Also called Long Jack, Pasak Bumi and tongkat ali, Eurycoma longifolia is a Southeast Asian plant used extensively in Chinese Traditional Medicine (CTM). This shrub grows in sandy soil in the countries of Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Myanmar.
Eurycoma Longifolia extract is used to boost energy levels, promote sexual performance and enhance the libido. In research studies, it has demonstrated a modest ability to increase testosterone levels in men with low T.
Eurycoma Longifolia Jack is also used by men as an athletic performance enhancer. It is taken by bodybuilders to promote increased physical strength, help support weight loss and to alleviate stress.
According to user reviews of this herbal extract, it can have a positive effect on mood, feelings of well-being, stamina and fatigue. It has also been studied for its effects on erectile dysfunction, impotence and libido, but is not approved by the FDA as a treatment for any of these conditions.



- Aphrodisiac & male sexual enhancer
- Increases testosterone & sperm motility
- Improves muscle mass, strength & mood
Eurycoma Longifolia Benefits
Eurycoma longifolia extract is purported to have antimicrobial and strong aphrodisiac properties supported by recently identified bioactive compounds – eurycomanone, eurycomaoside, pasakbumin-B and eurycomalactone. [1]
In one preliminary research study, this supplement was shown to increase muscle mass and strength when given to healthy men engaging in an effective strength-training program. Those given a placebo did not experience the same magnitude of results.
One study investigated Eurycoma longifolia Jack’s ability to inhibit human breast cell growth. Authors of the study claim that their results suggested Eurycoma longfolia extract has “antiproliferative effects on…cells by causing cell death through modulation of …protein levels. [2]
According to the Natural Medicines Database, this plant extract is also used in traditional medicine for, “fever, malaria, ulcers, hypertension, tuberculosis, bone pain, cough, diarrhea, headache, syphilis, and cancer.” Most of these uses have not been studied in human research trials.
Eurycoma Longifolia For Sexual Enhancement
Effects of Eurycoma longifolia on middle-aged male rats showed that the plant’s extract “enhanced sexual qualities” of rats. compared to a group of rats receiving normal saline solutions.
Authors of this study state that their research indicates E. longifolia Jack improved sexual response in rats which “further supports the folk-use of Eurycoma longifolia as an aphrodisiac”. [3]
Another study investigated tongkat ali’s purported ability to increase male fertility in regards to sperm concentration and higher semen volumes. A group of 350 men given 200 mg of Eurycoma longifolia for nine months showed “significant improvement in all semen parameters (concentration, volume)”.
In addition, this study found the propriety extract of E. longifolia Jack also improved subjects’ sperm quality and produced 11 pregnancies during the research trial period. [4]
Eurycoma Longifolia and Testosterone Research
In a recent human study, 76 men suffering late-onset hypogonadism were given E. longifolia extract (200 mg) for one month.
Results of testing their serum testosterone concentration found that testosterone levels did improve and that Eurycoma longifolia extract may help reduce LOH symptoms and manage hypogonadism. [7]
To further investigate the effects on testosterone levels, another study evaluated muscle strength, muscle size and changes in body composition in men. Results suggested that water soluble Eurycoma longifolia extract may increase muscle strength, reduce body fat and increase lean muscle mass. [8]
Antibacterial Qualities
A Malaysian study evaluated extracts from the root, stem and leaves of the Eurycoma longifolia for evidence of antibacterial activities against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.
Results showed that extracts from the stem and leaves “were active against both types of bacteria except for Salmonella typhi and E. coli, which are strains of Gram-negative bacteria”.
However, E. longifolia extract taken from the roots of the plant exhibited no antibacterial properties against Gram-positive and negative bacteria. Leaf extract did present antibacterial activity against S. marscesens and S. aureus.
The authors of the study concluded that “E. longifolia Jack may serve as a possible source of antibacterial compounds”. [5]
Drug Metabolism
A study investigating the ability of E. longifolia extract to inhibit enzymes involved in oxidizing endogenous and xenobiotic compounds found that eurycomanone, a chemical in E. longifolia roots, presented moderate inhibiting qualities on certain enzymes.
