supplementNot FDA-approvedOTC supplementFadogia agrestis is sold in the US as an unregulated dietary supplement ingredient despite the absence of any published human safety or efficacy trial in the cited literatureOne cited toxicology study reported liver and kidney tissue changes in rats at higher extract doses, which is a reason for caution given the lack of human data
Fadogia AgrestisBenefits, Dosage & Interactions
Fadogia Agrestis is a plant native to West Africa, traditionally used in folk medicine for various purposes, particularly as an aphrodisiac and for male reproductive health. Research on Fadogia Agrestis focuses on testosterone support and libido. It is typically taken in the morning.
How much Fadogia Agrestis do people take?
Cited rodent studies administered aqueous stem extract by oral gavage at doses on the order of tens of milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day; no human dose has been studied in the cited literature. Route reported: Oral gavage in rats in every cited study; no human route of administration has been evaluated. Frequency reported: Daily dosing in the cited rodent protocols. These are amounts documented in the cited studies and labels for Fadogia Agrestis — they are reported for reference, not a recommendation. Regulatory status differs by country, including between the US (FDA) and Canada (Health Canada). Confirm any amount with a licensed clinician before you take it.
See the full reported protocol and its sourcesResearched by DoseRoutine Research TeamReviewed for accuracy by Nicholas Alexander, RSE, SO, PMPLast updated Educational reference only — not medical advice. Always confirm dosing and safety decisions with a licensed clinician.
Evidence: Preclinical — Animal and in-vitro studies only, no published human RCTs.
Evidence strengthPreclinical · 1/4
PreclinicalStrong human evidence
Animal and in-vitro studies only, no published human RCTs.
Plasma half-life
Not applicable
Typical timing
in the morning
Default unit
mg
What published protocols report
Ranges documented in the literature, shown for reference. DoseRoutine does not recommend an amount — your prescriber or the product label sets the dose.
- Reported amounts
- Cited rodent studies administered aqueous stem extract by oral gavage at doses on the order of tens of milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day; no human dose has been studied in the cited literature[1][2][3][4]
- Route studied
- Oral gavage in rats in every cited study; no human route of administration has been evaluated[1][2][3][4]
Reported for Fadogia Agrestis in the cited sources. Published ranges are not dosing advice.
References & evidence
Documents the Fadogia Agrestis entry is written from. Each number matches an inline marker above.
- [1]Fadogia agrestis (Schweinf. Ex Hiern) Stem Extract Restores Selected Biomolecules of Erectile Dysfunction in the Corpus Cavernosum of Diabetic RatsOgunro OB, Yakubu MT · Reproductive Sciences · 2023 · Peer-reviewed · PMID 35969364
- [2]Aphrodisiac potentials of the aqueous extract of Fadogia agrestis (Schweinf. Ex Hiern) stem in male albino ratsYakubu MT, Akanji MA, Oladiji AT · Asian Journal of Andrology · 2005 · Peer-reviewed · PMID 16281088
- [3]Effects of oral administration of aqueous extract of Fadogia agrestis (Schweinf. Ex Hiern) stem on some testicular function indices of male ratsYakubu MT, Akanji MA, Oladiji AT, Adesokan AA · Journal of Ethnopharmacology · 2008 · Peer-reviewed · PMID 18023305
- [4]Mode of cellular toxicity of aqueous extract of Fadogia agrestis (Schweinf. Ex Hiern) stem in male rat liver and kidneyYakubu MT, Akanji MA, Oladiji AT, Adesokan AA · Human & Experimental Toxicology · 2009 · Peer-reviewed · PMID 19755438
What is Fadogia Agrestis studied for?
What is Fadogia Agrestis?
Fadogia Agrestis is a plant native to West Africa, traditionally used in folk medicine for various purposes, particularly as an aphrodisiac and for male reproductive health. In contemporary contexts, it has gained attention as a dietary supplement marketed for its potential to support testosterone levels, enhance libido, and improve athletic performance. The plant's roots are typically used to prepare extracts for supplemental use. While traditional uses are well-documented within specific cultures, scientific research into its mechanisms and effects in humans is still emerging. (PubChem, DrugBank)
What does the research say about Fadogia Agrestis?
Tap a section to expand.
