A traditionally used libido enhancer herb called Fadogia Agrestis is currently being researched for its potential as a testosterone booster after one study found increases in testosterone in rodents.
This article will explore the efficacy and risks of Fadogia Agrestis to boost testosterone.
Fadogia Agrestis as Testosterone Booster
The main reason Fadogia Agrestis is getting its reputation as a testosterone booster is because of the hype it is getting from famous athletes and gym enthusiasts.
But out of these marketing materials is the study showing promising results in rats.
The research made Fadogia Agrestis popular as a testosterone booster and may also act as a libido enhancer.
This single study explains that white albino rats were given 18 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, and 100 mg/kg body weight of Fadogia Agrestis plant extract. The study focuses on male rats’ sexual behavior and serum testosterone concentration for five days [1].
Fadogia Agrestis for Testicle Growth
According to a rat study evaluating the herb’s sexual properties, the aqueous extract’s benefits (18–100 mg/kg) appeared to prolong the duration of ejaculation.
Four groups of rats were developed, one serving as the control group (essentially, they were fed water), and the other three getting three different doses of the extract (18, 50, and 100 mg per kg of body weight, respectively).
To provide some context, a 150-pound male would receive an average normal dose of Fadogia Agrestis of roughly 825 mg, and a 200-pound person would receive 1 gram.
A notable increase in mount frequency, a fancy way of expressing that the rats were humping more frequently than usual, is one of the fantastic results after 28 days of feeding them Fadogia Agrestis doses. [1].
Fadogia Agrestis Human Dosage
Fadogia Agrestis’ toxicity has been the source of two primary studies, each of which included a dosage schedule of 18, 50, and 100 milligrams per kilogram of body weight.
The most common method used by users to arrive at a human equivalent dose is to multiply their body weight in kilos by these quantities. But that’s not how it works. According to recognized practice, dividing the rat dosage by 6.2 is the correct way before getting a human equivalent dose from a rodent dosage.
This is significant for several reasons, but mostly because rodents have a substantially lower body surface volume and a much faster metabolism. Because of this, you cannot take a dose for rodents and directly determine the dose for a human.
You should receive a human equivalent dosage that is about equal to 2.9, 8.1, and 16.1 mg per kilogram of body weight if we use the widely accepted method of calculation.
This indicates that the dosage is around 260, 725, and 1450 mg for a 200-pound male, which is extremely close to the recommended dosage.
But even at lower dosages, Fadogia Agrestis seems to have some toxicity level.
Is Fadogia Agrestis Safe?
Rats’ testicles measured larger in a study where they used various amounts for a month [2]. But it might not have been as beneficial as it should be. The testicles showed a drop in proteins and an increase in certain enzymes. This is suggesting probable toxic damage from Fadogia that could impair fertility.
Bottomline: Fadogia Agrestis for Testosterone
There have been no human clinical studies of Fadogia Agrestis conducted so far to establish an increase in testosterone levels. There is only limited research on Fadogia Agrestis, all of which include rats and only one of which discusses testosterone. To potentially benefit, a person needs to take between 1000 and 4500mg per day, applying the levels used in rats to people.
Additionally, the same group of researchers has conducted all the studies on Fadogia Agrestis to this point and all the publications that have been referenced in other reviews. In other words, no additional research facilities have yet to confirm the effects of Fadogia Agrestis extract on testosterone.
To further establish the safety and efficacy of Fadogia Agretis for testosterone, more human studies need to be conducted.
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.
- 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.