Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia): Everything You Need to Know

What is Tongkat Ali?

Tongkat ali goes by a couple of other names. Its scientific name is Eurycoma Longifolia. It is also known as longjack in some countries.

But basically, tongkat ali is a herb that is harvested from a flowering plant. It grows in various regions of Asia which is why it is predominantly used in the medicinal practices of those areas.

It has been utilized traditionally in Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and other Asian countries and may provide the following characteristics:

• antimalarial
• antibacterial
• antidiabetic
• antipyretic

Tongkat ali probably owes its health benefits to its diverse compounds in the plant.

In particular, tongkat ali has flavonoids, alkaloids, and other chemicals that exhibit an antioxidant effect. Antioxidants are elements that battle cell harm because of molecules known as free radicals. They can also be beneficial to the rest of the body.

For instance, many Southeast Asian countries use tongkat ali to address low libido, sexual dysfunction, low testosterone levels, poor fertility in men, poor blood flow, cognitive issues, and more.

It’s important to understand the risks and benefits of tongkat ali if you are considering using it in any capacity. That’s because, while there are many tongkat ali benefits, it may also cause side effects and interactions for some users.

Health Benefits of Tongkat Ali

1. May Enhance Testosterone Levels and Male Fertility

Tongkat Ali has been investigated for its effects on testosterone levels and male fertility. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials published in Medicina indicated that supplementation with E. longifolia may lead to a significant increase in total testosterone levels in men, particularly in those with hypogonadism. This suggests a potential role for E. longifolia in enhancing testosterone production.

Some encouraging results were observed in a 6-month 2021 trial of 45 men with androgen deficiency of aging males. It has concluded that the supplementation with 200 milligrams (mg) of Eurycoma longifolia on a daily basis in combination with training resulted in an increase in the total testosterone levels.

A 2012 study of 76 low-testosterone-aged men over a 1-month trial showed several positive results. It has concluded that an intake of 200 mg of tongkat ali extract per day raised this hormone to its normal level in more than 90 percent of the individuals who took part in this study.

In a 2010 trial of 75 male partners in couples with infertility, supplementing with 200 mg of tongkat ali extract daily showed a significant improvement in concentration and motility of sperm in 3 months. The treatment successfully aided over 14% of couples in achieving pregnancy.

Additionally, a clinical study reported by AIP Publishing found that older men supplemented with E. longifolia root extract experienced increased testosterone levels and strength, alongside reduced symptoms of aging and fatigue.

2. May Improve Stress Hormone Profiles and Mood

Research has shown that Tongkat Ali supplementation can positively affect stress hormones and mood. A study published in Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition involving moderately stressed individuals found that daily supplementation with 200 mg of Tongkat Ali for four weeks resulted in a 16% reduction in cortisol levels and a 37% increase in testosterone levels. Participants also reported improvements in mood, including reduced tension, anger, and confusion.

3. May Support Sleep Quality

Preliminary studies suggest that Tongkat Ali may have a role in improving sleep quality. Clinical and preclinical studies from Oxford Academic have indicated that Tongkat Ali extract may enhance vigor and vitality, potentially contributing to better sleep patterns.

4. May Assist in Managing Diabetes

Initial research indicates that Tongkat Ali may aid in managing diabetes. In animal studies, Tongkat Ali root improved insulin secretion and helped regulate high blood sugar levels. However, further research in humans is necessary to confirm these findings.

5. May improve body composition

Tongkat Ali is said to be able to enhance athletic performance and strength of muscle mass.

This is due to the fact that it has compounds known as quassinoids, such as eurycomaoside, eurycolactone and eurycomanone, which have been shown to potentially provide your body run on a more efficient mix of energy, and help diminish fatigue, plus for some people it gives them a boost of endurance.

A 400-mg daily dose of tongkat ali extract was found to substantially enhance muscular strength in a 5-week study of 25 physically active older adults in 2014 compared to a placebo.

A 2024 study that evaluated the effects of supplementation with 400 mg of tongkat ali, however, found no improvements in body composition of exercise-trained subjects of both sexes.

It is possible that those conflicting outcomes indicate that tongkat ali has some ergogenic effects, which again vary in accordance with the dose and treatment duration and further studies are needed so as to be able to pinpoint this.

Benefits Tongkat Ali

Safety and Side Effects

Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) is considered to be safe when used in low doses during short periods of time, and most of the users experience mild reactions such as stomach pains and itchiness of the skin. Nevertheless, its full safety profile is not known fully and there are doubts regarding its toxicity even at larger doses.

