Fadogia Agrestis Vs. Ashwagandha: Which is Right for You?
Fadogia Agrestis vs Ashwagandha: Which one is right for you? This depends on individual needs and purposes. Opt for Fadogia if you seek improvements in sexual function and reproductive health. Choose Ashwagandha if you need to boost cognitive function and reduce anxiety. Both compounds offer numerous health benefits; delve deeper into their uses and potential side effects through the following article.
Before exploring further, please read the disclaimer located at the end of this webpage.
Key Takeaways
- Fadogia Agrestis is suitable for individuals needing increased strength, endurance, sexual function, and reproductive capabilities.
- Ashwagandha suits individuals needing stress relief, anxiety reduction, and enhanced sleep quality.
- Combining Fadogia and Ashwagandha is feasible, but dosage and expert advice should be considered to ensure safety.
What Is Fadogia Agrestis?
Fadogia Agrestis, also known as "Black Aphrodisiac," is a plant native to West Africa, especially Nigeria and Cameroon, but it can also be found in Central and South Africa. This plant is part of the Rubiaceae family, which includes coffee and jasmine.
Historically, Fadogia Agrestis has been used for its many benefits. It has been part of natural remedies for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relief properties, and it is also known for its aphrodisiac effects.
Today, Fadogia Agrestis is well-regarded for its ability to naturally boost testosterone hormone levels in the body. By enhancing the body’s own testosterone production, it helps increase strength, muscle mass, and energy levels. This makes it a popular choice for people looking to improve their physical performance and overall vitality.
What Are The Benefits Of Fadogia For Human Health?
Fadogia Agrestis contains alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins, which are antibacterial and inhibit tumor formation. These compounds offer several Fadogia health benefits below:
- Enhances sexual function: Fadogia maintains healthy testosterone levels, thereby improving libido. A study using escalating doses from 50 - 100 mg/kg over 5 days showed effectiveness in sexual function [1].
- Supports reproductive ability: Fadogia may increase testicular weight and prolong erection in males. A study on male rats with escalating doses from 50 - 100 mg/kg over 28 days demonstrated increased testicular size by 11 - 15% [2].
- Boosts immune function: Fadogia Agrestis enhances the body's immune response due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Research indicates its efficacy in combating malaria and limiting the spread of Plasmodium parasites [3].
- Reduces oxidative stress: Rich in antioxidants, Fadogia protects against free radical damage, potentially reducing chronic conditions like heart disease and cancer.
Risks And Side Effects Of Fadogia
There is no scientific evidence of serious side effects from using Fadogia.
However, like with any herb or supplement, potential common risks include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Consultation with a specialist is advised to determine if this herbal remedy suits your health needs.
What Is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a perennial shrub that grows in India, South Africa, Egypt, and the dry regions of Congo. Often referred to as 'Indian Ginseng,' it is well-known for its benefits in Ayurvedic medicine. These benefits include enhancing cognition, improving sleep, reducing stress by lowering cortisol levels, increasing stamina, and supporting cardiovascular health [4]. The positive effects of Ashwagandha are believed to be due to its antioxidant properties.
Benefits Of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a well-known adaptogen, revered for its stress-relieving and immune-boosting properties. It contains various bioactive compounds, including:
- Alkaloids: Isopelletierine, anaferine, cuseohygrine, and anahygrine
- Steroid Lactones: Withanolides and withaferins
- Saponins
These constituents contribute to Ashwagandha's reputation for regulating stress and enhancing immune function [5].
Key Benefits of Ashwagandha:
- Cognitive Enhancement: Ashwagandha has been associated with improved memory and cognitive function. An 8-week, placebo-controlled study involving 50 participants demonstrated significant gains in memory, information processing, and executive functions [6].
- Stress and Anxiety Reduction: In Ayurvedic medicine, Ashwagandha is traditionally used to alleviate stress. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial over 60 days revealed notable reductions in anxiety, stress, irritability, and improvements in concentration [7].
- Increased Stamina: Research on endurance, particularly among cyclists, shows that Ashwagandha can enhance cardiovascular stamina and respiratory function. A 12-week study with 50 cyclists noted improvements in overall stamina and quality of life for those taking Ashwagandha [8].
- Improved Sleep Quality: Ashwagandha leaf extract, which contains Triethylene glycol (TEG), has been found to enhance sleep quality. A study with 98 men highlighted Ashwagandha's effectiveness in improving sleep quality [7].
Safety And Side Effects Of Ashwagandha
Unlike Fadogia Agrestis, there is clearer scientific evidence regarding Ashwagandha's safety and potential side effects.
Ashwagandha extract is considered safe within recommended dosages. However, it may cause mild side effects such as nausea, drowsiness, loose stools, and stomach discomfort [9].
Moreover, Ashwagandha has been reported to cause serious adverse effects on liver function, increased blood bilirubin levels when combined with certain anti-anxiety medications [10], or it may cause jaundice, itching, nausea, and gastrointestinal discomfort at high doses (450 - 1,350 mg/day) [11].
Note: Evidence regarding the long-term safety of Ashwagandha over months or years is still lacking.
Fadogia Agrestis Vs Ashwagandha: Which Is Right For You?
