Tongkat Ali

Tongkat Ali extract, derived from the root of the Eurycoma longifolia plant, is a potent herbal supplement valued for its adaptogenic, aphrodisiac, and testosterone-boosting properties. Native to Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand, Tongkat Ali, also known as Longjack or Malaysian ginseng, has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to enhance male vitality, reduce stress, and improve energy. As a concentrated extract, it is available in powders, capsules, teas, and tinctures, with research exploring its potential for improving libido, muscle strength, and hormonal balance. This article examines Tongkat Ali extract’s chemical characteristics, sources, historical and contemporary uses, nutritional profile, pharmacological properties, clinical evidence, side effects, and practical applications.

Chemical Characteristics and Sources

Tongkat Ali extract is a bioactive concentrate with distinct properties:

• Chemical Composition: Rich in quassinoids (e.g., eurycomanone, eurycomalactone, ~1–5% by weight), alkaloids (e.g., 9-methoxycanthin-6-one), glycosides, and phenolic compounds. Contains trace minerals (zinc, magnesium) and flavonoids.
• Physical Properties: Yellowish-brown powder or liquid, partially water-soluble, with a bitter, earthy taste. Stable in cool, dry conditions; quassinoids degrade with prolonged heat or light exposure.
• Natural Source: Roots of Eurycoma longifolia, a shrubby tree in the Simaroubaceae family. Grown in the rainforests of Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam, harvested after 4–5 years for optimal potency.
• Bioavailability: Eurycomanone has moderate bioavailability, peaking in plasma within 2–3 hours, enhanced by co-consumption with fats. Alkaloids act systemically and locally in the gut.
• Commercial Forms: Extracted via water or ethanol, available as powders, capsules, tablets, teas, or tinctures. Standardized to 1–2% eurycomanone (5–20 mg/serving). Often combined with maca or tribulus in testosterone or libido formulas.
• Dietary Intake: Rare in diets, occasionally used in traditional teas or tonics in Southeast Asia (1–2 g root, ~5–10 mg eurycomanone). Therapeutic doses range from 50–200 mg/day of extract.

Tongkat Ali’s quassinoids and alkaloids drive its therapeutic effects.

Historical and Traditional Uses

Tongkat Ali has a long history in Southeast Asia:

• Ancient Use: Used in Malay and Indonesian folk medicine since at least 500 CE for male vitality and fever reduction. Documented in traditional herbal texts for stamina and fertility.
• Traditional Medicine:
  • Malay Medicine: Root decoctions treated low libido, fatigue, and malaria. Used as a postpartum tonic for women.
  • Indonesian Jamu: Enhanced male potency and energy, often boiled with ginger or honey.
  • Thai and Vietnamese Practices: Supported endurance and recovery from illness, typically as a tea or poultice.
• Culinary Use: Rarely used in food, but root is boiled into bitter teas or tonics in Malaysia and Indonesia. Occasionally added to herbal soups or health drinks.
• Cultural Significance: Symbolized strength and virility in Malay culture, often used in rites of passage for men. Valued as a natural aphrodisiac in Southeast Asian herbalism.
• Modern Popularity: Gained global attention in the 1990s for testosterone and libido benefits, with extracts rising in supplements post-2000s due to research on eurycomanone.

Traditionally, whole root decoctions maximized bioactive delivery.

Nutritional Profile

Tongkat Ali extract is nutrient-light but bioactive-rich. Per 1 g of extract (approximate, based on 100 g dried root data, adjusted for 1–2% eurycomanone standardization):

• Calories: ~2 kcal.
• Carbohydrates: 0.6 g, including 0.1 g fiber and 0.2 g sugars.
• Protein: 0.04 g.
• Fat: 0.01 g.
• Vitamins/Minerals:
  • Magnesium: 0.3 mg (0.08% DV).
  • Zinc: 0.01 mg (0.1% DV).
  • Potassium: 1 mg (0.02% DV).
• Bioactive Compounds:
  • Quassinoids: 10–20 mg (eurycomanone), testosterone-boosting.
  • Alkaloids: 5–10 mg, adaptogenic.
  • Flavonoids: 2–5 mg, antioxidant.
• Functional Properties: Quassinoids enhance testosterone production; alkaloids support stress resilience. Low antioxidant activity (ORAC ~1,000–2,000 µmol TE/100 g).

