels of human Growth Hormone (hGH).
L-arginine & L-ornithine
L-arginine and L-ornithine are best discussed together as they usually are prepared and sold in combination. L-ornithine is converted to arginine in the body and therefore serves as a back up supply of L-arginine.
L-arginine is converted to nitric oxide by an enzyme called nitric oxide syntheme. Nitric oxide serves
to keep pathogens out of the digestive tract; it serves to dilate blood vessels, and it is a potent source of energy and a sexual stimulant as well. L-Arginine supplementation has many benefits and plays an important role in cell division, removing ammonia from the body, immune function, and the release of hormones.
Upper back tension responds particularly well to L-arginine/L-ornithine. Other effects of this dynamic duo are muscle building and fat burning (especially when combined with exercise) with overall weight loss, accelerated wound healing, tissue repair and strengthened tendons and ligaments.
L-lysine
L-lysine is an essential amino acid for all protein in the body and plays a major role in calcium 
absorption, building muscle protein, recovering from surgery or sports injuries and the body's production of hormones, enzymes, and antibodies. Evidence suggests that L-lysine in combination with L-arginine may increase thymic hormone secretions, thus building up the body's immune system.
L-lysine is also used to treat herpes simplex infections (cold sores), enhance concentration, aid in fat metabolism and alleviate some infertility problems. L-lysine inhibits the replication of the herpes virus and, while it does not kill the virus and wipe it out, it will suppress the symptoms in some people.
L-glutamine
L-glutamine is the precursor of glutamic acid, which serves the brain by neutralizing excess ammonia (a byproduct of brain metabolism), thus creating a clearer space for brain activity. L-glutamine has been shown to improve IQ, alleviate fatigue, depression and impotence,
as well as speed healing. It also is well-known to decrease the craving for alcohol and is a valuable adjunct in the treatment of alcoholism.
L-glutamine is one of the most prevalent amino acids in the human body, but in times of stress or increased energy output, body tissue will need more glutamine than usual. These effects and due to the hGH-releasing properties of the L- form of glutamine makes it popular with body-builders.
L-glutamine, like other amino acids, is biochemically important as a constituent of proteins. It is also crucial in nitrogen metabolism. Glutamine prevents deterioration of the stomach and intestinal linings. It may also help to prevent ulcers. More notably though, research reveals that glutamine taken orally in combination with L-glycine and niacin can enhance GH secretion in healthy middle-aged and elderly subjects.
L-glycine
L-glycine aids in treatment of low pituitary gland function and is useful in the treatment of muscular dystrophy. It also is used in the treatment of hyperglycemia and hyperacidity of the stomach, as well as a biochemical disorder in which there is a Leucine imbalance, causing an offensive body and breath odor.
L-glycine increases neurotransmission activity of hormones involved in memory and cognition, which helps alleviate the symptoms of spasticity. Studies have found that L-glycine helps increase hGH levels. One study showed that 30 grams of Glycine raised serum hGH levels 10 times in patients following gastric surgery. Very early findings may also suggest it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. These studies are still ongoing.
L-tyrosine
L-tyrosine is effective as a mood elevator. L-tyrosine is an essential amino acid and a precursor of the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine (adrenaline) and thyroid hormones. It is used to enhance alertness and mood. L-Tyrosine is sometimes recommended by practitioners as an aid for weight loss or clinical depression. Increased secretion of melanin in the skin from tyrosine has been noted as well.
L-valine
L-valine is another essential amino acid. On the cellular level, L-valine is burned for fuel to support muscle recovery after physical exertion and aids in growth of new tissue. L-valine is not readily available in the human body. While it has no profound effects on its own, it is used symbiotically with other aminos; much like a buffering solution. It is this synergetic relationship with such aminos as L-arginine and L-isoleucine that helps promote lean muscle growth.
