Breakthrough in Human Pheromones Cosmetics purporting to contain pheromones have been around for a number of years, each promising to increase one's sexual attractiveness and prowess. In fact many of these cosmetics, packaged as perfumes and colognes, did contain a real pheromone, called androstenone. And though one may argue that humans often behave in a piggish manner, thankfully we do not respond to porcine pheromones. The real breakthrough in human pheromones had to wait until 1986 when researchers at the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia isolated and synthesized the first working human pheromone. The human VNO has been shown to be connected directly to the limbic system, that part of the brain that is responsible for exploration, flight or fight, for identifying with the environment and reacting to it.
Modern humans possess a highly refined sense of personal hygiene.
We bath or shower almost daily, removing any trace of our natural pheromones. We drench ourselves in deodorants and fragrances to further mask any natural scent. And as if to add insult to injury, we cover ourselves from head to toe in clothes, blocking the very skin that produces our natural pheromones. In short, we do everything within our power to hide or mask our sixth sense and short circuit our ability to communicate chemically. Researchers, excited by the therapeutic benefits of human pheromones in restoring sexuality and improving self-esteem, are also looking into using human pheromones to alleviate panic attacks and mood disorders.