According to Tongkat ali reviews posted online, this supplement may support workout stamina, libido, muscle building and improve circulation. Tongkat ali supplements are typically used to boost sexual performance, promote muscle growth for bodybuilders and increase testosterone levels.
A review of the available research suggests that tongkat ali extract can raise testosterone levels in some cases, but the effect may not be apparent in men with already normal testosterone levels.
Anecdotal experience reports and historical use provide some evidence that this supplement can exert an aphrodisiac effect in men and women and boost energy levels and mood. However, there are limited human research studies available to validate these claims.
This article focuses on the traditional uses of tongkat ali, scientific review of the plant and its constituents and consumer reviews about the supplement’s efficacy.



- Aphrodisiac & male sexual enhancer
- Increases testosterone & sperm motility
- Improves muscle mass, strength & mood
Tongkat Ali Review
Tongkat ali is the traditional name for Eurycoma longifolia, a shrub-like tree native to Southeast Asia. The roots and leaves of the tree have been used in traditional medicine practices throughout the region for centuries.
Today, it is commonly used as a remedy for male sexual dysfunction and to improve testosterone levels.
Demand for tongkat ali supplements has increased dramatically over the past decades and there are now over 200 products available on the market. The supplement is available in a number of forms, including powders, capsules, liquid tinctures or added to coffee blends.
The main difficulty in purchasing tongkat ali supplements is avoiding fake or adulterated products. Some tongkat ali supplements have been found to contain high levels of lead and mercury, as well as prescription drugs or other herbs.
Doing appropriate research and taking the time to review user comments about both the supplement and supplement manufacturer can help you make informed buying decisions.
What is Tongkat Ali Extract?
This supplement is sourced from the roots and bark of Eurycoma longifolia, a tree native to the jungle slopes of Southeast Asia.
Researchers suspect it can take up to 25 years for a specimen of E. longifolia to reach maturity. During this time, the tree can reach a height of between 15 and 18 meters.
Harvesting wild E. longifolia is strictly forbidden in many countries, including Malaysia. As a result, supplements are produced from cultivated trees that are usually allowed to grow for four years before their roots are harvested.
The harvesting process is difficult and time consuming, which may be part of the reason why many tongkat ali products are sometimes adulterated and manufactured using unlabeled ingredients.
Traditional Use of Tongkat Ali
Traditionally, tongkat ali is used as an anti-malarial, anti-diabetic, antimicrobial and antipyretic (reduces fever) compound, as well as an aphrodisiac.
As is the case with many herbal remedies, it would often be combined with other herbs in the treatment of a specific condition and seldom used on its own.
Review of Contemporary Uses
Tongkat ali is now often taken as an independent supplement for a variety of purposes.
According to user reviews, Tongkat ali is used for:
- erectile dysfunction
- impotence
- infertility
- low libido
- low testosterone levels
- stress (it is used as an adaptogen)
- athletic stamina and strength
- hypertension
- hypogondadism
This is only a sample of tongkat ali’s many contemporary uses. In general, the plant is thought to increase testosterone levels and many of its uses relate to this function.
Tongkat Ali Research Review
There is some evidence to suggest that tongkat ali may increase testosterone levels in individuals suffering from already low testosterone.
For instance, in one study of men suffering from hypogonadism (a condition partly characterized by low testosterone levels), a water-based extract was observed to increase testosterone levels and reduce reports of symptoms related to low testosterone. [1] However, this study was preliminary and more research is needed to verify its results.
In a separate study involving elderly participants, tongkat ali was observed to increase strength and testosterone levels. Testosterone levels drop with age and may have an impact on strength and conditioning. [2]
Reviews also suggest a potential benefit for bodybuilders. Tongkat ali has been observed to increase muscle mass and strength in men participating in a strength-training program compared to a strength-training program alone. However, it has not been observed to improve running endurance. [3]
In a study on male fertility, male participants suffering from infertility were observed to have higher semen volumes, percentage of normal sperm and sperm concentrations compared to placebo. In addition, 14.7 % of the participants in the study had a spontaneous pregnancy after treatment. [4]
Dosage Review
For best results, many user reviews of tongkat ali extract recommend cycling supplementation. For instance, a seven-days-on and four-days-off cycle or a ten-days-on and five-days-off cycle is sometimes used.
Dosages vary according to extract strength: 1000 mg per day of extract strength 1:50 has been used. For the extract strength of 1:200, doses of 600 mg per day have been used.
Review of Negative Side Effects
The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates tongkat ali as “Possibly Safe” when used orally and appropriately.
Side effects from this supplement include insomnia, anxiety and restlessness. This supplement should not be used by anyone being treated for breast cancer, prostate cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease or sleep apnoea.
Tongkat ali should not be taken by those who have a compromised immune system or by those taking immunosuppressant medications.
Tongkat ali has been observed to affect blood sugar levels and should be used with caution by individuals suffering from diabetes.
There is insufficient data to understand its effects on women who are pregnant and breastfeeding and supplementation is not recommended for these groups.
It is important to purchase tongkat ali from a reputable supplier to avoid the complications posed by adulterated products. Look for consumer reviews of tongkat ali supplements to help ensure you are buying a quality product.
Be sure to speak with your doctor before taking tongkat ali, in any form, to make sure this supplement is right for you.
- 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.
- Henkel RR, Wang R, Bassett SH, Chen T, Liu N, Zhu Y, Tambi MI. Tongkat Ali as a potential herbal supplement for physically active male and female seniors--a pilot study. Phytother Res. 2014 Apr;28(4):544-50.
- Natural Medicines. Eurycoma Longifolia: Professional Monograph. September 2015.
- Tambi MI, Imran MK. Eurycoma longifolia Jack in managing idiopathic male infertility. Asian J Androl. 2010 May;12(3):376-80.
- 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.
- Hamzah S and A Yusof. The ergogenic effects of Eurycoma longifolia Jack: a pilot study. British Journal of Sports Medicine 2003;37(5):465-466.
- Bhat R, Karim AA. Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia Jack): a review on its ethnobotany and pharmacological importance. Fitoterapia. 2010 Oct;81(7):669-79.
- Low BS, Choi SB, Abdul Wahab H, Das PK, Chan KL. Eurycomanone, the major quassinoid in Eurycoma longifolia root extract increases spermatogenesis by inhibiting the activity of phosphodiesterase and aromatase in steroidogenesis. J Ethnopharmacol. 2013 Aug 26;149(1):201-7.
Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment