The plant Fadogia agrestis has been used as a herbal remedy for a long time and is now gaining popularity due to the promotion it has received from many fitness and health experts.
We will explore the benefits of Fadogia agrestis, its side effects, and its uses in this article.
What is Fadogia Agrestis?
Fadogia agrestis, a short shrub plant from the Rubiaceae family, is said to have been used historically to cure erectile dysfunction [1]. It grows in a region extending from Ghana to Sudan and is frequently referred to as a Nigerian plant [1]. This plant appears to be a famous medicinal export [2 3].
Fadogia Agrestis Uses
Many athletes and bodybuilders are turning to Fadogia agrestis as a substitute for anabolic steroids or promoting muscle growth. Promoters cite animal studies that suggest that the plant may enhance sexual behaviors and boost testosterone levels. Some research also suggests it may help to improve athletic performance or enhance bodybuilding.
The effects of Fadogia agrestis on humans, however, are not well-understood. Overall, insufficient data are available to determine how this plant might function for any specific medical problem.
Fadogia Agrestis Potential Benefits
Many organic plant compounds are said to support healthy testosterone levels. Furthermore, there is a ton of published anecdotal evidence that this Nigerian plant raises testosterone. However, only male albino rats have been the subjects to study its effects on increasing testosterone thus far.
According to this clinical study, a rise in testosterone positively correlates with the dosage of Fadogia agrestis.
The study’s findings, which showed a 2-fold increase in testosterone after receiving 18 mg/kg of Fadogia Agrestis and a 6-fold increase after receiving 100 mg/kg, illustrate this dose-dependent increase in testosterone. These outcomes were noted only five days following the dosage [4].
The study’s findings are promising despite the lack of human trials in the research.
Fadogia Agrestis as a Supplement
The main purpose of taking Fadogia Agrestis as a supplement is to improve the performance of the sex organs.
While the pill has historically been used as an aphrodisiac or to stimulate sexual desire, it has recently gained popularity as a pure testosterone booster, and while more research is undoubtedly needed, it does look quite promising in that aspect.
The plant’s dosage recommendations are based on several variables, including the user’s age, health, and other conditions. An adequate dosing range is not yet determined due to insufficient scientific data. Remember that dosages can be crucial and that natural products aren’t always safe.
Fadogia Agrestis Side Effects
Male rats were the test subjects in a clinical study to evaluate how the plant affected various testicular parameters. This study discovered that supplementation, regardless of dosage, increased testicular weight over 28 days.
Increased levels of sialic acid, cholesterol, and glycogen are related to this increase. Additionally, there was data that could indicate cytotoxicity, which can harm cells [5]. But another study looked into this problem and showed no toxicity or harmful effects on the liver or kidneys [6].
There isn’t enough research to concretely pinpoint the possible side effects of Fadogia agrestis.
Bottomline
A widely used medicinal herb called Fadogia agrestis is currently being researched for its potential as a testosterone booster after one study found increases in testosterone in rodents. Although this plant has been traditionally available in markets (particularly in the Middle East and Africa), there is no current research on humans. There isn’t enough credible data to determine whether it is safe or what potential side effects there might be.
Follow all applicable product label instructions, and check with your pharmacist, doctor, or other healthcare providers before using it.
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.
Editorial References And Fact-Checking
- Yakubu MT, Akanji MA, Oladiji AT. Aphrodisiac potentials of the aqueous extract of Fadogia agrestis (Schweinf. Ex Hiern) stem in male albino rats. Asian J Androl. 2005 Dec;7(4):399-404. doi: 10.1111/j.1745-7262.2005.00052.x. PMID: 16281088.
- Anero R, Díaz-Lanza A, Ollivier E, Baghdikian B, Balansard G, Bernabé M. Monoterpene glycosides isolated from Fadogia agrestis. Phytochemistry. 2008 Feb;69(3):805-11. doi: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2007.09.024. Epub 2007 Nov 7. PMID: 17988698.
- van Andel T, Myren B, van Onselen S. Ghana’s herbal market. J Ethnopharmacol. 2012 Mar 27;140(2):368-78. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2012.01.028. Epub 2012 Jan 28. PMID: 22306470.
- Yakubu MT, Akanji MA, Oladiji AT. Aphrodisiac potentials of the aqueous extract of Fadogia agrestis (Schweinf. Ex Hiern) stem in male albino rats. Asian J Androl. 2005 Dec;7(4):399-404. doi: 10.1111/j.1745-7262.2005.00052.x. PMID: 16281088.
- Musa ToyinYakubuMusbau AdewumiAkanjiAdenike TemidayoOladiji. (2007, October 9). Effects of oral administration of aqueous extract of Fadogia agrestis (Schweinf. Ex Hiern) stem on some testicular function indices of male rats. ScienceDirect. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2007.10.004
- Yakubu MT, Oladiji AT, Akanji MA. Mode of cellular toxicity of aqueous extract of Fadogia agrestis (Schweinf. Ex Hiern) stem in male rat liver and kidney. Hum Exp Toxicol. 2009 Aug;28(8):469-78. doi: 10.1177/0960327109106973. Epub 2009 Sep 15. PMID: 19755438.