Last verified: 17 days ago
Fadogia Agrestis
Also known as: Fadogia agrestis Schweinf. Ex Hiern, Black aphrodisiac, Bakin gagai
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
African shrub hyped as a testosterone booster, but only rat studies exist and toxicity concerns are real.
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What it does
Fadogia agrestis is a West African shrub traditionally used as an aphrodisiac. In male rat studies, oral extracts raised serum testosterone levels and improved sexual behavior markers like mount...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
No established dose (insufficient research data)
What the Science Says
Fadogia agrestis is a West African shrub traditionally used as an aphrodisiac. In male rat studies, oral extracts raised serum testosterone levels and improved sexual behavior markers like mount frequency and reduced latency. However, all available research is in animals only — no human clinical trials have been conducted, so it is unknown whether these effects translate to people.
What It Doesn't Do
Not proven to boost testosterone in humans. No evidence it builds muscle or improves athletic performance. No human data supports any of the claims made in supplement marketing. 'Natural' does not mean safe — animal studies show real organ toxicity.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Raised serum testosterone levels in male rats at doses of 18–100 mg/kg body weight.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 18–100 mg/kg body weight (rat data only)
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Improved sexual behavior markers in male rats, including mount frequency and reduced latency.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 18–100 mg/kg body weight (rat data only)
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Causes measurable liver and kidney cell damage in male rats, including oxidative stress markers.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 18–100 mg/kg body weight (rat data only)
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown — no human pharmacokinetic data exists. Animal studies used oral aqueous extracts, but absorption and metabolism in humans has not been studied.
Red Flags to Watch For
- No human clinical trials exist — all evidence comes from rat studies
- Animal studies show liver and kidney cell membrane damage, including signs of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation
- Rat studies found adverse effects on testicular function at higher doses, potentially harming the very organ it claims to support
- 35 registered supplement products on NIH DSLD despite near-zero clinical evidence
- Dose extrapolation from rat studies to humans is unreliable and potentially dangerous
- Long-term safety in humans is completely unknown
Products Containing Fadogia Agrestis
See how Fadogia Agrestis is used in these analyzed products:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Fadogia Agrestis do?
African shrub hyped as a testosterone booster, but only rat studies exist and toxicity concerns are real.
What is the effective dose of Fadogia Agrestis?
No established dose (insufficient research data)
Is Fadogia Agrestis safe?
No human clinical trials exist — all evidence comes from rat studies
What doesn't Fadogia Agrestis do?
Not proven to boost testosterone in humans.
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25