Authors of the study suggest that E. longifolia could be used as a valid medicinal plant complementing therapeutic effects of medications by helping drugs remain in the body for longer periods. [6]
Eurycoma Longifolia Side Effects
According to the Natural Medicines Database, this herbal extract is rated as Possibly Safe for oral use at appropriate doses. NMD notes that, “Eurycoma longifolia has been safely used in doses of 200 mg daily for up to 9-months.”
Few studies have tested E. longifolia side effects. Not much is known about its long-term safety when taken regularly as a dietary supplement.
However, tongkat ali has a long history of traditional use in Southeast Asia and is generally well tolerated. It is often included in energy drinks or brewed into a coffee in these regions.
Recurring side effects reported in short-term studies include insomnia, anxiety and restlessness probably due to increasing testosterone levels.
Doctors strongly recommend people with kidney, liver or heart disease avoid taking E. longifolia extract without first consulting their family physician. In addition, Eurycoma longifolia may interact adversely with anticoagulants, antihypertensives and diabetic medications. [9]
Eurycoma Longifolia Reviews
Online reviews of Eurycoma longifolia extract are generally positive, with male reviewers commenting on its aphrodisiac and energy-inducing qualities. The following reviews have been posted on Amazon.com:
“My libido is way up. I have more energy and recovery faster when working out. I am also a bit leaner and more muscular. Also, my overall sense of wellbeing is way up. I simply feel better and more enthusiastic about life in general taking Eurycoma longifolia supplements.”
“After supplementing with this product for a while, I am experiencing more sustained energy and focus throughout the day. I am able to get through my early workouts without as much fatigue, and I am able to concentrate better at work.”
“I have tried many testosterone boosting products and I have to say that tongkat ali works well and gives me a nice and noticeable boost of energy. I do not feel that it effects my diet or gives me the jitters. I can definitely recommend this product as I have really been enjoying taking it on a daily basis.” [10]
A WebMD male reviewer of E. longifolia reports: “I am 52 years old, male and due to work and physical stress, i am often tired. However, after consuming eurycoma longifolia extract for one week, i am more energetic and enjoy increased libido as well.” [11]
Not all reviews of Eurycoma longifolia extract are positive. Some experience little to no benefit, while others cite side effects such as over-stimulation, irritability, anxiousness and excessive sex drive.
- Rajeev, B and Karim, A.A. Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia Jack): A review on its ethnobotany and pharmacological importance. Fitoterapia, Volume 81, Issue 7, October 2010, Pages 669–679.
- Tee TT and Azimahtol HL. Induction of apoptosis by Eurycoma longifolia jack extracts. Anticancer Res. 2005 May-Jun;25(3B):2205-13.
- Ang, H.H. et al. Effects of Eurycoma longifolia Jack on sexual qualities in middle aged male rats. Phytomedicine, Volume 10, Issues 6–7, 2003, Pages 590–593.
- Mohd Ismail et al. Eurycoma longifolia Jack in managing idiopathic male infertility. Asian Journal of Andrology (2010) 12: 376–380.
- Abd-Elaziem Farouk and Asma Benafri. Saudi Medical Journal, Vol 28, No 9. (2007).
- SABARIAH, I. INHIBITORY EFFECT OF EURYCOMA LONGIFOLIA EXTRACT AND EURYCOMANONE ON HUMAN CYTOCHROME P450 ISOFORMS. International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vol. 6, Issue 6, 201.
- M. I. B. M. Tambi et al. Standardised water-soluble extract of Eurycoma longifolia, Tongkat ali, as testosterone booster for managing men with late-onset hypogonadism?. Andrologia. Volume 44, Issue Supplement s1, pages 226–230, May 2012.
- Hamzah, A. Yusof. THE ERGOGENIC EFFECTS OF EURYCOMA LONGIFOLIA JACK: A PILOT STUDY. British Journal of Sports Med 2003;37:464-470 doi:10.1136/bjsm.37.5.464
- https://www.verywell.com/the-benefits-of-tongkat-ali-89588
- http://www.amazon.com/Rated-EuryTest-Longifolia-Activated-Testosterone/dp/B00VFSKCGI
- http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientreview-1132-EURYCOMA+LONGIFOLIA.aspx?drugid=1132&drugname=EURYCOMA+LONGIFOLIA&pageIndex=2&sortby=3&conditionFilter=-500
Article last updated on: March 12th, 2018 by Nootriment