Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Medically reviewed

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Annie George.

Information published on this FAQ page is third-party reviewed by our panel of experts and medical advisors to ensure the facts are accurate and credible. These are validated against multiple source references which include but not limited to research studies, peer-reviewed journals, pre-clinical studies, clinical tests and other credible publications.

Our panel of medical advisors and experts is highly experienced in their individual fields. However, they do not provide any medical advice or recommendations arising from the content published in this article.

Please refer to our disclaimer section for more information.

Evidence based

Our FAQ contains scientific evidence from research studies, peer-reviewed journals, pre-clinical studies, clinical tests and other credible publications.

Our team of medical advisors and experts strive to be objective and unbiased when compiling the information to develop the best Tongkat Ali FAQ.

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Can I take Tongkat Ali everyday?

Tongkat Ali is a herbal supplement that you can consume every day to achieve your health goals. The recommended daily dosage is between 100mg to 400mg daily, taken for two weeks to six weeks to achieve the desired effect.

There are no reported negative effects, death or law suites arsing from users consuming Tongkat Ali in the last 20 years.

Can I take Tongkat Ali at night?

You may take 100mg to 200mg of Tongkat Ali at night between 1700 hours to 2300 hours. Salivary testosterone studies showed that our daily testosterone levels are at their lowest point between 1900 to 2300 hrs. 

Can I take Tongkat Ali with coffee?

Yes, you can mix Tongkat Ali with coffee. Tongkat Ali coffee consumed for centuries and is seen as a novelty with a fresh aroma and taste. The best Tongkat Ali coffee is sold with potent Tongkat Ali extract and the best-handroasted coffee beans.

Can I take Tongkat Ali if I have diabetes?

If you are diabetic, you can consume Tongkat Ali without any side effects.

In fact, Tongkat Ali is a plant-based adaptogen herb that contains crude proteins, amino acids, alkaloids and quassinoids that are found to lower blood sugar levels.

A study published at the International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science and Research published in 2019 showed that Tongkat Ali lowers the blood sugar levels.

Although there have been no reported cases associated with complications due to Tongkat Ali amongst diabetic patients, we strongly recommend consulting your doctor.

Can I take Tongkat Ali if I have high-blood pressure?

Tongkat Ali has a mild anti-hypertensive vasodilatory effect and it will not aggravate high blood pressure. A study has shown that Tongkat Ali may present an alternative treatment for hypertension that would complement the conventional therapies.

If you have high blood pressure (or hypertension as it is commonly known), you can still consume Tongkat Ali without any side-effects. This is beneficial to patients who experience side-effects or if you are intolerant or not responsive to conventional treatments.

Although there have been no reported cases associated with complications due to Tongkat Ali amongst high blood pressure patients, we strongly recommend consulting your doctor.

Can I take Tongkat Ali with alcohol?

Yes, Tongkat Ali can be taken with alcohol and other non-alcoholic beverages such as coffee with no side-effect or any reported harmful effects to your body or mental state of health.

Can I take Tongkat Ali and Ashwagandha together?

Yes, Tongkat Ali can be taken with Ashwagandha together to maximize your health gains without any adverse side effects. However, it is recommended with the right daily dose; i.e 200mg Tongkat Ali daily and 40mmg of Ashwagandha daily.

Can I take Tongkat Ali and Fadogia Agrestis together?

Yes, Tongkat Ali can be taken with Fadogia Agrestis together. However, there are no sufficient research studies or clinical evidence to prove the health benefits of Fadogia Agrestis. Despite a lack of evidence (with less than 6 studies published to date), the Fadogia Agrestis Tongkat Ali combo is a popular choice amongst the sports & fitness community.

Can I take Tongkat Ali and Turkesterone together?

We do not recommend taking Tongkat Ali and Turkesterone together. Turkesterone is an anabolic steroid (ecdysteroid) and there have been no studies to investigate pharmacological reactions to human health and long-term safety. You may read more about Turkesterone and Tongkat Ali before deciding which herb is better for you.

Can I take Tongkat Ali with Multivitamins?

