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Demand for tongkat ali in Australia is rising, much as it is in the rest of the world. Extracted from the roots and bark of the Eurycoma longifolia tree, tongkat ali supplements are also commonly called “long jack”.
E. longifolia is indigenous to the jungles of Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesian and Singapore. For more than 300 years, millions of people in that region have benefited from the medicinal properties of tongkat ali.
Clinical research seems to verify many of the trees traditional uses, which include erectile dysfunction, infertility and impotence. Tongkat ali is also used for its antipyretic, antidiabetic, antimicrobial and antimalarial properties.
It is most generally used to reverse symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED). Tongkat Ali can be purchased in Australia as a dietary supplement without a prescription.
Aphro- disiac
Testo- sterone
Muscle Mass- Aphrodisiac & male sexual enhancer
- Increases testosterone & sperm motility
- Improves muscle mass, strength & mood
Tongkat Ali for Male Sexual Health
In Australia and around the world, more people than ever are suffering from low testosterone.
Tongkat Ali has been shown to improve testosterone levels by up to 46% in men diagnosed with late onset hypogonadism. It can also improve levels among males experiencing moderate stress.
Testosterone plays an important role in many biological functions in both men and women. Testosterone is involved in the following:
- Stimulates metabolism;
- Promotes the formation of red blood cells;
- Encourages the metabolism of triglycerides (lipogenesis);
- Supports muscle growth, repair and strength;
- Increases tactile (touch) sensitivity in erogenous zones;
- Stimulates sex drive (libido).
Testosterone and Erectile Dysfunction
Testosterone is largely responsible for the maturation of the male sex organs, and for maintaining organ health and proper function throughout life. In general, when testosterone levels are low men are inclined to feel fatigued, weak and irritable and experience low libido (desire for sex).
Other conditions may also develop, such as hair loss (alopecia), growing breasts (gynecomastia) or ED and/or infertility. Women do not normally develop conditions related to low testosterone because they do not require as much of the hormone as men do.
In men, low testosterone levels are associated with the inability to gain erections, male infertility and premature ejaculation.
Tongkat Ali and Erectile Dysfinction
Tongkat ali root extract has been observed to help alleviate many of the symptoms associated with erectile dysfunction. Advocates in Australia and around the world claim it acts more effectively than common prescription drugs in improving erections and alleviating symptoms of erectile dysfunction, but no comparative studies have been conducted.
However, many are drawn to tongkat ali because it is a natural compound and has a history of use in traditional medicine. Additionally, it is not commonly associated with severe side effects.
Many medications for erectile dysfunction contain synthetic PDE5 inhibitors. PDE5 is a compound that can prevent blood from entering the penis, thus preventing the development of an erection. PDE5 inhibitors are known to step this action of PDE5, which can help restore blood flow to the penis during sexual arousal.
Many prefer tongkat ali because they see it as a natural alternative to medications containing synthetic PDE5 inhibitors, which are sometimes associated with painful erections that do not subside for hours. Additionally, synthetic PDE5 inhibitors have not been observed to improve libido. In sum, other medications may allow the man to become erect, but do not support arousal.
Comparatively, tongkat ali has a long history of use as an aphrodisiac. Contemporary research seems to support this use. In clinical studies, a specific preparation of tongkat ali was observed to support lasting (not endless and/or painful) erections. Further, it was observed to to improve spermatogenesis (sperm production), sperm quality and sperm quantity during ejaculations.
Tongkat Ali for Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Some men receive testosterone injections as a means of boosting their hormone levels, but this may decrease the amount of testosterone the body produces on its own: production of testosterone may be down-regulated by the hormone levels given by injections.
The hypothalamus recognizes the injected testosterone, and may stop signaling the pituitary gland to release gonadotrophic hormones that stimulate the testes to synthesize testosterone.
Tongkat ali is being investigated for its ability to act as a natural testosterone booster. It has been observed to increase testosterone levels in animals. The exact mechanism of this increase is under investigation. Current hypothesis suggest that constituents of the plant may help the muscles release testosterone or may encourage the brain and body to produce testosterone.
Safety and Side Effects
The history of tongkat ali use in Australia and around the world indicates the plant is generally well tolerated by humans. Mild side effects may include irritability, restlessness and insomnia.
A common cause of side effects may be excessive consumption, so it is important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. Studies involving 200 mg dosages of tongkat ali were conducted for up to nine months without report of serious side effects.
It is important to speak to your doctor if you are considering tongkat ali supplementation. Certain groups are not well suited for long jack supplementation, including pregnant women, nursing mothers, recent heart patients and those with low blood pressure.
This is only a sample of possible tongkat ali contraindications. Be sure to speak with your doctor to make sure the supplement is right for you.
Where to Buy Tongkat Ali in Australia
Tongkat Ali can be purchased from a number of specialty dietary supplement and nutrition stores located in Australia or in New Zealand.
However, prices tend to be higher when purchased in store as opposed to online. There are a number of internet vendors for this supplement, but it is important to find a supplier that provides a high quality product.
Make sure the supplier you purchase from provides a third party Certificate of Authenticity and has conducted microorganism and heavy metal testing to ensure there are no dangerous impurities.
High quality products will contain a 100:1 standardized extract of Tongkat Ali root sold in either capsule, powder or liquid tincture format. You can also purchase Tongkat Ali Coffee from some natural health product purveyors.
- Tambi MI, Imran MK, Henkel RR. Standardised water-soluble extract of Eurycoma longifolia, Tongkat ali, as testosterone booster for managing men with late-onset hypogonadism? Andrologia. 2012 May;44 Suppl 1:226-30.
- Farouk AE, Benafri A. Antibacterial activity of Eurycoma longifolia Jack. A Malaysian medicinal plant. Saudi Med J. 2007 Sep;28(9):1422-4.
- Kuo PC, Damu AG, Lee KH, Wu TS. Cytotoxic and antimalarial constituents from the roots of Eurycoma longifolia. Bioorg Med Chem. 2004 Feb 1;12(3):537-44.
Article last updated on: April 8th, 2018 by Nootriment