7-Keto-DHEA (7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone-acetate)
Synopsis of 7-Keto-DHEA
7-keto, also known as 7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone-acetate, is a non-hormonal metabolite of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a steroid hormone naturally produced by the adrenal glands. While DHEA itself can be converted into sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone, 7-keto does not undergo this conversion, making it a unique compound with metabolic and thermogenic benefits but without the hormonal effects commonly associated with DHEA.
7-keto is known for its role in increasing thermogenesis—the body’s process of heat production—thereby supporting fat metabolism and energy expenditure. It has been researched for its potential in weight management, especially in individuals experiencing age-related metabolic slowdown. In clinical trials, 7-keto supplementation has shown potential to increase resting metabolic rate and promote fat loss when combined with diet and exercise, without affecting lean body mass.
Beyond its metabolic activity, 7-keto may support immune function, thyroid activity, and cognitive health. It has demonstrated cortisol-lowering effects, which may be useful in managing stress-related metabolic imbalance. Its antioxidant and neuroprotective properties are also under investigation, particularly in relation to aging and cognitive performance. Because it does not convert into active androgens or estrogens, 7-keto is often considered safer for long-term use than DHEA, especially for those with hormone-sensitive conditions.
The acetate form of 7-keto—7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone-acetate—is commonly used in supplements due to its greater stability and bioavailability, allowing for more consistent delivery and effect in the body. It is typically found in capsules, sometimes combined with other metabolism-supporting compounds like green tea extract or L-tyrosine.
Historical Use:
7-keto is a modern, synthetic derivative that does not appear in any traditional system of herbal or folk medicine. It was developed through advances in steroid chemistry in the late 20th century as part of the scientific effort to isolate beneficial metabolites of DHEA without the drawbacks of hormone conversion. It is the product of laboratory research, not natural extraction, and its clinical applications have been studied primarily since the 1990s.
However, the parent compound DHEA has been known and researched since the 1930s and became widely available as an over-the-counter supplement in the 1990s. DHEA’s role in promoting vitality, libido, muscle tone, and mood linked it to the broader goal of supporting healthy aging, which has long been central to many traditional medicine systems.
In traditional contexts, although 7-keto itself was not known or used, herbal tonics and adaptogens were often employed to promote energy, stamina, metabolism, and hormone balance. Herbs such as ginseng, ashwagandha, rhodiola, and maca were historically used in various cultures for enhancing endurance, mood, and physical resilience—functions now often associated with modern compounds like 7-keto.
Thus, while 7-keto does not have a direct historical precedent, it embodies the scientific refinement of traditional health objectives: improving metabolism, enhancing vitality, and supporting the body’s resistance to stress and aging. Its development reflects the shift from whole-herb usage to targeted molecular intervention, offering a tool grounded in modern biochemistry with roots in timeless wellness goals.
7-Keto-DHEA is used for these health conditions
Aging (prevention) (Scientific)
Athletic and Exercise Aids (Scientific)
Body Building (Scientific)
Energy (lack of) (Scientific)
Fat Metabolism (poor) (Scientific)
Metabolic Syndrome (Scientific)
Stress (Scientific)
Weight Loss (Scientific)
7-Keto-DHEA is used to support these body systems
Glandular System (Scientific)
Mitochondria (Scientific)
