How Does Tongkat Ali Work? [Research Results]

How does tongkat ali work to promote sexual performance, muscle building and testosterone balance?

The supplement is sourced from the root and bark of Eurycoma longifolia, an evergreen shrub-like tree found in Southeast Asia.

Tongkat Ali supplements have a long history of use for sexual dysfunction, particularly by Malaysian men. It was also traditionally used for its antibacterial, antiviral, antipyretic and antimalarial effects.

Contemporary research indicates the supplement may help increase testosterone levels. However, this result is not reliable in men with normal testosterone levels.

Although many studies have been conducted, they have mostly focused on laboratory or animal experiments. There are few clinical studies available that illuminate how Tongkat Ali works in the human body. Further study is required before any particular therapeutic effect can be attributed to tongkat ali supplementation.

Tongkat Ali

Herbal Supplement

Aphro- disiac

Testo- sterone

Muscle Mass

How It Works:

• Aphrodisiac & male sexual enhancer
• Increases testosterone & sperm motility
• Improves muscle mass, strength & mood

Dosage:

Between 100 - 1000 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Tongkat Ali Overview

Tongkat Ali has a long history of traditional use in Asia for sexual enhancement among men. It is used as an aphrodisiac, said to support libido and fertility.

Tongkat Ali remains a popular supplement to this day, so popular that E. longifolia is now classified as a protected species in Malaysia to maintain the wild population.

To produce tongkat ali supplements, Eurycoma longifolia is now commonly cultivated and harvested for its roots and bark. In Malaysia, a tea is made from the plant to improve sexual ability and virility. Tongkat ali is also an ingredient commonly found in coffee and energy drinks.

Concerns have been raised regarding the strength and purity of available supplements, so it is important to source tongkat ali from a reputable supplier to make sure that it works.

There have been reports of other herbs or even prescription drugs being substituted for E. longifolia. Additionally, some supplements have been found to contain high levels of lead and mercury.

Quassinoids are the active constituent of Eurycoma longifolia, and an electronic taste sensor has been devised to detect the presence and concentration of quassinoids in a supplement. This test can help determine whether or not the sample is derived from Eurycoma longifolia.

Does Tongkat Ali Work?

Testosterone: The most popular use of tongkat ali is for sexual dysfunction. Preliminary research done by Biotropics Malaysia has shown that extracts of Eurycoma longifolia taken orally for one month may increase testosterone levels and improve the quality and quantity of sperm.

Testosterone is primarily responsible for the growth and development of the male reproductive organs. Normal testosterone levels maintain healthy energy levels, fertility, mood and sexual desire.

A 2013 study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmocology reported that an extract of E. longifolia (eurycomanone) significantly increased testosterone production and may be useful for testosterone-deficient idiopathic male infertility and sterility.

Although promising, these observations were based on laboratory tests using rat cells, meaning that it is unclear if similar effects will be observed in the human body.

Hypogonadism: In one research study, Tongkat Ali was given to men with low testosterone levels at a dosage of 200 mg extract per day. Within one week, almost all subjects in the trial saw an increase in testosterone levels, by as much as 46%.

However, it is unclear whether Tongkat Ali can work for healthy men with normal testosterone levels. It has been shown in some studies to increase testosterone, libido and semen motility in men experiencing stress, but more research is needed to determine efficacy in non-stressed subjects.

Muscle Development: Tongkat ali is often used by bodybuilders for its purported effects on testosterone, which may work to support muscle growth.

Preliminary research suggests that taking Eurycoma longifolia by mouth for five weeks may help increase muscle mass and strength in healthy men who are undertaking intense strength-training programs.

Based on user reviews, some people cycle tongkat ali supplementation by taking it for seven days, followed by a break of four days before restarting the supplement. A cycle of ten-days-on and five-days-off has also been used.

Buying Tongkat Ali

To ensure that Tongkat Ali works for you, it is important to purchase a high quality product that contains a sufficient dosage of active constituents.

Standardization is an important thing to look for when purchasing any herbal supplement. Chemical standards or markers commonly used for tongkat ali are glycosaponin, which should range between 35–45 percent, and eurycomanone, which should have a concentration greater than two percent.

This supplement is sold in ratios of 1:20, 1:50, 1:100 and 1:200. It is extracted with water and the higher-strength ratios contain more extract and are darker in color; the 1:200 ratio is a very dark brown.

It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions because of product variability. As an indication, a dose of 1000 milligrams per day, at extract strength of at least 1:50, has been used. If taking the strength of 1:200, the dosage is often reduced and 600 milligrams per day has been taken.

The female version of tongkat ali is Abisia pumila, which is a flowering plant in the Primulaceae family, indigenous to Malaysia.

The entire plant is boiled, and the water extract is consumed as a drink or used as an herbal bath. The plant’s extract has also been formulated for use in capsule and tablet form.

Tongkat Ali Adverse Effects

Side effects of Tongkat Ali may include insomnia, anxiety and restlessness. There is not enough evidence to know if this supplement is safe to use during pregnancy or while breast feeding.

Tongkat ali should not be used by those suffering from breast cancer, prostate cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease or sleep apnea. It should not be taken by individuals with an impaired immune system or by those taking immunosuppressant medications.

Tongkat ali has been observed to lower blood sugar and should be used with caution by those who are diabetic.

Tongkat ali has a long history of use for sexual dysfunction. Preliminary scientific studies suggest tongkat ali may work for some indications, but further research is required.

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