Fadogia Agrestis
TL;DR
Nigerian shrub with traditional use as aphrodisiac and fertility enhancer
Single animal study showed significant testosterone increases in rats
Zero human clinical trials despite widespread supplement marketing
Potential liver toxicity observed in animal studies at higher doses
Popularized by Andrew Huberman but scientific evidence extremely limited
Best for: Traditional use contexts only - insufficient data for supplementation
What it is
Fadogia agrestis is a shrub native to Nigeria and other West African countries, where it's been traditionally used as an aphrodisiac and fertility enhancer. The plant contains various alkaloids, saponins, and anthraquinones, though the specific active compounds responsible for any testosterone effects haven't been definitively identified.
The supplement gained significant attention after being mentioned by neuroscientist Andrew Huberman as part of a testosterone-supporting stack, leading to increased commercial interest despite the extremely limited research base.
What the research says
Fadogia Agrestis on Amazon
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Safety
Safety data for fadogia agrestis is extremely limited and concerning. A 2005 Nigerian study found that while low doses appeared safe in rats, higher doses caused liver damage and testicular toxicity. No human safety studies exist, making it impossible to establish safe dosing ranges or identify potential adverse effects in humans. The traditional preparation methods may differ significantly from commercial extracts.
Interactions
No interaction studies exist for fadogia agrestis. Given its proposed hormonal effects and unknown active compounds, interactions with medications affecting testosterone, liver metabolism, or reproductive function are theoretically possible but undocumented.
Dosing
No established human dosing exists. The single rat study used 18-100 mg/kg bodyweight, with toxic effects at higher doses.
Common supplement doses: 400-600mg daily, but these are based purely on marketing decisions, not scientific evidence. Some sources suggest cycling on/off to reduce potential toxicity risks.
Cost
Fadogia agrestis supplements typically cost $20-35 monthly. Limited suppliers and recent popularity have driven prices higher. Quality and standardization vary significantly between products, with most lacking third-party testing for active compounds or contaminants.
The bottom line
Despite Andrew Huberman's endorsement and traditional use, fadogia agrestis lacks the human research necessary to recommend for testosterone support. The single animal study, while promising, also showed concerning liver toxicity. Until proper human clinical trials establish both safety and efficacy, this remains a speculative supplement with potentially serious risks.
References
- Yakubu MT, Akanji MA, Oladiji AT. Aphrodisiac potentials of the aqueous extract of Fadogia agrestis (Schweinf. Ex Hiern) stem in male albino rats. Asian J Androl. 2005;7(4):399-404.
Sources for this page include published meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and NIH dietary supplement fact sheets. All claims reflect the evidence as of early 2026.
This is not medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement, especially if you take medications.