Fadogia Agrestis Benefits

This flowering plant from West Africa has recently arrived on the supplement scene. It has long been prized in its native lands for powers which give it the nickname of ‘black aphrodisiac’. Traditionally, Fadogia agrestis is used for its aphrodisiac, pro-erectile, anti-malarial, and anti-fever properties. In this blog we take a closer look at what gives the plant these claims to fame.

Fadogia Agrestis Biography

A bush plant belonging to the Rubiaceae family, Fadogia agrestis has small, cream-coloured flowers which can appear to be more like berries. It is best suited to growing in tropical rainforests but will also thrive on savanna lands and although native to Nigeria it can also be found growing right across African from Ghana to Sudan.

Interest in Fadogia agrestis arose from the observations and documentation of the tribal populations of West Africa, particularly Nigeria, who had passed down their knowledge of the benefits of the plant through generations of their people.

It is only relatively recently that science has begun to investigate the potential powers of this herb, and research has led to it being developed as a supplement available in other parts of the world beside its native Africa.

Fadogia Agrestis Benefits

Traditionally, Fadogia agrestis is used as a febrifuge (fever reducer) but its main popularity lies in the aphrodisiac powers and its ability to treat erectile dysfunction. The findings from a rodent study where Fadogia agrestis was supplemented for five days, showed a marked increase in testosterone (2-fold with 18 mg/kg, 3-fold with 50 mg/kg, and 6-fold with 100 mg/kg). It also demonstrated enhanced libido.

Based on the results of tests on rodents, it appears that Fadogia agrestis is one of the most potent herbs for boosting testosterone and libido. Some laboratory (rodent) trial evidence supports the herb’s pro-erectile properties and an associated increase in ejaculation time has also been recorded. This is an unusual benefit among aphrodisiacs which mostly tend to reduce ejaculation latency.

An in vitro study isolated glycosides of Fadogia agrestis roots and discovered them to have an inhibitory effect on certain bacteria and parasites. This was noted to provide mild antimalarial activity. A different study found Fadogia agrestis to display antispasmodic properties.

To date there have been no human studies conducted on Fadogia agrestis but research is ongoing.

The Chemistry of Fadogia Agrestis

The plant is made up of various chemical compounds including alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, and tannins and it is this cocktail of nutrients which are believed to provide health-giving properties. Studies of some of the alkaloids such as fadoginines A and B have taken place to further explore their potential health benefits. The greatest concentration of bioactive compounds come from the plant’s roots and stems, and supplements are mainly sourced from these.

Studies indicate that Fadogia agrestis may boost your body’s production of luteinizing hormone (LH), and this can have the effect of stimulating the testes to produce more testosterone. It may also have the effect of enhancing sexual performance by improving erectile function.

In terms of nutritional value, the flavonoids in Fadogia agrestis contain valuable antioxidant properties which can help avoid free radical damage in your body. Saponins help with cholesterol levels as well as giving a boost to your immune system.

Although we know that more research is needed to fully understand the various properties of Fadogia agrestis, the fact that it has been successfully used for many years amongst the people of its native lands has led to recent scientific exploration.

A summary of findings to date indicates potential validation in some of these traditional beliefs, namely:

• Testosterone – Fadogia agrestis may help in some cases to increase testosterone levels.
• Aphrodisiac – It has long been acclaimed as a natural aphrodisiac in traditional African medicine.
• Antioxidant – The flavonoids in Fadogia agrestis have antioxidant properties which can help fight free radical damage.

It should be noted that due to a lack of human clinical trials, the long-term safety of Fadogia agrestis is yet unknown.

Tongkat Ali and Fadogia Agrestis: Comparing The Two

When it comes to the world of natural supplements for enhancing male sexual health and performance, two names are rapidly gaining popularity. As well as Fadogia agrestis, Tongkat ali is also a very popular choice. Both are acclaimed for their potential benefits in this field, but you may be wondering if one is better than the other. We have already given you some information on Fadogia agrestis and will now aim to fill in some of the details on Tongkat ali to help you to draw your own conclusion.

About Tongkat Ali

Botanial name Eurycoma longifolia jack, Tongkat ali is a flowering plant from Southeast Asia. It has been traditionally acclaimed as a medicine for certain ailments such as fever, infection, and erectile dysfunction. It is most popular for its potential testosterone-boosting power, derived from compounds called quassinoids. These are the source of its testosterone stimulating properties and may also support enhanced sexual performance due to boosting libido and improving erectile function.

Studies have found that Tongkat ali can increase sperm count and motility, giving support to male fertility problems.

Additionally, one of the prized benefits of Tongkat ali is its ability to improve physical performance. This makes it a popular choice of bodybuilders and athletes for helping with endurance. It is also linked to stress-relief by reducing cortisol levels.

Making a Choice

When making a comparison between Fadogia agrestis and Tongkat ali, you should consider the fact that they both offer similar benefits. They both can potentially boost testosterone levels, enhance overall well-being, and improve sexual performance.

Your choice should be dependent upon your own individual needs, so if you are looking for a supplement with a long tradition as an anti-inflammatory which can help with chronic pain and issues such as arthritis, then Fadogia agrestis may suit your needs.

If you are seeking a supplement which has the added benefit of stress relief or if you are interested in athletic stamina, then Tongkat ali may be your best option.

It is always recommended that you consult a doctor or healthcare profession before starting a new supplement regime.

Our Promise

When it comes to keeping you informed on health and nutrition, we’re here for you and aim to help where we can. If you would like to discuss any aspect of using natural supplements, or would find advice helpful, please feel free to contact us on 01297 553932