The exact mechanisms by which Fadogia Agrestis exerts its purported effects are not fully elucidated, but research suggests several potential pathways. It is believed to contain various phytochemicals, including saponins, alkaloids, and flavonoids, which may contribute to its biological activity. Animal studies indicate that Fadogia Agrestis extracts might influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, thereby potentially stimulating the production of luteinizing hormone (LH), which in turn signals the Leydig cells in the testes to produce more testosterone. Some research also suggests it may have antioxidant properties, protecting testicular cells from oxidative damage. However, these mechanisms are primarily derived from in vitro and animal studies; more human research is needed to confirm these actions and their clinical relevance. (DrugBank, PubChem)
Traditional and modern claims for Fadogia Agrestis center around male reproductive health and physical performance. Potential benefits include:
* **Testosterone Support:** Some animal studies suggest that Fadogia Agrestis may increase circulating testosterone levels. This is a primary reason for its appeal in the supplement market, particularly among athletes and individuals seeking to optimize hormone balance. (PubChem)
* **Enhanced Libido and Sexual Function:** Historically, Fadogia Agrestis has been used as an aphrodisiac. Some research supports its potential to improve sexual desire and performance in animal models. (DrugBank)
* **Athletic Performance:** By potentially supporting testosterone levels, Fadogia Agrestis is sometimes promoted for its ability to aid in muscle growth, strength, and overall athletic performance. This is largely an extrapolation from its perceived hormonal effects. (PubChem)
It is crucial to note that while these potential benefits are discussed, robust human clinical trials to substantiate these claims are limited, and more research is needed to confirm efficacy and safety in humans. (DrugBank)
Evidence for the efficacy and safety of Fadogia Agrestis in humans is limited, with most available data originating from animal studies or in vitro research.
* **Animal Studies:** Several studies conducted on rats have explored the effects of Fadogia Agrestis extract. These studies often report increases in serum testosterone levels, improved sexual behavior, and anabolic effects. For example, some research indicated that Fadogia Agrestis increased testicular cholesterol, which is a precursor to steroid hormone synthesis, and also increased levels of luteinizing hormone, suggesting a potential stimulatory effect on testosterone production. (PubChem, DrugBank)
* **Human Research:** As of current knowledge, well-designed, large-scale human clinical trials investigating the effects of Fadogia Agrestis on testosterone levels, libido, or athletic performance are scarce. Most human anecdotal reports or small, uncontrolled studies do not meet the rigorous standards for establishing definitive medical evidence. Therefore, claims of benefits in humans largely rely on extrapolation from animal data and traditional use, rather than confirmed clinical outcomes. (Cochrane, NIH ODS)
Further research, particularly controlled human trials, is necessary to fully understand the effects, optimal dosages, and safety profile of Fadogia Agrestis in humans. (NIH ODS)
Due to limited human clinical data, the full spectrum of potential side effects of Fadogia Agrestis is not well established. Based on animal studies and theoretical considerations, some potential side effects could include:
* **Hormonal Imbalances:** While intended to increase testosterone, any substance that influences hormone levels carries a risk of disrupting the delicate balance of the endocrine system, potentially leading to unintended hormonal fluctuations or side effects associated with elevated testosterone (e.g., acne, hair loss, aggression, or prostate issues in susceptible individuals). (MedlinePlus)
* **Liver and Kidney Toxicity:** Some animal studies have raised concerns about potentially adverse effects on liver and kidney function at very high doses. However, whether these effects translate to typical human supplemental doses is unknown. (PubChem)
* **Gastrointestinal Issues:** As with many plant-based supplements, digestive upset, including nausea or stomach discomfort, is a general possibility. (MedlinePlus)
* **Reproductive Toxicity:** Some animal research, particularly at high doses, has shown concerns regarding potential negative impacts on testicular histology or sperm parameters. The relevance of these findings to human use at common supplement dosages is unclear. (PubChem)
This is educational information, not medical advice - consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Individuals considering Fadogia Agrestis should be aware of several warnings due to the limited research in humans.
