A shrub from West Africa whose stem extract is used in some male vitality formulas.
Why it’s used: Traditionally used in Nigeria to support male vitality; human research is very limited.
Fadogia agrestis is a small shrub that grows in the savannah of West and Central Africa, including Nigeria. Botanists now also list it as Vangueria agrestis. The stem is the part used, usually as a dried powder or a concentrated extract such as a 10:1 ratio.
In Nigerian folk practice the stem has been traditionally used to support male vitality. Its reputation in modern supplements comes almost entirely from a few rat studies by one research group, which used an aqueous stem extract. There are no published human clinical trials, so nobody knows how it behaves in people, at what amount, or for how long.
The same rat research also raised safety signals. A 28-day study reported changes in testicular function markers at every dose tested, and a later study described effects on liver and kidney cells. These are animal findings and may not apply to people, but they are the main reason to approach fadogia with caution. In 2025 a European Commission consultation concluded that a fadogia extract is a novel food in the EU.
2 findings behind this ingredient. Hover a card for the detail and the source.
Rat study; males were given 18, 50 or 100 mg/kg of aqueous stem extract daily and assessed on days 1, 3 and 5. All doses increased mount and intromission frequency and raised serum testosterone.
Rat study in 30 males with paroxetine-induced erectile dysfunction given 18, 50 or 100 mg/kg aqueous stem extract or sildenafil. The extract raised penile and testicular nitric oxide, cGMP and antioxidant enzymes to levels similar to untreated controls.
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No published human clinical trials were found. The evidence people quote comes from small rat studies, mostly from one Nigerian research group between 2005 and 2009. Results in rats often do not carry over to people, so any effect or safe amount in humans is unknown.
Human safety has not been studied. In rats given a stem extract for 28 days, researchers reported changes in testicular function markers at all doses, with only partial recovery after stopping. Another rat study described effects on liver and kidney cells. Caution is sensible until human data exist.
In 2025 a European Commission novel food consultation concluded that a 10:1 Fadogia agrestis extract is a novel food, meaning it needs authorisation before sale in the EU. Great Britain has its own novel food rules, so check current Food Standards Agency guidance before buying or selling it.
Information only, not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your GP or pharmacist first.
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