Androstenol – a Steroid Derived Odor Activates the Hypothalamus in Women. Ivanka Savic, Hans Berglund
Smelling Androstenol caused activation of a portion of the hypothalamus, which according to animal data mediates the pheromone triggered mating behavior. Smelling of OO, on the other hand, engaged only the classical olfactory regions (the piriform cortex, lateral amygdala, anterior insular and anterior cingulate cortex).
Conclusions
The observed pattern of activation is very similar to the pattern previously detected with 4,16-androstadien- 3-one in heterosexual females. It suggests that several compounds released by human body may activate cerebral networks involved in human reproduction.
Source: PLoS One [Open Access]
PLoS ONE: Androstenol ? a Steroid Derived Odor Activates the Hypothalamus in Women
James V. Kohl