Fadogia Agrestis is a medicinal plant used for centuries as an aphrodisiac and general tonic. In recent years, the plant has been claimed to have the natural ability to boost testosterone levels in men. This article will explore what this herb can do, how it works, and if there is any truth to the claims.
What Is Fadogia Agrestis?
Fadogia Agrestis (Schweinf. ex Hiern), also known as bakin gagai or black aphrodisiac, is a species of shrub plant that belongs to the family Rubiaceae and usually grows in Nigeria but can also be located from as far to the west as Ghana and as far to the east as Sudan.
It was transferred from the genus Fadogia to Vangueria in line with phylogenetic analysis, making Vangueria Agrestis (Schweinf. ex Hiern) Lantz its currently accepted scientific name.
When used as a herbal medicine, Fadogia Agrestis possesses properties that can boost sexual performance, increase libido, and treat erectile dysfunction in men. It is also said to enhance athletic performance and aid bodybuilding.
In African traditional medicine, Fadogia Agrestis was a popular aphrodisiac and diuretic used for treating fever, diarrhea, kidney pain, stomach ache, toothache, and blennorrhoea (the excessive secretion of watery mucus from the vagina or the urethra.)
This dwarf shrub can reach up to 30 cm tall and has yellowish tomentellus, paired leaves, yellow-green flowers, woody stems, and rootstocks. Several parts of the plant are used for their medicinal properties, including the roots, stems, leaves, and flowers.
However, the Fadogia Agrestis bark is where the highest concentration of active ingredients can be found. Thousands of kilos of this bark are annually harvested from Ghana and exported to different international markets for commercial sale.
Fadogia Agrestis Benefits and Uses
Fadogia Agrestis has been known for centuries as an aphrodisiac, a diuretic, and a tonic. It also fights infections, reduces fever and inflammation, and treats other diseases.
Fadogia Agrestis is also believed to possess a wide range of other benefits, such as:
Increase Testosterone Levels
Testosterone is a hormone responsible for male characteristics and sexual health. Fadogia Agrestis has been used as an aphrodisiac and testosterone booster in certain African countries, where it is believed to help increase both libido and sperm count.
In a study where rats were injected with extracts of the Fadogia Agrestis stem, a significant rise in blood testosterone concentrations was observed. This suggests that the herb is responsible for increased testosterone production and masculine behavior.
Fadogia Agrestis stem extract may also treat defective sexual functions in animals, especially those with hypotestosteronemia or abnormal and low testosterone production.
Support Bodybuilding
Fadogia Agrestis is becoming increasingly popular among bodybuilders and gym rats, who appreciate its purported ability to increase testosterone levels and enhance overall performance. They also claim that the herb helps them build muscle faster and prevent fat accumulation.
These effects made Fadogia Agrestis a part of traditional bodybuilding supplements for many years. It’s also a popular substitute for anabolic steroids, powerful testosterone boosters that support muscle growth and improve body mass.
In recent years, Fadogia Agrestis has become a common ingredient in plenty of supplement products, making it a hot topic among bodybuilders, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts and featured in various fitness blogs, videos, podcasts, and forums.
Improve Sex Drive
Fadogia Agrestis is known for its ability to increase libido, leading to better sexual performance. It has been used as an aphrodisiac by African tribes for centuries and is still popular among men who want to enhance their bedroom experience.
A study shows that Fadogia Agrestis can help increase mount and intromission frequency in rats, enhancing the desire and stimulation necessary for initiating sexual intercourse. It also extends ejaculatory latency in male rats, allowing them to last longer during sexual activity.
This suggests that the herb may help to increase sexual vigor, improve sex drive and behavior, and enhance sexual functions. It may also increase the frequency of erections and increase the intensity of ejaculations and orgasms.
Manage Erectile Dysfunction
The benefits of Fadogia Agrestis also extend to treating erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. The herb has been found to improve the swelling and hardening of the penis by increasing testosterone levels and blood flow to that area. This could help men who suffer from ED maintain an erection for longer.
When nitric oxide (NO) is insufficient in the blood vessels, the blood cannot enter and fill the penile and testicular tissues, leading to weak erections. A study has found that Fadogia Agrestis helps increase the NO pathway in male rats, allowing the blood to fill and swell the penis for better erections.
This suggests that the herb may be beneficial in treating ED and other issues related to sexual dysfunction. However, more studies and clinical trials are still needed to determine its full potential in treating such conditions.
Enhance Athletic Performance
Many athletes have tried and tested the benefits of Fadogia Agrestis in improving their performance. The herb is believed to increase energy and stamina levels, reduce fatigue, enhance metabolism, and boost strength and endurance.
It has also been suggested that Fadogia Agrestis can improve muscle mass by increasing testosterone production and nitrogen retention. This means that it could be beneficial in building muscle, particularly for athletes and bodybuilders who seek to improve their physical performance.
Fadogia Agrestis Side Effects
There is still no conclusive clinical trial that can prove the effectiveness and safety of using Fadogia Agrestis for medical use. This is why it’s essential to exercise caution when using the herb and be aware of potential side effects.
The most common side effects of Fadogia Agrestis are stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating, and diarrhea because of its high levels of saponins, which can irritate your digestive system.
High doses of Fadogia Agrestis can cause increased heart rate and raised blood pressure. It can also cause kidney and liver damage, so it should be avoided by those who have liver or kidney disease. It’s also not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Fadogia Agrestis can also be toxic when taken in extremely high doses. Folk medicine recommends a dose of 18 mg per kg of body weight, and a study suggests that this dosage does not cause any toxic effects. However, it’s always best to consult your doctor before taking this medicine and follow the recommended dosage for safety.
Fadogia Agrestis Dosage
As with its side effects, the optimal dosage of Fadogia Agrestis is still uncertain. The traditional medicine recommendation for Fadogia Agrestis is 18 mg per kg of body weight, and it’s advisable to follow this dosage if you plan to take it.
Bodybuilders have determined that an adequate Fadogia Agrestis dosage for muscle building is 100 mg per kg of body weight daily. However, your dosage will depend on your weight and individual needs.
Still, it’s best to consult your doctor before taking this herb and ensure that you take the correct dosage. Follow your doctor’s dosage instructions to ensure you get the best results and minimal side effects.
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FAQS on Fadogia Agrestis
Fadogia Agrestis vs. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an Indian herb that belongs to the Solanaceae family. This herb has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to improve physical and mental health. It also helps reduce stress, boost libido, and treat erectile dysfunction.
Fadogia Agrestis and Ashwagandha have been found to help with similar health concerns such as sexual dysfunction, stress, and energy levels. However, they work differently in the body and are derived from different plant species.
Fadogia Agrestis and Tongkat Ali
Tongkat Ali is a Southeast Asian herbal remedy known for its testosterone-boosting properties. It has been used in traditional medicine to enhance libido, fertility, and athletic performance.
Using a combination of Fadogia Agrestis and Tongkat Ali has grown more common in recent years. This may be beneficial in improving sexual performance, increasing testosterone production, and boosting energy levels and cognitive function.
Is It Safe To Take Fadogia Agrestis Every Day?
Fadogia Agrestis has not been thoroughly tested, and there is still no conclusive opinion on the safety of taking this herb daily. It’s best to consult your doctor before taking Fadogia agrestis daily, as it may cause side effects in frequent and large doses. It is also vital to follow the dosage instructions provided by your doctor.
Sources:
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