Pregnenolone is a steroid precursor produced in the human adrenal gland and in the human brain. Pregnenolone is an intermediate in the biosynthesis of progesterone and corticosteroids. The mechanism of action of pregnenolone is that it is produced by the body from cholesterol and it is the precursor for all the steroid hormones, including progesterone, aldosterone, cortisol, DHEA, testosterone, and estrogens. Pregnenolone is produced in the desired amounts only if a person's body has adequate amounts of cholesterol, vitamin A, thyroid hormone, and enzymes. If these levels are insufficient, a low supply of pregnenolone will result. Pregnenolone levels are similar in both males and females. Studies have shown that at birth the values are very high. In a healthy person, the conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone occurs inside the mitochondria. Once produced, pregnenolone leaves the mitochondria and does not inhibit its own synthesis. Pregnenolone is the first hormone made from cholesterol and is the precursor of all the rest of the hormones in the hormone tree. Wherever there is a deficiency in the hormone tree, pregnenolone can be converted into that hormone to correct the imbalance.
Pregnenolone (PREG) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) are immune potentiating steroids produced in both the adrenal glands and the central nervous systems of mammals. These steroids are known to support healthy immune function. Pregnenolone may have the ability to repair enzyme activity. Pregnenolone has anti-inflammatory effects. When it was administered immediately after a spinal cord injury, it reduced histopathological changes, spared tissue, and aided the restoration of motor function. Pregnenolone therapy is recommended for all diabetics past the age of 40 and is sometimes appropriate for younger patients. Pregnenolone was shown to rejuvenate the beta cells of the pancreas in diabetic animals and could be very helpful in humans as well. Pregnenolone acetate is the preferred form of pregnenolone primarily due to its desirable solubility characteristics and commercial availability. Pregnenolone has none of the side effects associated with cortisone.
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