What is Tongkat Ali?

Tongkat

• A Southeast Asian medicinal plant, traditionally used as an aphrodisiac, vitality booster, and anti-fatigue herb.
• Active compounds include quassinoids (eurycomanone), alkaloids, and bioactive peptides.

📑 Evidence from Studies

1. Testosterone & Sexual Health

• Wahab et al. (2010, Malaysia): 76 men with late-onset hypogonadism → 200 mg/day for 1 month normalized testosterone in ~90% of subjects.
• Ismail et al. (2012, Malaysia): 109 men → 300 mg/day for 12 weeks increased testosterone and improved erectile function scores.
• Low testosterone populations show the strongest benefit; results are smaller in healthy, young men.

2. Stress, Mood & Cortisol

• Talbott et al. (2013, randomized, placebo-controlled): 63 adults → 200 mg/day for 4 weeks ↓ salivary cortisol by 16% and ↑ testosterone by 37%. Reported less stress and improved mood.
• Supports Tongkat Ali as an adaptogen for stress resilience.

3. Fertility

• Tambi et al. (2011): 75 men with infertility → Tongkat Ali improved sperm motility and semen volume after 3 months.
• Case reports also show increased pregnancy rates in partners.

4. Physical Performance & Body Composition

• Henkel et al. (2014, double-blind RCT): 13 male/female subjects, 400 mg/day for 5 weeks → increased muscle strength and fat-free mass.
• Hamzah & Yusof (2003): 14 male subjects, resistance training + 100 mg/day → more lean body mass and strength gains compared to placebo.
• Suggests synergy with exercise training, but sample sizes are small.

5. Other Potential Effects

• Antimicrobial & Anti-inflammatory → in vitro data show activity, but not well-studied in humans.
• Cognitive function → animal studies suggest neuroprotective effects, but human data are scarce.

💊 Dosing in Studies

• 200–400 mg/day of standardized extract (typically standardized to 1–2% eurycomanone).
• Traditional decoction uses much higher crude root doses, but supplements are usually concentrated.

⚠️ Safety

• Generally well tolerated at studied doses.
• Mild side effects: insomnia, irritability, restlessness (likely from increased dopamine/androgens).
• Safety data beyond 12 weeks is limited.

⭐ Bottom Line

• Best evidence: Boosts testosterone (especially in men with low baseline), improves libido, reduces stress, and may enhance fertility.
• Promising but less proven: Gains in muscle/strength when combined with exercise, adaptogen-like stress support.
• Not enough evidence: Long-term safety, cognitive benefits, broad performance enhancement.