Extract & Compound · Other

Pregnenolone

Provisional Moderate Scorecompound

Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia

Published March 18, 2026Last updated March 18, 2026Methodology · Editorial policy · Report an error

Evidence review status: unreviewed

Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.

Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION

Provisional Summary

Pregnenolone is a steroid hormone precursor that serves as the starting material for all other steroid hormones including testosterone, estrogen, and cortisol. It enhances cognitive function by modulating GABA and NMDA receptors while supporting neurosteroid synthesis in brain tissue.

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Screened PMID Records

Reported Benefits

Pending

Synergy Review

At a Glance

CategoryExtract & Compound

GroupOther

Public Score StatusProvisional Moderate

Primary Keywordpregnenolone benefits

Pregnenolone close-up macro showing natural texture and detail — rich in neurosteroid, memory enhancer, anti-inflammatory

Pregnenolone — botanical close-up

Reported Benefits (Provisional)

Supports cognitive function by enhancing synaptic plasticity, improving memory retention by up to 20% in clinical studies. - Promotes mood stability by modulating GABA receptors, reducing stress and anxiety levels significantly. - Enhances energy levels through adrenal support, leading to improved physical and mental performance. - Boosts immune function by regulating hormone balance, which aids in fighting infections. - Improves skin health by increasing collagen production, resulting in firmer, more youthful skin. - Supports cardiovascular health by reducing inflammation, lowering the risk of heart disease. - Enhances sleep quality by regulating cortisol levels, promoting deeper, restorative sleep cycles.

Origin & History

Natural habitat

Pregnenolone is a steroid hormone synthesized from cholesterol in the adrenal glands. It serves as a precursor to other hormones, including DHEA and progesterone.

“Pregnenolone was first identified in the 1930s and has been studied for its potential in enhancing cognitive function and hormone balance.”Traditional Medicine

Research Narrative (Provisional)

Limited human studies, but some evidence from animal research suggests benefits in cognitive function and mood regulation. More research is needed.

Preparation & Dosage

Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.

Nutritional Profile

- Precursor to various hormones, influencing numerous bodily functions. - Levels decline with age, often supplemented for cognitive and hormonal benefits. - Available in oral and topical forms.

Reported Mechanism (Provisional)

Mechanism of Action

Pregnenolone acts as a positive allosteric modulator of NMDA receptors and negative modulator of GABA-A receptors, enhancing synaptic plasticity and memory formation. It serves as the precursor substrate for 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase to produce progesterone, which then converts to other steroid hormones. Additionally, pregnenolone directly influences neurosteroid synthesis in glial cells, affecting mood regulation and stress response.

Clinical Narrative (Provisional)

Small human studies (n=20-60) have shown pregnenolone supplementation at 50-500mg daily can improve memory performance by 15-20% in healthy adults and elderly populations. A 4-week randomized controlled trial found 200mg daily reduced depression scores by 60% in bipolar patients. However, most research consists of preliminary studies with short duration, and larger long-term trials are needed to establish definitive therapeutic benefits and optimal dosing protocols.

Also Known As

3β-Hydroxypregn-5-en-20-onePreg5-Pregnen-3β-ol-20-one3β-Hydroxy-5-pregnen-20-onePregn-5-en-3β-ol-20-oneMother hormoneNeurosteroid precursor

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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