January 25, 2022

Everything about Tongkat Ali

What Is Tongkat Ali?

Eurycoma longifolia, also known by the names Tongkat Ali, Longjack or Pasak Bumi, is a plant that is mainly found in Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Laos. It is a popular supplement in traditional medicine in these regions and is often used as an aphrodisiac, a stress reliever, and a way to boost testosterone levels. It is also known as "Asian Viagra" due to its alleged ability to enhance sexual performance.

The roots of the Tongkat Ali plant form a complex underground root system. These roots naturally contain powerful components, especially quassinoids. Among the quassinoids, the compound eurycomanone has a very potent effect. Most of the benefits associated with Tongkat Ali come from the eurycomanone component.

Where Is Tongkat Ali Used?

In the Malay language, Tongkat Ali means "Ali's walking stick." This is because in Southeast Asia, the roots of the plant have been used for centuries to increase the physical strength of mainly men, similar to how a walking stick can help you stay mobile.

Tongkat Ali is particularly popular in Malaysia & Indonesia, where it is even used in (instant) coffee. These products are known in Southeast Asia for providing more energy and physical strength.

Before modern science, Tongkat Ali was widely consumed by Malaysians to treat various illnesses such as flu and colds. Tongkat Ali has been used for centuries.

However, in the Western world, we are only now discovering the powers of these roots, and the popularity and demand for Tongkat Ali are rising significantly, especially due to Joe Rogan and neurobiologist Andrew Huberman from Stanford University.

Watch the video below about Tongkat Ali and testosterone optimization by Joe Rogan and Andre Huberman:

Benefits of Tongkat Ali

What benefits does Tongkat Ali offer? Below is an overview of the potential benefits.

Tongkat Ali can increase testosterone levels

Various studies indicate that Tongkat Ali can increase testosterone levels in humans. So far, it seems that Tongkat Ali works in four different ways in the body to increase testosterone.

Seems to inhibit aromatase, the conversion of testosterone to estrogen. (1)
Reduces stress hormone cortisol, resulting in a rise in testosterone. A study shows that after 4 weeks of Tongkat Ali use, the average cortisol levels in the subjects decreased by 16% and testosterone increased by an average of 37%. (2)
Reduction of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). SHBG is a mechanism that acts like a taxi carrying testosterone around the body. When you have too much SHBG, it's like a traffic jam preventing testosterone from reaching its destination. (3)
May stimulate the production of luteinizing hormone (4), which sends more signals in the body to produce testosterone.

Tongkat Ali can enhance exercise performance and promote muscle growth

Tongkat Ali can stimulate muscle mass growth, muscle strength, and fat loss. A study shows that taking 100 mg of Tongkat Ali in combination with strength training for 5 weeks increased lean mass. Compared to a group following the same strength training program, the group using Tongkat Ali had gained more muscle mass and lost more fat. (5)

This shows that Tongkat Ali, when combined with strength training, can help optimize your exercise performance.

Good for mood and stress relief

After 4 weeks of Tongkat Ali use, a study found that tension in the subjects decreased by 11%, anger by 12%, and confusion by 15%. Additionally, the stress hormone cortisol decreased by 16%. Tongkat Ali may help improve mood slightly. (2)

Good for libido and fertility

A study showed that after 12 weeks of using 300 mg of Tongkat Ali in men aged 30-55, libido increased by 12%, sperm health improved by 44%, with an additional 18% increase in volume. The study also found that men with a BMI over 25 experienced a decrease in fat mass. (6)

Side Effects of Tongkat Ali

In several studies where people used Tongkat Ali, no side effects were found. In these studies, a maximum of 400 mg was used. Testosterone levels did not crash after stopping Tongkat Ali. (7) This is unlike what happens when injecting synthetic testosterone.

This study (6) even states that Tongkat Ali is as safe as the placebo.

For these reasons, Tongkat Ali appears to be a safe alternative to Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) according to this study. (8)

Since Tongkat Ali has not been studied with pregnant women, breastfeeding women, children, and people with medical conditions, we do not recommend the product for these groups. Its interaction with medications has not been studied. Therefore, if you are taking medications, it is important to discuss this with your doctor first. Additionally, it is not advisable to take it on an empty stomach to prevent nausea. If this does not work, you can take Tongkat Ali later in the day around/after dinner. You can also take it with fruit, fruit juice, or another sugary drink to prevent nausea.

Is Tongkat Ali Beneficial for Everyone?

Tongkat Ali can be a beneficial dietary supplement for adult men. However, it may work even better for men with lower testosterone levels. This is often the case for men over thirty to forty because from this age, the body's natural testosterone levels begin to decline. It is important to note that the response to Tongkat Ali may vary from person to person, just like with other dietary supplements. Some may feel more effects than others.

How to Use Tongkat Ali?

Most Tongkat Ali extracts contain a low amount of eurycomanone, ranging from 0 - 0.5%. When using a Tongkat Ali extract with a higher percentage of eurycomanone, such as 5% eurycomanone, we recommend taking about 200 mg per day. The higher the percentage of eurycomanone, the lower the dose. We recommend following this schedule; intake for 5 days and then 2 days off. For example, intake during weekdays and no intake on weekends. Additionally, we recommend stopping intake for one to two weeks every 2 - 3 months.

Where to Buy Tongkat Ali?

You can buy Tongkat Ali from various suppliers. However, look for an extract that is standardized to the amount of eurycomanone. YAJU offers a Tongkat Ali Extract with a high amount of 5% Eurycomanone.

Check here our Tongkat Ali | 5% Eurycomanone