Most Natural Perfume: Science of Pheromones Dr. Winnifred Cutler, one of the co-founders of synthetic human pheromones, established proof that human pheromones exist. In fact, her research even suggests that pheromones affect how men and women interact with each other. Dr. Cutler founded her research institute in order to revolutionize the filed of science and its perception of human pheromones. Cutler envisioned and developed the first synthetic pheromone on the market, which was called Athena 10:13. This synthetic pheromone was color and odorless. Since its inception, an explosion of synthetic pheromones have been introduced into the perfume and cologne's market with promises of attracting the attention of the opposite sex. Pheromones are secreted from living organisms in order to send communication signals to other organisms of the same species. This scent usually occurs in response to stress, alarm, danger, and mating among the animal kingdom. Pheromones are released by insects and mammals. For instance, insects release pheromones in hopes of sounding the alarm, leaving their trail behind, or sexually attract others for mating purposes. In mammals, two different distinct pheromones are released, including releaser and primer pheromones. Releaser pheromones influence specific behavior, while as primer pheromones actually cause a shift in the endocrine system of the animal's receiving it. Scientific research has proven that pheromones influence the sexual responses, aggressiveness, and territorial marking of certain species, including amoebas, fish, hamsters, dogs, cats, and monkeys. Significant debate still exists within the community as to whether humans are still affected by pheromone secretion. Scientific evidence has proven that pheromones are not directly registered by the human sense of smell; however, dissenting parties suggest that the chemicals are sensed by the vomeronasal organ (VNO) located inside the mouth and nose. The affect of human pheromones have stirred much controversy; however, several case studies have suggested its effects on human behavior. For instance, one study outlined the synchronicity of the menstrual cycle of women who lived together. Another study shows that newborn babies prefer to wear clothing given to them by their mothers. Other studies have suggested subtle hints of sexual attractiveness when both sexes fail to wear masking scents, such as perfumes, colognes, and deodorants. Pheromone compounds are secreted via the axillary glands, which create the perfect environment for bacteria to grow. In fact, many of the compounds are affected by the microbial flora, which may cause the pheromone secretion to smell more odorous. There are about ten distinct chemical compounds secreted in male sweat with progesterone attracting the most attention in pheromone research. Progesterone affects hormonal levels and can be found predominantly in male sweat, urine, and saliva. It affects endocrine levels, physiological arousal, and mood. The female equivalent has become known as 16-estratetraen-3-ol, which can be found predominately in female urine. The copulins also emitted from women causes men to seek them out for reproductive purposes.
Pheromones are a significant part of our biology. In fact, pheromones allow men and women to procreate by inducing the hormonal responses of certain chemicals secreted through our sweat glands. Since the advent of using synthetic chemical perfumes, colognes, and deodorants, scientific research has come to the conclusion that humans are no longer affected by their presence; however, conflicting evidence suggest that humans will remain connected to our primal instinct. This has caused many companies to seek out synthetic alternatives to give their scented products an edge. The evolution of synthetic pheromones continues to expand as the research continues to prove the existence of pheromones and their influence on human behavior. The compiled evidence further expounds how far humans are moving away from their natural state, rather than harnessing our own biological composition. This may or may not cause health problems in the future, which may be the focus on the pheromone research industry after moving past proving its effect on human interaction.
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