Actovegin & Human Growth Hormone: Possible Link To Tiger Woods

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There are speculations arising today that golfer Tiger Woods might have been supplied illegal performance-enhancing drugs actovegin and human growth hormone (HGH) by a Canadian doctor.

Dr. Anthony Galea, a Canadian sports physician who treatead many high profile athletes including Tiger Woods is investigated by FBI for providing athletes with illegal performance-enhancing drugs. In September of this year, Galea was arrested while in possession of actovegin and human growth hormone. Some are making the connection, saying Woods might have been involved, but at this point, there is no proof that Woods consumed any steroids that Dr. Galea was implicated with distributing.

But, what are the performance-enhancing drugs that Dr. Galea was supplying athletes with?

Actovegin is free protein extract obtained from filtered calf blood and has an insulin-like effect of increased glucose utilization. It also increased uptake and utilization of oxygen. Enhanced absorption of glucose and oxygen intake are both essential factors in boosting cellular metabolism to improve physical performance and stamina. In addition, the drug improves regeneration process. The drug is normally prescribed for circulation and nutrition disturbances, skin grafting, burns, and wound-healing impairment. But, actovegin is often used illegally as a performance enhancer. Actovegin is somewhat toxic and can cause nettle-rash, fever and edema.

Human Growth Hormone (HGH) is a protein that stimulates growth and cell reproduction and regeneration in humans. Normally, the hormone is used to treat growth retardation. HGH improves and maintains muscle strength. The drug is also used to treat multiple sclerosis, effects of aging, obesity, fibromyalgia, and even heart failure and Crohn's disease. It is also used as an illegal performance enhancer, but has side effects, such as joint swelling, joint pain, and an increased risk for diabetes.