Fadogia Agrestis with Tongkat Ali
Also known as: Eurycoma longifolia, Tongkat Ali, Malaysian Ginseng, Fadogia agrestis
Overview
Fadogia agrestis is a shrub indigenous to Nigeria, recognized for its traditional use in enhancing male health, primarily by potentially boosting testosterone levels. In conjunction with Eurycoma longifolia, widely known as Tongkat Ali, these supplements are often used to improve libido and physical performance. While Tongkat Ali is supported by over 300 studies regarding its testosterone-enhancing properties, Fadogia agrestis has less than 10 studies, leading to gaps in scientific backing. Research indicates that Tongkat Ali enhances testosterone notably in hypogonadal men, establishing it as a more substantiated choice in the herbal supplement sector.
Benefits
The primary benefit of Tongkat Ali is its ability to significantly elevate total testosterone levels, particularly for those with low testosterone (hypogonadal men), with a strong effect size noted in recent research (SMD = 1.352, 95% CI 0.565 to 2.138, p = 0.001). While benefits from Fadogia agrestis are also proposed, they lack rigorous supporting evidence. Traditional uses for both herbs extend to enhancing libido and physical performance, although the lack of strong clinical validation for Fadogia Agrestis diminishes its reliability as a testosterone booster. For men with low testosterone levels, Tongkat Ali shows particularly pronounced benefits across studies.
How it works
Tongkat Ali is theorized to function by enhancing precursor availability for testosterone synthesis and inhibiting aromatase, an enzyme that converts testosterone into estrogen. The specific mechanism of action for Fadogia agrestis is not well understood. Both verities appear to engage with the endocrine system, potentially influencing the production of male hormones and enhancing energy levels.
Side effects
While Tongkat Ali is generally regarded as safe, there are concerns about its potential contamination with heavy metals. Fadogia agrestis, on the other hand, raises safety concerns due to risks of liver toxicity at high doses. Adverse effects for both herbs are not well-studied, and common side effects are not documented extensively, although liver issues have been noted as a risk for Fadogia agrestis. Individuals with pre-existing liver problems should exercise caution. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should refrain from using these supplements due to insufficient safety data. There has been limited investigation into drug interactions, necessitating a consultation with a healthcare provider prior to use.
Dosage
Typical dosages for Tongkat Ali range from 100 to 600 mg per day, with an optimal range generally advised between 200-400 mg daily. Fadogia agrestis does not have established dosing guidelines, and high dosages might carry risks. The timing of administration is non-specific, and capsules are a common form of supplementation. Further investigation is necessary to determine specific absorption rates and necessary co-factors, which remain undocumented for both herbs.
FAQs
Should I consult a healthcare provider before using these supplements?
Yes, it's advisable to consult a healthcare provider, especially when considering combining with other medicines.
What are the safety concerns related to Fadogia agrestis?
Fadogia agrestis may pose liver risks at high doses, so caution is advised.
Is there a recommended timing for taking these supplements?
No specific timing is recommended for either supplement.
What results can I expect from Tongkat Ali supplementation?
Users may experience potential increases in testosterone and libido, but results can vary significantly.
Is there evidence supporting the combination of Fadogia agrestis and Tongkat Ali?
Currently, there are no clinical human studies substantiating the benefits of combining these two herbs.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9415500/ – This meta-analysis provides strong evidence for the efficacy of Tongkat Ali in increasing testosterone levels among hypogonadal men, analyzing data from multiple studies including randomized controlled trials.
- https://akarali.com/fadogia-agrestis-tongkat-ali/ – This review discusses the potential health benefits of both Fadogia agrestis and Tongkat Ali, emphasizing the lack of robust evidence for Fadogia and highlighting the established effects of Tongkat Ali.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36013514/ – This publication highlights the existing studies on Fadogia agrestis, noting a significant shortfall in clinical evidence supporting its proposed benefits.
- https://feelsupreme.co.uk/blogs/mastering-wellness/the-benefits-of-combining-tongkat-ali-and-fadogia-agrestis-a-natural-power-duo-1 – While combining Fadogia agrestis and Tongkat Ali is often discussed anecdotally, this source articulates the absence of clinical studies that validate the efficacy of such combinations.
- https://examine.com/supplements/tongkat-ali/ – This resource provides a comprehensive overview of the various benefits attributed to Tongkat Ali, detailing mechanisms, effects on testosterone, and safety concerns, backed by systematic analysis.