INGREDIENT EDUCATION

All About Tongkat Ali

What is Tongkat Ali?

Tongkat Ali, also known as Eurycoma longifolia, is a flowering plant native to Southeast Asia, particularly found in countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. It's often used in traditional medicine practices, particularly in Southeast Asia, for various health purposes, including its power to boost testosterone levels.

Here are some ways Tongkat Ali may improve testosterone levels:

Stimulationof Leydig cells

Leydig cells are located in the testes and are responsible for producing testosterone. Research has shown that Tongkat Ali stimulates the activity of these cells, leading to increased testosterone production.[1]

Inhibitionof Aromatase

Aromatase is an enzyme that converts testosterone into estrogen. By inhibiting aromatase activity, Tongkat Ali helps maintain higher levels of testosterone by reducing its conversion into estrogen.[2]

Reduction of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG)

SHBG is a protein that binds to testosterone molecules, reducing their bioavailability. Tongkat Ali decreases the levels of SHBG in the body, freeing up more testosterone to be utilized by tissues.[3]

Antioxidant Properties

Tongkat Ali contains antioxidants that help protect cells from oxidative damage. By reducing oxidative stress, Tongkat Ali supports healthy testosterone levels, as oxidative stress has been linked to decreased testosterone production.[5]

In one Double-blind, controlled trial, 600 mg/day for 2
weeks boosted testosterone levels from 802 to 924 ng/dl, where the placebo
group levels went from 791 to 769 ng/dl.[6]

Anti-inflammatory effects

Chronic inflammation can negatively impact testosterone production. Tongkat Ali has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties, which helps maintain optimal testosterone levels.[7]

Stress Reduction

Chronic stress can lead to hormonal imbalances, including decreased testosterone levels. Tongkat Ali is considered an adaptogen, meaning it helps the body cope with stress and maintain hormonal balance, indirectly supporting testosterone production.[8]

Erections

Tongkat Ali helps with gaining and keeping erections.[4]

CLINICAL REFERENCES

[1] Leisegang K, Finelli R, Sikka SC,Panner Selvam MK. Eurycoma longifolia (Jack) Improves Serum Total Testosterone in Men: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of ClinicalTrials. Medicina (Kaunas). 2022 Aug 4;58(8):1047. doi:10.3390/medicina58081047. PMID: 36013514; PMCID: PMC9415500.

[2] Low BS, Choi SB, Abdul Wahab H,Das PK, Chan KL. Eurycomanone, the major quassinoid in Eurycoma longifolia rootextract increases spermatogenesis by inhibiting the activity ofphosphodiesterase and aromatase in steroidogenesis. J Ethnopharmacol. 2013 Aug26;149(1):201-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2013.06.023. Epub 2013 Jun 27. PMID:23810842.

[3] Talbott SM, Talbott JA, George A, Pugh M. Effect of Tongkat Ali on stresshormones and psychological mood state in moderately stressed subjects. J IntSoc Sports Nutr. 2013 May 26;10(1):28. doi: 10.1186/1550-2783-10-28. PMID:23705671; PMCID: PMC3669033.

[4] Leitão AE, Vieira MCS, PelegriniA, da Silva EL, Guimarães ACA. A 6-month, double-blind, placebo-controlled,randomized trial to evaluate the effect of Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali)and concurrent training on erectile function and testosterone levels inandrogen deficiency of aging males (ADAM). Maturitas. 2021 Mar;145:78-85. doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2020.12.002. Epub 2020 Dec 10. PMID: 33541567.

[5] Rehman SU, Choe K, Yoo HH. Review on a Traditional Herbal Medicine, Eurycomalongifolia Jack (Tongkat Ali): Its Traditional Uses, Chemistry, Evidence-BasedPharmacology and Toxicology. Molecules. 2016 Mar 10;21(3):331. doi:10.3390/molecules21030331. PMID: 26978330; PMCID: PMC6274257.

[6] Chan K.Q., Stewart C., Chester N., Hamzah S.H., Yusof A. The effect of Eurycomalongifolia on the regulation of reproductive hormones in young males.Andrologia. 2021;53:e14001. doi: 10.1111/and.14001.

[7] Subhawa S, Arpornchayanon W, Jaijoy K, Chansakaow S, Soonthornchareonnon N,Sireeratawong S. Anti-Inflammatory, Antinociceptive, Antipyretic, andGastroprotective Effects of Eurycoma longifolia Jack Ethanolic Extract. Life(Basel). 2023 Jun 28;13(7):1465. doi: 10.3390/life13071465. PMID: 37511840;PMCID: PMC10381342.

[8] Rehman SU, Choe K, Yoo HH. Review on a Traditional Herbal Medicine, Eurycomalongifolia Jack (Tongkat Ali): Its Traditional Uses, Chemistry, Evidence-BasedPharmacology and Toxicology. Molecules. 2016 Mar 10;21(3):331. doi:10.3390/molecules21030331. PMID: 26978330; PMCID: PMC6274257.