Eurycoma Longifolia (Long Jack) Supplement Benefits & Effects

Eurycoma longifolia (Long Jack) is a shrub indigenous to Southeast Asia. The roots and bark of the plant are used to make a medicinal extract traditionally referred to as tongkat ali.

It has been used for centuries by indigenous populations in Indonesia, Malaysia and other Southeast Asian countries, such as Vietnam and Laos. Long Jack was traditionally used as an aphrodisiac and to increase libido.

E. longifolia is still popular in Southeast Asia, particularly in Malaysia where the wild plant is a protected species. In Malaysia Eurycoma is cultivated to protect the wild population.

Contemporary uses of Eurycoma longifolia include erectile dysfunction and impotence. It is also used by bodybuilders for its purported ability to increase physical strength, increase testosterone, and reduce belly fat.

Long Jack is also used as an adaptogen, to improve the body’s resistance to stress and support general well-being. Existing research is insufficient to endorse many of the supplement’s current uses.

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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Eurycoma Longifolia (Long Jack)

Eurycoma longifolia (Long Jack, Tongkat Ali, Pasak Bumi) is widely used in Malaysia as a food and drink additive. It is often consumed in coffee or as an ingredient in energy drinks.

This is notable considering the reportedly extremely bitter taste of the extract. One of its traditional names, penawar pahit translates literally to “bitter medicine”.

E. longifolia gets its bitter taste from the concentration of quassinoids found in the extract. Quassinoids are also believed to be the biologically active ingredient in this plant.

Several organizations that have examined Tongkat Ali products sold in Malaysia and in the United States have noted a high prevalence of adulterated or contaminated products. In the US, some brands claim to contain E. longifolia extract, but instead contain drug ingredients. Other products have tested high for levels of mercury.

For this reason, consumers should only purchase Eurycoma Longifolia or Long Jack supplements from trustworthy vendors that provide a COA from a third-party lab verifying the content of the product.

Eurycoma Longifolia Benefits

There is a long history of traditional use for Eurycoma Longifolia, but there has been limited clinical research to validate many of these uses. Historically, it was taken to support libido, promote fertility and increase energy.

According to Natural Medicines, this supplement is Possibly Effective for the treatment of male fertility. However, they note there is insufficient evidence to determine efficacy regarding its use for athletic performance, muscle strength or low testosterone levels.

In research studies, tongkat ali has been observed to enhance sperm quality and quantity, and increase sperm-to-semen ratios in men with erectile dysfunction. It has also been shown to increase testosterone levels in men with hypogonadism.

Preliminary results suggest that this supplement may increase muscle mass and strength gains in men engaging in a strength training program. In another study, giving Eurycoma Longifolia to men prior to an endurance running trial did not increase endurance.

Below are some of the reported effects of Long Jack that have been demonstrated in preliminary studies. These results may have occurred in laboratory or animal studies and may not have been observed in human studies at present:

• Promote the production of osteoblasts to support bone health;
• Reducing harmful (LDL) cholesterol and triglyceride (stored fats) levels;
• Reduce risk factors related to hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis and heart disease;
• Support memory retention and concentration;
• Heightening tactile sensitivity, which may enhance sexual pleasure;
• Increasing sex drive (libido) in both men and women;
• Boosting testosterone use and increasing synthesis of human growth hormone.

Long Jack for Athletic Performance

Long Jack is used by many strength-training athletes to increase muscle size, muscle strength and improve endurance levels and recovery times.

In one placebo-controlled trial, long jack supplementation was observed to improve muscle development when combined with intense physical exercise.

In other animal studies, Eurycoma longifolia has been observed to elevate the body’s synthesis of human growth hormone (hGH). This hormone is involved in muscle growth, repair and endurance.

In addition, long jack has been observed to increase the body’s use of free-circulating testosterone. Researchers hypothesize it does not stimulate increased testosterone synthesis. However, it may encourage the release of bound testosterone and improve the body’s ability to use this hormone.

Further research is required to understand the effects of Eurycoma longifolia on testosterone.

Long Jack Supplement Stacks

Long Jack is often used in a “supplement stack” alongside complementary herbs to increase its effectiveness. It may be combined with Epimedium (horny goat weed), maca or yohimbe bark extract.

These herbs are also used as aphrodisiacs. Men and women may take these supplements to improve sexual performance, libido and energy.

However, combining Eurycoma longifolia supplements with other herbal extracts may increase the risk of side effects. In some cases, excess dosages have led to insomnia, restlessness and agitation.

Eurycoma Longifolia Safety

Long jack has been used in for centuries as a traditional aphrodisiac and energy booster. It is not commonly associated with serious side effects. Mild side effects may include insomnia, anxiety and restlessness. Side effects may be exacerbated when taking excess dosages of this supplement.

It is not recommended to use long jack in combination with other herbal agents that may have stimulatory effects. Side effects can including insomnia, fatigue, irritability and depression.

This supplement is not recommended for some individuals due to a greater risk of side effects or due to a lack of research regarding safety. It is contraindicated for the following groups of people:

• Pregnant women and nursing mothers;
• Those scheduled for a surgical procedure;
• Individuals with a history of heart attack or heart disease;
• Individuals with high or low blood pressure;
• Those with bleeding and/or clotting disorders;
• Individuals with hormone sensitive cancers, such as breast and ovarian cancer.

Consult with your doctor before taking Eurycoma longifolia (Long Jack) to make sure the supplement is right for you.

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