Androstanone
Anone โข The Social Dominance and Charm Pheromone โข 5a-androstan-3-one
Overview
Androstanone (5a-androstan-3-one), commonly called "Anone" in the community (not to be confused with androstenone), is the "Social Dominance and Charm Pheromone." While similar in chemical structure to androstenone, the two molecules produce vastly different pheromone effects. Androstanone has the same attraction and status properties as androstenone but delivers them through a much less threatening, smoother channel.
PheromoneXS notes that androstanone may be a chemical released naturally after sex, which could explain the distinctive "warmth" and "afterglow" quality it creates. The community values it for its ability to produce attraction without the aggressive, intimidating edge of androstenone.
Pharmacology
What It Is
Androstanone (5ฮฑ-androstan-3-one) is a C19 androstane steroid with a single ketone at C-3 and a fully saturated ring system. Molecular formula CโโHโโO, MW 274.44. It is structurally the simplest androstane ketone โ just the androstane skeleton with one carbonyl group.
Biosynthesis
Androstanone is a minor endogenous metabolite in human androgen metabolism. It can be formed by:
- Oxidation of androsterone (3ฮฑ-ol โ 3-one) via 3ฮฑ-HSD working in reverse
- Reduction of androstanedione (loss of the 17-ketone)
PheromoneXS notes it may be released after sexual activity, though this is not confirmed in published literature. Its presence in human body secretions is established but at lower levels than androsterone or androstenone.
Key Structural Difference from Androsterone
Androstanone has a 3-ketone where androsterone has a 3ฮฑ-hydroxyl. This is pharmacologically significant:
- Androsterone's 3ฮฑ-OH allows it to bind the GABAA neurosteroid site โ anxiolytic effects
- Androstanone's 3-ketone cannot bind this site โ it lacks the hydroxyl group required for GABAA modulation
- This may explain the different subjective profiles: androsterone produces calm authority, while androstanone produces warmth/charm without the neurosteroid sedation
Mechanism of Action (Pheromone)
As a fully saturated androstane (no double bonds), androstanone is:
- Less volatile than unsaturated molecules (androstenone, androstenol)
- Longer-lasting on skin
- Detected primarily via VNO (vomeronasal organ)
- Less consciously perceptible (works more subconsciously than androstenone)
While one study suggests androstenone and androstanone are "functionally similar," the community strongly disagrees based on practical testing. The community consensus is that androstanone operates through a smoother, less threatening channel โ the "backdoor" vs androstenone's "front door."
Community Effect Profile
Multi-dimensional effect ratings from community reports. The shaded area shows variance (standard deviation).
Effects
Effects on Others (Targets)
- "Backdoor" attraction: Creates attraction that is not "in your face" like androstenone. Women find you more interesting, as if you have something "special" about you. As community member XPX described it: "just like none but in a very mellow and smooth way -- even less edgy than none with ISO E."
- Closeness perception: People perceive the wearer as someone "closer" to them than they actually are in terms of relationship familiarity. This makes people act warm and sociable toward the wearer.
- Attention grabbing: A very strong attention grabber, especially in large crowds where you might normally go unnoticed. Alpha Dream products containing androstanone are known for this effect.
- Visual and sensory enhancement: Some users report heightened sense of smell and sharp "visual effects" (everything seems more vivid). Somewhat of a physical beautifier.
- Warmth and afterglow: Creates feelings in women similar to the "afterglow" after sex -- warmth, comfort, and positive association with the wearer.
- Afterglow / delayed reaction effect: XPX reported that reactions were subtle on the day of wearing, but the next day three women who had been quiet that evening asked friends for his phone number and texted him. This delayed attraction effect is distinct from most pheromones.
Self-Effects
- Increased confidence and masculine feeling
- Slight alpha tendency without aggression
- Enhanced social ease
- Possibly heightened visual clarity and sensory perception
Key Difference from Androstenone
While androstenone is "front door" -- aggressive, overt sexual signaling that can intimidate -- androstanone works through the "backdoor." No aggressive sexual reactions from women, no defensive responses, no fear-based respect. The attraction comes through smoothly and subtly, "turning the girls on without any defenses."
Dosage Guidelines
| Level | Amount |
|---|---|
| Light | 2.5-5 mcg |
| Moderate | 5-15 mcg |
| Strong | 15-25 mcg |
Notes from community testing:
- XPX found it most effective at 20 mcg, which is at the high end of the dosage range, in combination with a small amount of androstenone (2.5 mcg from Turn Up The Heat) for "a little edge."
- The common dosage in products is 2.5-5 mcg per spray.
- The molecule seems to benefit from a small amount of androstenone to "make it visible" -- pure androstanone alone may be too subtle.
- Long-lasting: 6-8 hours in oil or DPG base.
- Start low -- while less overdose-prone than androstenone, excessive doses can still cause negative reactions.
- Buffer with social molecules (androstenol, androstadienone) for best results.
Combinations
Recommended Stacks
- Androstanone + small dose Androstenone (2.5 mcg): XPX's tested combination. The androstenone adds visibility while androstanone provides the smooth attraction.
- Androstanone + Androstenol: Smooth dominance with social warmth.
- Androstanone + Androstadienone: Charm plus romantic connection.
- Androstanone in Alpha Dream products: Known for attention-grabbing formulas that leverage androstanone.
Notes
- Avoid combining with high androstenone (redundant and may push into aggression territory).
- Works well as a "stealth" alpha molecule in professional settings where androstenone would be too aggressive.
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 Androstanone? Share your dosage notes in the Community tab.
Share Experience โResearch Overview
Scientific studies and research related to Androstanone. Search PubMed for CAS 1224-95-9 for more studies.
Key Findings
Summary of important research findings related to Androstanone.
Research Summary Coming Soon
We're compiling peer-reviewed research on Androstanone. 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 โBehavioral Studies
Studies examining behavioral and psychological effects of exposure, including mood, attraction, and social behavior changes.
Browse studies โReceptor Biology
Research on receptor binding, including GABA-A modulation, steroid receptor interactions, and neural signaling.
Learn about receptors โKnow of relevant research?
Help us build the most comprehensive pheromone research database.
Share a Study โProducts Containing Androstanone
Commercial pheromone products that include Androstanone in their formula.
Buying Guide
Concentration Matters
Products vary widely in Androstanone concentration. Higher isn't always better โ check dosage guidelines on the Effects tab.
Formula Synergy
Androstanone 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 Androstanone 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.
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