How Does Chrysin Work?
- Chrysin is a naturally occurring chemical which can be extracted from the blue passion flower, and also in lesser amounts from honeycombs. Often advertised as a bodybuilder's supplement, Chrysin was originally thought to act as an aromatase inhibitor. Aromatase inhibitors decrease the level of estrogen in the body by inhibiting the production of the enzyme aromatase, which is important in the biosynthesis of estrogens, and therefore increasing testosterone levels. However, recent studies suggest that chrysin does not actually inhibit aromatase, or at least, does not increase testosterone levels. Chrysin has also been claimed to increase libido and as a remedy for anxiety, but there are not sufficient data available to evaluate these claims.
- Aromatase converts testosterone to estradiol and is produced naturally by the body. The idea behind chrysin is to lower the production of aromatase. Aromatase naturally breaks down testosterone into estradiol through oxidation and elimination of a methyl group and is important in the production of estrogen. In the 1980s, many studies were conducted in laboratories that suggested chrysin might be used as a herbal supplement for bodybuilders. However, later studies studying actual bodily effects determined that cell membranes block chrysin from entering the cells, therefore blocking any biological effect on estrogen and testosterone levels. This means that chrysin is essentially ineffective for the uses for which it is sold.
- Studies involving biological organisms suggest that chrysin has no effect on estrogen or testosterone levels but may have other negative effects on the body. Abnormal thyroid function is one negative effect typically associated with chrysin use. Mice treated with chrysin experienced weight control problems due to chrysin's ability to disrupt normal thyroid function.