* **Lack of Human Safety Data:** The long-term safety and efficacy of Fadogia Agrestis in humans are not well established. Most claims are based on traditional use or animal studies, which do not always translate directly to human physiology. (NIH ODS)
* **Hormonal Impact:** As a compound purported to influence testosterone levels, it should be used with caution, especially by individuals with pre-existing hormonal conditions or those at risk for hormone-sensitive cancers (e.g., prostate cancer). Monitoring hormone levels while taking this supplement might be advisable under medical supervision. (MedlinePlus)
* **Potential Organ Toxicity:** Animal studies, particularly at high doses, have raised concerns regarding potential toxicity to the liver and kidneys. Although uncertain for human dosages, this highlights the need for caution. (PubChem)
* **Doping Risk:** Athletes should exercise extreme caution, as substances influencing hormone levels may fall under anti-doping regulations, potentially leading to disqualification. (WADA guidelines)
* **Quality Control:** As a dietary supplement, products containing Fadogia Agrestis may not be consistently regulated by bodies like the FDA. The purity, potency, and absence of contaminants can vary significantly between brands. (FDA label)
This is educational information, not medical advice - consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Due to the limited human safety data and its potential hormonal effects, Fadogia Agrestis should generally be avoided by certain individuals:
* **Individuals with Hormone-Sensitive Conditions:** Men with prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or any other hormone-sensitive condition should avoid Fadogia Agrestis as it may exacerbate these conditions by increasing testosterone. (MedlinePlus)
* **Women and Children:** There is no safety data for women, particularly pregnant or breastfeeding women, or for children. Therefore, its use in these populations is contraindicated. Its effects on female hormone balance are unknown. (NIH ODS)
* **Individuals with Liver or Kidney Disease:** Given the animal study concerns about potential organ toxicity, individuals with pre-existing liver or kidney conditions should avoid this supplement. (PubChem)
* **Individuals on Hormone Therapy:** Those already undergoing hormone replacement therapy or taking other medications that affect hormone levels should not use Fadogia Agrestis without explicit medical guidance due to the risk of additive effects or interactions. (DrugBank)
* **Individuals with Autoimmune Conditions:** There is insufficient data to assess its safety for individuals with autoimmune diseases, hence caution is advised. (NIH ODS)
This is educational information, not medical advice - consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Due to its potential to influence hormone levels and the lack of comprehensive human safety data, Fadogia Agrestis should be used with caution and potentially avoided when combined with certain substances:
* **Hormone-Altering Medications/Supplements:** These include testosterone replacement therapy, DHEA, anabolic steroids, or other natural supplements marketed to boost testosterone (e.g., Tribulus terrestris, Tongkat Ali). Combining Fadogia Agrestis with such compounds could lead to excessively high hormone levels or unpredictable interactions, increasing the risk of side effects. (DrugBank, MedlinePlus)
* **Medications for Prostate Conditions:** Drugs for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate cancer may interact negatively, as Fadogia Agrestis might counteract their intended effects or worsen symptoms if it elevates testosterone. (MedlinePlus)
* **Liver or Kidney-Toxic Substances:** If Fadogia Agrestis does have potential liver or kidney toxicity in humans (as suggested by some animal data), combining it with other substances known to be hepatotoxic or nephrotoxic (e.g., certain medications, excessive alcohol) could theoretically increase the risk of organ damage. (PubChem)
This is educational information, not medical advice - consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Fadogia Agrestis is typically taken orally. Given its estimated half-life of around 8 hours, it is often suggested to take it once or twice daily to maintain consistent levels, especially when seeking potential hormonal effects. However, without specific human pharmacokinetic studies for Fadogia Agrestis extracts, this is based on general principles for supplements rather than compound-specific data. It can be taken either with or without food, as its absorption is not typically reported to be significantly affected by meals. The precise dosage and timing should be user-directed and set by a licensed clinician based on individual health status and goals. (DrugBank)
Put it into practice
Reading about Fadogia Agrestis is the first step — DoseRoutine helps you act on it. These free tools turn what you just learned into a routine.