Yes, Tongkat Ali can be taken with multivitamins for maximizing health gains. A 24-week placebo-controlled study on Tongkat Ali showed a 580% increase in free testosterone when paired with multivitamins consisting of ascorbic acid (50 mg), retinyl acetate (4,000 IU), cholecalciferol (200 IU), Dl-alpha tocopherol acetate (15 IU), thiamine mononitrate (1.5 mg), riboflavin (1.7 mg), pyridoxine hydrochloride (2 mg), cyanocobalamin (0.001 mg), folic acid (0.2 mg), niacinamide (20 mg), D-biotin (0.15 mg), copper (2 mg), iron (10 mg), magnesium (10 mg), manganese (2.5 mg), selenium (0.005 mg), zinc (5 mg) and calcium (100 mg).

Can I take Tongkat Ali with Cialis?

Yes, you can take Tongkat Ali (200mg) with Cialis (5mg-10mg) without any side-effects. Tongkat Ali is a herbal supplement that can be taken with medicinal drugs (such as Cialis) as each has its own mechanism of action in managing ED-related symptoms.

Read more about Cialis, Levitra, Viagra and Tongkat Ali to understand more about the mechanism of actions before taking Tongkat Ali.

Can I take Tongkat Ali with Maca?

You can consume Tongkat Ali and Maca to enhance your health goals such as boosting testosterone, improving libido, and others. There have been no reported adverse chemical reactions from consuming Tongkat Ali and Maca at the same time.

However, there is a lack of sufficient clinical trials on humans to verify the health effects of Maca. In comparison, Tongkat Ali has a long list of clinical trials and studies dating back to the 90s to verify its health benefits.

Can I use Tongkat Ali as a Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) or Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Tongkat Ali may be used as an alternative or to supplement TRT or HRT. Tongkat Ali is a natural testosterone booster that is scientifically proven and clinically tested by medical professionals, scientists, and health experts. However we recommend you to consult your doctor before consuming Tongkat Ali.

Can I use Tongkat Ali to lose weight?

Tongkat Ali is not and should not be used as a weight-loss supplement, or if your intended purpose is to lose weight. It is highly recommended to consume Tongkat Ali as part of a dietary supplement together with regular exercise and a healthy diet to achieve your desired weight goals.

Can children consume Tongkat Ali?

It is strictly prohibited for children or young adults below 18 years of age to consume Tongkat Ali. Tongkat Ali is a dietary and food supplement for adults.

Can Tongkat Ali be taken long term?

Tongkat Ali does not appear to have adverse effects on the liver, kidney and other health-related complications based on doses up to 600mg per day. Most studies and clinical trials on Tongkat Ali range from 2 weeks to 36 weeks with no reported negative effects on health.

Can Tongkat Ali boost free testosterone?

Several studies have shown that daily consumption of Tongkat Ali helps to regulate and restore your testosterone levels by freeing up more “usable” or also known as free testosterone.

Placebo-controlled group studies by Food & Nutrition (2021) and Phytotherapy Research (2014) showed improvement in free testosterone of up to 122% depending on the daily dosage.

Here is what we found:

  • 100mg – 5.1% increase after 12 weeks
  • 200mg – 16.9% increase after 12 weeks
  • 400mg – 61.2% increase after 5 weeks (male)
  • 400 mg – 122% increase after 5 weeks (female)

Another study published in the Journal of International Society of Sports Nutrition by Dr. Shawn Talbott and Julie Talbott showed a testosterone increase of 37% (in both men and women) after four weeks of consuming Tongkat Ali.

Can Tongkat Ali boost my immune system?

Daily consumption of Tongkat Ali may deliver a stronger immune system. A clinical trial by a group of Japanese scientists showed a significant increase in T-Cell and CD4+ T-Cell count after daily consumption of 200mg Tongkat Ali for 4 weeks by 82 males. 

Results of taking Tongkat Ali supplements showed 69.6% increase in T-Cell count and 80% increase in CD4+ T-Cell count after four weeks. A Tongkat Ali patent was filed in the US in 2016 soon after the breakthrough discovery in 2014.

Can Tongkat Ali help my endocrine system?

