Overview

Fadogia agrestis is a plant from Africa that is sometimes added to dietary supplements. It is often marketed as a testosterone booster. However, very little research has been done to study this plant. Its safety and benefits are not well defined. Before taking Fadogia agrestis, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is Fadogia agrestis used for?

Fadogia agrestis is sometimes used to boost testosterone levels, but its benefits for any use are not well defined.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed Fadogia agrestis for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does Fadogia agrestis work (mechanism of action)?

Fadogia agrestis is a plant that grows in Africa. Dietary supplements that contain Fadogia agrestis are made from the stem of the plant.

Fadogia agrestis is often marketed as an aphrodisiac and testosterone booster that can help to improve athletic or sexual performance. But very little research has been done to understand how this plant may work in the body. There is currently no evidence that it can help increase testosterone levels. It is not clear if or how it might work for any use.

Herbal products, like Fadogia agrestis, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific Fadogia agrestis product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

How should I store Fadogia agrestis?

You should store Fadogia agrestis according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Fadogia agrestis?

There is not enough research to know what side effects may be caused by Fadogia agrestis. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be side effects of Fadogia agrestis that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Fadogia agrestis?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Fadogia agrestis are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Fadogia agrestis may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Fadogia agrestis and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching or skin rash
• Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Precautions

Who should not use Fadogia agrestis?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Fadogia agrestis.

• Fadogia
• Fadogia agrestis
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific Fadogia agrestis products they stock.

What should I know about Fadogia agrestis before using it?

Fadogia agrestis is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep Fadogia agrestis out of the reach of children.

Herbal products, such as Fadogia agrestis, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific Fadogia agrestis product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way the plant was processed after being harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

Fadogia agrestis is typically available as a dried ground powder in a capsule. Some Fadogia agrestis products may contain other ingredients that are marketed for boosting testosterone levels. These other ingredients may have different effects and side effects than Fadogia agrestis. Read the product label closely to understand which ingredients it contains.

Many dietary supplements marketed for boosting testosterone levels have been found to contain prescription medicines or harmful chemicals. These prescription medicines can cause serious side effects and can also interact with other medicines. Use caution when buying a Fadogia agrestis product because it may contain harmful ingredients that are not listed on the label. Find a list of potentially harmful products from the FDA here.

The FDA has not tested Fadogia agrestis products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Fadogia agrestis?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Fadogia agrestis is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions.Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

• Erectile dysfunction
• Kidney or liver problems
• Low testosterone levels

Other Medicines and Supplements.Fadogia agrestis may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Fadogia agrestis, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. People who can become pregnant do not usually take Fadogia agrestis. It is not known if or how Fadogia agrestis could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. People who can become pregnant do not usually take Fadogia agrestis. It is not known if Fadogia agrestis passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does Fadogia agrestis interact with foods or drinks?

There is not enough research to know if Fadogia agrestis interacts with foods or drinks, including alcohol.

Does Fadogia agrestis interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

The interactions between Fadogia agrestis and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with Fadogia agrestis is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking Fadogia agrestis with any medicines.

Dosing

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Fadogia agrestis?

If you or someone else has used too much Fadogia agrestis, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Many Fadogia agrestis products also contain other ingredients. Read the product label closely and speak to a health care provider about how to take Fadogia agrestis safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.