Fadogia Agrestis

Last Editorial Review: 6/11/2021
Other Name(s):

F. agrestis, Fadogia.

Overview

Fadogia agrestis is a plant from Nigeria. The stem is used to make medicine.

People take Fadogia agrestis to treat ED (erectile dysfunction, impotence), increase sex drive, improve athletic performance, and support body building. Fadogia agrestis is also used to treat malaria.

How does it work?

Fadogia agrestis is becoming popular among athletes and body builders as an alternative to anabolic steroids. Promoters point to research in animals that shows Fadogia agrestis might increase sexual behaviors and raise the level of the male hormone testosterone. But no one knows if Fadogia agrestis has these effects in people. Overall, there isn't enough information to know how Fadogia agrestis might work for any medical condition.

QUESTION

Next to red peppers, you can get the most vitamin C from ________________. See Answer

Uses & Effectiveness

Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of Fadogia agrestis for these uses.

Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate (detailed description of each of the ratings).

Side Effects

There isn't enough information available to know if Fadogia agrestis is safe or what the possible side effects might be.

SLIDESHOW

Vitamin D Deficiency: How Much Vitamin D Is Enough? See Slideshow

Special Precautions & Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of Fadogia agrestis during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of Fadogia agrestis depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for Fadogia agrestis. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

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References

Sanon S, Ollivier E, Azas N, et al. Ethnobotanical survey and in vitro antiplasmodial activity of plants used in traditional medicine in Burkina Faso. J Ethnopharmacol 2003;86:143-7. View abstract.

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;7:399-404. View abstract.