Yes, Tongkat Ali is one of the best endocrine supplements to support a healthy endocrine system. Multiple studies showed Tongkat Ali’s effect on key hormones such as testosterone, norepinephrine, progresterone, estrogen, Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Growth Hormone (GH), renin and angiotensin, cortisol and dopamine which exists in your endocrine system.

The endocrine system comprises our reproductive system, central nervous system, immune system, sympathetic nervous system, urinary system and many others.

Tongkat Al affects Pituitary Glands, Adrenal Glands, Thymus Glands in the endocrine system. These glands secrete hormones such as testosterone, DHEA, estrogen, etc to regulate bodily functions, including growth, reproduction systems, and metabolism.

Can Tongkat Ali treat gout?

Tongkat Ali may be used to prevent the risk of gout (caused by high uric acid in your body). Tongkat Ali showed a reduction of uric acid in a clinical study on 105 men using 100mg – 200mg Physta® Tongkat Ali extract over a period of 12 weeks.

Can Tongkat Ali reduce hangovers?

Tongkat Ali may be used as a herbal remedy to manage hangovers as it regulates your cortisol levels from alcohol consumption. Studies have shown that Tongkat Ali lowers your cortisol and improves your mood.

Can Tongkat Ali reduce uric acid?

A placebo-controlled clinical study on 105 men with 100mg Tongkat Ali daily showed a reduction of 11.6% in uric acid from 5.69 mg/dL to 5.03 mg/dL, after 12 weeks. Lowering uric acid can reduce the risk of gout and may even prevent flares.

Can Tongkat Ali reduce cholesterol?

Yes, Tongkat Ali has shown to reduce cholesterol. A placebo-controlled clinical study on 105 men with 100mg daily Physta® Tongkat Ali extract showed a reduction of LDL / HDL ratio from 2.475 to 2.396 in 12 weeks. The total cholesterol / HDL ratio also showed a reduction from 3.993 to 3.631 in 12 weeks.

Can women take Tongkat Ali?

Yes, women can take Tongkat Ali as an everyday supplement to support a healthy endocrine system and restore hormonal balance. Tongkat Ali may benefit women’s health in many ways and clinically tested on both menopausal women and active young females. However, it is not recommendable to consume Tongkat Ali if you are pregnant or if you are diagnosed with critical medical conditions. Kindly consult your doctor before consuming Tongkat Ali.

Do I need a prescription before buying Tongkat Ali?

No, you do not need a prescription from doctors or pharmacists in order to purchase Tongkat Ali. Tongkat Ali is considered a herbal supplement, and not categorized as a medicinal or botanical drug. As a herbal supplement, it means Tongkat Ali can be taken daily in the form of a supplement, in food, or as part of your daily diet / nutrition plan.

Does Tongkat Ali contain protein?

Studies have shown that Tongkat Ali plants found in Malaysia contain crude proteins between 15.5% to 39.9%. The amount of crude protein varies on the soil quality and Tongkat Ali in the state of Pahang usually has higher crude protein content.

Physta® Tongkat Ali contains high crude protein content, averaging more than 22% due to the standardized water extraction technology.

Does Tongkat Ali contain gluten and is it gluten-free?

Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma Longifoliadoes not contain gluten, or wheat proteins.

Gluten or wheat proteins is found in grains – such as wheat, barley, rye, and a cross between wheat and rye called triticale. These include any species of wheat (i.e durum, spelt, khorasan, emmer and einkorn), barley, rye and some oat cultivars. 

Studies showed that Tongkat Ali contains crude proteins and amino acids, and not wheat protein.

As Tongkat Ali is gluten-free, this makes it ideal if you have celiac disease and other medical conditions associated with gluten.

Does Tongkat Ali benefit women?

Tongkat Ali benefits women’s health in many ways; increasing muscle mass, fat loss, improved mood, improved sexual libido and potentially looking younger too. The effects of Tongkat Ali on women were largely due to its ability to restore testosterone, DHEA and estrogen (estrodial) and balance cortisol levels. Tongkat Ali is commonly used by female athletes, women in their 40s or those who experience pre or post-menopausal symptoms.

Does Tongkat Ali make you look younger?

