Tongkat Ali is an herb native to Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. Also known by its scientific name, Eurycoma longifolia, it is commonly referred to as the longjack.

When it comes to it’s uses there are lot that are purported by the people who support it’s use, but that doesn’t mean that they’re all actually true.

What do people claim longjack does? 

In addition to Ashwagandha, Tribulus Terrestris and Turkestrerone, Tongkat Ali is probably one of the most frequently mentioned [1] "herbal steroids" or natural alternatives to chemical test boosters. And in fact, science attests the herb various positive effects on health - above all the hormone level.

Tongkat Ali is used in traditional medicine as an aphrodisiac and to treat a range of health conditions including fever, diarrhea and high blood pressure. It also has been trialed for use to help treat stress in older men [2].

Does Tongkat Ali Raise Testosterone?

Then there’s the big claim, the most common one anyway, and that is that Tongkat Ali boosts testosterone levels. It is believed that the active ingredients contained in tongkat ali, such as B. eurycomanone, can help to increase testosterone levels in men, which leads to increased libido, energy and muscle mass.

Tongkat Ali contains compounds called quassinoids, [3] which stimulate the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland, which in theory signals the testicles to produce more testosterone.

The increase in testosterone levels in theory then boosts energy levels, muscle mass and leads to a reduction in body fat. It also helps improve mood and energy levels, and may even have cognitive benefits.

It should be noted however, that when otherwise healthy young male participants used tongkat ali, it was demonstrated that it did not improve their overall athletic performance. [4] It does seem to be slightly effective for improved athletic performance in older men, but it’s likely most strength increase claims are likely to be overblown. 

What Else Does Tongkat Ali Do?

And to round it off Tongkat Ali has also had some limited research to suggest it has anti-aging, anti oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. And there is some limited evidence to suggest it can help protect the liver. But, more research is needed to back any of these claims.

How best to consume tongkat ali

Tongkat Ali can be consumed in a variety of forms, including supplements, teas, and extracts. If you stick to the following tips regarding consumption and dosage, you will drive the safest:

Determine the correct dosage: Tongkat Ali can be taken in powder, capsule or extract form. The recommended dosage is between 200 mg and 400 mg per day. It is important to start with a lower dosage and gradually increase it to avoid unwanted effects. [5]

Buy a quality product: Always buy tongkat ali supplements from reputable sources. Look for products that contain pure tongkat ali extract with no fillers or additives. Some less reputable sellers have been shown to contain some serious contamination.

Take with food: Tongkat Ali should be taken with food for ease of absorption and to reduce the risk of gastric irritation. Avoid taking it on an empty stomach or Tongkat Ali can cause nausea.

Stick to the recommended cycle: It is advisable to maintain a 2-week intake and 1-week off cycle. This will help prevent tolerance development and maintain the effectiveness of the supplement.

Tongkat Ali FAQ

Can I take tongkat ali daily?

Yes, you can take tongkat ali.

What is the best thing to take with tongkat ali?

Taking tongkat ali with a B-complex vitamin is often recommended to enhance the effects of both supplements.

Does Tongkat Ali Really Work?

Studies have shown that taking tongkat ali can lead to increased testosterone levels and increased libido in both men and women. The meta analysis does seem to show it has a limited, but statistically significant effect. [6]

Considering the studies that have been conducted on humans and animals, it appears that taking this herb can be beneficial for various aspects related to the endocrine system, including sexual health and fertility support in both men and women. It seems to be most effective at improving libido, with some evidence to suggest testosterone improvements, although most other claims don't have nearly enough evidence.

Can I take tongkat ali and vitamins together?

Yes, taking vitamins and tongkat ali at the same time can provide additional benefits depending on the type of supplement you choose. However, you should always consult your doctor or check the labels before taking any new drug or supplement to make sure all the ingredients are compatible with each other, as interactions can occur if taken carelessly.

Can you take tongkat ali with zinc?

Yes, it is safe to take zinc in normal doses while taking tongkat ali as long as the ingredients do not interfere with each other's effects, which may be the case if they do not under certain conditions (e.g. high doses). are compatible. Consult your health care professional before combining any supplements just in case there are any potential problems with the intake.

What to avoid when taking tongkat ali?

In general, it is recommended to avoid caffeine while taking tongkat ali as in some cases caffeine decreases the absorption rate significantly as it can interfere with its absorption/utilization by the body.

Conclusion: What is Tongkat Ali good for?

In summary, tongkat ali is a dietary supplement that has the potential to have significant health benefits for men with low testosterone, anxiety, and infertility.

Research suggests that it is safe to take in doses of 400mg/day or less for short-term use[7], but high doses could cause DNA damage so care should be taken.

Care should also be taken when choosing the brand of tongkat ali as some supplements may be contaminated with mercury.

Pregnant women and those suffering from medical conditions or taking medication should consult their doctor before taking this dietary supplement.

It’s other uses are a bit more tenuous.

References

1 - "The Potential of Eurycoma longifolia in Enhancing Testosterone Production and Inhibiting Aromatase Activity". Andrologia, 2019; 51(4): e13229 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6274257/

2 - Liao X-L et al., “Potential use of herbal medicines in aging men: an underused remedy with promising results?” Aging Male 2009 vol 12 pp 112–117  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3669033/

3 - Sohieli Taghvaei et al., “Therapeutic Overview of Eurycoma Longifolia (Tongkat Ali)”, International Journal Of Peptides & Protein Research Volume 3 Issue 2, 2021 https://www.publish.csiro.au/hc/pdf/HC22143

4 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6639844/

5 - https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05347329

6 – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6274257/

7 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9415500/