Premium Tongkat Ali in Australia - Six Key Factors to Consider When Buying
The market for Tongkat Ali in developed countries like Australia is booming, with dozens of options available, presenting a challenge for consumers in identifying high-quality options. Many brands use spurious terms like 200:1 to mask poor quality generic Tongkat Ali extract, utilize unreliable non-standardized extracts, or sell products that have neither been clinically nor lab-tested, leading to consumer dissatisfaction and even harm.
As the applications of Tongkat Ali have expanded to encompass a broad spectrum of benefits to the human endocrine system, including benefits such as testosterone enhancement, mood improvement, and human immunity, and much more, so have the number of products mushrooming up across the world to take advantage of these new and impressive developments.
The progress itself is credited to the elevated quality standards and investment in research and development by premium Tongkat Ali producers like Malaysia. These premium extracts, made with further pharmaceutical and medical research into the bioactive applications of Tongkat Ali in mind, also undergo clinical testing on humans to validate their health benefits.
The fact that many supplement manufacturers have jumped on the bandwagon to take advantage of the boom in consumer demand for Tongkat Ali just means there will be dozens on subpar options all vying for your attention and money
For those seeking to avoid the pitfalls of purchasing low-grade Tongkat Ali, this article will serve as a detailed guide to help you differentiate the duds from the gems.
Quality
Throughout centuries since its initial discovery, the quality benchmarks for Malaysian-produced Tongkat Ali have undergone significant evolution, primarily influenced by public-driven policies implemented by the Malaysian Government. This transformation is exemplified by strategic research collaborations with institutions like MIT and the establishment of the pioneering Tongkat Ali standards, known commonly as Malaysian Tongkat Ali Standards or MS2409.
Extensive research and clinical trials have also been undertaken to substantiate the diverse health benefits attributed to Tongkat Ali. With commendations from medical professionals and experts, Malaysia has emerged as a leading producer of premium Tongkat Ali extracts, surpassing neighboring Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, and Cambodia.
Tongkat Ali Research: MIT-Malaysia Collaboration
The collaboration between MIT and Malaysia has revolutionized the landscape of the natural supplement industry by setting new benchmarks for Tongkat Ali quality standards.
For instance, premium Tongkat Ali extracts like patented standardized hot-water Tongkat Ali root extract have undergone extensive testing, with 300 research studies and over 26 clinical trials on this specific extract alone. Since 2003, more than 140 million doses of this extract have been produced and distributed across 32 countries. Branded as LJ100 in the US, standardized hot-water root extract represents the epitome of high-quality Tongkat Ali extract, adhering to the rigorous standards that we will discuss further in this article.
Related Articles: 10 things to look out for when buying Tongkat Ali.
Finding Top-Quality Tongkat Ali
We have compiled 6 important factors to look out for in your search for the best premium Tongkat Ali products. Taking these points into consideration will help ensure that you get the best product for your particular needs and the most out of your money.
1. Choose Mature Tongkat Ali Roots
The first factor to take into account is that the product is made with mature Tongkat Ali roots, which contains the highest concentration of key bioactive ingredients. The most potent Tongkat Ali extracts are made with just mature roots, rather than utilizing all parts of the plant. Researchers from the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM) assert that the finest Tongkat Ali extracts are derived from mature roots harvested between 5 - 7 years of age.
Dr. Annie George, the head scientist at Biotropics, highlights that the highest-quality Tongkat Ali originates from mature roots. Additionally, functional health coach AJ Brookes affirms that today's most beneficial Tongkat Ali supplements are sourced from root extracts, boasting significant bioactive content that promotes overall health and wellness.
Yet, according to industry observers, Tongkat Ali suppliers in Indonesia frequently harvest young, immature plants, typically less than 2 - 3 years old, resulting in lower potency.
These premature plants are often illicitly harvested for widespread export to China, where they are then marketed as Tongkat Ali powder extract and distributed to countries like the US or Australia for supplement manufacturers.
Cheap but low-quality Tongkat Ali extract doesn’t guarantee a consistent level of eurycomanone, eurypeptides, glycosaponins, polysaccharides, and other beneficial bioactive ingredients that can benefit the body.
