The Development, Uses and Future of Gerovital H3

Introduction  |   From the Past to the Present  |   The Nature of Gerovital H3
Research and Speculation on Possible Benefits  |   Some Additional Clinical Considerations
An Intangible Field of Resistance  |   The Future of Gerovital H3  |   Footnotes  |   Bibliography

SOME ADDITIONAL CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS

WILL GEROVITAL EXTEND LIFE?
     The most significant studies on increased life span were conducted by Professor Berger in France⁷⁷ and by Richard Hochschild of Corona del Mar, California.⁷⁸ They undertook independent rat and mice studies. Their results demonstrated that male animals treated with GH3 ingredients lived approximately 30% longer than the controls. Interestingly, extension of lifespan in the females was much less. Dr. Aslan’s longitudinal studies showed a reduction in mortality rate in humans as well.⁷⁹
     It is important to remember that the human form has a limited lifespan potential. Only so many “generations” of body cells can be reproduced. The human system is designed to survive approximately 120 years. After that, the cells rapidly lose their reproductive capacity. To whatever extent someone lives less than this may be the result of stress, accidents or poor overall health management.
     Dr. Aslan does not claim that her work makes possible the extension of life beyond this limit. She rather believes that it may be possible for people to “die young” but at an advanced age. The goal is to reach an extended age without the degenerative problems which too often detract from the quality of life.

IS GH3 SAFE?
     Romanian Gerovital H3 has been tested in nearly 300 scientific investigations and in several thousand laboratory studies. This scientific inquiry as well as its use by several million people show no harmful side effects.⁸⁰ Further, GH3 does not interact chemically with any medications. It therefore will not potentiate the properties of drugs taken with it. This safety record, however, cannot be assumed for the many undocumented imitations of the Romanian formulation.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO OVERDOSE ON GEROVITAL?
     Dr. Bernard Wagner of Columbia University conducted animal studies on this subject. He gave laboratory rats more than 60 times the normal equivalent human dosage of GH3 for more than four months . He determined that there is no buildup of procaine in the cells.⁸¹ In this sense, the procaine acts no differently than other other water soluble B-vitamins. Dr. Wagner and most other investigators agree that Gerovital H3 acts on sites in the body in a benign fashion. It does not damage tissues or alter the basic structure of the organism.
     In this regard, it is worth noting that suicidal patients sometimes overdose on their medication. This involves an anti-depressant in most cases. If used for depression, Gerovital can relieve the physician of this additional worry.

CAN YOUNG PEOPLE TAKE GEROVITAL?
     The basic ingredients of GH3 occur naturally in the body. On the basis of 32 years of research, we safely can assume that the Romanian formulation will not hurt the patient. At the same time it may lead to beneficial results.
     Young people who take the product under physician supervision usually do so for specific conditions not related to aging. This may include juvenile arthritis, depression, ulcers and allergies. Carl Pfeiffer of Princeton reported a decrease in hyperkinetic symptoms in children given DEAE.⁸²

DOES GEROVITAL CURE HEALTH PROBLEMS?
     The word cure is improper because we are discussing a nutrient. Any conditions which change will improve only as long as the individual in question continues using the product. Once this person stops, the body in most cases gradually reverts to its original condition. Dr. Aslan points out that the real value of Gerovital H3 is that it can be used nutritionally to reinforce specific medical treatments. It also may provide a measure of protection against health problems which otherwise could develop.⁸³

WHY DO SOME PATIENTS FEEL EUPHORIC ON GH3?
     Certain patients report euphoria for a few days or weeks. Gerovital H3 does not cause any effects in the body common to cocaine and other stimulant drugs.⁸⁴ A more likely explanation lies in a reduction of depressive symptoms. It is possible for someone to be affected by depression and not even know it. People tend to adjust to their current symptoms and hence may be unaware of the depression until something acts to lift it.
CAUTION: Several imitation “GH3” products have been reported to contain varying quantities of strychnine. In small doses, strychnine acts as a stimulant and produces a "high." These manufacturers probably add the strychnine in order to mimic the anti-depressive effects common to Dr. Aslan’s formulation.

