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One of the most commonly reported side effects of Tongkat Ali is insomnia. Sleep disturbances caused by Tongkat Ali supplementation may be alleviated by taking the supplement earlier in the day or by starting with a lower-than-recommended dose.
For instance, one-fourth the recommended dose could be taken the first day, one-half the second day, and so on until the recommended dose is achieved. Anxiety and restlessness may also result from Tongkat Ali supplementation.
While generally considered to be safe for healthy adults, Tongkat Aliside effects can occur in some populations of individuals who are taking certain medications or who have been diagnosed with specific medical conditions.
This supplement should not be used by people with weakened immune systems as there is some evidence to suggest it may further weaken immune function. This supplement may cause serious side effects if taken together with immunosuppressant drugs.
Tongkat Ali supplements should not be taken by people with sleep apnea or by those who are receiving testosterone replacement therapy.
Aphro- disiac
Testo- sterone
Muscle Mass- Aphrodisiac & male sexual enhancer
- Increases testosterone & sperm motility
- Improves muscle mass, strength & mood
Tongkat Ali Background
Tongkat Ali is sourced from the roots and bark of the shrub Eurycoma longifolia, which is native to Southeast Asia.
The supplement is typically used as a natural testosterone booster for improved libido and sexual performance.
It may alleviate or reduce symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction and it has also been observed to improve energy levels, mental functioning, mood and athletic performance.
It exhibits an anabolic effect, increasing hGH levels and promoting muscle growth in bodybuilders. It also shows estrogen blocking effects which may be useful for weight loss.
The supplement comes in various strengths and it is important to source the supplement from a reputable supplier. It is also possible to purchase a Tongkat Ali Coffee Blend which may improve the taste of the raw powder.
Make sure the Tongkat Ali you purchase online is electronically tested for the presence of the active ingredient – quassinoids – and the potency is clearly marked. Buying high quality supplements is important to prevent unwanted side effects. High levels of mercury and lead have also been reported from some lower quality suppliers.
Side Effects of Tongkat Ali
Aside from insomnia, excessive use of Tongkat Ali may result in marked aggressiveness and increased heart rate. Studies have indicated that Eurycoma Longifolia Jack increases testosterone levels by stimulating the production of luetinizing hormone (LH) and by freeing bound testosterone.
LH is produced by the pituitary gland. In men, LH stimulates the production of testosterone. In women, LH helps regulate the menstrual cycle and egg production (ovulation). LH increases rapidly just before ovulation occurs, about midway through the cycle (day 14 of a 28-day cycle). This is called an LH surge.
Because this supplement increases testosterone levels it should not be used by those with breast cancer, prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, or sleep apnea. Increased testosterone production has an anabolic effect that increases muscle mass and athletic performance, but it also has a “steroid crash” potential.
Symptoms of a so-called steroid crash include insomnia or excessive sleep, bad dreams, profuse sweating, no appetite and upset stomach. Other symptoms include food tasting different and a thick white coating on the tongue. Frequent urination, sores on the tongue and muscle and joint pain symptoms has also been reported.
Some suggest cycling supplementation, taking Tongkat Ali for seven to ten days before taking four to five days off from supplementation. If using this cycling approach for bodybuilding or to build muscle mass, it is recommended to eat high protein foods during the “on” cycle, including nuts, which contain both the protein and carbohydrates needed to build muscle.
Nuts also help prevent constipation while eating a high-protein diet. Whey protein shakes are a good source of protein for vegetarians. Plenty of fruit and vegetables and whole grains should be eaten during the “off” cycle to make sure a balanced diet is maintained. One of the main reasons for cycling the supplement is to try to avoid the “steroid crash” effects discussed above.
Drug Interactions
Tongkat Ali may interact with a number of herbal products.
It should not be combined with saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), which acts as an aphrodisiac and is used to treat enlarged prostate. Tongkat Ali should not be combined with pygeum (Prunus africanus), which is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Both of these supplements may block the effects of Tongkat Ali.
Tongkat Ali should not be combined with the medication finasteride (Proscar/propecia), which is also used to treat prostate disorders. Additionally, this supplement should not be taken with medications for erectile dysfunction.
Moderate interactions may occur with astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus), echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia) and the Japanese mushroom maitake (Grifola frondosa). Minor interactions may occur with types of insulin, which may cause hypoglycaemia when used in combination with Tongkat Ali. It is important to use this supplement with caution if you have diabetes.
In rare case this supplement may cause reactions to seafood. Pregnant or nursing women should not take Tongkat Ali because its safety for this group is unknown.
Dangers of Tongkat Ali and Immunosuppressants
Serious interactions may occur if Tongkat Ali is taken with immunosuppressive medications, and the interaction may result in a high risk of infections. These medications are: adalimumab, alefacept, anakinra, antithymocyte globulin equine, antithymocyte, globulin rabbit, azathioprine, basiliximab, canakinumab and cyclosporine.
Other immunosuppressant medications that may interact with Tongkat Ali are etanercept, everolimus, glatiramer, golimumab, hydroxychloroquine sulphate, infliximab, leflunomide, mercaptopurine, methotrexate, muromonab cd3 and mycophenolate. Tongkat Ali should also be avoided if you are taking the following medications: rilonacept, sirolimus, tacrolimus, temsirolimus, tocilizumab and ustekinumab
This is not an exhaustive list of possible drug interactions. It is important to speak with your doctor before taking Tongkat Ali to make sure the supplement is right for you.
Conclusion
The side effects of Tongkat Ali are mainly associated with the increase of testosterone levels. When used properly by healthy adults for short periods of time, there is a relatively low risk of adverse effects. It should be used as directed and not overused.
While it is not a prescription substance, be sure to speak with your doctor before taking Tongkat Ali to help avoid possible side effects.
- 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.
- Tambi MI, Imran MK. Eurycoma longifolia Jack in managing idiopathic male infertility. Asian J Androl. 2010 May;12(3):376-80.
- Farouk AE, Benafri A. Antibacterial activity of Eurycoma longifolia Jack. A Malaysian medicinal plant. Saudi Med J. 2007 Sep;28(9):1422-4.
Article last updated on: April 8th, 2018 by Nootriment