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Fadogia Agrestis

Stimulating LH and testosterone (animal data only)

Evidence · Grade DSafety · Use with caution
Traditional useSafety cautionInteraction riskNeeds more research

West African shrub popularized as a "natural LH/testosterone booster"; animal data are promising but human trials and long-term safety data are essentially absent.

Fadogia agrestis is a shrub native to Nigeria and West Africa, where its stems have been used traditionally as an aphrodisiac and for fever and malaria. It rose to popularity in fitness and biohacking circles after being discussed as a potential luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone stimulator, often stacked with tongkat ali. The enthusiasm is based almost entirely on rodent studies — there are currently no published, peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials in humans for testosterone outcomes. Animal studies have also raised concerns about testicular and liver toxicity at higher doses.

Quick answer

What it is: Fadogia agrestis is a shrub native to Nigeria and West Africa, where its stems have been used traditionally as an aphrodisiac and for fever and malaria.

May support:Hypogonadism (Low Testosterone), Low Libido

Evidence:Evidence · Grade D

Safety:Safety · Use with caution

Evidence Summary

Evidence · Grade D

No human RCTs for testosterone outcomes. Animal data are promising for short-term hormonal effects but also flag testicular and hepatic toxicity risks.

Last reviewed · Jun 2026

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Commonly Combined With

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Why It Works

Animal studies suggest fadogia raises LH and testosterone, but human evidence is lacking and safety has not been characterized.

How it works in more detail

In some animal models, extracts of Fadogia Agrestis have been observed to increase serum testosterone levels. This effect is hypothesized to occur through a mechanism involving the stimulation of Leydig cells, which are responsible for testosterone synthesis in the testes. Some research also suggests a potential influence on luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion from the pituitary gland, which in turn stimulates Leydig cell activity. However, these findings are derived exclusively from animal studies, and the specific compounds and their precise interactions within human physiological systems remain uninvestigated.

How to use

Always consult a qualified clinician.

Editorial guidance

Suggested dosage
No clinically established dose. Popular protocols use 300–600 mg/day of stem extract, cycled 5 days on / 2 off or 8 weeks on / 4 weeks off. Lower is safer given the absence of human safety data.
Research dosage range
No human dose-response data; rodent studies used 18–100 mg/kg.
Typical onset
Anecdotal effects within 2–6 weeks; no validated timeline.
Typical forms
Capsules, Powder, Extract
Quality markers
Given the limited research, look for products from reputable manufacturers that provide third-party testing for purity and potency. Standardization to specific active compounds is not yet established.
Medication interactions
  • Hepatotoxic drugs
  • Hormone therapy / TRT
  • Other testosterone-modulating supplements
Avoid if
  • Liver disease
  • Prostate or hormone-sensitive cancers
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Children and adolescents
  • Men trying to conceive (until more data exist)
Pregnancy / lactation
Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding; potential reproductive toxicity.

Community tips

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Suggested dosage

No clinically established dose. Popular protocols use 300–600 mg/day of stem extract, cycled 5 days on / 2 off or 8 weeks on / 4 weeks off. Lower is safer given the absence of human safety data.

General guidance — discuss specifics with a clinician.

Active medicinal compounds

Saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids

Traditional use

Used in West African traditional medicine for fever, malaria, and as an aphrodisiac.

Safety

Safety warnings

Use is largely experimental. Cycle conservatively, monitor liver enzymes and hormones, and stop if any GI, urinary, or mood symptoms appear. Avoid stacking with other hepatotoxic supplements or alcohol.

Avoid if

  • Liver disease
  • Prostate or hormone-sensitive cancers
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Children and adolescents
  • Men trying to conceive (until more data exist)

Medication interactions

  • Hepatotoxic drugs
  • Hormone therapy / TRT
  • Other testosterone-modulating supplements

Reported side effects

  • Possible liver enzyme elevations
  • Testicular changes (animal data)
  • Anxiety / overstimulation
  • GI upset

Pregnancy & lactation

Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding; potential reproductive toxicity.

General guidance — discuss specifics with a clinician.

Evidence ecosystem

Scientific literature, clinical guidance, government sources, ongoing research, traditional use, and lived experience — grouped by source type and quality.

Overall grade (D)

No human RCTs for testosterone outcomes. Animal data are promising for short-term hormonal effects but also flag testicular and hepatic toxicity risks.

Animal Studies(1)

Preclinical animal research — not a substitute for human evidence.

Low Quality

Limitations: The primary limitation is the complete lack of human studies. Animal studies, while suggestive, do not provide sufficient evidence for human use. There is no data on human dosages, safety profiles, long-term effects, or interactions with medications in humans. The mechanisms observed in animals may not be identical or as pronounced in humans.

This page is educational. Statements use phrases like "may support" and "has been studied for"because no remedy here is approved to cure, treat, or reverse any condition. Discussion happens on the ailment pages — community statistics here are derived from those reports. Always consult a qualified clinician.

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