4-Androstene-3,6,17-trione
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 |
|
|
4-Androstene-3,6,17-trione
|
|
| Systematic (IUPAC) name | |
| (10R,13S)-10,13-dimethyl- 1,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,15,16- decahydro-2H-cyclopenta[alpha]phenanthrene- 3,6,17(14H)-trione |
|
| Identifiers | |
| CAS number | ? |
| ATC code | ?? |
| PubChem | ? |
| DrugBank | ? |
| Chemical data | |
| Formula | C19H24O3 |
| Mol. weight | 300.39 |
| Pharmacokinetic data | |
| Bioavailability | ? |
| Metabolism | ? |
| Half life | ? |
| Excretion | ? |
| Therapeutic considerations | |
| Pregnancy cat. |
? |
| Legal status |
unregulated |
| Routes | oral |
4-Androstene-3,6,17-trione (also marketed as "6-OXO" or 4-etioallocholen-3,6,17-trione) is a drug or nutritional supplement that may increase the testosterone-estrogen ratio. Its use can be detected in urine.[1]
4-Androstene-3,6,17-trione (4-AT) is an irreversible aromatase inhibitor, permanently binding and inactivating aromatase in adipose and peripheral tissue.[2] Aromatase is responsible for the conversion of testosterone to estradiol. Blocking the production of estradiol causes the body to upregulate the production of both aromatase and the substrate testosterone, restoring normal levels of estradiol but increasing serum testosterone levels. Since testosterone has anabolic activity and estradiol does not, elevated testosterone levels may increase anabolic muscle-building effects, although there have been no studies to confirm this.
4-AT is also used by steroid or prohormone users to counteract estrogen level increases caused by aromatization during their steroid cycle. This helps minimize side effects such gynecomastia but can lead to acne. Also, after a steroid cycle, the compound may be used to shorten the recovery from the testicular suppression that can be the result of the use of steroids.
A recent United States patent application claims an 88% increase in plasma testosterone levels in men, while decreasing estrogen levels by 11%.[3] The subjects took 300mg orally twice a day for four weeks without taking any other drugs or supplements.
An often-cited study (but only referenced as being authored by "a prestigious clinical research organization") claims an average 188% increase in total testosterone levels and an average 226% increase in free testosterone levels in six male participants. The subjects took 600mg a day for a total of three weeks.[4]
It appears that the "prestigious clinical research organization" was Thomas Incledon's single man company "Human Performance Specialists, Inc." . Attempts to access the Inquiries page of the research section lead to a broken link.
There are no long term studies that evaluate the agent's safety in humans.
[edit] Usage
A typical dosage regimen is 200-600mg orally once a day in the evening, for a 4-6 week cycle.
[edit] References
- ^ J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci. 2005 Dec 15;828(1-2):21-6 -Regarding detection of 6-OXO in urine
- ^ Numazawa M, Tsuji M, Mutsumi A (1987). "Studies on aromatase inhibition with 4-androstene-3,6,17-trione: its 3 beta-reduction and time-dependent irreversible binding to aromatase with human placental microsomes.". J Steroid Biochem. 28(3) (Sep): 337-44.
- ^ Patent application:"Use of 4-androstene-3,6,17-trione to elevate testosterone levels and the testosterone/estrogen ratio in males"
- ^ Muscle & Fitness: The science of 6-OXO
