Pregnenolone

Pregnenolone levels decline with age and can often be 60% lower in a 75 year old than a 35 year old. Such a decline may cause failure in the production of other necessary hormones which is an obvious issue for the ageing population.

In the 1940s, Pregnenolone was widely used as an anti-inflammatory treatment, but use diminished when potent patented (and therefore more expensive due to marketing budgets etc.) drugs became available. Interest in Pregnenolone particularly in relation to its anti-aging potential, is now returning.

Importantly Pregnenolone is considered to be safe even in doses approaching 1000mg, a very rare trait in this category. Human and animal trials show that Pregnenolone has a wide variety of uses. These include: Increasing productivity and reducing the stress levels of those undertaking repetitive tasks;

• lessening arthritic inflammation;
• enhancing alertness and vigilance;
• producing a relaxing effect;
• lessening depression and improving well-being / mood.

Pregnenolone the most important and potent beneficial sterone involved in memory. In this regard, it is up to100 times more powerful than DHEA. Experiments have also shown that Pregnenolone levels are directly correlated with cognitive ability.

Pregnenolone is produced from cholesterol in the mitochondria throughout the body and forms the basis of all human steroid manufacture including that of DHEA, progesterone, testosterone, and estrogen. Through access to raw materials, Pregnenolone allows the body to manufacture the hormones it requires. Pregnenolone also appears to block the effects of cortisol, preventing stress and producing a calming effect.

NMDA receptors have an important role in the function and form of synapses and neurons, thus influencing learning and memory, but unfortunately decline with age. Pregnenolone is known to interact with the NMDA receptors in the brain and stimulate them, hence Pregnenolones beneficial effects. It is also known that Pregnenolone acts as a GABA antagonist.

DOSAGE

Pregnenolone has been given in doses of up to 500mg daily for the treatment of senile dementia such as Alzheimer's disease. For the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, doses are quoted in the range of 200mg to 300mg daily. Anti-aging requirements are more likely to be in the range of 25mg to 100mg daily (more usually 25 mg to 50mg daily).