Androstenol

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Androstenol

Androstenol is a pheromone component possessing a musk-like odor. It is found in large quantities in boars but also in smaller quantities in human sweat glands. It is derived from androgens yet has minimal or no androgenic activity. Androstenol is also found in truffles and is offered as an explanation for how pigs locate them deep in the ground.

Human pheromone research is still in the pioneering stage, and the extravagant claims made for aphrodisiac pheromones by some marketers tends to make any broad discussion polarized. There is even doubt that the term 'pheromone' is appropriate for humans.

That said, there is anecdotal evidence on the use of Androstenol as a social 'molecular messenger'. The alpha- isomer is reputed to create an impetus to talk, laugh, and verbalize; the beta- isomer is similarly reputed to evoke a desire to confide in another, to tell secrets.