Chrysin is a naturally occurring isoflavone chemically extracted from the plant Passiflora coerulea. Honeycomb also contains small amounts. High quality Chrysin supplement is available from Bodybuilding.com.
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.
