Androstadienol
Adnol • Dienol • The Comedy Pheromone
Overview
"Androstadienol" is an umbrella term in the pheromone community that covers multiple positional isomers — molecules with the same formula but double bonds at different positions. This distinction matters because the isomers may have different effects and different receptor interactions.
Pharmacology
What It Is
Androstadienol is a C19 androstadiene alcohol — two double bonds and a 3β-hydroxyl group. Molecular formula C₁₉H₂₈O, MW 272.43. It is the reduced form of androstadienone (hydroxyl at C-3 instead of ketone), analogous to how androstenol is the reduced form of androstenone. The two double bonds provide high volatility.
Isomer Chemistry
The "positional isomer" distinction refers to where the double bonds sit:
- 4,16-androstadien-3β-ol (fasedienol, CAS 23062-06-8) — double bonds at C-4 and C-16. Referenced in Erox/Pherin patents. Currently in Phase 3 clinical trials (VistaGen/Biogaia) for social anxiety disorder at intranasal doses of just 0.5-3.2 mcg — pharmacological validation of pheromone-like activity.
- 5,16-androstadien-3β-ol (CAS 1224-94-8) — double bonds at C-5 and C-16. The form available from chemical suppliers (Steraloids catalog A0565).
Detection
Detected via VNO. Alpha Dream confirmed that the 4,16 isomer produces electrovomeronasogram responses similar to androstadienone. The 16-ene double bond (shared by both isomers) is the key structural feature for VNO receptor binding — the same position responsible for pheromone activity in androstenone and androstenol.
The Two Main Isomers
| Isomer | IUPAC | CAS | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4,16-androstadien-3β-ol | androsta-4,16-dien-3β-ol | 23062-06-8 | Alpha Dream called this the "proper" androstadienol. Referenced in Erox patents. Same compound as fasedienol (PH94B), currently in Phase 3 clinical trials for social anxiety. |
| 5,16-androstadien-3β-ol | androsta-5,16-dien-3β-ol | 1224-94-8 | The isomer available from Steraloids (catalog A0565). PubChem CID 150900. The form most community members actually obtained when ordering "androstadienol." |
Alpha Dream (Chris) clarified in the PheroTruth thread that the 4,16 isomer is the one referenced in pheromone patents and showing electrovomeronasogram responses similar to androstadienone. However, most community members who ordered "androstadienol" from chemical suppliers received the 5,16 isomer, which is the commonly available form.
Sourcing and Cost
Androstadienol was notoriously difficult and expensive to obtain:
- Synthesis cost: ~$4,000 per batch (2011, per Alpha Dream)
- Historical pricing: ~$300 for 15mg dropper bottle from AD (early 2000s)
- Sources: Steraloids (catalog A0565, $95/10mg), China suppliers
- Alpha Dream was planning synthesis with 6-8 month timelines (2011)
- idontknow reported beta-androstadienol in Love Potion formulas (Heart Throb, Super Sexy for Men, Intellectual Man) but not sold individually
- Multiple PheroTruth members (kmacc45, dexter, Fly So Hi) actively sought the compound but struggled to find sources
Community Effect Profile
Multi-dimensional effect ratings from community reports. The shaded area shows variance (standard deviation).
Effects
The only detailed user experience report comes from surfs_up (tacitus), posted in 2004 on the love-scent forum and referenced extensively in the 21+ page PheroTruth thread opened by dbot:
"Androstadienol is FUN dude, it is psychologically the lightest, most childlike, outright playful"
"think maybe comedic improv, Mad TV, John Stewart, innocent silliness"
"giddy fun crazy uninhibited sex, felt like I did when I was 18 or so"
surfs_up tested it mixed with a "STRONG ASS androstenone base" and described the combination as "Absolutely kewl brew." The androstadienol provided the playful/comedy layer while the androstenone provided the sexual edge.
Key characteristics from surfs_up's report:
- Comedy and silliness — not deep emotional bonding
- Childlike, playful energy
- Uninhibited fun and giddiness
- Excellent mood lightener
- Sexual in a giddy, youthful way (not aggressive)
JohnnyHard's testing (5,16 isomer, 150 mcg / 6 drops):
- Described as "magic" at high doses
- Outlasts TAA at 45+ minutes
- Best applied directly on skin (dabbed, not sprayed) per Pagodeiro
- Note: Earlier testing of the 5,16 isomer reported anger/aggression effects at some doses
dbot's assessment:
- "Very good stuff. And it's at least the right stuff to make my Natural mix"
Dosage Guidelines
| Level | Amount |
|---|---|
| Light | 10-40 mcg |
| Moderate | 40-80 mcg |
| Strong | 80-150 mcg |
Notes:
- JohnnyHard found best effects at 150 mcg (6 drops of 25 mcg solution)
- Works better dabbed directly on skin than sprayed (per Pagodeiro)
- Very limited dosage data — most community discussion focused on sourcing, not testing
Duration:
- Outlasts TAA at 45+ minutes (JohnnyHard)
- Best in oil or DPG base
- May fade faster in alcohol carriers
Application Tips
Best Application Points
- Neck / behind ears
- Wrists
- Chest (under clothing)
- Forearms
Timing
- Apply 15-30 min before social interaction
- Reapply every 4-6 hours if needed
- Morning application works for all-day wear
Avoid
- Applying immediately before close contact
- Using strong cover scents that mask effect
- Applying to clothing (oils can stain)
Have experience with Androstadienol? Share your dosage notes in the Community tab.
Share Experience →Research Overview
Scientific studies and research related to Androstadienol. Search PubMed for CAS varies by isomer for more studies.
Key Findings
Summary of important research findings related to Androstadienol.
Research Summary Coming Soon
We're compiling peer-reviewed research on Androstadienol. In the meantime, use the search links above to find published studies.
Want to contribute? If you know of relevant studies, share them in the Community tab.
Research Context
Detection Studies
Research on how humans detect this compound, including olfactory receptor studies and perception genetics (e.g., OR7D4 variants).
Learn about detection →Behavioral Studies
Studies examining behavioral and psychological effects of exposure, including mood, attraction, and social behavior changes.
Browse studies →Receptor Biology
Research on receptor binding, including GABA-A modulation, steroid receptor interactions, and neural signaling.
Learn about receptors →Know of relevant research?
Help us build the most comprehensive pheromone research database.
Share a Study →Products Containing Androstadienol
Commercial pheromone products that include Androstadienol in their formula.
No Products Listed Yet
We're still cataloging products containing Androstadienol. Check back soon or browse all vendors to find products manually.
Browse All Vendors →Buying Guide
Concentration Matters
Products vary widely in Androstadienol concentration. Higher isn't always better — check dosage guidelines on the Effects tab.
Formula Synergy
Androstadienol is often combined with other molecules. The overall formula balance affects the final effect more than any single ingredient.
Vendor Reputation
Stick to established vendors with verifiable lab testing. Check vendor pages for community reputation and reviews.
DIY Option
For experienced users, raw Androstadienol is available from some vendors.
Raw Materials
Raw pheromone molecules can be purchased and diluted in carrier oils (DPG, alcohol, etc.) for custom formulations.
Note: DIY requires precise measurement equipment and knowledge of safe concentrations. Start with pre-made products.
Know of a product containing Androstadienol?
Help us build the most complete product database.
Suggest a Product →No community experiences yet for Androstadienol.
Click anywhere on the wall to leave the first mark.