Testosterone & Hormonal
Fadogia Agrestis
A Nigerian shrub popularised by Dr Andrew Huberman's podcast. Animal studies show significant testosterone increase — but also testicular toxicity at high doses. Human evidence absent.
Effective Dose
425–600mg / day
per clinical evidence
Evidence Level
Insufficient
Testosterone & Hormonal
Mechanism
Proposed LH stimulation and testicular testosterone production
primary action
Best For
Testosterone support
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This profile is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplementation, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or take medications.
What Is Fadogia Agrestis?
Fadogia agrestis is a West African shrub used in traditional medicine. Rat studies show dose-dependent testosterone increases; however, the same and higher doses also produced testicular degeneration and toxicity in animal studies. No human clinical trials have been published. It has become popular through podcast endorsements despite this evidence gap.
How It Works: The Science
Proposed mechanism from animal data: alkaloids and saponins in Fadogia may stimulate LH release or directly activate steroidogenic enzymes in Leydig cells, increasing testosterone. However, saponin-induced testicular toxicity (vacuolisation, degeneration) was observed in the same rat studies used to infer testosterone benefits.
Primary Mechanism
Proposed LH stimulation and testicular testosterone production
Evidence-Based Benefits
Dosage Guide
Effective Dose
425–600mg / day
Not established for humans. Marketed doses: 425–600mg. Given the absence of human safety or efficacy data, caution is warranted.
Safety Profile & Side Effects
Testicular toxicity observed in animal studies at doses being extrapolated to human use. No human safety data. Until human trials are published, this ingredient should be approached with significant caution.
Who Should (and Shouldn't) Take It
Not currently recommended due to safety concerns and lack of human evidence. Tongkat ali and ashwagandha have comparable testosterone-supporting effects with an established human safety record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Ingredients
Medical Disclaimer
Ingredient profiles are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplementation, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or take medications. Full disclaimer →