2. Beware the Ratios
Extraction ratios such as 100:1, 200:1, or 500:1 should not be relied upon as accurate indicators of quality Tongkat Ali extract. Contrary to common belief, a higher ratio does not equate to increased potency. Unfortunately, manufacturers and marketers often misuse these concentration ratios as misleading indicators of potency.
The true measure of potency lies in the efficacy of Tongkat Ali in delivering the intended health benefits at specified dosages. Therefore, the focus should shift from extraction ratios to assessing the extract's ability to provide desired health outcomes.
What do ratios like 200:1 actually mean? In truth, this ratio merely indicates that it takes 200 kilograms of Tongkat Ali material to yield 1 kilogram of extract. The issue with these numbers is that many herbal manufacturers resort to shortcuts, utilizing 200 kilograms of Tongkat Ali bark, leaves, and branches — rather than solely roots — to produce 200:1 extract. Without regulation and standards, such practices mean that most Tongkat Ali products available on Amazon will yield inferior results, offering minimal to no health benefits.
The comparison above underscores the distinction between high-quality and low-quality Tongkat Ali products, as exemplified by a 200:1 concentration ratio. When considering whether to purchase "quality" 500:1 versus 200:1 Tongkat Ali products, it's essential to weigh your options carefully. We'll delve into why a superior herbal extraction method yields superior quality compared to the now meaningless 100:1, 200:1, or 500:1 ratio marketing gimmick later in the article.
3.The source
The third crucial consideration is straightforward yet equally significant: always scrutinize the country of origin where the raw Tongkat Ali is sourced, regardless of whether the product is manufactured in Australia, the US, or UK. It's common for Tongkat Ali extracts to be imported into the US from countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, or even China.
Regrettably, only a few transparent and reputable Tongkat Ali manufacturers disclose the country of origin on their labels. Furthermore, many Tongkat Ali products in the US specifically avoid disclosing that their extracts are wholesale formulated in labs in China.
Malaysia or Indonesia?
Key facts:
Approximately 90% of the raw Tongkat Ali available on the market today originates from Malaysia, with the rest sourced from countries like Indonesia or Vietnam. However, this only accounts for what is actually disclosed, which could mean that there is a lot more poor-quality Indonesian or Vietnamese Tongkat Ali being smuggled to wholesale manufacture large amounts of subpar quality extracts in places like China.
One major problem with raw ingredients from countries like Indonesia is contamination of the soil with heavy metals like mercury, a consequence of widespread illegal mining activities that have resulted in soil damage and increased toxicity across many parts of Indonesia, particularly in the Kalimantan region.
Malaysian producers stand out from their competitors and are steadily gaining trust among consumers, especially when compared to products sourced from Indonesia, owing to the rigorous quality standards implemented throughout their supply chain and manufacturing processes.
While relatively more expensive, those seeking the highest quality Tongkat Ali should consider producers from Malaysia who hold certifications such as GMP, ISO, and have been inspected by the USFDA.
Learn about why Malaysia is renowned for producing the best quality Tongkat Ali
4. Look Beyond Branding and Influencers
The fourth factor to consider is to look beyond good branding. It's imperative to look past the flashy branding by large supplement companies or brands endorsed by popular social media influencers on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, or Amazon.
In reality, reputable and transparent Tongkat Ali brands often undergo clinical testing to ensure safety, potency, and efficacy. Consumers should beware of very cheap Tongkat Ali products, as excessively low prices often conceal underlying risks and may lead to adverse effects, as reported by many consumers.
With over 100 brands of Tongkat Ali available on the global market, each using different terminology like Pasak Bumi or Longjack, finding a quality brand that meets your needs are the equivalent of finding a needle in a haystack.
Before committing to a purchase, we recommend that consumers refer to our Tongkat Ali Global Brand Survey, which provides key insights into over 30 popular Tongkat Ali brands worldwide. This survey includes valuable information such as price comparison, cost per capsule, and other key details.
5. Evaluate Tongkat Ali Extraction Methods
The potency of Tongkat Ali extract cannot be solely guaranteed by its concentration ratio, whether it's 200:1 or 500:1. Understanding common Tongkat Ali extraction methods is crucial in determining product quality.
Common Tongkat Ali extraction methods:
- Standardized hot-water extraction with freeze-dried technology: This technique is the gold standard and produces the best extracts with the highest concentration of bioactive compounds.