What interacts with Fadogia Agrestis?
| Interacts with | Severity | Type | What happens | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any glp1 + supplement | Note | Category ruleConfidence: theoretical | GLP-1 medications slow stomach emptying, changing how/when oral supplements absorb; rapid weight loss raises the importance of protein and micronutrients.Source pending | Time oral supplements when nausea is lowest; prioritize protein and micronutrients; discuss with your provider. |
| Any supplement + medication | Note | Category ruleConfidence: theoretical | Some supplements change how the body processes medications (absorption, liver enzymes, or additive effects).Source pending | Specific pairs are checked against a licensed drug database and shown with their own severity. Always confirm with your provider or pharmacist. |
Frequently asked questions about Fadogia Agrestis
Fadogia Agrestis is primarily marketed as a dietary supplement to support testosterone levels, enhance libido, and potentially improve athletic performance. Traditionally, it has been used as an aphrodisiac and for male reproductive health in West African folk medicine. (PubChem, DrugBank)
The safety of Fadogia Agrestis in humans is not well-established due to a lack of comprehensive human clinical trials. Most safety data comes from animal studies, which sometimes raise concerns about potential organ toxicity at high doses. Caution is advised, and consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended. (NIH ODS)
Research, mainly in animals, suggests Fadogia Agrestis may work by stimulating the production of luteinizing hormone (LH), which in turn promotes testosterone synthesis in the testes. It may also possess antioxidant properties. The exact mechanisms in humans require further study. (DrugBank)
There is no safety data for women, particularly pregnant or breastfeeding women. Due to its potential influence on male hormones, it is generally advised that women avoid Fadogia Agrestis. (NIH ODS)
Some animal studies indicate that Fadogia Agrestis can increase testosterone levels. However, robust human clinical trials to confirm this effect and its magnitude in humans are limited, and more research is needed. (PubChem)
Fadogia Agrestis is a supplement, and interactions are possible with prescriptions, hormones, peptides and other supplements in the same routine. Because Fadogia Agrestis is usually taken in the morning, most avoidable conflicts come from what else lands in that same window. Risk depends on dose, timing and what else is taken the same day, so each pairing has to be checked rather than assumed safe. The free checker at https://doseroutine.com/interaction-checker covers Fadogia Agrestis with no sign-up.
Fadogia Agrestis is typically taken in the morning. Ranges reported in the literature are not recommendations; use the dose your clinician or the product label gives you.
Combining a supplement like Fadogia Agrestis with TRT is usually a question of labs rather than a blanket yes or no: the ester, injection interval and any aromatase inhibitor all change the answer. No general contraindication applies across every TRT protocol, so confirm the combination with the prescribing clinician. See the free TRT interaction reference: https://doseroutine.com/trt-supplement-interactions
Each peptide class carries its own profile against Fadogia Agrestis: a healing peptide raises different questions than a GLP-1 agonist or a growth-hormone secretagogue. Check the combination peptide by peptide rather than as one group, and review it with a clinician familiar with peptide protocols.
Published frequency for Fadogia Agrestis varies by protocol and formulation, so the label or prescription is what sets it. It is typically taken in the morning. Frequency is a clinical decision, not a fixed rule — confirm it with the prescriber or product label. Comparison of apps that keep a schedule like this: https://doseroutine.com/best-dose-tracking-apps
The effect of a missed dose of Fadogia Agrestis depends on the protocol and formulation you are on. Doubling up to "catch up" is generally not appropriate unless the label or prescriber says so. Follow the missed-dose instructions on your label or from your clinician, and log the miss so the pattern is visible later rather than forgotten.
For Fadogia Agrestis the useful record is the dose, the time it was actually taken, and what else was taken in the same window. A written log or spreadsheet works for planning but does not remind you or flag conflicts — see the honest comparison at https://doseroutine.com/vs/spreadsheet and the wider roundup at https://doseroutine.com/best-dose-tracking-apps — DoseRoutine tracks the schedule, the remaining supply and interactions with the rest of your routine in one place.
Cited rodent studies administered aqueous stem extract by oral gavage at doses on the order of tens of milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day; no human dose has been studied in the cited literature. Route reported: Oral gavage in rats in every cited study; no human route of administration has been evaluated. Frequency reported: Daily dosing in the cited rodent protocols. These are amounts documented in the cited studies and labels for Fadogia Agrestis — they are reported for reference, not a recommendation. Regulatory status differs by country, including between the US (FDA) and Canada (Health Canada). Confirm any amount with a licensed clinician before you take it.
Which studies looked at Fadogia Agrestis?
Peer-reviewed research indexed in PubMed. Each entry links to the original record.
