1. What is it and where does it come from?
Chrysin is a naturally occurring isoflavone chemically extracted
from the plant Passiflora coerulea.
2. What does it do and what
scientific studies give evidence to support this?
Scientific studies show that flavones (primarily Chrysin)
may exert a wide variety of powerful effects. Specifically,
studies done in Europe show that after supplementing with
chrysin blood serum levels of testosterone went up a whopping
30%! How does this work? There are two major hormones in both
guys and gals: testosterone and estrogen. Testosterone is
dominant in guys and estrogen is dominant in gals--duh! But
interestingly, estrogen seems to be a signal to the pituitary
gland in the brain. Based on estrogen levels, the pituitary
turns on or off testosterone production. The higher the estrogen
levels, the lower the amounts of testosterone will be produced.
This is where chrysin comes in! Chrysin basically reduces
estrogen levels by cutting down on its conversion from testosterone.
3. Who needs it and what are
some symptoms of deficiency?
Today's bodybuilders and competitive athletes are always looking
for ways to boost their natural testosterone levels. Of coarse
there's DHEA, Tribulus terrastis, and androstenedione (to
name a few), which supply raw materials for the production
of testosterone. Now there's another way! Our bodies naturally
convert some amounts of testosterone into estrogen (aromatization),
a process which accelerates as testosterone levels go up.
Chrysin works by minimizing this conversion! Chrysin is the
"anti-aromatization" if you will. This is great
news for those who want to enhance their muscle building ability!
Furthermore, according to the July '98 Ironman magazine, "bodybuilders
using testosterone boosters today worry a lot less about gynecomastia
and hair loss if they're stacking chrysin." Because chrysin
is not an essential nutrient, it is not associated with deficiency.
4. How much should be taken?
Are there any side effects?
European Olympic athletes report 1-3 grams of chrysin per
day is a safe and effective dose. Follow the directions and
dosages on the bottles below. For best results, it is recommended
to take one half one hour before working out and the other
half at bedtime. With proper supplementation, there have been
no reported side effects.
Chrysin (5,7-Dihydroxyflavone) is a potent bioflavonoid found
in the plant Passiflora coerula, a member of the passion flower
family. Chrysin is the most powerful of several flavonoids
that have been tested and found to exhibit anti-estrogenic
activity by inhibiting the aromatization process. The effect
of a reduction in estrogen production is a reduction in the
signal being sent to the pituitary to attenuate the secretion
of luteinizing hormone. When LH secretion is maintained or
increased, testosterone production is maintained or increased
as a consequence. Chrysin can impact lean body mass by enhancing
metabolism of testosterone and androstenedione. This product
has been shown to have a significant effect in modulating
the response to stress. It binds to receptors in the brain
known as the benzodiazepine specific receptor sites. As a
result, Chrysin can aid athletes in dealing with the stress
of training.
Chrysin is a compound in the
flavone family that is extracted mainly from passion flower
plants.
Chrysin happens to be a very good inhibitor of aromatase,
the enzyme in the body that converts testosterone into estradiol,
and androstenedione into estrone. When this enzyme is inhibited,
testosterone (as well as androstenedione) will tend to accumulate
to higher concentrations. Indeed, numerous studies have shown
that levels of testosterone rise when the action of the aromatase
enzyme is blocked. (For example, an average rise of 45% was
recently reported in a study at Massachusetts General Hospital.)
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