Tongkat Ali has natural anti-aging properties that may affect skin elasticity and tightening from increased DHEA and testosterone. A 2021 clinical study on 105 men between 50-70 years showed an increase of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) by 11% after consuming 200mg of Tongkat Ali for 12 weeks. Another study showed free testosterone increase of 600% in women and 582% in men after consuming 50mg of Physta® Tongkat Ali with multivitamins for 24 weeks.

Similarly, the principle of DHEA and testosterone treatment have contributed to youthful appearance and better skin for many years. Over the counter DHEA cream has been shown to thicken and tighten skin by dermatologists whilst testosterone cream and HRT improves skin tightening and skin elasticity.

Many consumers are beginning to consume Tongkat Ali as a natural DHEA supplement with positive results from better appearance, reduced facial lines, stronger facial definition and youthful looks. DHEA is dubbed as the “fountain of youth hormone” by Dr. Susan Richards from Stanford University in her book on natural wellness.

Does Tongkat Ali work?

Yes, Tongkat Ali is proven to benefit health in many areas of the endocrine system with more than 300 clinical evidence, tests and studies on humans. More than 1,000 humans have been tested with Tongkat Ali from various demographics and medical history, with new research studies being published each year. In addition, real-world performance from 2-week, 4-week and 6-week consumption of Tongkat Ali reported positive gains to individuals.

Does Tongkat Ali contain mercury?

Most lab-tested and clinically tested Tongkat Ali contain mercury less than 0.05 ppm, which is far below USFDA’s maximum permissible limit of 1.0 ppm of mercury.  Based on FDA’s findings on mercury levels, Tongkat Ali has much lower mercury levels than Tuna (1.478 ppm), Mackerel (1.67 ppm), and Cod Fish (0.98 ppm), or even Oyster (0.25 ppm). Mercury is also found in most vegetables and fruits grown in some countries.

FDA has not issued any warnings on mercury levels found in Tongkat Ali in the last 30 years.

Does Tongkat Ali benefit sports performance?

Yes, Tongkat Ali may benefit sports and athletic performance in various key areas. Multiple clinical trials and research showed improved anaerobic peak power, muscle strength (limb and back), lean muscle mass, faster muscle recovery time from sports injuries and ergogenic effects from efficient production and usage of energy.

Does Tongkat Ali boost dopamine?

Tongkat Ali has effects on dopamine. A recent study on the consumption of 50, 100, 200, 400, or 800 mg of Tongkat Ali showed an increase in brain cortical and hippocampal dopamine by almost 100%.The boost of dopamine and reduction in cortisol from Tongkat Ali helps improve the overall mood. At the time, the reduction in stress was also reported in studies and from real-world experiences.

Does Tongkat Ali boost testosterone?

There is a long list of scientific studies related to Tongkat Ali’s efficacy in regulating and promoting free testosterone levels across various age groups of people in their 20s, 40s and 70s.

Some of these studies include randomized with placebo-controlled groups to further validate Tongkat Ali’s efficacy in boosting testosterone.

Several testosterone-related studies on young men, middle-aged men and senior men including women from 2010 – to 2021 showed significant improvement depending on the daily dosage.

Does Tongkat Ali boost women's libido?

Tongkat Ali may improve women’s libido from higher DHEA levels.

A clinical study on Tongkat Ali showed reported an increase of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) by 11% in 12 weeks based on 200mg of Tongkat Ali daily.  Other studies showed that DHEA treatment can increase sexual desire in women diagnosed with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD).

DHEA is reported to deliver a dramatic sexual awakening effect with increased frequency of sexual thoughts, sexual interest, and satisfaction in women.

This makes Tongkat Ali a popular choice amongst women seeking a DHEA-inducing natural supplement to boost libido. 

Does Tongkat Ali improve sleep?

Tongkat Ali improves sleep quality by lowering your core body temperature during sleep. A 2022 study by the National Institute of Advance Industrial Science and Technology Japan reported that Tongkat Ali supplementation improves sleep quality with a lower Core Body Temperature (CBT) recorded after four weeks. This study was published published in the Journal of Nutritional Science & Vitaminology and a patent was submitted to use Tongkat Ali as sleeping-improving agent.

Does Tongkat Ali make you hard?

