What it is:
Tokgat Ali, scientifically known as Eurycoma longifolia, is a plant found natively in Southeast Asia. It is a medium-sized slender shrub that can grow up to 10 meters in height.
Benefits:
The main bioactive components in tongkat ali are the quassinoid compounds (eurycomanone and eurycomanol), eurycolactones, canthin-6-one metabolites, eurylene and teurilene (derivatives of squalene), and eurypeptides. Extract from the roots of the plant has traditionally been used to enhance testosterone levels in men.
Science:
This 2021 study evaluated the safety and efficacy of a standardized extract of Tongkat ali, in increasing testosterone levels and improving quality of life in aging men. Over 12 weeks, 105 men aged 50-70 with low testosterone were given either 100 mg or 200 mg of Tongkat ali or a placebo. Results showed significant increases in total testosterone and improvements in symptoms such as fatigue and muscle strength in the Tongkat ali groups, with more pronounced effects at the higher dosage. Tongkat ali was well-tolerated, with no significant safety concerns. Overall, Tongkat ali supplementation effectively enhanced testosterone levels and quality of life in aging men.
In this 2021 randomized controlled trial, researchers investigated the effects of Tongkat ali on hormone levels in healthy young males. Thirty-two participants received either Tongkat ali or a placebo for two weeks. The results showed significant increases in testosterone, free testosterone, and estradiol levels in the treatment group. This suggests that Tongkat ali may primarily influence testosterone production through the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and that Tongkat ali could enhance muscle and strength gains due to its effects on testosterone levels.
This 2022 meta-analysis reviewed and analyzed data from randomized clinical trials to assess the effectiveness of Tongkat ali in increasing testosterone levels in men with hypogonadism. The meta-analysis, which included nine studies and five trials, found a significant improvement in total testosterone levels among men taking Tongkat ali, with a substantial effect size. These results suggest that Tongkat ali may be an effective supplement for boosting testosterone production, particularly in those with hypogonadism. The findings are promising as they indicate a potential safe and effective option for addressing low testosterone levels, though more research is needed before it can be widely recommended in clinical practice.
This 2012 study examined the effects of Tongkat ali on patients with late-onset hypogonadism (LOH). Seventy-six patients were given 200 mg of Tongkat ali extract daily for one month. Results showed significant improvements in the Ageing Males' Symptoms score and serum testosterone levels. Before treatment, only 10.5% of patients had no complaints and 35.5% had normal testosterone levels, but after treatment, these numbers increased to 71.7% and 90.8%, respectively. Thus, Tongkat ali extract may be effective in reducing LOH symptoms and managing hypogonadism.
Products with this ingredient:
