Tongkat ali is a natural remedy that’s been a staple in Southeast Asian home treatments for ages.
People commonly use it for different health problems like high temperatures, issues with sexual performance, and fighting off bacterial infections.
Some research indicates that tongkat ali could help improve men’s reproductive health, lower stress levels, and even enhance your physical fitness, although more studies are needed to confirm these effects.
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What is tongkat ali?
Tongkat ali, also known as longjack, is a natural supplement sourced from the roots of the Eurycoma longifolia tree, native to Southeast Asia.
In traditional healing practices of Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and other Asian nations, it’s used for a range of health issues like malaria, infections, fevers, male reproductive health, and sexual performance problems.
The plant’s health benefits likely come from a mix of active compounds it contains.
Specifically, tongkat ali is rich in flavonoids, alkaloids, and other elements that act as antioxidants. These antioxidants help combat cell damage from rogue molecules known as free radicals, and they might have other health advantages as well.
You can usually find tongkat ali in pill form containing herbal extract or in specialized health beverages.
Summary: Tongkat ali is a natural remedy derived from the Eurycoma longifolia tree in Southeast Asia. It’s packed with different beneficial compounds and is used for treating a range of health problems, from male reproductive issues to infections.
Potential health benefits of tongkat ali
While many claims about tongkat ali’s health benefits still need more research, some studies support its use for improving men’s reproductive health, enhancing mood, and boosting muscle growth.
Tongkat ali can increase testosterone and help with male fertility
Tongkat ali is widely recognized for its ability to boost testosterone in men who have lower-than-normal levels of this crucial sex hormone.
Reasons for low testosterone can vary, from aging to undergoing treatments like chemotherapy or radiation, or even due to specific medications and conditions such as chronic alcoholism or sleep disorders.
Low testosterone can lead to decreased sexual drive, difficulties in maintaining an erection, and fertility issues. Tongkat ali, with its natural compounds, may help alleviate these problems.
A study lasting one month involving 76 older men with low testosterone showed that a daily intake of 200 mg of tongkat ali extract significantly raised testosterone levels. More than 90% of the men saw their levels return to normal.
Furthermore, research on both animals and humans indicates that tongkat ali can increase sexual excitement and may be beneficial in treating erectile dysfunction.
Tongkat ali can also improve the movement and number of sperm, making it helpful for male fertility.
One particular study with 75 men in couples struggling with infertility showed that taking 200 mg of tongkat ali extract daily substantially improved sperm quality and motility over three months. This treatment helped over 14% of the couples conceive.
Another 12-week study involving 108 men between the ages of 30 and 55 found that a daily dose of 300 mg of tongkat ali extract led to an average increase of 18% in sperm volume and 44% in sperm motility.
Based on these studies, tongkat ali appears effective in treating low testosterone and improving male fertility, although more comprehensive research is still needed.
Tongkat ali can help reduce stress
Tongkat ali could be a natural way to lower stress hormones in your system, ease anxiety, and improve mood.
Back in 1999, a study first highlighted how this herbal remedy could play a role in managing mood disorders. In this study, tongkat ali extract was found to be as effective as a commonly used anti-anxiety medication in reducing anxiety symptoms in mice.
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There is also some evidence showing similar mood-improving effects in humans, although research is still limited.
In a one-month study with 63 adults who had moderate stress levels, taking 200 mg of tongkat ali extract daily reduced the stress hormone cortisol in their saliva by 16%, compared to a placebo group.
Participants also felt notably less stressed, angry, and tense after using tongkat ali.
While these findings are encouraging, additional human studies are required to fully understand its benefits.
Tongkat ali might enhance physical performance and muscle growth
Tongkat ali is often touted as a way to improve athletic abilities and help build muscle.
It contains specific compounds known as quassinoids, such as eurycomaoside, eurycolactone, and eurycomanone. These compounds may help your body use energy more efficiently, reduce fatigue, and boost stamina. In simple terms, it can act as a performance enhancer that helps improve how your body looks and functions.
In a small 5-week study involving 14 men doing strength training, those who took 100 mg of tongkat ali extract daily saw a more significant increase in muscle mass compared to those who didn’t take the supplement.
These men also lost more body fat than participants who took a placebo.
Additionally, a separate 5-week study in 25 older adults who were physically active found that taking 400 mg of tongkat ali extract daily led to a considerable increase in muscle strength compared to a placebo group.
However, in a small study involving cyclists, a beverage containing tongkat ali didn’t boost performance or strength any more than drinking regular water did.
The mixed results suggest that while tongkat ali could have some performance-enhancing effects, the effectiveness may depend on the dosage and duration. More research is needed to confirm these benefits.
Summary: Research indicates that tongkat ali might improve testosterone levels, assist with male fertility, reduce stress, and potentially help build muscle. However, more in-depth studies are needed to validate these claims.
Potential side effects and recommended dosage of tongkat ali
So far, human studies on tongkat ali haven’t flagged any significant side effects.
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One study even stated that taking 300 mg of tongkat ali extract daily was as safe as taking a sugar pill or placebo.
However, other research suggests that adults could safely take up to 1.2 grams of tongkat ali extract per day. But remember, this amount hasn’t been confirmed in scientific studies. We also don’t know yet about its long-term safety.
It’s important to note that a study analyzing 100 tongkat ali supplements from Malaysia found that a concerning 26% contained mercury levels exceeding the safe limit. Consuming too much mercury can lead to serious issues like mood swings, memory problems, and impaired motor skills.
As for special populations like children or pregnant and breastfeeding women, the safety of tongkat ali hasn’t been studied. So it’s best to avoid use until more information is available.
Summary: For most healthy adults, taking 200–400 mg of tongkat ali daily appears safe. However, its long-term safety is unknown, and it is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Also, be cautious of mercury content in some supplements.
Should you take tongkat ali?
Some studies show that tongkat ali might help with anxiety and improving your body’s muscle-to-fat ratio, but research is limited.
It could also help men with low testosterone levels, low sex drive, or fertility issues.
However, most existing research has focused on short-term use and doses up to 400 mg per day. We still don’t know if taking tongkat ali long-term is safe or beneficial.
If you’re considering adding tongkat ali to your health regimen, it’s a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider first.
Be aware that some tongkat ali supplements may contain mercury, which is unsafe. Also, the supplement market isn’t tightly regulated, so you might get a product that contains either more or less tongkat ali than what’s stated on the label. Always choose a trusted brand that has third-party testing.
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If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or dealing with specific medical conditions or medications, consult your healthcare provider before taking tongkat ali.
Summary: Tongkat ali has potential to improve low testosterone, reduce stress, and enhance body composition. However, research is limited, so consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Summary
Tongkat ali, also known as longjack, is a herbal supplement that some claim can help with low testosterone, male fertility, stress relief, athletic performance, and muscle gain.
But remember, there isn’t extensive research to back all these claims.
If you’re thinking about trying tongkat ali, your best move is to consult your healthcare provider first. Also, make sure to pick a trusted brand, whether you’re shopping in-store or online.