Yes, Tongkat Ali was reported to improve erection time (+162%) and erection hardness (+39%). This evidence was backed by a study published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine which showed improvement in erection hardness and erection time, including sperm motility and concentration amongst others.

Tests on daily consumption of 300mg of Tongkat Ali on 26 test subjects (with Placebo group) aged 40-64 years of age showed sufficient evidence that Tongkat Ali can be used safely as a natural viagra.

Tongkat Ali’s use as a libido for men attracted many medical views and discussions as it also offers a wide range of other scientifically-proven benefits beyond its single use as natural viagra.  

Does Tongkat Ali raise cortisol?

Tongkat Ali does not raise cortisol. A clinical study on Tongkat Ali in 2013 showed a reduction of cortisol by 16% in moderately stressed test participants (both men and women) based on 200mg per day of Tongkat Ali for 4 weeks.

In another clinical study published in 2021 with 103 test participants (who are not moderately stressed), Tongkat Ali was found to reduce cortisol by 11.2%; from 284.6 (nmol/l) to 252.8 (nmol/l) after 12 weeks. This study was based on 200mg per day of Tongkat Ali.

Does Tongkat Ali raise DHEA?

Yes, Tongkat Ali increase DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone). A randomized placebo-controlled group study on 105 test participants showed an increase in DHEA levels based on 200mg of Physta® Tongkat Ali daily consumption for 12 weeks. The study reported that the increase in DHEA was possibly due to high protein content (12-45%) and high eurypeptides from Tongkat Ali standardized bioactive ingredients. 

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a steroid hormone available in supplement form that is sometimes used to increase testosterone levels. Produced naturally by the adrenal glands, DHEA is converted by the body into testosterone and other sex hormones.

Has Tongkat Ali been tested on humans?

Yes, most recent Tongkat Ali clinical trials, tests and research studies have been performed on humans (both men and women). Close to 1,000 test participants and volunteers have participated in clinical tests involving Tongkat Ali in the last 20 years. Approximately only 10% of Tongkat Ali studies are tested in vitro on animals (mice and rats). Similar to the approach taken by pharmaceutical drugs, companies like Pfizer said that "the use of animals in research is currently an essential component of the drug discovery process”.

Have Tongkat Ali benefits been validated by science?

There are more than 300 research papers and 30 clinical trials on Tongkat Ali that have been validated by qualified scientists, medical professionals, and certified researchers in the last two decades.

Human-tested clinical trials have provided sufficient evidence of Tongkat Ali’s effectiveness to benefit health in many ways. Scientists such as Dr. Annie George, Dr. Shawn Talbott, Professor Dr. Anthony Sinskey, Professor Hirokawa and others have long dedicated their research to Tongkat Ali for decades.

How can I gain maximum health benefits from Tongkat Ali?

You can gain maximum results from Tongkat Ali with a combination of diet and regular exercise. A study by the University of Santa Catarina Brazil in 2021 showed that daily consumption of Tongkat Ali with a 60-minute exercise 3 times a week brings the most improvement in ED, sexual satisfaction and desire.

How does Tongkat Ali work?

Tongkat Ali work through several mechanisms through hormonal activation via the endocrine system. The primary endocrine system controls the release of hormones such as testosterone, testosterone, norepinephrine, progresterone, estrogen, Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Growth Hormone (GH), renin and angiotensin, cortisol and dopamine via Pituitary Glands and Adrenal Glands.

Here is how Tongkat Ali work and the science behind it.

  1. Tongkat Ali contains ingredients such as eurycomanone,  a family of quassinoids and alkaloids that work by activating hormone-inducing actions in our body.
  2. Tongkat Ali activates Luteinzing Hormones (LH) that stimulates the Leydig cells in your testicles to produce testosterone. In women, the Luteinizing Hormones (LH) triggers the creation of steroid hormones from the ovaries and that helps with menstrual cycle and ovulation.
  3. Tongkat Ali decreases the sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) which in turn, delivers higher production of testosterone. SHBG rises when your testosterone level is low.
  4. At the same time, Tongkat Ali reduces cortisol, the stress hormone that lowers the testosterone in our body.
  5. The mechanism of actions collaboratively increase production of “free testosterone” in our body.
  6. Therefore, increased free testosterone from Tongkat Ali provides more energy, improved mood, improved sexual libido, more sperm motility, stronger muscle growth, reduced body fat, increased immune system and reduction of stress.

