Fadogia agrestis

Fadogia agrestis is a Nigerian shrub traditionally used as an aphrodisiac. Animal studies showed increased testosterone (up to 5x) and aphrodisiac effects in rats. However: NO HUMAN STUDIES EXIST. CRITICAL SAFETY CONCERN: Animal studies show testicular toxicity, liver/kidney damage at higher doses. Some recovery seen at lower doses (18mg/kg) but long-term safety unknown. No standardization for supplements. Cannot recommend due to insufficient human data and toxicity concerns.

Quick Answer

What it is

Fadogia agrestis is a Nigerian shrub traditionally used as an aphrodisiac. Animal studies showed increased testosterone (up to 5x) and aphrodisiac effects in rats.

Key findings

Grade D: Testosterone Levels
Grade D: Sexual Function (Aphrodisiac Activity)
Grade D: Testicular Toxicity Risk

Safety

CRITICAL SAFETY CONCERN: Animal studies show testicular toxicity, liver/kidney damage at higher doses.
Cannot recommend due to insufficient human data and toxicity concerns.
In rat studies, higher doses of Fadogia agrestis caused adverse effects on testicular histology and function, including tissue damage.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: Fadogia agrestis

Quick Facts: Fadogia agrestis

Best Evidence:Grade D
Conditions Studied:0
Research Outcomes:4

Outcomes by grade:

0 conditions · 4 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

Testosterone Levels

In rodent models, aqueous stem extract of Fadogia agrestis produced dose-dependent increases in serum testosterone (18–100 mg/kg), with up to a 5-fold increase at the highest dose. No human studies exist to confirm any testosterone-elevating effect.

3 studies

moderate↑Improves

Sexual Function (Aphrodisiac Activity)

Rat studies reported increased sexual behavior parameters (mount frequency, intromission frequency, ejaculatory latency) following Fadogia agrestis administration. These findings are limited to animal models with no human replication.

small↑Improves

Testicular Toxicity Risk

In rat studies, higher doses of Fadogia agrestis caused adverse effects on testicular histology and function, including tissue damage. Lower doses (18 mg/kg) showed partial recovery, suggesting dose-dependent toxicity. Long-term effects remain unknown.

moderate↑Worsens

Liver and Kidney Stress Markers

In rodent models, higher doses were associated with increased lipid peroxidation and decreased alkaline phosphatase activity, suggesting potential hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic effects. No clinical signs or organ weight changes were observed, but subclinical damage cannot be ruled out.

2 studies

small↑Worsens

Research Citations (2)

Effects of oral administration of aqueous extract of Fadogia agrestis (Schweinf. Ex Hiern) stem on some testicular function indices of male rats

J Ethnopharmacol (2008)

PMID: 18023305

Aphrodisiac potentials of the aqueous extract of Fadogia agrestis (Schweinf. Ex Hiern) stem in male albino rats

Asian J Androl (2005)

PMID: 16281088

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