Fadogia Agrestis & Tongkat Ali: Best Combo for Testosterone Boost?

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Dr Andrew Huberman, a famous American Neurobioligist and Stanford Professor, went viral on social media when he said, on the Joe Rogan Podcast, that Tongkat Ali and Fadogia Agrestis were the only two supplements he recomended for boosting one’s Testosterone. In this post, we’ll review both supplements and check if the scientific literature supports Dr Huberman’s claims…

The Claim

Dr Huberman states: “There’s a category of supplements that are very intereststing, and for most people work very well to boost testosterone by about 100 to 200 points. One is called Tongkat Ali. Tongkat Ali, at about 400 mg per day, has the effect of raising free Testosterone and overall Testosterone by about 100 to 200 points. And another which is very interesting is a Nigerian shrub called Fadogia Agrestis. Fadogia is usually taken at around 600 mg. The most dramatic effect I’ve ever seen, is somebody who had their Testosterone levels in the low 200’s, and he got it up to the 700 range.”

What Does The Literature Say?

From my initial research, there is some evidence suggesting that both Tongkat Ali and Fadogia Agrestis may increase testosterone levels. Here’s a breakdown of what I found:

Tongkat Ali:

Tongkat Ali, also known as Longjack, has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Some studies suggest it might be helpful for raising testosterone levels, particularly in men with low T.

For instance, a 1-month study in older men with low testosterone found that simply taking 200 mg of Tongkat Ali extract daily significantly increased testosterone levels in over 90% of participants, bringing them within the normal range.

Another study found significant improvements in the group taking Tongkat Ali. Improvents in Tension (−11%), Anger (−12%), and Confusion (−15%) were noted. Stress hormone profile (salivary cortisol and testosterone) was significantly improved by Tongkat Ali supplementation, with reduced cortisol exposure (−16%) and increased testosterone status (+37%)

A more recent study demonstrated that men with Androgen Deficiency (ADAM) and erectile function experienced the most significant benefits when it comes to testosterone and erectile function when combining concurrent training + Eurycoma longifolia (aka another name for Tongkat Ali).

Needless to say, this supplement does show some promise, so Dr Huberman might be onto something! That said, more research is needed to definitively confirm Tongkat Ali’s effectiveness and long-term safety.

Note that Dr Huberman recommends 400 mg which is more than what most participants have taken in these studies.

Fadogia Agrestis

Fadogia Agrestis is a newer player in the sexual health scene, and the research on its testosterone-boosting effects is even scarcer. While some rodent studies show promising results, with significant increases in testosterone levels, these findings can’t be directly translated to humans.

Another Fadogia study revealed that the aqueous extract of Fadogia agrestis stem increased the blood testosterone concentrations and this may be the mechanism responsible for its aphrodisiac effects and various masculine behaviors.

The Bottom Line: Proceed with Caution

While both Tongkat Ali and Fadogia Agrestis might hold some potential for boosting testosterone, the evidence is currently scarce. Here are some key points to consider:

• Limited Research: More studies, especially in humans, are needed to confirm their effectiveness and safety.
• Quality Concerns: Dietary supplements aren’t as tightly regulated as medications, so quality and purity can vary.
• Potential Side Effects: Although research on side effects is limited, it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional before taking any supplements, especially if you are suffering from any health condition or are already taking medication.

Natural Ways to Support Healthy Testosterone Levels

Before diving into supplements, you should know that the best ways to raise your testosterone are FREE. I strongly recommend that you consider these evidence-based approaches that can naturally support healthy testosterone production:

• Hit the Gym Regularily: Regular exercise, especially strength training, can be a great way to boost your T levels naturally. Pair it with Creatine for better results.
• Pay Attention to Your Diet: Junk foods and Alcohol consumption are known to kill your testosterone levels.
• Fuel Your Body Right: Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to support overall health and hormone balance.
• Prioritize Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep per night to keep your testosterone production on track.
• Manage Stress: Chronic stress can negatively impact testosterone levels. Relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga can be helpful. A well-studied supplement like Ashwagandha can help you improve your cortisol profile, while improving your testosterone and libido.

Talk to Your Doctor

If you’re concerned about your testosterone levels, or are experiencing many symptoms that correlate with low T levels, it’s always best to consult your doctor because an underlying condition could be affecting your hormones.

Doctors can assess your individual situation, explore underlying causes for low testosterone if needed, and recommend the safest and most effective approach to improve your testosterone levels (if necessary).