How long does it take for Tongkat Ali to take effect?

Depending on your age and health conditions, past scientific studies showed that Tongkat Ali will take into effect between several hours to several days. However, in most cases, you can feel the difference in energy levels after 12 to 24 hours.

For long-term effect of Tongkat Ali, daily consumption of 4 weeks to 12 weeks will bring significant improvements.

For young active adults below 40, improvement in sexual libido can be felt a couple of hours after the first dosage of Tongkat Ali.

If you are diagnosed with Androgen deficiency or looking to improve Erectile Dysfunction, long term consumption may be required.

Is Tongkat Ali a natural viagra?

Tongkat Ali is widely reported as a natural viagra by the media such as ABCNews, Fox News and even Reuters.

Scientists have found evidence that Tongkat Ali is a proven alternative to improve men’s libido through the activation of increased testosterone in the body.

Despite initial findings, it had attracted more research specialists to investigate whether Tongkat Ali can improve erectile dysfunction.

A study published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine showed improvement in erection hardness and time, sperm motility and concentration amongst others.

Tests on daily consumption of 300mg of Tongkat Ali on 26 test subjects (with Placebo group) aged 40-64 years of age showed sufficient evidence that Tongkat Ali can be used safely as a natural viagra.

Tongkat Ali offers a wide range of scientifically-proven benefits beyond its single-use as natural viagra.  

Is Tongkat Ali recommended by medical doctors and specialists?

Neurobiologists, urologists, psychonutrionist, andrologists and global herbal experts have good things to say about Tongkat Ali in recent years. Here at the top five specialists and experts who have spoken positively on Tongkat Ali.

  • Dr. Andrew Huberman – Neurobiologist from Stanford University, USA
  • Dr. Rena Malik – Urologist at University of Maryland, USA
  • Dr. Andrea Millitelo – Award-Winning Urologist and Andrologist, Rome, Italy
  • Dr. Shawn Talbott – Psychonutrionist from American College of Sports Medicine, USA
  • Dr. Ismail Tambi – Andrologist, National Population and Family Development Board Malaysia
  • Dr. Chris Kilham – Herbal Specialist a.k.a Medicine Hunter, USA

Is Tongkat Ali safe for vegetarians?

Most Tongkat Ali grows naturally in wild rainforests and consumes natural nutrients from the earth. If you are already on a plant-based diet, Tongkat Ali can supplement nutrients that your body needs to promote better vitality and general health.

Is clinically tested Tongkat Ali better than lab-tested Tongkat Ali?

Clinically tested Tongkat Ali is far superior to lab-tested Tongkat Ali due to the extensive clinical trials performed on humans to validate its efficacy, safety and pharmacological effects on health. In comparison, lab-tested Tongkat Ali products are not tested on humans, thus may not deliver its intended benefits to health.

Is Tongkat Ali coffee safe?

Yes, Tongkat Ali coffee is consumed daily for centuries as a part of the tradition and culture in Malaysia.

There are hundreds of brands of Tongkat Ali coffee brands sold out there at it is generally safe to be consumed.

However, consumers are generally advised to beware of fake Tongkat Ali coffees sold in the market such as CNI Tongkat Ali Ginseng Coffee. Authorities in Malaysia have been revamping up enforcement effort to nab fake and illegal Tongkat Ali coffee manufacturers and suppliers.

There was also a case of a Texas-based BestHerb Coffee which stopped selling the Tongkat Ali Coffee brand (known as Tongkat Ali Kopi Jantan). The USFDA found desmethyl carbodenafil, which is similar to sildenafil in the Tongkat Ali coffee.

Is Tongkat Ali illegal or banned in Australia?

Tongkat Ali is not banned, can be purchased, imported and consumed in Australia.

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Is Tongkat Ali good for bodybuilders or gaining muscle?

Tongkat Ali has anabolic properties that is suitable for bodybuilding and weight training which accelerates muscle growth and reduces body fat whilst increasing strength.

