Fadogia agrestis is a short shrubby plant native to Nigeria, but can also be found in areas as far west as Ghana and as far east as Sudan [1]. It is traditionally used as an aphrodisiac and to treat erectile dysfunction [2].
What are the main benefits of Fadogia agrestis?
Fadogia agrestis is best known for its aphrodisiac effects (stimulating sexual desires). A study in rodents suggests that it increases testosterone and acts as a libido enhancer [2]. Based on the degree of benefit, it appears to be one of the more powerful herbs for increasing libido. It appears to be slightly more effective than Spilanthes acmella, based on measurements from rodent studies [3][2].
Evidence in animals supports the pro-erectile properties of this herb, but an associated prolongation of the ejaculatory lesion (sexual endurance) has also been observed.
Some lab studies of the roots of Fadogia agrestis concluded that the components of the roots had inhibitory effects on certain parasites and bacteria, and showed mild antimalarial activity [4].
What are the main disadvantages of Fadogia agrestis?
Researchers have observed changes in testicle size associated with this plant, as well as changes in biomarkers that suggest the plant can damage cell membranes [5]. This phenomenon may not be limited to the testicles, and more studies are needed to determine exactly what is happening.
What other names is Fadogia agrestis known by?
- bakin gagai
- black aphrodisiac
References
- Anero R, Díaz-Lanza A, Ollivier E, Baghdikian B, Balansard G, Bernabé M Monoterpene glycosides isolated from Fadogia agrestis. Phytochemistry. (2008-Feb)
- Yakubu MT, Akanji MA, Oladiji AT Aphrodisiac potentials of the aqueous extract of Fadogia agrestis (Schweinf. Ex Hiern) stem in male albino rats. Asian J Androl. (2005-Dec)
- Vikas Sharma, Jente Boonen, Nagendra S Chauhan, Mayank Thakur, Bart De Spiegeleer, VK Dixit Spilanthes acmella ethanolic flower extract: LC-MS alkylamide profiling and its effects on sexual behavior in male rats Phytomedicine. (2011 Oct 15)
- Osman AG, Ali Z, Fantoukh O, Raman V, Kamdem RST, Khan I Glycosides of ursane-type triterpenoid, benzophenone, and iridoid from () and their anti-infective activities. Nat Prod Res. (2020-Mar)
- Yakubu MT, Akanji MA, Oladiji AT Effects of oral administration of aqueous extract of Fadogia agrestis (Schweinf. Ex Hiern) stem on some testicular function indices of male rats. J Ethnopharmacol. (2008-Jan-17)