Fadogia agrestis

Fadogia agrestis is a perennial shrub native to West‑African savannas (particularly Nigeria and Cameroon) belonging to the Rubiaceae family. Its root extracts have attracted interest as a dietary supplement primarily because pre‑clinical studies suggest a capacity to modulate endocrine and metabolic pathways, which may support athletic performance, libido, and overall vitality.

• The principal bio‑active constituents of Fadogia agrestis include:
  • Fadogic acid – C₁₆H₂₂O₄, IUPAC: 3‑hydroxy‑2‑(4‑hydroxy‑3‑methoxy‑phenyl)‑2‑propene‑1‑one; a quinone‑like phenolic acid.
  • Fadogiol – C₂₁H₂₆O₅, IUPAC: (2R,3S)-5‑hydroxy‑3‑(4‑hydroxy‑3‑methoxyphenyl)-2‑propyl‑5‑methoxy‑2,3‑dihydro­furan‑2‑one.
  • Quercetin‑3‑O‑glucoside – C₂₁H₂₀O₁₁, flavonoid glycoside, m/z 463.09 (ESI‑MS).
• The root extract typically contains 40‑50 % total flavonoids (expressed as quercetin equivalents), 5‑10 % saponins, and trace alkaloids.
• The compounds are moderately polar (logP ≈ 2.1) and soluble in 70 % ethanol, which is the standard extraction solvent.
• The extract exhibits a characteristic UV‑Vis absorption at 340 nm (flavonoid).
• Stability is maintained under nitrogen and at < 25 °C; prolonged exposure to light or heat leads to degradation of flavonoid‑glycosides.

• Fadogia agrestis is harvested from wild populations in the savanna regions of Nigeria, Cameroon, and Ghana; sustainable cultivation now occurs on small‑scale farms in Nigeria under Good Agricultural Practices (GAP).
• The root is harvested after 2–3 years of growth, washed, sliced, and dried at ≤ 45 °C to preserve phytochemicals.
• Extraction is most commonly performed with 70 % ethanol (1:10 w/v) at 40 °C for 4 h under nitrogen, followed by solvent removal under reduced pressure and spray‑drying to produce a fine, orange‑brown powder.
• Standardized extracts are verified by HPLC‑UV (λ = 340 nm) and LC‑MS for flavonoid content; a “≥ 40 % total flavonoids” label is the industry benchmark.
• Quality‑certified products should display third‑party testing for heavy metals (< 10 ppm Pb, As, Cd), microbial limits (< 10⁴ CFU g⁻¹ total aerobic count), and absence of pesticide residues.
• Choosing a GMP‑certified, third‑party‑tested brand reduces risk of adulteration with synthetic testosterone or other anabolic agents.