This Post is also available in: German
The term “xenoandrogenes” hides a relatively recently discovered group of substances, specifically modified tocopherols, tocotrienols and nicotinamide.
There are also other substances which have androgenic effects and belong to the same category, but these are not used as exciters in sports.
Modified tocopherols began experimenting in Japan in 2008 and the research continued some scientific teams in Europe and the United States.
Tocotrienol is a complex and easily modifiable substance, therefore several hundred different variants were designed, some of which were selected for commercial manufacture.
The xenoandrogenes show both anabolic and androgenic effects, depending on the specific modification. Their effects are significant: a clinical study from the year 2010 (V. Bauer et al.) Showed that the modified tocopherols can be used in the treatment of patients with a deficiency of testosterone.
Already at the time when the anabolic effects of xenoandrogenes were demonstrated only in laboratory experiments, tendencies to their use as doping in the top sport emerged. For the modifications of tocopherol, the same rules apply as for tocopherol in its original form, so it is not a prohibited substance.
Even if it is a relatively broad group of substances, all xenoandrogenes (ie modified tocopherols / nicotinamide) have some common properties. The most important is probably the very important anticatabolic effect. Furthermore, a significantly higher level of growth factors in the blood was recorded in all people taking xenoandrogenes. Growth factors play a major role in the build-up of muscle mass and their elevated levels are considered the most important measure of effectiveness of various incentives, including physical exercises.
Finally, xenoandrogenes are willing to attach themselves to the androgen receptors (of which their name comes). It is, however, necessary to note that paradoxically this property of the modified tocopherols is very dependent on the particular modification and the androgenic effects of some modifications are only slight.
Another very good article about xenoandrogens is available on xenoandrogene.de (in german language)