The Positive Effects Of Chrysin For Bodybuilders

The Positive Effects Of Chrysin For Bodybuilders The chemical compound chrysin is naturally found in several plants, including two types of passion flowers, chamomile and the Indian trumpetflower. Smalls amounts are also present in the Pleurotus ostreatus, a type of mushroom as well as honeycomb. Extractions of this substance from these various sources are used to medically treat anxiety and inflammation. They are also added to fitness supplements, weightlifting supplements and bodybuilding supplements.

In vitro studies of this substance show it to be an anti-aromatase inhibitor, which is why individuals into bodybuilding are interested in it. In the body, aromatase converts androstenedione and testosterone to estradiol and estrone, two types of estrogen. The liver is responsible for producing aromatase while the conversion process takes place in the liver, fat tissue, and brain.

Inhibiting the function of aromatase lowers estrogen levels and maintains higher levels of testosterone. Production of this hormone in males starts to decline usually between the ages of 30 and 40. This is why older males who want to remain youthful are looking for ways to suppress the production of estrogen and raise testosterone levels.

A number of factors can cause declining testosterone levels. One is increased aromatase enzyme activity, which depletes testosterone while increasing the amount of estrogen in the body. The excess estrogen works on the brain to decrease testosterone production in a negative feedback loop that further unbalances the sex hormone ratio.

When estrogen is available in higher amounts it leads to increased amounts of sex hormone binding globulin, otherwise known as SHBG. Testosterone binds to the SHBG and decreases its availability even more. This causes an imbalance in sex hormones and the individual experiences a loss of energy, increased body fat, and decreased strength due to a loss of muscle mass.

Some bodybuilders will supplement with testosterone to restore the balance. This will increase muscle mass and tone while improving strength. If the imbalance is caused by excessive aromatization, inhibiting the aromatase action is a better way to achieve the desired effect.

Because chrysin is water insoluble, the intestine does not readily absorb it and it takes large doses to see its effects on testosterone levels. Some studies show that the effect is stronger when taken with piperine but the dosage must still be high. Many bodybuilders prefer to use chrysin cream instead. In this form, the chemical is effective in dosages of one-tenth of what it takes when ingested orally. The chrysin in creams bypasses the stomach and liver, minimizing degradation and making it more readily available.