Chrysin is a compound in the flavone family that is extracted mainly from passion flower plants.
Chrysin happens to be a very good inhibitor of aromatase, the enzyme in the body that converts testosterone into estradiol,
and androstenedione into estrone. When this enzyme is inhibited, testosterone (as well as androstenedione) will tend to accumulate
to higher concentrations. Indeed, numerous studies have shown that levels of testosterone rise when the action of the aromatase
enzyme is blocked. (For example, an average rise of 45% was recently reported in a study at Massachusetts General Hospital.)
It therefore comes as no surprise that chrysin is popular among athletes and other people eager to increase their testosterone
levels, often in conjunction with supplemental testosterone precursors. Doses of 500-1000 mg three times per day are typically
used.
Chrysin is also being investigated for prevention of DNA damage by mutagenic chemicals; decreasing high blood pressure and
vascular damage; increasing libido and sperm counts; protecting pancreatic cells from oxidative damage.
Chrysin has a very low bioavailability which can be improved by using it with piperine (such as Bioperine®) and zinc supplements. For example: 500 mg chrysin + 5 mg piperine + 10 mg zinc, three times per day.