To make an informed decision between Fadogia Agrestis and Ashwagandha, it’s important to consider your individual needs and wellness. Here’s a breakdown to help you choose:
Choose Fadogia Agrestis if you are looking to:
- Improve sexual health
- Increase libido
- Maintain natural testosterone levels
- Enhance reproductive health
Choose Ashwagandha if you want to:
- Manage stress
- Enhance cognitive function
- Improve sleep quality, mental health
- Boost memory retention, especially with age
Recent user experiences shared on health forums offer additional insights. For example, a 20-year-old user reported a significant increase in libido after taking Fadogia Agrestis for about a month, compared to Ashwagandha and Tongkat Ali, which they had used for a longer time. On the other hand, another user experienced nipple sensitivity and signs of gyno with high doses of Fadogia Agrestis, although they also noted improvements in libido.
Ultimately, your choice should align with your personal preferences and health goals. It’s always advisable to consult a healthcare professional and conduct thorough research on the supplements and their ingredients before use.
Read more: Fadogia Agrestis vs Tongkat Ali: Can We Combine Them?
Can You Take Ashwagandha And Fadogia Together?
Yes, you can safely combine Ashwagandha and Fadogia.
Both are dietary supplements, not medications. Thus, their combination is considered relatively safe and does not cause serious side effects. To ensure safety, prioritize dosage considerations. You can use supplements that already combine these two compounds in their ingredient list to minimize risks related to dosage.
Additionally, combining Ashwagandha and Fadogia in raw form should be approached and supervised by a healthcare professional to maximize safety for your health.
You may be interested: Fadogia Agrestis Vs Cistanche: What Should You Choose?
Conclusion
Fadogia Agrestis and Ashwagandha offer significant health benefits, but which suits you best depends on specific needs and health conditions. It's best to seek advice from a healthcare professional before using any functional foods and ensure consistent dosing for optimal effectiveness.
Read more:
- 18 Best Ashwagandha Supplements for Stress & Testosterone in Men
- 7 Best Fadogia Agrestis Supplements For Natural Testosterone
- Ashwagandha Vs L Theanine: Which One Should You Choose?
- Tribulus Terrestris Vs. Fadogia Agrestis: Which is Better?
References
- [1] Yakubu, M. T., et al. “Aphrodisiac Potentials of the Aqueous Extract of Fadogia Agrestis (Schweinf. Ex Hiern) Stem in Male Albino Rats.” Asian Journal of Andrology, vol. 7, no. 4, Dec. 2005, pp. 399–404, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-7262.2005.00052.x. Accessed 4 Oct. 2021./
- [2] Yakubu, Musa Toyin, et al. “Effects of Oral Administration of Aqueous Extract of Fadogia Agrestis (Schweinf. Ex Hiern) Stem on Some Testicular Function Indices of Male Rats.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology, vol. 115, no. 2, Jan. 2008, pp. 288–292, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2007.10.004. Accessed 5 Apr. 2022.
- [3] Sanon, S, et al. “Ethnobotanical Survey and in Vitro Antiplasmodial Activity of Plants Used in Traditional Medicine in Burkina Faso.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology, vol. 86, no. 2-3, June 2003, pp. 143–147, https://doi.org/10.1016/s0378-8741(02)00381-1. Accessed 26 Nov. 2021.
- [4] Armbrister, Wendi. Ashwagandha -Scientific Overview.
- [5] Singh, N, et al. “An Overview on Ashwagandha: A Rasayana (Rejuvenator) of Ayurveda.” African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines, vol. 8, no. 5S, 15 July 2011, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3252722/, https://doi.org/10.4314/ajtcam.v8i5s.9. Accessed 18 Nov. 2019.
- [6] Chaudhary, Nitin, et al. Modelling Past, Present and Future Peatland Carbon Accumulation across the Pan-Arctic. 16 Feb. 2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-2017-34. Accessed 16 Oct. 2023.
- [7] Biswajit, Auddy. A Standardized Withania Somnifera Extract Significantly Reduces Stress-Related Parameters in Chronically Stressed Humans. brainperform.de/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/withania_review.pdf. Accessed 21 July 2024.
- [8] Langade, DeepakG, et al. “Efficacy of Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera [L.] Dunal) in Improving Cardiorespiratory Endurance in Healthy Athletic Adults.” AYU (an International Quarterly Journal of Research in Ayurveda), vol. 36, no. 1, 2015, p. 63, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4687242/, https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-8520.169002.
- [9] Tandon, Neeraj, and Satyapal Singh Yadav. “Safety and Clinical Effectiveness of Withania Somnifera (Linn.) Dunal Root in Human Ailments.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology, vol. 255, June 2020, p. 112768, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2020.112768.
- [10] Inagaki, Katsuaki, et al. “A Case of Drug-Induced Liver Injury with Prolonged Severe Intrahepatic Cholestasis Induced by Ashwagandha.” Kanzo, vol. 58, no. 8, 2017, pp. 448–454, www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/kanzo/58/8/58_448/_article/-char/en, https://doi.org/10.2957/kanzo.58.448.
- [11] Björnsson, Helgi K., et al. “Ashwagandha‐Induced Liver Injury: A Case Series from Iceland and the US Drug‐Induced Liver Injury Network.” Liver International, vol. 40, no. 4, Apr. 2020, pp. 825–829, https://doi.org/10.1111/liv.14393.
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