Androstadienone, or androsta-4,16-dien-3-one, is a 16-androstene class endogenous steroid that has been described as having potent pheromone-like activities in humans.[1] The compound is synthesized from androstadienolby3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, and can be converted into androstenone (a more potent and odorous pheromone) by 5α-reductase, which can subsequently be converted into 3α-androstenolor3β-androstenol (also more potent and odorous pheromones) by 3-ketosteroid reductase.[2]
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| Formula | C19H26O |
| Molar mass | 270.416 g·mol−1 |
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Androstadienone is related to the androgen sex hormones; however, androstadienone does not exhibit any androgenicoranabolic effects. Though it has been reported to significantly affect the mood of heterosexual women and homosexual men, it does not alter behavior overtly,[3][4][5][6] although it may have more subtle effects on attention.[7]
Androstadienone is commonly sold in male fragrances; it is purported to increase sexual attraction. Androstadienone, in picogram quantities, has been shown to have "significant reduction of nervousness, tension and other negative feeling states" in female subjects.[8]