The topic of the safety of Tongkat Ali, specifically its extract E. longifolia, gained traction in the late 90s, with a 2023 overview in the Journal of Public Health in Africa stating that animal research has brought to light potential toxicity hazards at high doses. The European Food Safety Authority Panel (2021) revealed that water-extracted tongkat ali powder in large doses could induce DNA injury in the tissue of the stomach and small intestines. This issue of DNA damage has prompted the panel to make a conclusion that there is no present usage condition where the safety of tongkat ali supplements can be guaranteed.

There is low-quality evidence on the adverse effects of Tongkat Ali in humans, although a toxicology review published in Molecules (2016) found that in mice no alterations of liver and kidney parameters were observed upon administration of 200–300 mg/kg Tongkat Ali alcohol or water-based extracts. It was also established that the lethal oral dose in case of mice was between 1,500 and 2,000 mg/kg of alcohol-extracted tongkat ali and more than 3,000 mg/kg in case of water-extracted ones.

Further studies on Tongkat Ali revealed questionable mercury content in selected supplements with 26% of the samples exceeding mercury safety levels.

The safety of Tongkat Ali in adults in humans was also reviewed in 2016 indicating that up to 1.2 grams a day may be safe. Nevertheless, there is little research on this amount and no research has been done on the long-term consumption of Tongkat Ali; hence, it is not known whether it is safe in the long term.

Although tongkat ali appears to lack major side effects, at least in doses of up to 400 mg per day in the short-term, there is an overall lack of available research and it is unknown whether there are long-term benefits and harm to its use. When considering tongkat ali supplementation, it is vital to approach a healthcare professional to guarantee safety, especially for pregnant and breastfeeding women and people with chronic illnesses.

Recommended Dosage

Too much of a good thing can always be dangerous whether you are talking about a herbal supplement or a beneficial medication. Tongkat ali is no different. You should always stay within the recommended dosage for tongkat ali and other supplements.

Most health experts suggest that you not exceed 200 milligrams per day of tongkat ali. This dosage is enough to experience most of the health benefits of the herb without causing its known side effects.

If you're looking to enhance your energy, stamina, and overall vitality, Alpha Surge Male Vitality Gummy could be the perfect supplement for you. Infused with Tongkat Ali, it helps support male health by boosting testosterone levels and improving physical performance

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How to Use Tongkat Ali?

• Form: Tongkat Ali is available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, and powders. Standardized extracts, particularly those rich in bioactive compounds like eurycomanone, are recommended for consistent potency.
• Timing: While specific timing hasn't been universally established, taking Tongkat Ali in the morning with food may be beneficial to minimize potential gastrointestinal discomfort.​
• Duration: Effects may become noticeable after several weeks of consistent use. Long-term use should be monitored by a healthcare professional.​

Learn more about Tongkat Ali, its uses, and if it's right for you in this video from Dr. Arsalan Aspires.

Should You Take Tongkat Ali?

Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia), a traditional Southeast Asian herb, has garnered attention for its potential benefits in enhancing testosterone levels, improving male fertility, and reducing stress. As such, it is a frequently discussed ingredient in best male enhancement supplements, However, it's essential to consider the available scientific evidence and consult healthcare professionals before incorporating it into your regimen.​

1. Testosterone Enhancement

Several clinical studies have investigated the effects of Tongkat Ali on testosterone levels:​

• 200 mg Daily for 1 Month: A study from PubMed Central involving 76 older men with low testosterone levels found that daily supplementation with 200 mg of Tongkat Ali extract significantly increased testosterone levels to normal values in over 90% of participants.
• 200 mg Daily for 6 Months: Research on 45 men with androgen deficiency showed that taking 200 mg of Tongkat Ali daily, combined with training, increased overall testosterone levels. ​
• 400 mg Daily for 5 Weeks: A 2014 study from Phytotherapy Research on 25 older adults (57–72 years) reported significant increases in total and free testosterone levels, along with improved muscle strength and force.

2. Male Fertility

Tongkat Ali may have a positive impact on male fertility:​

• 200 mg Daily for 3 Months: A study involving 75 male partners of couples with infertility found that supplementation with 200 mg of Tongkat Ali extract per day significantly improved sperm concentration and motility after 3 months.
• 300 mg Daily: Another study indicated that a higher dose of 300 mg daily resulted in a 44% increase in sperm motility compared to 200 mg daily.

3. Stress Reduction and Mood Improvement

Tongkat Ali may help in reducing stress and improving mood:

• 200 mg Daily for 4 Weeks: A study from Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition on 63 adults with moderate stress found that supplementation with 200 mg of Tongkat Ali extract per day reduced cortisol levels by 16% and improved mood parameters, including reduced tension, anger, and confusion.