IS GEROVITAL HABIT FORMING? Some users report strong attachments to its health benefits. However, they cannot become physically dependent on it. Pharmacological investigation by Goodman and Gilman concludes that procaine is incapable of causing addiction.⁸⁵

WHY ARE SULFONAMIDES AND NIACIN CONTRAINDICATED FOR GH3?
     Both sulfa drugs and straight niacin (not niacin as part of a multi-vitamin) can neutralize the effects of the procaine. However, GH3 does not interact with them in a harmful manner. PABA is antagonistic to sulfonamides and therefore will cause a mutual decrease in effectiveness. Niacin dilates the blood vessels to such an extent that the procaine is forced quickly out of the system.

WILL PATIENTS ALLERGIC TO NOVACAINE BE ALLERGIC TO GEROVITAL?
     Procaine is indeed similar to Novacaine. As explained earlier, procaine acts rapidly on the cells and numbs them. This rapid action may account for the allergic rate of one in 50 people common to procaine and Novacaine. The allergic reaction for the Romanian GH3 is one in 6,000, possibly due to its mild action and slow release.⁸⁶ The most severe reactions on record are mild skin rashes.
     Frequently, imitation “GH3” shows an allergic rate of one in 50. This points to improperly stabilized procaine which may antagonize the immune system. The regenerative effects of the nutrients decrease proportionately.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE PARENTERAL AND TABLET GH3?
     The tablets are called Gerovital H3 while the injections simply are referred to as H3. The injections act more rapidly in conditions related to central nervous system activity. On the whole, however, the tablets are preferred. They stimulate the intestinal flora to produce several vitamins, while the injections do not. Dr. Aslan herself supports this position.⁸⁷

WHAT ARE THE ACTIONS OF ZELL H3?
     Zell H3 contains one-half the concentration of procaine used in GH3 (i.e. 50 mg.) plus various vitamins, minerals and enzymes. These additional nutrients reportedly stimulate the digestive tract. Patients with digestive difficulties or poor nutrient absorption may progress better on the Zell tablets. It is acceptable to take a combination of GH3 and Zell H3.

HOW IS GH3 CREAM USED?
     The GH3 cream is designed for topical use only. It is believed to be absorbed directly into the cells. Dr. Aslan reports that its benefits include the reductions of wrinkles and attenuation of the skin, faster healing of minor burns and the correction of surface abnormalities. She also reports that it facilitates positive changes in the maintenance of dry skin and the reduction of acne.⁸⁸ There are no reliable verifications of these results from non-Romanian sources.

CAN GH3 PROMOTE DETOXIFICATION?
     Yes. The mild toxins which accumulate in the body from food and water may be purged on GH3. This detoxification resembles that experienced on a sudden change of nutritional intake, fasting or a vitamin program. Such a “healing crisis” usually features headache, mild nausea or flu-like symptoms. Somewhat less than 20% of new Gerovital users experience these reactions.

WHAT IS THE RECOMMENDED DAILY DOSAGE FOR GH3 OR ZELL H3 TABLETS?
     One tablet twice daily is ideal for most patients. One tablet three times daily may be preferable for some conditions. One tablet at bedtime can moderate excessive detoxification symptoms during the initial period of adjustment. Digestive enzymes may degrade the procaine bonds prematurely: Tablets should be taken one hour before meals or two hours after.

WHY IS A RESTING PERIOD RECOMMENDED EACH MONTH?
     A brief resting period, where no tablets are taken, is recommended for GH3. Taking any vitamins without a break may eventuate in decreased responsiveness on the part of the body. Stopping for a few days each month allows the cells time to recover their sensitivity.
     Some physicians find it preferable for certain patients to take the tablets continuously. In some cases, nutrient deficits improved by GH3 may be compensated more adequately in this way. Whether or not a break accompanies the monthly regime, the Romanian formulation of Gerovital is safe.