The pheromones (pheromones or pheromone) are messenger chemicals mainly related to sexuality. In such a way, animals (humans, mammals and insects) secrete these hormones with the main purpose of attracting the partner as well as to acquire food.
The term pheromones is derived from the Greek by the union of the words ” pheren ” (to transmit) and ” hormon ” (to excite), that is, literally means “to transmit excitation”.
Pheromones were discovered in the mid-20th century by the German biochemist Adolf Butenandt (1903-1995) and are very important for the communication, reproduction and survival of species.
Note that pheromones are different from one species to another, that is, they attract beings of the same species. Thus, a female dog releases pheromones while in heat, attracting only dogs.
In humans, sexual pheromones are widely studied by experts and some believe in their effectiveness, since when released, the brain captures the messages which awaken the feelings of attraction, happiness and excitement by the partner. An example is the pheromones released by women during menstruation, since when they live together, the cycle tends to occur at the same time.
However, studies show that with the evolution and changes in the lives of human beings, the production of pheromones in the body has decreased over time, for example, with the use of clothes, soaps, deodorants and perfumes, thus inhibiting their natural effectiveness. On the other hand, some experts believe that the action of pheromones occurs only in animals and insects.
In view of this problem, many cosmetic companies have started betting on products containing pheromones synthesized in the laboratory that cause feelings of sexual attraction and desire in the opposite sex, whether oils, essences, soaps, deodorants or perfumes.
It is worth remembering that in agriculture many insect pheromones are used to contain various pests in plantations, which dispense with the use of insecticides.
Types of Pheromones
Although sexual pheromones are the best known, there are other types of pheromones, namely:
- Sexual pheromones : attract the opposite sex
- Alarm pheromones : alert the danger
- Trail pheromones : signal the place where they passed
- Attack pheromones : alert for attack
- Aggregation pheromones : alert to food sources