Many men in Canada are buying Tongkat ali extract to improve sexual function, energy, testosterone levels and more.
This supplement – also known as Long Jack – is extracted from Eurycoma longifolia, a shrub indigenous to Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia.
Tongkat ali – the traditional name for the supplement – is so popular that E. longifolia is classified as a protected species in some areas and is cultivated in Malaysia for its therapeutic value. It has been the subject of scientific study, which is beginning to reinforce some of the supplement’s traditional therapeutic uses.
Tongkat Ali is used in Canada to help alleviate symptoms of sexual dysfunction in men, and has been observed in scientific study to increase the quantity and quality of sperm. It is also used as an aphrodisiac and is widely believed to enhance the body’s ability to synthesize testosterone.
In so doing, it may offer a natural alternative to other testosterone replacement therapies, particularly testosterone injections. Tongkat Ali can be purchased in Canada without a prescription as a natural health product.



- Aphrodisiac & male sexual enhancer
- Increases testosterone & sperm motility
- Improves muscle mass, strength & mood
Tongkat Ali Effects on Libido
Tongkat ali has been observed to improve libido in both men and women.
It is also thought to be useful in treating symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED) because it contains a natural PDE5 (phosphodiesterase type 5) inhibitor. Most ED medications on the market contain a synthetic PDE5 inhibitor.
PDE5 is often a target for ED treatment because it can prevent blood flow to the penis during sexual arousal. PDE5 inhibitors prevent this action from taking place, which can help ensure a man achieves an erection.
Tongkat ali root extract contains a natural PDE5 inhibitor – icariin. Tongkat ali is claimed to provide the additional benefit of acting as an aphrodisiac, unlike synthetic PDE5 inhibitors that only inhibit the action of one compound in the body.
E. longifolia has been used as a traditional treatment of sexual dysfunction for centuries. Growing scientific evidence seems to support its use for some symptoms of sexual dysfunction. Its use as an aphrodisiac and for sexual enhancement has contributed to tongkat ali’s popularity in Canada and abroad.
Tongkat Ali and Enhanced Testosterone Synthesis
Testosterone plays a critical role in a number of vital biological, psychological and sexual functions in both men and women. Additionally, low testosterone levels are experienced by an increasing number of people. When testosterone levels are low, the following effects may occur:
- Low libido and sexual dysfunction;
- Low volume of semen upon ejaculation;
- Hair loss;
- Increased blood fats (triglycerides);
- Decreased muscle mass;
- Chronic fatigue and muscular weakness.
In Canada, Testosterone Replacement Therapy has risen by over 300 percent since 2000. In 2014 Health Canada released a warning for both medical practitioners and patients that testosterone replacement therapy poses a potential risk for serious and life-threatening cardiovascular conditions.
Additionally, while testosterone replacement has been classically used to treat individuals suffering from hypogonadism (a condition where the body produces little or no testosterone), use of testosterone injections has extended to individuals who are experiencing a natural decrease in testosterone levels due to old age.
Some scientists note that, given the potential cardiovascular conditions linked to testosterone replacement, the risk/benefit analysis for those who are experiencing an age-related decrease of testosterone may change.
Given the risks posed by direct testosterone replacement, some individuals look to natural supplements, such as tongkat ali, which are claimed to help support testosterone production in the body.
Natural Testosterone Boosting Properties
Tongkat ali is widely claimed to increase the body’s natural production of testosterone. It has been shown in several studies to upregulate testosterone levels among men who have low testosterone or who are experiencing stress.
However, there is not enough clinical data to substantiate the effects of this herb in men who have normal testosterone levels. In animal tests, the ethanol extract of E. longifolia was observed to increase testosterone levels in rats.
In one clinical study, men suffering from late-onset hypogonadism were administered daily doses of tongkat ali water extract to help manage their condition. After a month of supplementation participants reported fewer symptoms of low testosterone and their testosterone levels were significantly improved, by up to 46%.
The researchers concluded that tongkat ali water extract appeared to be helpful in addressing the symptoms of late-onset hypothyroidism.
Warnings about Tongkat Ali Supplementation
Tongkat Ali is sold in Canada as an over the counter dietary supplement. Another popular product option is Tongkat Ali coffee. You do not need a prescription to purchase this product, but you should still check with your doctor to make sure it is safe for you to use.
If taken appropriately, tongkat ali is not commonly associated with severe side effects. Mild side effects may include anxiety, insomnia and restlessness. These side effects can occasionally be decreased by lowering the consumed dose.
Supplementation is not recommended for women in who are pregnant or breastfeeding on account of insufficient safety data. Additionally, tongkat ali may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medications.
It is important to speak with your doctor before taking tongkat ali to determine the right dosage and best way to use this product.
- Chan KL, Low BS, Teh CH, Das PK. The effect of Eurycoma longifolia on sperm quality of male rats. Nat Prod Commun. 2009 Oct;4(10):1331-6.
- 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.
- CBC News. Heart risks from testosterone replacements flagged by Health Canada. July 15, 2014. Online.
Article last updated on: April 8th, 2018 by Nootriment