guardianactual
MuscleChemistry Registered Member
3,4-Divanillyltetrahydrofuran is a lignan found in a Urtica dioica (stinging nettle) subspecies. This same compound may also be found in other lignan-containing plant sources such as Linum usitatissimum (flax seed). The compound has been found to occupy binding sites of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), thereby reducing the ability of SHBG to bind additional steroid hormones such as estrogens and androgens, mostly testosterone and estradiol. Certain extracts of stinging nettle are therefore used by some bodybuilders in an effort to increase free testosterone.[1]
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</br> 3,4-Divanillyltetrahydrofuran Increases Free Testosterone in vitro Testosterone in the human body exists in two forms, either free circulating or bound to transport proteins (inactive). The transport proteins to which sex hormones (such as testosterone, dihydrotestosterone*and estradiol) bind are albumin and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) [2]. 3,4-Divanillyltetrahydrofuran*binds itself*to the SHBG*with outstanding affinity (in vitro), thereby reducing the ability of SHBG to bind additional steroid hormones [3,4].
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</br> 3,4-Divanillyltetrahydrofuran Purity Issues Divanillyltetrahydrofuran*is used by some bodybuilders*in an effort to increase free testosterone [5]. Though*it was found*that*companies appear to have mislead consumers by marketing their divanil*as being 95% pure. ThermoLife*International*conducted extensive tests, botanical analysis, and chromograph fingerprints which resulted in a purity of less than 5% 3,4-Divanillyltetrahydrofuran. Every known supplier and various products on the market labeled with*95% purity of*3,4-D were tested. All resulted with less than 5%*3,4-Divanillyltetrahydrofuran purity.[6]
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</br> A Case Report with 3,4-Divanillyltetrahydrofuran 3,4-Divanillyltetrahydrofuran has promising effects in vitro but lacks clinical trials [3]. However, there is one case report where 19 year-old male*admitted*that he was*taking ActivaTe Xtreme™(product*containing Divanil)* after was found to have a high serum testosterone, and a raised luteinizing hormone. This biochemical pattern clearly shows that the boy didn’t fail to disclose steroid use due to raised luteinizing hormone which is suppressed with use of anabolic steroids (i.e. raised testosterone, suppressed luteinizing hormone and abnormal urine steroid profile) [5].
</br>
</br> Studies have shown that*3,4-Divanillyltetrahydrofuran*binds to SHBG*[3], however no studies have been conducted to show that more free testosterone will be available. It probably works, but its binding to SHBG will (to some extent) also*increase estrogen. So it would be wise to add estrogen blocker.
</br>
</br> Other uses of Stinging Nettle Extract Although the evidence are insufficient stinging nettle root is used widely to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Studies in people suggest that stinging nettle, in combination with other herbs (especially saw palmetto), may be effective at relieving symptoms of the enlarged prostate gland. It is not known why nettle root reduces these symptoms. Scientists speculate that this may be due to chemicals contained in the plant that affect hormones (including testosterone and estrogen), or because it acts directly on prostate cells. [7] It is also not know if this benefit is due to stinging nettle, saw palmetto, or both ingredients.
</br>
</br> 3,4-Divanillyltetrahydrofuran Increases Free Testosterone in vitro Testosterone in the human body exists in two forms, either free circulating or bound to transport proteins (inactive). The transport proteins to which sex hormones (such as testosterone, dihydrotestosterone*and estradiol) bind are albumin and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) [2]. 3,4-Divanillyltetrahydrofuran*binds itself*to the SHBG*with outstanding affinity (in vitro), thereby reducing the ability of SHBG to bind additional steroid hormones [3,4].
</br>
</br> 3,4-Divanillyltetrahydrofuran Purity Issues Divanillyltetrahydrofuran*is used by some bodybuilders*in an effort to increase free testosterone [5]. Though*it was found*that*companies appear to have mislead consumers by marketing their divanil*as being 95% pure. ThermoLife*International*conducted extensive tests, botanical analysis, and chromograph fingerprints which resulted in a purity of less than 5% 3,4-Divanillyltetrahydrofuran. Every known supplier and various products on the market labeled with*95% purity of*3,4-D were tested. All resulted with less than 5%*3,4-Divanillyltetrahydrofuran purity.[6]
</br>
</br> A Case Report with 3,4-Divanillyltetrahydrofuran 3,4-Divanillyltetrahydrofuran has promising effects in vitro but lacks clinical trials [3]. However, there is one case report where 19 year-old male*admitted*that he was*taking ActivaTe Xtreme™(product*containing Divanil)* after was found to have a high serum testosterone, and a raised luteinizing hormone. This biochemical pattern clearly shows that the boy didn’t fail to disclose steroid use due to raised luteinizing hormone which is suppressed with use of anabolic steroids (i.e. raised testosterone, suppressed luteinizing hormone and abnormal urine steroid profile) [5].
</br>
</br> Studies have shown that*3,4-Divanillyltetrahydrofuran*binds to SHBG*[3], however no studies have been conducted to show that more free testosterone will be available. It probably works, but its binding to SHBG will (to some extent) also*increase estrogen. So it would be wise to add estrogen blocker.
</br>
</br> Other uses of Stinging Nettle Extract Although the evidence are insufficient stinging nettle root is used widely to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Studies in people suggest that stinging nettle, in combination with other herbs (especially saw palmetto), may be effective at relieving symptoms of the enlarged prostate gland. It is not known why nettle root reduces these symptoms. Scientists speculate that this may be due to chemicals contained in the plant that affect hormones (including testosterone and estrogen), or because it acts directly on prostate cells. [7] It is also not know if this benefit is due to stinging nettle, saw palmetto, or both ingredients.