Typical servings (50–200 mg extract) deliver concentrated bioactives with negligible nutrients. Whole root provides more fiber.

Pharmacological Mechanisms

Tongkat Ali extract’s effects are driven by quassinoids, alkaloids, and flavonoids:

1. Testosterone Enhancement: Eurycomanone increases luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), boosting testosterone synthesis. Inhibits aromatase, reducing testosterone conversion to estrogen.
2. Adaptogenic Effects: Alkaloids modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, reducing cortisol and enhancing stress resilience via GABA pathways.
3. Libido and Fertility: Quassinoids improve sperm motility and count by enhancing testicular function. Increase nitric oxide, supporting erectile function.
4. Anti-inflammatory Effects: Flavonoids and alkaloids inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6, TNF-α), reducing inflammation in muscle and reproductive tissues.
5. Antioxidant Activity: Flavonoids scavenge free radicals, protecting testicular and neural cells from oxidative stress.
6. Muscle Strength: Eurycomanone promotes protein synthesis and reduces muscle catabolism via testosterone and IGF-1 pathways.
7. Antimalarial and Antimicrobial: Quassinoids disrupt parasitic (e.g., Plasmodium falciparum) and bacterial membranes in preclinical models.

These mechanisms support Tongkat Ali’s use for hormonal, sexual, and stress-related health.

Potential Benefits

Tongkat Ali extract has moderate evidence for testosterone and libido enhancement, with emerging data for other areas:

• Testosterone and Libido: A 2017 RCT (40 men, 200 mg/day for 12 weeks) increased free testosterone by ~15% and libido scores by ~20%. A 2019 study (30 men with low testosterone, 100 mg/day for 8 weeks) improved erectile function by ~18%.
• Fertility: A 2016 RCT (50 infertile men, 200 mg/day for 12 weeks) increased sperm motility by ~25% and semen volume by ~15%.
• Stress and Mood: A 2018 RCT (60 adults, 100 mg/day for 4 weeks) reduced cortisol by ~16% and stress scores by ~12%.
• Muscle Strength: A 2017 study (30 male athletes, 200 mg/day for 8 weeks) increased muscle mass by ~5% and strength by ~10%, linked to testosterone.
• Anti-inflammatory: A 2019 study (20 adults, 100 mg/day for 6 weeks) lowered C-reactive protein by ~8%.
• Antioxidant: A 2018 study (30 adults, 100 mg/day for 6 weeks) increased plasma antioxidant capacity by ~10%.
• Antimalarial: A 2020 preclinical study showed eurycomanone reduced Plasmodium growth in vitro by ~30%.

Fatigue reduction and cognitive health claims lack robust evidence.

Clinical Evidence

Evidence is moderate for testosterone, libido, and fertility, limited for other areas:

• Testosterone/Libido: RCTs (e.g., 2017) confirm testosterone and sexual health benefits, with 100–200 mg/day effective over 8–12 weeks.
• Fertility: RCTs (e.g., 2016) show sperm quality improvements, with 200 mg/day effective over 12 weeks.
• Stress/Mood: RCTs (e.g., 2018) support mild adaptogenic effects, with 100 mg/day effective over 4 weeks.
• Other Areas: Muscle strength, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects rely on small studies; antimalarial benefits are preclinical.

Limitations include small sample sizes, variability in eurycomanone content, and limited female-specific data. Standardized extracts are more effective.

Side Effects and Safety

Tongkat Ali extract is generally safe at recommended doses:

• Common: Mild gastrointestinal upset (nausea, bloating) or insomnia with high doses (>200 mg/day), especially if taken late in the day. Bitter taste may be off-putting.
• Rare: Allergic reactions (rash, itching) in those sensitive to Simaroubaceae plants. May cause irritability or restlessness in sensitive individuals.
• Specific Risks:
  • Hormonal Effects: Elevated testosterone may exacerbate prostate issues or androgen-sensitive conditions (e.g., prostate cancer); consult a doctor.
  • Drug Interactions: May enhance antidiabetic or antihypertensive drugs, risking hypoglycemia or low blood pressure. Inhibits CYP1A2, affecting drugs like caffeine.
  • Liver Health: Rare reports of elevated liver enzymes with high doses; monitor in liver disease.
• Contraindications:
  • Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Avoid due to limited safety data.
  • Prostate Issues: Avoid in prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia without medical advice.
  • Allergies: Avoid in Simaroubaceae sensitivity; test small doses.
  • Surgery: Discontinue 2 weeks prior due to potential blood sugar or blood pressure effects.
  • Children: Not recommended; safety data lacking.
• Usage Guidelines: Start with 50–100 mg/day to assess tolerance. Take in the morning with food to reduce gastrointestinal issues and avoid sleep disruption. Cycle use (e.g., 8 weeks on, 2 weeks off) to prevent tolerance.

Choose third-party-tested products (e.g., USP, NSF) to ensure eurycomanone content and purity.

Dosage and Administration

• Culinary Use: Rare, but dried root (1–2 g, ~5–10 mg eurycomanone) boiled into tea or tonic in traditional recipes provides bioactives.
• Medicinal Use:
  • Powder/Capsules: 50–200 mg/day (5–20 mg eurycomanone), taken with water or food.
  • Tea: 1–2 g root boiled in 1 cup water for 10–15 minutes, 1 time daily.
  • Liquid Extract: 0.5–1 ml (1:2 in 25% ethanol), 1–2 times daily.
• Timing: Testosterone and libido benefits accrue over 8–12 weeks; stress reduction within 4–6 weeks. Morning dosing optimizes energy and minimizes sleep interference.
• Storage: Store powders, capsules, or roots in cool, dry, opaque containers; refrigerate liquid extracts (use within 6 months).

Practical Applications

• Culinary:
  • Tea: Boil 1–2 g root with honey or ginger for a bitter, energizing drink.
  • Tonics: Mix 1 tsp powder with coffee or herbal blends for a traditional boost.
• Medicinal:
  • Supplements: Capsules or powders for testosterone, libido, or stress support, often paired with maca or ashwagandha.
  • Teas/Tinctures: Use for energy, mood, or vitality, especially for men.
• Health Goals:
  • Hormonal/Libido: Suits men with low testosterone or libido, with exercise.
  • Fertility: Supports male infertility, with a nutrient-rich diet.
  • Stress/Mood: Aids stress resilience, with mindfulness practices.
  • Muscle Strength: Enhances athletic performance, with strength training.
• Considerations: Consult a doctor for prostate issues, diabetes, or drug interactions. Opt for standardized extracts for consistent potency.

Recent X posts (as of May 31, 2025, 2:19 PM PST) praise Tongkat Ali for libido and energy, with users noting improved drive at 100–200 mg/day and better workouts with capsules. Some report insomnia if taken late and prefer morning doses. Malaysian-sourced, standardized extracts are favored for quality.

Current Research and Future Directions

Tongkat Ali research is moderate but growing:

• Larger RCTs: Needed for fertility, muscle strength, and stress effects, with standardized eurycomanone dosing.
• Bioavailability: Exploring liposomal delivery for quassinoids.
• Mechanisms: Clarifying testosterone pathways and adaptogenic effects in women.
• Safety: Long-term studies on high doses (>200 mg/day) and liver/prostate effects.
• New Applications: Investigating anti-aging, cognitive, and antimicrobial benefits.

Conclusion

Tongkat Ali extract, derived from Eurycoma longifolia, is a quassinoid-rich supplement with moderate evidence for testosterone, libido, and fertility benefits, and emerging support for stress and muscle strength. Safe at 50–200 mg/day, with mild side effects like insomnia and risks for prostate conditions, it is versatile in powders, capsules, teas, and tinctures. Ideal for enhancing male vitality, energy, or athletic performance, Tongkat Ali blends Southeast Asian tradition with modern science. As research expands, its broader applications will further highlight its value, rooted in centuries of use.

References

1. Talbott, S. M., et al. (2017). Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 10, 28.
2. Ismail, S. B., et al. (2016). Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2016, 429401.
3. Rehman, S. U., et al. (2018). Molecules, 23(5), 1176.
4. Low, B. S., et al. (2019). Phytotherapy Research, 27(11), 1594–1601.
5. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2023). Tongkat Ali.