Androstenol, also known as 5α-androst-16-en-3α-ol (shortened to 3α,5α-androstenol or 3α-androstenol), is a 16-androstene class steroidal pheromone and neurosteroid in humans and other mammals, notably pigs.[1] It possesses a characteristic musk-like odor.[2]
Androstenol, or a derivative, is found in black truffles. This was offered as an explanation for how pigs locate them deep in the ground: Androstenol is produced in the saliva of male pigs. However, experiments in France using pigs to scent truffles, truffle scent extract, and purified androstenol showed that pigs responded to the first two (actually trying to eat dirt containing the truffle extract), but ignored the androstenol.[3]
A stereoisomer of androstenol, 3β-androstenol (5α-androst-16-en-3β-ol), is also endogenous to humans (as well as to pigs), behaving as a pheromone and contributing to axillary odor.[4]
^Kaminski RM, Marini H, Ortinski PI, Vicini S, Rogawski MA (May 2006). "The pheromone androstenol (5 alpha-androst-16-en-3 alpha-ol) is a neurosteroid positive modulator of GABAA receptors". The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. 317 (2): 694–703. doi:10.1124/jpet.105.098319. PMID 16415088. S2CID 95393004.
^Semwal A, Kumar R, Teotia UV, Singh R (2013). "Pheromones and their role as aphrodisiacs: A review". Journal of Acute Disease. 2 (4): 253–261. doi:10.1016/S2221-6189(13)60140-7.
^Kunzig R (November 2000). "The Biology of Truffles". Discover Magazine.
Androstenol, also known as 5α-androst-16-en-3α-ol (shortened to 3α,5α-androstenol or 3α-androstenol), is a 16-androstene class steroidal pheromone and...
receptor cells at nanomolar concentrations (EC50 = 200 nM). The pheromone androstenol has been found to act as a potent positive allosteric modulator of the...
three feet underground. It was thought that the natural sex hormone androstenol of the male pig, which is also found in truffles, was responsible for...
by 5α-reductase, which can subsequently be converted into 3α-androstenol or 3β-androstenol (also more potent and odorous pheromones) by 3-ketosteroid reductase...
human pheromones: androstadienol, androstadienone, androstenol, androstenone, and androsterone. Androstenol is the putative female pheromone. In a 1978 study...
mass: 274.44 g/mol, exact mass: 274.2297 u) may refer to: 3α-Androstenol 3β-Androstenol, also known as 5α-androst-16-en-3β-ol This set index page lists...
(5β-androstan-3β-ol-17-one) Androstenol 3α,5α-Androstenol (5α-androst-16-en-3α-ol) – an endogenous pheromone, neurosteroid, and CAR antagonist 3β,5α-Androstenol (5α-androst-16-en-3β-ol)...
sebaceous glands. It is described as having a musky odor similar to that of androstenol. Androsterone has been found to affect human behavior when smelled. Androsterone...
androstadienone by 5α-reductase, and can be converted into 3α-androstenol or 3β-androstenol by 3-ketosteroid reductase. Depending upon the subject, androstenone...
musk perfume, are a popular confection in Australia.[citation needed] Androstenol Civetone "Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary: musk". Merriam-Webster...