Androstadienone is a 16-androstene class endogenous steroid that has been described as having potent pheromone-like activities in humans.
Androstadienone is a volatile steroidal compound, chemically known as androsta-4,16-dien-3-one, that is primarily found in human axillary (underarm) secretions, especially in males.
It is a derivative of testosterone and has been extensively studied as a putative human chemosignal or pheromone.
Androstadienone is associated with modulating a range of psychological, physiological, and behavioral responses in humans, including effects on mood, attention to emotional information, social interactions, sexual behavior, and perception of dominance and attractiveness.
The compound is synthesized from androstadienol by 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, and can be converted into androstenone, a more potent and odorous pheromone by 5α-reductase, which can subsequently be converted into 3α-androstenol or 3β-androstenol, more potent and odorous pheromones by 3-ketosteroid reductase.
Androstadienone is related to the androgen sex hormones; however, androstadienone does not exhibit any androgenic or anabolic effects.
There are no established clinical uses or recommended dosages for androstadienone, as its primary significance is in research on human chemical communication and social behavior rather than in clinical practice.
Though it has been reported to significantly affect the mood of heterosexual women and homosexual men, it does not alter behavior overtly, although it may have more subtle effects on attention.
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 females.