Pregnenolone
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Evidence Summary
Pregnenolone is a neurosteroid precursor investigated for its impact on cognition, mood, and addiction. While some evidence suggests it may reduce anxiety and craving in cocaine use disorder, much of the research focuses on endogenous levels or small-scale proof-of-concept trials.
Evidence by Condition
Pregnenolone reduces stress-induced craving, anxiety, and autonomic arousal.
Small proof-of-concept trials have investigated its potential to target cognitive and negative symptoms.
A randomized clinical trial evaluated its effect on self-reported pain in veterans.
Research indicates that endogenous urine pregnenolone concentrations decrease following clinical response in patients.
Studies have explored its effects on cognition and mood in patients with dual diagnoses.
Effective Doses
Dose ranges were not reported in the provided studies.
Key Findings
- Pregnenolone reduces stress-induced craving, anxiety, and autonomic arousal in individuals with cocaine use disorder (PMID: 36358943)
- Pregnenolone has been studied as a target for cognitive and negative symptoms in schizophrenia (PMID: 19339966)
- Reduced urine pregnenolone concentrations are associated with clinical response in patients with depression (PMID: 37597381)
Limitations
The available research is limited by very small sample sizes (some as low as N=9) and a lack of large-scale longitudinal studies on supplementation efficacy.
Safety & Interactions
No specific interactions or contraindications were provided in the research summaries.
AI-generated summary from 9 peer-reviewed studies. Not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider.
Claims vs. Evidence
| Claim Type | % of Products | Evidence Required | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Other | 100% | Tier D (Unclassified) | ✅ Supported |
| Structure/Function | 58% | Tier C (DSHEA Structure/Function (no pre-approval)) | ⚠️ Unsupported |
| Nutrient | 4% | Tier D (Unknown) | ✅ Supported |
Research by Topic
Research Evidence (9)
**Naylor et al., 2020** | JAMA Netw Open | Rct Naylor Jennifer C, Kilts Jason D, ... Marx Christine E. Effect of Pregnenolone vs Placebo on Self-reported Chronic Low Back Pain Among US Military Veterans: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2...
**Milivojevic et al., 2022** | Biomolecules | Rct Milivojevic Verica, Charron Lily, ... Sinha Rajita. Pregnenolone Reduces Stress-Induced Craving, Anxiety, and Autonomic Arousal in Individuals with Cocaine Use Disorder. Biomolecules. 2022-Oct-29;12(1...
**Osuji et al., 2010** | Psychiatry Res | Rct Osuji I Julian, Vera-Bolaños Elizabeth, ... Brown E Sherwood. Pregnenolone for cognition and mood in dual diagnosis patients. Psychiatry Res. 2010-Jul-30;178(2):309-12. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2009.09.006 ...
**Pedraz-Petrozzi et al., 2023** | Psychoneuroendocrinology | Rct Pedraz-Petrozzi Bruno, Lamadé Eva Kathrin, ... Deuschle Michael. Reduced urine pregnenolone concentration after clinical response in patients with depression: An open-label short-term ...
**Marx et al., 2009** | Neuropsychopharmacology | Rct Marx Christine E, Keefe Richard S E, ... Shampine Lawrence J. Proof-of-concept trial with the neurosteroid pregnenolone targeting cognitive and negative symptoms in schizophrenia. Neuropsychopharm...
**Lin et al., 2023** | J Biol Chem | Other Lin Yiqi Christina, Cheung Garett, ... Papadopoulos Vassilios. Mitochondrial cytochrome P450 1B1 is involved in pregnenolone synthesis in human brain cells. J Biol Chem. 2023-Aug;299(8):105035. doi:10.1016/j...
**Kärkkäinen et al., 2016** | Alcohol | Other Kärkkäinen Olli, Häkkinen Merja R, ... Storvik Markus. Increased steroid hormone dehydroepiandrosterone and pregnenolone levels in post-mortem brain samples of alcoholics. Alcohol. 2016-May;52:63-70. doi:...
**Schumacher et al., 2008** | Neurochem Int | Narrative Review Schumacher Michael, Liere Philippe, ... Baulieu Etienne-Emile. Pregnenolone sulfate in the brain: a controversial neurosteroid. Neurochem Int. 2008;52(4-5):522-40 Pregnenolone sulfate (PR...
**Mayo et al., 2003** | Prog Neurobiol | Narrative Review Mayo Willy, George Olivier, ... Abrous Nora. Individual differences in cognitive aging: implication of pregnenolone sulfate. Prog Neurobiol. 2003-Sep;71(1):43-8 In humans and animals, individu...
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pregnenolone and what is it used for?
Pregnenolone is a neurosteroid precursor that is being studied for its potential impact on cognition, mood, and addiction. There is moderate evidence suggesting it may help reduce anxiety and cravings in individuals with cocaine use disorder.
Can Pregnenolone help with anxiety and addiction?
There is moderate evidence that Pregnenolone can reduce stress-induced cravings, anxiety, and autonomic arousal in people with cocaine use disorder. However, much of the current research is limited to small-scale, proof-of-concept trials.
Does Pregnenolone work for depression or schizophrenia?
There is currently insufficient evidence to determine if Pregnenolone is effective for depression or schizophrenia. While studies have explored its potential to target cognitive symptoms in schizophrenia, the findings are not yet conclusive.
Is Pregnenolone effective for chronic back pain?
There is insufficient evidence regarding the use of Pregnenolone for chronic low back pain. A randomized clinical trial has evaluated its effect on self-reported pain in veterans, but more research is needed.
What is the recommended dose of Pregnenolone?
The provided research studies do not report specific effective dose ranges for Pregnenolone. Because of this, there is no established standard dose for supplementation.
Are there any drug interactions or safety concerns with Pregnenolone?
There are no documented drug interactions or specific contraindications provided in the current research. However, since the full safety profile is not yet established, you should consult a healthcare professional before use.
Who should avoid taking Pregnenolone?
The current research does not specify any particular groups of people who should avoid Pregnenolone. However, because much of the evidence is still preliminary, individuals should speak with a doctor before starting this supplement.
Answers generated from research evidence. Not medical advice.