Essay, Research Paper: Androstendione

Androstenedione is one of the leading supplements in body building nutrition. Many serious bodybuilders use androstenedione to further help increase their lean muscle size and strength. Androstenedione helps the body build lean mass through the extra supplementation of testosterone. This drug has helped many accomplish what they are looking for but at a price. Androstenedione is also one of the most controversial supplements on the market. It has many side effects and is even been said to cause cancer. Many people do not know the true chemistry behind this drug that makes it all work.
Androstenedione is produced in the body from either 17-a-hydroxyprogesterone or dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). It is also found in meat and in the pollen of the Scotch Pine Tree. Since this natural testosterone precursor occurs naturally in plants and in the human body, it falls within the classification of a dietary supplement under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA). Androstenedione s chemical name is 4-androstene 3, 17-dione. It is naturally produced in the adrenal glands, ovaries, and testes and can be converted directly by the liver into testosterone. This chart shows a little more information concerning the true chemistry behind this product.
Characteristics: White Crystalline powder
Melting point: 165.-174.C
Specific optical rotation: +193.
Loss on drying: 0.4%
Assay: 98.9%
As you can see, androstenedione is very similar to that of pure testosterone. This is how it can be so functional because it just increases a chemical that is already in the body. The pictures on the following page also display some additional information regarding the molecular structures of testosterone, androstenedione and other related chemicals.
Androstenedione is the most controversial sports supplement there is. This supplement may do a lot of good for most people but they do not truly understand what is going on behind the scenes when it comes to the real chemistry behind it. I believe that this is true for a lot of things. Everything around us has chemicals. In essence, chemistry is all around us and many more people need to know more of what they are putting into their bodies.