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Organic Tongkat Ali

Also known as: Eurycoma longifolia, Tongkat Ali, Pasak Bumi

Overview

Eurycoma longifolia, commonly known as Tongkat Ali, is a plant native to Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia and Indonesia. It's a traditional folk medicine used for its purported health benefits. Primarily, it is used to enhance male fertility, improve libido, and boost testosterone levels. The plant contains bioactive compounds like eurycomanone, which may influence testosterone production. It is available in various forms, including capsules and extracts. Research on Tongkat Ali is growing, with studies focusing on its effects on testosterone and sexual health. However, more rigorous clinical trials are needed to fully understand its efficacy and safety. The quality of available evidence varies due to factors like publication bias and conflicts of interest in some studies. While systematic reviews and meta-analyses exist, further high-quality research is warranted to confirm its benefits and safety profile.

Benefits

Tongkat Ali may increase testosterone levels, particularly in men with low testosterone. A meta-analysis found a significant increase in testosterone levels in men receiving *E. longifolia* supplementation, especially in hypogonadal men. Benefits seem most pronounced in individuals with low testosterone levels, with effects potentially observed within weeks to months of supplementation. It may also have benefits for erectile function, though more trials are needed to confirm this. The effect size for testosterone increase is significant, but clinical significance varies depending on baseline testosterone levels. More research is needed to fully establish the extent and reliability of these benefits.

How it works

Tongkat Ali may enhance testosterone production by increasing the production of androgen precursors and inhibiting aromatase, which converts testosterone to estrogen. It interacts with the endocrine system, particularly affecting testosterone levels. Eurycomanone is a key bioactive compound that may influence these pathways. Specific data on absorption and bioavailability in humans is limited. The exact mechanisms are still being investigated, but it is believed that Tongkat Ali stimulates the release of free testosterone from its binding proteins and improves the function of Leydig cells in the testes, which are responsible for testosterone production.

Side effects

Tongkat Ali is generally considered safe in moderate doses, but there is a lack of comprehensive safety data, especially regarding long-term use. Common side effects are not well-documented, but may include gastrointestinal issues. Uncommon side effects include the potential for allergic reactions or interactions with other medications. There is limited data on rare side effects. Potential interactions exist with medications affecting hormone levels or liver function. It is contraindicated with known allergies to *E. longifolia* or in pregnancy/lactation due to insufficient safety data. Caution is advised in individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions. Users should be aware of potential interactions and the need for more research on long-term safety.

Dosage

Typically, the minimum effective dose starts at 100 mg/day. Studies have used doses between 100 mg to 600 mg/day. The maximum safe dose is not well-established, but doses above 600 mg/day are less commonly studied. No specific timing recommendations are available. It is often consumed as a capsule or extract. There is limited data on factors affecting absorption. No specific cofactors have been identified as required. It is important to start with a lower dose and gradually increase it while monitoring for any adverse effects. Consult with a healthcare professional before starting supplementation.

FAQs

When is the best time to take Tongkat Ali?

No specific timing is recommended. Consistency is key, so choose a time that fits your daily routine. Some prefer taking it in the morning, but it can be taken at any time of day.

How long does it take to see results?

You may see benefits in testosterone levels and sexual health within weeks to months. Individual results can vary depending on factors like baseline testosterone levels and overall health.

Is Tongkat Ali safe for everyone?

While generally safe, there is a need for more comprehensive safety data. It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, and individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions should exercise caution.

Can Tongkat Ali enhance athletic performance?

While some studies suggest potential benefits for muscle strength, it is not a proven performance enhancer for endurance sports. More research is needed in this area.

Are there any known drug interactions?

Potential interactions exist with medications affecting hormone levels or liver function. Consult with a healthcare professional before starting supplementation, especially if you are taking other medications.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9415500/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis, involving 232 participants across five studies, found a significant increase in testosterone levels, particularly in hypogonadal men, after Tongkat Ali supplementation. The study duration varied from 2 weeks to 6 months. The authors noted limitations such as publication bias and heterogeneity among the included studies, and assessed the quality as moderate due to methodological issues in some studies.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23419023/ – This systematic review consolidates safety and efficacy data of Tongkat Ali, highlighting potential benefits for erectile function. The review provides a comprehensive overview but lacks quantitative analysis. The findings are limited by the quality of the included studies, emphasizing the need for more rigorous research.
https://examine.com/supplements/tongkat-ali/ – Examine.com provides a summary of the available research on Tongkat Ali, covering its effects on testosterone, fertility, and overall health. It highlights the potential benefits and limitations of the current evidence, emphasizing the need for more high-quality studies to confirm its efficacy and safety.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26365449/ – This RCT with 139 participants, with a duration of up to 12 weeks, showed potential benefits for erectile function in men with lower baseline function after Tongkat Ali supplementation. The study had a small sample size and significant heterogeneity. The quality assessment was moderate due to methodological limitations.
https://magistralbr.caldic.com/storage/product-files/445511096.pdf – This document provides product information and potential benefits of Tongkat Ali. It may include details on its traditional uses and purported health effects. Further research is needed to validate these claims.