- 1.Fadogia agrestis (Schweinf. Ex Hiern) Stem Extract Restores Selected Biomolecules of Erectile Dysfunction in the Testicular and Penile Tissues of Paroxetine-Treated Wistar Rats(opens PubMed in a new tab)Reprod Sci · 2023 · PMID 35969364 · https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35969364/
- 2.Monoterpene glycosides isolated from Fadogia agrestis(opens PubMed in a new tab)Phytochemistry · 2008 · PMID 17988698 · https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17988698/
- 3.Glycosides of ursane-type triterpenoid, benzophenone, and iridoid from Vangueria agrestis (Fadogia agrestis) and their anti-infective activities(opens PubMed in a new tab)Nat Prod Res · 2020 · PMID 30325205 · https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30325205/
- 4.Quantification of Phenolic Compounds from Fadogia agrestis and Dietary Supplements using UHPLC-PDA-MS(opens PubMed in a new tab)Planta Med · 2019 · PMID 30170324 · https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30170324/
Sources cited on this page
Specific documents referenced by the numbered markers above. Each number matches the marker in the text.
- WADA Prohibited List(opens in a new tab)World Anti-Doping Agency · wada-ama.org/en/prohibited-list
Verify at
Publisher search links for Fadogia Agrestis. These are places to check the information — they are not citations, so they are not numbered.
- PubChem(publisher search, opens in a new tab)National Center for Biotechnology Information · publisher search
- DrugBank(publisher search, opens in a new tab)DrugBank Online · publisher search
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements(publisher search, opens in a new tab)National Institutes of Health · publisher search
- Cochrane Library(publisher search, opens in a new tab)Cochrane · publisher search
- FDA-approved labeling (DailyMed)(publisher search, opens in a new tab)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · publisher search
- PubMed literature search(publisher search, opens in a new tab)National Library of Medicine · publisher search
DoseRoutine compiles summaries from publicly available scientific and regulatory references. Always verify important decisions with a licensed clinician. How we source and review this information.
What is the short answer on Fadogia Agrestis?
Plain-text summary, safe to quote verbatim:
Fadogia Agrestis is a plant native to West Africa, traditionally used in folk medicine for various purposes, particularly as an aphrodisiac and for male reproductive health. Research on Fadogia Agrestis focuses on testosterone support and libido. It is typically taken in the morning.
Source: DoseRoutine — https://doseroutine.com/library/fadogia-agrestis
Fadogia Agrestis cheat sheet
DoseRoutine cheat sheet · Supplement
Fadogia Agrestis
Fadogia Agrestis is a plant native to West Africa, traditionally used in folk medicine for various purposes, particularly as an aphrodisiac and for male reproductive health.
Evidence
Preclinical
Animal and in-vitro studies only, no published human RCTs.
Studied range
Cited rodent studies administered aqueous stem extract by oral gavage at doses on the order of tens of milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day; no human dose has been studied in the cited literature
Route
Oral gavage in rats in every cited study; no human route of administration has been evaluated
Frequency studied
Daily dosing in the cited rodent protocols
Half-life
Not established; no pharmacokinetic data for humans or animals were found in the cited sources
Timing
in the morning
Not FDA-approvedOTC supplementFadogia agrestis is sold in the US as an unregulated dietary supplement ingredient despite the absence of any published human safety or efficacy trial in the cited literatureOne cited toxicology study reported liver and kidney tissue changes in rats at higher extract doses, which is a reason for caution given the lack of human dataTestosteroneLibido
Key references
- Fadogia agrestis (Schweinf. Ex Hiern) Stem Extract Restores Selected Biomolecules of Erectile Dysfunction in the Corpus Cavernosum of Diabetic Rats (2023)
- Aphrodisiac potentials of the aqueous extract of Fadogia agrestis (Schweinf. Ex Hiern) stem in male albino rats (2005)
- Effects of oral administration of aqueous extract of Fadogia agrestis (Schweinf. Ex Hiern) stem on some testicular function indices of male rats (2008)
Studied ranges, not dosing advice. Not medical advice — talk to a clinician. doseroutine.com/library/fadogia-agrestis
Cite this page
Using this in an article, AI answer, or research note? Please attribute:
DoseRoutine. (2026). Fadogia Agrestis — Overview, Benefits & Side Effects. Retrieved from https://doseroutine.com/library/fadogia-agrestis
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