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Kdh2.5

7-Keto-DHEA Research

Mostly mechanism / observational

5 peer-reviewed studies

What the evidence says

Mostly mechanism / observational

Most 7-Keto-DHEA studies are mechanism or observational rather than RCTs that measure a clinical effect — keep findings provisional.

Most evidence is from medium-quality randomised trials published 2000–2023 with a typical study size of 215 participants.

Based on 5 studies · 2 RCTs · 255 total participants

Confidence

Low confidence

By outcome

Weight managementA small short-term rise in resting metabolic rate in one industry trial; no convincing body-fat or weight outcomes · Unknown
Too few graded studies2 studies

Steady research

1 study in the last 5 years

200020112023

1Systematic Review2023

Jeyaprakash N, Maeder S, Janka H, Stute P · Arch Gynecol Obstet (2023)

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2RCT2000

Davidson M, Marwah A, Sawchuk RJ, Maki K, Marwah P, Weeks C · Clin Invest Med (2000)

3Observationaln=215 · medium study2007

In plain English: This steroid is an intermediate in the biosynthesis of immunomodulatory 7-hydroxylated DHEA metabolites, and has been shown to possess thermogenic properties.

Kazihnitková H, Zamrazilová L, Hill M, Lapcík O, Pouzar V, Hampl R. · Steroids (2007)

Developed and validated a radioimmunoassay to measure endogenous 7-oxo-DHEA in human serum
Established physiological serum levels in 215 subjects with no overt endocrine disorders
A biochemical/assay paper, not an efficacy trial — characterizes the compound's natural occurrence

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4In Vitro2007

In plain English: Inhibition of cortisone reduction by 7-oxo-DHEA was of a mixed type with a Ki at 1.13 microM.

Hennebert O, Chalbot S, Alran S, Morfin R. · J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol (2007)

In-vitro study using human skin/tissue homogenates
7-oxo-DHEA interferes with 11beta-HSD1-mediated interconversion of cortisol and cortisone
Purely mechanistic cell/tissue work — no clinical or weight-loss outcomes

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5Crossovern=40 · small study2007

In plain English: RMR increased significantly by 1.4% (21+/-115 kcal/day) and 3.4% (59+/-118 kcal/day) during the 7-Keto and HUM5007 treatment periods, respectively (each compared to placebo, P=.001).

Zenk JL, Frestedt JL, Kuskowski MA. · J Nutr Biochem (2007)

Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover; 45 enrolled, 40 completed; only 7 days per treatment arm
7-Keto modestly raised resting metabolic rate (~1.4%) versus placebo during calorie restriction
Conducted by an industry-affiliated research center (Minnesota Applied Research Center) — industry-linked

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View in Research Library

7-Keto-DHEA Research

Mostly mechanism / observational

A systematic review of the impact of 7-keto-DHEA on body weight.

Safety and pharmacokinetic study with escalating doses of 3-acetyl-7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone in healthy male volunteers.

A novel radioimmunoassay of 7-oxo-DHEA and its physiological levels.

Dehydroepiandrosterone 7alpha-hydroxylation in human tissues: possible interference with type 1 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-mediated processes.

HUM5007, a novel combination of thermogenic compounds, and 3-acetyl-7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone: each increases the resting metabolic rate of overweight adults.