Fadogia agrestis
Useful mainly for no population has human evidence of benefit.
Quick decision guide
May help most
No population has human evidence of benefit
Common dosing range
300–600 mg/day (extrapolated from rodents, not validated)
When to expect effects
Unknown
Watch out for
Rat studies showed dose-dependent testicular toxicity; no human safety data
What is it
Fadogia agrestis is a West African shrub whose stem is sold as a testosterone-boosting and libido supplement. Marketing claims rest almost entirely on a single 2005 rat study; there are no published human trials and no safety data in people.
Is it worth it for you?
Use this as a quick fit check, not a diagnosis.
Probably skip if…
Evidence at a glance
| Goal | Effect | Best fit | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
raising testosterone Mixed Evidence | Unknown in humans | None established | Unknown |
raising testosterone
- Effect
- Unknown in humans
- Best fit
- None established
- Time
- Unknown
Evidence for 1 use
AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.
raising testosterone
Mechanism onlyA single 2005 study reported raised serum testosterone in male rats given Fadogia agrestis stem extract, but the same line of rodent work also documented dose-dependent testicular damage. No human trial has measured testosterone after supplementation, so any effect in people is unverified.
Bottom line: The testosterone claim rests on one rat study and has never been tested in humans.
Evidence is mixed
The lone supportive animal study is paired with reports of testicular toxicity at higher doses, undercutting its value as a benefit signal.
How it works
How to take it
What to track
1 commercial form
Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.
Fadogia stem extract
Sold in male performance supplements.
Variable; quality and identification often inconsistent
Safety
Know the common side effects, key cautions, and who should avoid it.
Common side effects
Serious risks
Dose-dependent testicular toxicity reported in rats
Unknown effect on human fertility
Who should avoid it
- Men concerned about fertility
- Anyone with liver or kidney disease
- Pregnant or breastfeeding people
- Anyone wanting an evidence-based product
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
Avoid — no safety data and a known animal reproductive-toxicity signal.
Interactions
Theoretical additive hormonal effects with no human data to gauge risk
Choosing a product
What to look for on the label — and what to be skeptical of.
Look for…
Be skeptical of…
Frequently asked questions
Is Fadogia safe to take?⌄
Human safety data are very limited. Animal studies have shown signs of testicular toxicity at high doses. Caution is warranted.
Does Fadogia really raise testosterone in humans?⌄
No published controlled human trials confirm this. Claims rely on animal studies.
References by claim
raising testosterone
Yakubu et al., 2005 — PubMed (2005) link
Track Fadogia agrestis with Pilora
Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.
Coming to App StoreDisclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.