Tongkat Ali for Bodybuilding, Muscle Growth and Athletic Performance

What are the benefits of Tongkat Ali for bodybuilders and athletes? Tongkat ali is a supplement derived from Eurycoma longifolia, a flowering plant native to Southeast Asia.

The supplement is also known by a number of other names, including long jack, Ali’s umbrella, and Malaysian ginseng, to name a few.

E. longifolia is a member of the Simaroubaceae family, which is indigenous to the Southeast Asian countries of Malaysia and Indonesia.

Tongkat ali is mainly used for male infertility, but many also use it for athletic performance and bodybuilding. When taken orally, this supplement is thought to improve testosterone levels in men with low testosterone. This can have positive benefits for muscle growth, energy and strength.

Tongkat ali is also thought to improve the quantity and quality of sperm in infertile men. A number of in vitro studies have been carried out regarding the plant’s therapeutic qualities, including its potential anti-malarial, aphrodisiac, anti-ulcer, anti-pyretic, cytotoxic and anticancer effects.

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 for Bodybuilding

Bodybuilders may take tongkat ali to to increase testosterone production. Testosterone can help improve the ratio of fat to lean muscle mass in men.

Some claim consuming extracts of tongkat ali can increase muscle mass because of the supplement’s anabolic properties. It is sometimes used as a natural supplement alternative to steroids in the hopes of improving lean muscle mass.

Tongkat ali is commonly used to promote stamina, endurance and increase energy levels, all of which contribute to an improvement in workout performance.

Although many espouse the benefits of the supplement, tongkat ali has not been evaluated or approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration and its efficacy as a bodybuilding or muscle strength supplement has not been verified.

However, the use of tongkat ali for bodybuilding is increasing and studies continue to examine the supplement’s effects on physical performance.

Based on a pilot study performed in Malaysia and published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, researchers reported that the use of tongkat ali resulted in a five percent increase of lean body mass compared to individuals who did not receive the supplement.

The study determined that water-soluble extracts of tongkat ali also helped reduce body fat, increase fat-free mass and increase muscle size and strength. Although the results are promising, the researchers noted that further investigation is warranted to verify the results. [1]

How does Tongkat Ali Affect Fat and Muscle Composition?

Contemporary studies suggest tongkat ali may help enhance physical performance, stamina and recovery (collectively referred to as ergogenic effects).

The research study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine suggests the increases in fat-free mass, muscle mass and muscle strength were caused by an increase in testosterone, which enhanced athletic performance.

Studies like the one published in the BJSP focus on muscle size, muscle strength and overall body composition. In this particular study, a total of 14 men engaged in focused strength training programs for a period of five weeks.

Results were determined by measuring arm circumference and body composition one day prior to the study and after five weeks of exercise combined with tongkat ali supplementation.

Scientific studies of Eurycoma longifolia are not limited to its effects on physical fitness. The supplement and its constituents are being examined for their ability to address male sexual dysfunction, low libido, hormone balance and testosterone production.

Further studies are required to attribute any particular therapeutic benefits to tongkat ali.

Is Tongkat Ali for Bodybuilding Safe?

According to WebMD, tongkat ali is considered relatively safe when taken orally in recommended dosages for periods up to nine months. However, there is insufficient evidence to support use by pregnant or breast-feeding women.

Dosage will depend on age, health, existing medical conditions and purpose for use. Bodybuilding.com suggests taking 80 mg of tongkat ali twice daily with meals. The website notes optimal effectiveness is typically seen within one to three weeks of supplementation.

It is important to note that there are no standard dosing guidelines available for tongkat ali supplementation. Additionally, there is insufficient evidence to fully establish contraindications or interactions of tongkat ali supplements.

Consequently, it is recommended to avoid supplementation if you are taking any prescription medications, particularly ones that interact with testosterone. Individuals taking anabolic steroids, undergoing treatment for cancer or suffering from thyroid conditions should not take tongkat ali.

Be sure to get approval from your physician before taking tongkat ali for bodybuilding or for any other purpose.

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