Is androstadienone a human male pheromone? More research is needed

Abstract

Androsta-4,16‑dien-3-one (androstadienone, AND), a steroid predominantly found in male secretions, has been associated with a variety of sex-specific effects on emotion, physiological states, cognition, and neural activity. An expanding body of literature has explored the influence of AND on human behavior and perception, leading to its frequent description as a “putative human sex pheromone.” This article reviews the existing research on the physiological, cognitive, and neuroimaging effects of AND, critically assessing the evidence regarding its classification as a human sex pheromone. Additionally, it underscores the need for methodological standardization and rigor in future studies to establish clearer conclusions. Based on current evidence, the categorization of AND as a “human sex pheromone” remains inconclusive, highlighting the necessity for continued investigation. Future research directions are suggested to further elucidate AND's potential effects and applications.