Eurycoma Longfolia
Also known as: Tongkat Ali, Malaysian ginseng, Eurycoma longifolia
Overview
Eurycoma longifolia, commonly known as Tongkat Ali or Malaysian ginseng, is a medicinal plant native to Southeast Asia. It is widely recognized and utilized as a herbal supplement, primarily for its purported benefits in enhancing male sexual health and optimizing testosterone levels. The active compounds, notably quassinoids like eurycomanone, are typically extracted from the root of the plant and consumed in various forms, including powders and standardized extracts. Traditionally, it has been used as an adaptogen and aphrodisiac. Modern research, including several randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews, suggests its efficacy in addressing male hypogonadism, improving libido, and potentially enhancing physical performance. While the body of clinical evidence is growing, the overall quality of evidence is considered moderate, indicating a need for further high-quality research to solidify its therapeutic claims.
Benefits
The primary and most robustly supported benefit of Eurycoma longifolia is its ability to significantly increase serum total testosterone levels in men. A meta-analysis of five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) demonstrated a large effect size (standardized mean difference of 1.352) on testosterone elevation, particularly in men with hypogonadism (testosterone levels below 300 ng/dL). This effect is well-documented and considered strong evidence. Secondary benefits include potential improvements in erectile function and overall sexual well-being, although the evidence for these outcomes is less consistent and requires further high-quality research. Some studies suggest benefits in libido and quality of life, but these are not as definitively established. Eurycoma longifolia appears to be particularly effective for men with low baseline testosterone levels, with effects in healthy men being positive but less pronounced. Benefits typically manifest after several weeks to a few months of consistent supplementation.
How it works
Eurycoma longifolia exerts its effects primarily through its bioactive quassinoids, such as eurycomanone. These compounds are believed to stimulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, leading to an increase in luteinizing hormone (LH) production. LH, in turn, signals the testes to synthesize more testosterone. Additionally, Eurycoma longifolia may reduce the levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), which binds to testosterone and makes it inactive. By reducing SHBG, more free, biologically active testosterone becomes available in the bloodstream. The extract also possesses adaptogenic and anti-stress properties, which can indirectly contribute to hormonal balance and overall well-being. The oral bioavailability of its active compounds is moderate, emphasizing the importance of standardized extracts for consistent dosing.
Side effects
Eurycoma longifolia is generally considered safe, with a low incidence of adverse effects reported in clinical trials. While no common side effects (occurring in more than 5% of users) are well-documented, mild gastrointestinal discomfort has been occasionally reported. There are no firmly established significant drug interactions or contraindications; however, caution is advised for individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions due to its impact on testosterone levels. Long-term safety data are limited, as most clinical trials have spanned only a few weeks to a few months. Therefore, the effects of prolonged use beyond this period are not yet fully understood. Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or those taking other medications should consult a healthcare professional before starting supplementation.
Dosage
Effective dosages of Eurycoma longifolia in randomized controlled trials typically range from 200 mg to 400 mg of a standardized root extract daily. The minimum effective dose appears to be around 200 mg per day, particularly when using an extract standardized to contain quantified eurycomanone. The optimal dosage can vary depending on the extract's standardization and the concentration of active compounds; therefore, consistency in the active compound content is crucial for efficacy. There are no specific timing requirements reported, and it can be administered daily with or without food. While specific upper limits for safety are not definitively established, adherence to the recommended dosage range from clinical studies is advised to maximize benefits and minimize potential risks.
FAQs
Is Tongkat Ali safe for long-term use?
Current evidence supports the safety of Tongkat Ali for short to medium-term use (several weeks to a few months). However, long-term safety data beyond this period are limited, and further research is needed to fully understand its effects with prolonged use.
How soon can testosterone improvements be expected?
Improvements in testosterone levels are typically observed within 4 to 12 weeks of consistent daily supplementation. Individual responses may vary based on baseline testosterone levels and adherence to dosage.
Does it improve erectile dysfunction?
Some evidence suggests that Tongkat Ali may improve erectile function and sexual well-being. However, more rigorous and larger-scale randomized controlled trials are needed to definitively confirm its efficacy for erectile dysfunction.
Can healthy men benefit?
Yes, healthy men can experience benefits from Tongkat Ali, including potential increases in testosterone. However, the effects are generally more pronounced and clinically significant in men with low baseline testosterone levels (hypogonadism).
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9415500/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis, published in 2022, analyzed five randomized controlled trials and found that Eurycoma longifolia supplementation significantly increased total testosterone levels, particularly in hypogonadal men. Despite moderate heterogeneity, the study concluded a large effect size for testosterone elevation, supporting its use for this purpose.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36013514/ – This PubMed entry corresponds to the same 2022 meta-analysis by Leisegang et al. and summarizes its findings. It highlights the significant increase in serum total testosterone levels observed with Eurycoma longifolia supplementation, especially in men with low baseline testosterone, reinforcing the primary benefit of this supplement.
- https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/An-Evidence-Based-Systematic-Review-of-Tongkat-Ali-Ulbricht-Conquer/efce2ca8125997cfee4f5e440538d0bc5993d2b6 – This systematic review by Ulbricht et al. investigated the effects of Eurycoma longifolia on erectile function. While it suggested potential improvements, the review noted limitations such as a limited number of high-quality RCTs and small sample sizes in some studies, indicating that more robust evidence is needed to confirm this benefit.
- https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05347329 – This entry from ClinicalTrials.gov describes an ongoing Phase II randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the effects of Eurycoma longifolia combined with Maca on sexual well-being and safety. The study is currently recruiting participants, and its results are pending, which will contribute to the understanding of these supplements' combined efficacy and safety profile.