- Standardized hot-water extraction: Relatively more common, this method yields extracts with a good level of bioactive compounds.
- Standardized ethanol extraction: This method is widespread and cost-effective but sacrifices the levels of other bioactive compounds in order to pump up a specific one, like eurycomanone, and often leaves in unwanted solvents.
Premium Tongkat Ali brands like AKARALI employ the first and best method, as shown below:
While the extraction protocol undoubtedly plays a crucial role, the primary focus should be on subjecting the specific Tongkat Ali herbal extracts to clinical testing conducted by certified scientists and qualified experts. This rigorous testing not only ensures that the final product contains optimal levels of bioactive ingredients, but also that they can produce verifiable, consistent, and safe health benefits in a diverse range of test subjects. Combining the best standardized Tongkat Ali extraction process with clinical testing on humans is vital to achieving the best quality standards.
Facts: Standardized Tongkat Ali Extract:
- Standardized Tongkat Ali extracts have higher efficacy and deliver more health benefits. In addition, they deliver consistent results and are widely used for clinical tests by medical professionals.
- Patented standardized Tongkat Ali extract such as standardized hot-water Tongkat Ali root extract offers higher potency and consistency, resulting in higher-than-average bio-absorption and superior health benefits across different demographics of users.
- Some standardized Tongkat Ali extracts conform to quality and safety compliance outlined by national standards such as the Malaysian Standard MS2409.
- Utilizing standardized Tongkat Ali extract ensures that consumers receive a product with consistent levels of bioactive compounds across each production batch.
Aside from clinical evidence and the right extraction method, anecdotal evidence from numerous consumers helps cement the superiority of patented and standardized hot-water Tongkat Ali extract. Many users report experiencing noticeable improvements in testosterone levels, sports performance, libido, and more after incorporating it into their daily regimen.
6. Single Origin Tongkat Ali:
Single-origin Tongkat Ali roots are highly prized for their artisanal agricultural practices and eco-friendly sourcing methods. When Tongkat Ali is designated as single-origin, it indicates that it originates from only specific locale and by the same community. This approach not only ensures sustainability but also guarantees a steady supply of top-quality mature Tongkat Ali roots.
These roots are often gathered in partnership with indigenous experts in remote Malaysian rainforests, secluded from urban development or industrial agriculture, particularly in areas like Pahang or Borneo. Malaysian single-origin Tongkat Ali from these remote rainforests boasts elevated levels of key bioactive compounds like eurycomanone, glycosaponin, eurypeptides (bioactive proteins), and polysaccharides, owing to the pristine soil conditions and high levels of biodiversity in the region.
Parting Words
The rising demand for high-quality Tongkat Ali among consumers in recent years is a positive trend. In addition to following the 6 golden rules, you can conduct a simple quality assessment of Tongkat Ali at home. This test is straightforward and can be easily performed if you have two different Tongkat Ali products on hand.
To begin, place one of your recently purchased Tongkat Ali capsules and another brand of Tongkat Ali in two separate glasses filled with warm water, stirring each glass for 3 minutes and allowing the contents to dissolve. Then, compare and observe the appearance of the two glasses to discern any differences between the dissolution rates or the presence of any particulate matter.
A high-quality Tongkat Ali extract should dissolve completely in water, leaving minimal to no excess residue behind. This residue, if present, could potentially pose long-term risks to kidney health.
Other than this, for first-time users, another easy way to tell you’re using an inferior product is if you do not experience any discernible difference after a few days of supplementation. A quality Tongkat Ali supplement should yield at least some effects after just two days of supplementation. If you are interested in experiencing the clinically tested benefits of single-origin standardized hot-water Tongkat Ali extract, try our dose-optimized capsules, available anywhere in Australia.
Learn More or Contact Us
Learn more about the best Tongkat Ali in Australia here, or email us at enquiry@akarali.com.au if you have any queries or concerns.
Author
Alief Acmal, a committed contributor to AKARALI, offers insightful narratives covering the realms of lifestyle, culture, and health-focused content in Malaysia. Through a blend of creativity and meticulous research, Alief provides a unique lens on various aspects of life. Immerse yourself in his compelling body of work for an enriching exploration.
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Annie George