What is Chrysin?

Many plants contain powerful chemicals that can affect humans. Most plants have what are called Flavones, which are responsible for pigmentation. The word “Falvone” comes from the Latin “Flavus” meaning yellow. Flavones are responsible for the yellow coloration on flower petals as well as red and blue colors. The coloration is important to flowering plants because it attracts insects to pollinate the plant.

Flower coloration seems pretty simple but these flavones have been found to have powerful chemical properties. In recent years the interest in flavones has increased as they have been found to have some effect on osteoporosis, diabetes and even some cancers. That has led to an increase in the number of supplements making use of plant extracts containing flavones. Chrysin is a naturally occurring flavone extracted from the blue passion flower. Initial findings that indicated the plant may increase libido have also made Chrysin a popular ingredient for supplement manufacturers.

Body Builders

Even if you have never seen a blue passion flower, you may have come across the name in the ingredient list of a popular supplement. For some time now, blue passion flower extract has been a popular ingredient in dietary supplements because the Chrysin in the flower is believed to increase testosterone levels. Increased testosterone is especially useful for individuals trying to put on muscle but can also be helpful as a weight loss aid. If people are able to increase their testosterone levels, the body will be able to burn more calories and produce more muscle mass. Since anabolic steroids are the only other way to significantly bump testosterone levels, Chrysin is a desirable alternative for boosting testosterone and thereby packing on extra muscle.

The biological basis for Chrysin being a testosterone booster comes from theories first presented in the 1980’s that it was an aromatase inhibitor. Aromatase is an enzyme that induces the body to synthesize estrogen. Aromatase inhibitors stop the production of the enzyme and lower the amount of estrogen in the body. This has a benefit for body builders who want a higher percentage of testosterone but can also help cancer patients since some cancers need estrogen to grow.

Risks

Some studies conducted on Chrysin evaluating its effectiveness as an aromatase inhibitor found that potential side effects like inhibiting thyroid function were possible. Irregular thyroid activity may cause weight gain which would be counterproductive to the muscle building properties you bought the supplement for in the first place.

Final Thought

Speculation that Chrysin inhibited aromatase and boosted testosterone, first brought to light in the ‘80’s, led to some overstated claims being perpetrated as scientific fact for nearly 30 years. Subsequent studies into Chrysin have not found the exciting testosterone boosting qualities first reported. Studies have been confirming that Chrysin is helpful as an anti-inflammatory as well as an effective treatment for chronic anxiety. As more studies are conducted, the claims surrounding Chrysin’s ability to build muscle may be proven false but the calming and libido enhancing qualities seem to be filling the gap.