Chrysin
Useful mainly for no well-established clinical use in humans at this time.
Quick decision guide
May help most
No well-established clinical use in humans at this time
Common dosing range
500–1,500 mg/day (common supplement range, poorly absorbed)
When to expect effects
Unknown — no demonstrated clinical effect in humans
Watch out for
Oral bioavailability is under 1% — aromatase inhibition demonstrated in vitro does not translate to measurable hormone changes in humans
What is it
Chrysin (5,7-dihydroxyflavone) is a flavone found in passionflower, propolis, and honey. It is marketed as a natural aromatase inhibitor and testosterone booster, despite weak human evidence.
Is it worth it for you?
Use this as a quick fit check, not a diagnosis.
Worth considering if…
Probably skip if…
Evidence at a glance
| Goal | Effect | Best fit | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
antioxidant activity Mixed Evidence | Antioxidant effects in cell-based models; not established in human tissue at typical oral doses | Not established for any human population | Unknown in human context |
testosterone support via aromatase inhibition Mixed Evidence | No measurable testosterone or estrogen change in controlled human trials | No population for which benefit has been demonstrated | Not established |
antioxidant activity
- Effect
- Antioxidant effects in cell-based models; not established in human tissue at typical oral doses
- Best fit
- Not established for any human population
- Time
- Unknown in human context
testosterone support via aromatase inhibition
- Effect
- No measurable testosterone or estrogen change in controlled human trials
- Best fit
- No population for which benefit has been demonstrated
- Time
- Not established
Evidence for 2 uses
AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.
antioxidant activity
Mechanism onlyChrysin exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in cell culture and animal models. However, oral bioavailability is under 1% due to extensive first-pass glucuronidation, making it unlikely that meaningful concentrations reach target tissues after oral supplementation in humans.
Bottom line: Antioxidant effects are a cell-culture phenomenon with no meaningful human clinical evidence at achievable oral doses.
testosterone support via aromatase inhibition
Mechanism onlyChrysin inhibits aromatase in vitro at high concentrations. In controlled human trials, oral chrysin supplementation (500–1,000 mg/day) has not produced measurable changes in serum testosterone, estradiol, or luteinizing hormone. The low bioavailability of oral chrysin (<1%) is the primary reason in vitro findings do not translate to human hormone effects.
Bottom line: Does not raise testosterone or meaningfully inhibit aromatase in humans at supplement doses — the marketed mechanism does not work orally.
Evidence is mixed
In vitro aromatase inhibition is well documented, but all controlled human trials show no measurable hormonal effect at typical oral doses, consistent with the known near-zero bioavailability.
How it works
How to take it
What to track
2 commercial forms
Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.
Standard chrysin
Standard capsule form.
Very low oral bioavailability.
Chrysin + piperine
Marketing exceeds evidence.
Piperine claimed to improve absorption.
Safety
Know the common side effects, key cautions, and who should avoid it.
Common side effects
Who should avoid it
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women (insufficient data, hormonal claims)
- People with hormone-sensitive conditions without clinician guidance
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
Insufficient safety data; avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Interactions
May inhibit certain CYP enzymes and UGTs at high doses; practical impact at typical doses unclear
Food sources
| Food | Amount | %DV |
|---|---|---|
| Bee propolis | trace flavone content | — |
| Honey (1 tbsp) | trace chrysin | — |
Bee propolis
- Amount
- trace flavone content
- %DV
- —
Honey (1 tbsp)
- Amount
- trace chrysin
- %DV
- —
Choosing a product
What to look for on the label — and what to be skeptical of.
Look for…
Be skeptical of…
Frequently asked questions
Does chrysin boost testosterone?⌄
Human evidence does not support this claim; oral chrysin has very poor absorption.
Is chrysin safe?⌄
Short-term safety appears acceptable, but long-term and hormonal effects are not well studied.
References by claim
Track Chrysin with Pilora
Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.
Coming to App StoreDisclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.