Androstenediol (4-AD) is a natural occurring androgen metabolite, found in all animals (meat), and is both a direct precursor and metabolite to testosterone. It is a very obscure compound that is not widely discussed in the literature like other androgens are. In all mammals, 4AD is produced in the gonads and adrenal glands. The oral form of 4AD is metabolized in the liver to become testosterone via an enzymatic pathway.

here is a tremendous potential value of Androdiol as a bodybuilding supplement for two major reasons. First of all, it converts to testosterone via an entirely different enzyme (3-beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase) than androstenedione. Secondly, the conversion appears to be much more efficient than that of androstenedione, perhaps up to three times greater.*

Those taking Androdiol for a generally improved state of well-being or recuperation from exercise, can take 100-200 mg a day in divided doses. Doses for intensely-training athletes range from 200-400mg a day in divided doses. Because Androdiol and Androstene are converted along entirely different enzymatic pathways, those using both products together would achieve optimal results.

Androdiol is the trademark name for 4-androstene-3beta,17beta-diol. Patrick Arnold, through his company, LPJ Research, has developed the process to manufacture this chemical and has a patent pending on its use. It is being produced by LPJ Research and marketed by OSMO Therapy. This product is now available in 100 mg capsules with corn starch added, 60 capsules per bottle.

This new product, Androdiol, is also a direct precursor to testosterone just as androstenedione is. However it converts via a different enzyme, 3beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. According to Blaquier et al. in the East German journal Acta Endocrinoligica 55 (1967) p.697, this conversion is more efficient for androdiol than it is for androstenedione in human blood. Incubated in human blood, 5.61% of tritiated androstenedione converted to testosterone after a period of a few hours while 15.76% of tritiated Androdiol converted to testosterone. This implies that while Androstenedione is an effective testosterone booster, Androdiol is about three times as effective!

Since Androdiol is synthesized into testosterone, it's supplementation likely increases testosterone production and the anabolic properties associated with testosterone that are desired by bodybuilders such as increased energy, strength, muscle development and decreased recovery time from workouts.

Androdiol has been found to be present in blood plasma and has been identified as an androgen metabolite that is formed in placental, uterine, testicular, adrenal, and hypothalamal/pituitary tissues.

Since Androdiol converts to testosterone via a different enzyme than Androstenedione does, it is likely that these two compounds can be used together for a very good testosterone boosting stack. Since Tribulus Terrestris is believed to maintain or increase natural luteinizing hormone production, these three: Androdiol, Androstenedione, and Tribulus Terrestris; combine to make the ultimate bodybuilding supplement stack. Tribulus Terrestris is available in good quality from companies such as AST Research Trioxalon 500.

As is true with all androgens, the testosterone boosting effects of Androdiol and Androstenedione are subject to possible undesirable side effects. Some possible side effects associated with androgens are head hair loss (if you are predisposed to this condition), body hair growth, acne, gynecomastia (breast tissue growth) and increased aggression. You may not experience much or any of these side effects - especially if you stick to the recommended dosages or less - but it is possible and you should be aware of this before starting to use it. Side effects of long term use of androgens is unknown, but could possibly cause health problems. As always, consult your physician before taking any product that may alter hormone levels. Chrysin, aka Flavone X, may be useful in helping to prevent the aromatization to estrogen due to the increased levels of testosterone.

Limiting Factors of Androdiol and Androstenedione Conversion to Testosterone

Conversion of testosterone precursors to testosterone occurs in the liver and other areas of the body. The activity of the enzyme used to convert Androstenedione to testosterone, 17-beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17betaHSD), seems to be dependent on a lot of factors. It requires high ATP levels and therefore may require large amounts of carbohydrate intake or a supplement that maintains liver ATP levels like pyruvate (e.g. TwinLab Pyruvate Fuel) and phosphates (e.g. TwinLab PhosFuel) as well as niacin to work best. Niacin has been included in OSMO Androstene 100 for this reason - at the suggestion of Dan Duchaine.

The 17betaHSD enzyme also seems to be much more expressed in women than men, so the conversion to testosterone may be more effective for women than men.

Patrick Arnold says he sees none of these problems with 3beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3betaHSD) which is the enzyme responsible for converting Androdiol to testosterone.

Zinc is a critical mineral required for this enzymatic process, so a lack of zinc may inhibit the conversion to testosterone. Therefore, it is recommended that you get at least 30 mg. of zinc per day whether it is through whole foods or supplements.

Suggested Dosage

Patrick suggests multiple dosing for both Androstenedione and Androdiol because of the limiting factor of the conversion enzymes. High one-time dosages will probably overwhelm the capacity of the body's conversion enzymes and result in wasted precursor. Lower multiple dosages will probably ensure more complete conversion.

An effective dose is unknown, but we believe that 200 mg. of Androdiol per day in two 100 mg. doses may be a highly effective testosterone booster for a healthy adult male. Trying to time one Androdiol dose one-half hour prior to your workout is a good idea. Another possibility is to take 200 mg. of Androdiol and 100 mg. of Androstenedione per day alternating in small doses. For example, assuming you work out at 5:30 pm, you could take 100 mg. of Androdiol at 7 am and 5pm while taking 50 mg. of Androstenedione at 12 noon and 10 pm. This will do a good job in maximizing the availability of the enzymes required for this process by giving at least 10 hours to produce the necessary enzymes for the conversion while also providing a more constant elevation in testosterone levels for muscle growth.

60 capsules, 100mg 4-androstene-3beta,17beta-diol

This statement has not been evaluated by the (FDA). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.