Pheromones: A New Ergogenic Aid in Sport?

in International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance

Click name to view affiliation

Marios Papaloucas
Search for other papers by Marios Papaloucas in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Kyriaki Kyriazi
Search for other papers by Kyriaki Kyriazi in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Vassilis Kouloulias
Search for other papers by Vassilis Kouloulias in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
Restricted access

Nowadays, antidoping laboratories are improving detection methods to confirm the use of forbidden substances. These tests are based both on direct identification of new substances or their metabolites and on indirect evaluation of changes in gene, protein, or metabolite patterns (genomics, proteomics, or metabolomics). The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) officially monitors anabolic steroids, hormones, growth factors, β-agonists, hormone and metabolic modulators, masking agents, street drugs, manipulation of blood and blood components, chemical and physical manipulation, gene doping, stimulants, narcotics, glucocorticosteroids, and β-blockers. However, several other substances are under review by WAdA. Pheromones accomplish the structure and function of life from its first step, while they have an impact on the body’s performance. Both testosterone and pheromones have an ergogenic effect that could potentially affect an athlete’s performance. The authors share their questions concerning the potential impact of pheromones in sports.

Papaloucas and Kyriazi are with the University of Peloponnese, Tripoli, Greece. Kouloulias is with the Electrical Computer Engineering Dept, National Technical University of Athens, Athens, Greece.

Address author correspondence to Vassilis Kouloulias at vkouloul@ece.ntua.gr.
  • Collapse
  • Expand