From the Research
There is limited scientific evidence linking Fadogia agrestis to increased testosterone levels in humans, and therefore, its use for this purpose cannot be recommended due to insufficient human research and potential safety concerns. While some preliminary animal studies, such as the one published in 2008 1, suggest that Fadogia agrestis extract may increase testosterone production in rats, there are currently no well-designed clinical trials in humans to confirm these effects. The plant, native to West Africa, has been used traditionally for various purposes including as an aphrodisiac. The proposed mechanism involves saponins and alkaloids in the plant potentially stimulating luteinizing hormone production, which could theoretically increase testosterone synthesis. However, safety concerns exist as rat studies have shown potential liver and kidney toxicity at certain doses, as noted in the study published in 2008 1.
Some studies, such as the one published in 2023 2, have investigated the effects of Fadogia agrestis on erectile dysfunction in rats, and found that it may restore selected biomolecules associated with erectile dysfunction in the testicular and penile tissues. However, this does not necessarily translate to an increase in testosterone levels in humans.
In contrast, other studies, such as those published in 2022 3 and 2024 4, have focused on testosterone replacement therapy in hypogonadal men, and have found that it can improve sexual function, depressive symptoms, bone density, and lean body mass. However, these studies do not provide evidence for the use of Fadogia agrestis for increasing testosterone levels.
No standardized dosing recommendations can be provided due to insufficient human research. Anyone interested in testosterone support should first consider clinically-proven approaches such as:
- Maintaining healthy body weight
- Regular exercise
- Adequate sleep
- Proper nutrition If concerned about testosterone levels, consulting with a healthcare provider for proper testing and medically-supervised treatment is strongly recommended rather than using supplements with unproven efficacy and safety profiles.