Chrysin: Your New Sports Supplement

What will you learn in this guide?

1. What is Chrysin
2. Chrysin Foods
3. Chrysin Health Benefits
4. Chrysin side effects?
5. The Bioavailability Problem
6. ActiNovo Chrysin

1. What is Chrysin

Chrysin is a naturally occurring flavonoid found primarily in various species of passionflower. Brazilian natives used this antioxidant as a natural remedy for centuries. Nowadays, many individuals use this substance to maintain testosterone and increase muscle mass. This modern day use began in the Western world only a few decades ago.

2. Chrysin Foods

Besides passionflower, this substance is found in herbs like chamomile. The antioxidant is found in very small amounts in celery, carrots, certain types of mushrooms, and honey. Although, food is not a reliable source of chrysin due to low bioavailability.

3. Chrysin Health Benefits

Antioxidant/Anti-inflammatory Properties

As a natural flavonoid, chrysin uses include antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Various studies show that this antioxidant can scavenge free radicals, suppress oxidative stress, and strengthen the antioxidant system. Because of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, some studies have inidicated that chrysin could benefit heart health. Specifically, this subscance could help those with a buildup of plaque in arteries (also called atherosclerosis). This antioxidant could also help reduce vascular inflammation. Some studies have even shown that effects of chrysin can protect the brain [1,2]. However, due to its extremely poor bioavailability, these studies are very limited.

Chrysin and testosterone levels

This antioxidant is frequently used to support the maintenance of healthy testosterone levels in the body. This substance can support testosterone by inhibiting the enzyme aromatase. The enzyme aromatase is instrumental in converting the male sex hormone, testosterone, into the female sex hormones, estrogen. The theory is that chrysin may reduce the production of estrogen, which will then increase testosterone in the body.

A small amount of estrogen is necessary in the male body. Although, testosterone deficiency can occur for men when too much testosterone converts into estrogen. Testosterone deficiency can result in: a decrease in muscle mass, increase in fat, depression, and problems related to the prostate.

To remedy a decrease in testosterone, a new class of drugs called aromatase inhibitors were created. When aromatase activity is inhibited, conversion of testosterone to estrogen is stopped. Thus, testosterone levels can rise again. This medication is successful, but some doctors wonder if there is a natural way to maintain testosterone. In 1984, the first study occurred which demonstrated the potential positive influence that chrysin has on testosterone [3].

When comparing natural flavonoids to conventional aromatase medications, chrysin contained the strongest aromatase blocking effect [4]. This flavonoid was the only natural ingredient to have the same potency as another aromatase blocking prescription drug.

The downside: many of these studies are not human trials. Instead, rat studies are commonly used for these investigations. In one study, rats were administered a chrysin supplement at a dosage of 50mg/kg body weight for 60 days. The serum testosterone level in the supplement group increased by about 30%. Sperm concentration and motility also increased significantly [5]. In human terms, the dosage would be a full 4000 mg of chrysin in an 80 kg man. This dosage is highly above the advisable intake.

Chrysin in Bodybuilding

Recently, chrysin as a dietary supplement has become popular in the sports community. Specifically, bodybuilders and those who wish to increase muscle mass are frequently consuming these supplements. Since testosterone is one of the limiting factors of muscle growth, buying chrysin supplements is considered an insider tip among advanced bodybuilders. Along with training, protein intake, and adequate sleep, chrysin can help athletes maintain testosterone levels during training.

Maintenance of testosterone levels during aging

A common struggle for aging men is decreasing production of testosterone. As early as age 30, testosterone starts to slowly decrease in men. Chrysin can be a great natural alternative for men seeking to support healthy testosterone levels as they age.

Studies are sparse, but some physicians find Chrysin promising. This is because the antioxidant works without the usual side effects of typical medications. Artificial aromatase inhibitors can have unwanted side effects, such as a sharp decrease in estrogen. This plant extract seems to help restore natural hormone balance.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

In more than half of all men over the age of 50, the prostate begins to enlarge. When this is a non-cancerous enlargement, it is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Enlargement of the prostate leads to problems with urination. This is often accompanied by pain and, in the worst cases, can lead to kidney failure. The exact cause of BPH is not clearly understood, but there are different theories. Many doctors believe too much estrogen and too little testosterone is responsible for the growth of the prostate [6,7].

Some physicians with a holistic background first try to restore natural hormone balance with natural substances, such as chrysin. These substance do not have unwanted side effects of conventional drugs. To ensure the success of these natural remedies, an adapted diet and exercise are also recommended. Other health benefits may include support with erectile dysfunction and hair loss in men, but there is not enough data to confirm results.

4. Chrysin side effects?

This ingredient is generally safe for healthy adults to consume. Before taking chrysin supplements, ask your doctor for medical advice if you are taking any medications. This is especially important if you are consuming hormone containing medications. If you have a hormone sensitive cancer, such as breast cancer or prostate cancer, please first discuss taking nutritional supplements with your doctor [8].

5. The Bioavailability Problem

This antioxidant has very poor bioavailability due to chrysin's structure. A study estimates the oral bioavailability of chrysin to be between 0.003-0.02% [2]. Many nutritional companies add an extra ingredient called Piperine, which is found in black pepper, to supplements to increase bioavailability. This can be problematic because piperine can interact with various drugs.

6. ActiNovo Chrysin

Since this substance has low bioavailability, its usefulness as a supplement has been questionable for many years. This changes with ActiNovo liposomal technology!

ActiNovo Liposomal Chrysin does not need to add piperine to increase bioavailablility, because we already know that liposomes can increase absorption of plant extracts. Interested in more information? Check out our bioavailability studies here.

ActiNovo Chrysin provides a daily 100 mg dose of chrysin. This is the amount of chrysin naturally found in 50kg of honey! Try Pure for a natural taste, or Plus which is sweetened with natural xylitol and flavored with black currant.

Product Recommendation

€29.90*

Actinovo | Plus - With flavour | 250 ml | Vegan

Liposomal Chrysin | Black Currant

€28.90*

Actinovo | Pure - With natural taste | 250 ml | Vegan

Liposomal Chrysin

Details

Sources

1) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6865076/

2) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0197018615300486

3) Kellis, JT and Vickery, LE: Inhibition of Human Estrogen Synthetase (Aromatase) by Flavones. Science, 1984, 225: 1032-34.

4) Flavonoid inhibition of aromatase enzyme activity in human preadipocytes” (The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Volume 46, Issue 3, September 1993, Pages 381-388)

5) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21486424/

6) https://www.msdmanuals.com/de-de/heim/gesundheitsprobleme-von-m%C3%A4nnern/fortpflanzungssystem-des-mannes/brusterkrankungen-bei-m%C3%A4nnern

7) https://www.prostata-hilfe-deutschland.de/prostata-wissen/gutartige-prostatavergroesserung-bph

8) https://www.rxlist.com/chrysin/supplements.htm