Testosterone Propionate

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Cat Number

API0231605

CAS Number

57-85-2

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Product Detail Description Scientific Support Customer Q&A

CAS Number

57-85-2

EINECS

200-351-1

Storage

Store at room temperature

Synonyms

Bio-testiculina; Enarmon; Androtest P; Androlon; Androteston

Molecular Formula

C22H32O3

Molecular Weight

344.5

Smiles

CCC(=O)O[C@H]1CC[C@@H]2[C@@]1(CC[C@H]3[C@H]2CCC4=CC(=O)CC[C@]34C)C

Appearance

White to grayish-white crystalline powder

Melting Point

118-123℃

Boiling Point

454.6℃ at 760 mmHg

Relative Density

1.1

General Description

Testosterone propionate is a short-acting ester of testosterone, administered via intramuscular injection for androgen replacement therapy. It has a rapid onset and brief duration (2–3 days), requiring frequent dosing compared to longer esters like cypionate or enanthate. The propionate side chain enhances oil solubility and slows absorption from the injection depot.

Mechanism of Action

After injection, esterases cleave the propionate group, releasing free testosterone. Testosterone enters target cells, binds to androgen receptors, and initiates gene transcription that promotes male sexual development, secondary sex characteristics, and anabolic effects. It also exerts negative feedback on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, reducing LH and FSH secretion, which suppresses endogenous testosterone production.

Application

Testosterone propionate is indicated for males with hypogonadism (primary or secondary) and for delayed puberty in selected boys. It has also been used off-label for certain breast cancers in women.

In aged male rats, testosterone propionate (TP) supplements improved nigrostriatal dopaminergic (NSDA) function and DA‑related behaviors, enhancing antioxidative capacity in the substantia nigra (SN). However, in rats pretreated with reserpine (which induces severe oxidative stress and downregulates Nrf2, HO‑1, and NQO1), TP supplements exacerbated NSDA deficits, worsened oxidative damage, and further reduced Nrf2/ARE pathway expression. Thus, the efficacy of testosterone supplements is contingent on the baseline oxidative stress state: beneficial under low stress, harmful under high oxidative stress. This dichotomy explains contradictory reports on testosterone’s neuroprotective versus toxic effects.

Fig. 1 Effects of testosterone propionate (TP) supplements on motor behaviors of reserpine-treated aged male rats. (Cui R, et al., 2017)

References

Cui R, et al. Testosterone Propionate Exacerbates the Deficits of Nigrostriatal Dopaminergic System and Downregulates Nrf2 Expression in Reserpine-Treated Aged Male Rats. Front Aging Neurosci. 2017;9:172.

Does Testosterone Propionate require protection from light during storage?

Yes, it is photosensitive. UV light can cause photodegradation and isomerization. Store in light-resistant containers, preferably amber glass.

What is the recommended storage temperature for Testosterone Propionate?

Store at controlled room temperature (15-25°C). Avoid excessive heat above 30°C, which can soften the material and accelerate ester hydrolysis.

Is Testosterone Propionate stable in oil-based injectable formulations?

Yes, it shows excellent stability when dissolved in sesame or castor oil with benzyl alcohol. We provide compatibility data for various oil vehicles and preservatives.

How is the impurity testosterone (free alcohol) monitored during stability?

This primary hydrolysis product is specifically quantified using a stability-indicating HPLC method, ensuring it remains below USP/EP limits.