Tongkat Ali root extract is a herbal medicine that is commonly found in Southeast Asia for centuries. Studies show that the uses of Tongkat Ali range from relieving stress and boosting fertility to improve body composition.
Countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia use Tongkat Ali to treat malaria, fevers, infections, and male infertility.
Literally, Tongkat Ali means "Ali's walking stick," which references its aphrodisiac effects. Some people argue that the "stick" refers to the plant's twisted, long roots that have been harvested for medicinal purposes.
What is Tongkat Ali?
Tongkat Ali, also called Eurycoma longifolia, is a herbal supplement from the roots of a green tree called Eurycoma longifolia. This tree is mainly found in Southeast Asia.
Tongkat Ali comprises alkaloids, flavonoids, and other compounds that act as antioxidants. Antioxidant compounds are responsible for fighting any cellular damage that free radical molecules might cause.
Clinical Properties of Tongkat Ali
Tongkat Ali, a herbal tree with a botanic name Eurycoma Longifolia contains quassinoids. These quassinoids include eurylactone, eurycomaoside, and eurycomanone, which help the body use energy efficiently, reducing the chances of fatigue and increasing endurance ability.
Benefits of Tongkat Ali
Tongkat Ali has several health benefits. Below are Tongkat Ali benefits
1. Increases Male Fertility
Several studies show that E. longifolia enhances sexual performance and fertility. As per the review carried out in 2016 by Trusted Source, animal and human studies show the essential effects in terms of fertility that include:
Increased sperm count, sperm motility, semen volumes, and sperm viability.
- Increased testosterone production.
- Enhanced sexual performance and erectile function
As per a 2019 study, the rise of testosterone levels and the enhancement of dopamine in the brain causes Tongkat Ali's aphrodisiac effects.
2. Ergogenic aid
At times, athletes use ergogenic medicinal aids to increase their performance. Tongkat Ali can serve as ergogenic aid since it increases the testosterone level and decreases stress.
Researchers concluded that having a high dose with high Tongkat Ali would result in some benefits related to positive endurance performance.
A study conducted in 2014 reported that people aged between 57 years and 72 years had increased their testosterone and muscle strength after using Tongkat Ali for five weeks.
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3. Increase Bone Strength
A study carried out in the year 2018 examined the impact of Tongkat Ali on osteoporosis in rats. The study showed that the use of Tongkat Ali increases the strength of bones and prevents bone loss.
Therefore, Tongkat Ali may help strengthening the bone.
4. It reduces stress
Another study conducted by the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition Trusted Source examined stress hormones for 63 people taking Tongkat Ali for four weeks.
Using Tongkat Ali extracts, the researcher recorded a significant improvement in people's tension, confusion, and anger. Their testosterone levels increased while their stress hormone decreased.
After the observation, a conclusion was made that Tongkat Ali can be used as a modern-day remedy for sleep deprivation, chronic stress reduction, and exercise training.
Another study carried out in 2018 examined the combined effect of Tongkat Ali and multivitamins in moderately stressed and healthy participants. The participants reported that they experienced emotional well-being and enhanced vigour.
There was also a decrease in glucose concentration which might have been the cause of the participant's well-being.
5. Helps in fighting cancer
Scientists have discovered the quassinoids in Tongkat Ali that help in fighting cancer. A study conducted in 2018 showed 16 compounds in Tongkat Ali that showed promising anticancer properties.
Another laboratory study trusted Source proved that quassinoids extracted from Tongkat Ali were effective in fighting prostate cancer.
6. Helps in Building in Muscles
Tongkat Ali root extracts can increase muscle mass and strength since it increases testosterone level. Therefore, it is common among fitness enthusiasts as it helps boost athletic physical power and performance.
Tongkat Ali also helps reduce body fat. This was proven by a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
Researchers found that bodybuilders who used 100 mg of Tongkat Ali extract daily for five weeks increased their muscle strength and mass compared to those who did not take the extract.
Research published in Phytotherapy Research in 2014 showed that Tongkat Ali extracts could also increase older adults' muscular strength.
During the study exercise, 12 women and 13 men aged between 57 years to 72 years took 400mg of the product daily for five weeks. After five weeks, Tongkat Ali was found to have raised the testosterone level and the muscular force.
Who Should Use Tongat Ali?
Tongkat Ali is a herbal tree that has a lot of benefits to the human race. People can use it for several reasons. Men with fertility problems are among the people who can benefit from this herb.
Tongkat Ali increases men's fertility by increasing testosterone level of production, enhancing erectile function, and increasing sperm count. The herb is also a great option in reducing confusion, tension, and anger.
Tongkat Ali has also proven to work well when used as a bone-strengthening herbal medicine. The product is also an excellent option for increasing bone strength and increasing the performance of an athlete.
Safe Dosage and Side Effects
Few studies that have been carried out have not found any Tongkat Ali side effects. One of the studies showed that taking 300mg of Tongkat Ali daily is just as safe as taking a placebo.
Other studies show that it is safe for adults to take 1.3 grams of Tongkat Ali Root extract daily. Furthermore, we need more research on Tongkat Ali's effects on children and pregnant women.
Bottom Line
Tongkat Ali is, without any doubt, an excellent remedy for different health issues. Research suggests that it has a positive impact on sexual performance, increasing male fertility and reducing stress.
Tongkat Ali is an effective and ergogenic aid. There is also other research indicating that Tongkat Ali is an effective way of treating cancer.
However, the study also limits the use of Tongkat Ali to people with a specific type of cancer. There exist some safety issues that exist for people with some health conditions and those taking particular medications.
As such, it is advisable to consult a doctor before using any herbal supplements.