Real-world performance gain after six-week consumption of Tongkat Ali resulted in higher stamina and more muscle strength.

There is a scientific reason why Tongkat Ali is commonly used as a pre-workout or post-workout drink by athletes or sports professionals.

In fact, Tongkat Ali is used as a key performance ingredient in major bodybuilder supplements and often mixed with other ingredients or herbs.

Research findings published by the British Journal of Sports Medicine showed the use of Tongkat Ali extract resulted in a 5 % increase in lean body mass in 5 weeks and an increase of arm-circumference by 1.8 cm. In addition, their body fat was greatly reduced too.

For competitive bodybuilders, a five percent increase in body mass is considered significant.

Is Tongkat Ali safe?

Yes, Tongkat Ali is generally safe and will not likely cause any health risks. It is recommended to consume Tongkat Ali in small doses, typically less than 1,500mg per day to avoid any health complications. There is no reported death from consuming Tongkat Ali. The latest water-extract Tongkat Ali technology is much safer and more potent compared to ethanol-based extract.

Should Tongkat Ali be cycled?

Tongkat Ali cycling is the practice of taking Tongkat Ali in start-stop intervals, with 4 weeks ON and 1 week OFF. It is reported that cycling Tongkat Ali consumption will optimize Tongkat Ali’s bioactive efficacy and hormonal responses.

What is Tongkat Ali?

Tongkat Ali is a natural herbal root from the plant Eurycoma Longifolia which is found in Malaysian and Indonesian rainfrorests.

Tongkat Ali is also commonly known as ‘Pasak Bumi’ in Indonesia, Cay Ba Binh in Vietnam, Pin Yin: 东革阿里 or Dōng gé ālǐ in China, ‘Longjack’ in the United States or Europe and ‘Malaysian Ginseng’ or `Akar Ali’ by locals.

The origin of the name “Tongkat Ali” comes from the Malay language that means Ali’s root.

What are the potential health benefits of Tongkat Ali?

Multiple human clinical studies over the last 20 years have resulted in the following benefits: 

  • Increases physical and mental energy
  • Boosts sports performance
  • Helps maintain a healthy anabolic/catabolic balance
  • Promotes lean muscle growth
  • Helps reduce fatigue, depression, tension and improves mood
  • Encourages hormonal balance and healthy cortisol levels
  • Helps maintain normal high free testosterone levels in men
  • Encourages overall well-being and hormonal health
  • Enhances libido and sexual function
  • Assists in sustaining healthy weight levels and BMI
  • Promotes androgen biosynthesis

What is Eurycoma Longifolia?

Eurycoma Longifolia is the scientific name of the Tongkat Ali plant that is found in remote rainforests of Malaysia.

The word “Eurycoma Longifolia” comes from Greek and Latin words. In Greek, the word “eurys” originally means broad while “come” means a tufted bush, which describes the plant’s physical attributes.

The word Eurycoma refers to the growth habit of its compound leaves that spirals out at the tip of its slender trunk in a large dense rosette.

In Latin, “Longus” means long and Folia refers to the leaves, so the word Longifolia describes the compound leaflets that are often long and slender. 

What are the main ingredients of Tongkat Ali?

Major bioactive compounds in Tongkat Ali are eurycomanone, glycosaponin, polysaccharide and crude protein. In its natural form, these bioactive ingredients work together to deliver health benefits.

The Tongkat Ali root has the highest level of bio-active ingredients compared to the branch, leaves and other parts of the Tongkat Ali plant.

What are the side-effects of Tongkat Ali?

There are mild side effects associated with Tongkat Ali which include insomnia, mild jittery and mild nausea. Some of these side effects are due to incorrect dosage (i.e higher dosage) or if you are diagnosed with any chronic medical conditions. 

However, almost 99% of consumers who have consumed Tongkat Ali posted a positive experience without experiencing any form of side effects.

There have been no severe cases related to Tongkat Ali or reported deaths in publicly available information.

However, if you are in doubt, kindly consult your doctor or if you encounter any severe side-effects after consuming Tongkat Ali.

What happens if I stop consuming Tongkat Ali?

There are no withdrawal symptoms, downtime or reported side effects if you stop consuming Tongkat Ali. Tongkat Ali does not contain any addictive substances or ingredients.

There is no “downtime” if you stop consuming Tongkat Ali. However, if you are a serious bodybuilder or in a sports competition and decide to stop consuming Tongkat Ali, you may notice a gradual drop in your anaerobic performance, or muscle strength.

What is clinically tested Tongkat Ali?

A clinically tested Tongkat Ali refers to Tongkat Ali products that have undergone clinical trials or clinical pre-trials where Tongkat Ali extracts are tested on humans (eg: patients or volunteers) with test results validated by qualified medical professionals and scientists.

What is standardised Tongkat Ali extract?

Standardised Tongkat Ali extract is the gold standard of any herbal extraction process that ensures bioactive components from Tongkat Ali (such as eurycomanone, eurypeptides, glycosaponin, polysaccharides) are produced in a specific and guaranteed amount for every batch of production. This ensures consumers receive the same level of quality, with the same concentration of bioactive components from every batch produced by the manufacturer.

What is the best age to consume Tongkat Ali?

Tongkat Ali can be used across age groups from 22 years to 78 years. Past studies on various health benefits of Tongkat Ali are based on test subjects aged 30 and above.

A recent study in 2021 reported that Tongkat Ali improved testosterone in young adults between 24-and 28 years of age implying that it can be effective for young adults to gain more strength from elevated testosterone levels.

Since our testosterone drops gradually after we hit 30, the optimal age to gain maximum advantage from Tongkat Ali will be between 30 to 75 years.

What is the difference between boiling Tongkat Ali root and drink as a herbal tea vs. consuming in capsule form?

The efficacy of Tongkat Ali lies in the herbal extraction method.

The boiling method is a traditional method used for centuries. However, you extract all the good, the bad and the ugly bio-active ingredients. And chances are you are destroying the bioactive ingredients by the prolonged exposure from high temperatures.

In addition, boiling method can be detrimental to your health (and kidneys) due to compounds that are not processed or absorbed in your body. 

This process uses a freeze-dried water extraction method where only the best nutrients are extracted to deliver the best that your body deserves. In short, it delivers the highest potency with a higher rate of absorption into your cells.

The difference can be felt instantly when comparing between these two methods. 

What is the difference between Tongkat Ali and Panax Ginseng?

Tongkat Ali and Panax Ginseng come from different family trees with roots that exhibit various health benefits. 

  • Tongkat Ali (or Malaysian Ginseng) comes from a plant Eurycoma Longifolia belonging to family tree known as Simaroubaceae
  • Panax Ginseng comes from a family tree known as Araliaceae

Both of these plants are native to different parts of the world.

  • Tongkat Ali are found and harvested in Malaysia and Indonesia
  • Panax Ginseng are cultivated in Northeast of China and Korean Peninsula

However, Panax Ginseng and Tongkat Ali contain one similar bio-active ingredient known as saponin that is associated with various biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, cholesterol-lowering and anti-cancer properties.

What is the highest testosterone increase from consuming Tongkat Ali?

The highest testosterone increase that was ever recorded in a clinical trial was in 2019 using Physta Tongkat Ali extract on a randomized placebo-controlled group of 93 participants (both male and female) between 20 – 60 years.

Test results showed a jump in free testosterone of 582% in men and 600% in women after 24 weeks.

What is the long term impact of taking Tongkat Ali?

Long-term consumption (i.e six months) of Tongkat Ali conducted by a group of scientists at the University of Santarina Brazil in 2020, showed a significant increase in testosterone amongst middle-aged men after consuming 200mg of Tongkat Ali daily with 3-day exercise per week.

There are no reported cases of side effects from long-term consumption of Tongkat Ali. A person taking Tongkat Ali for six weeks (42 days) reported more stamina, better sleep, weight loss, and an increase in muscle mass.

What is the recommended Tongkat Ali dosage?

Typical dosage recommendations are between 50 mg to 100 mg a day, and 100 mg to 200 mg if you are seeking noticeable improvement in sexual function, healthy aging and sports performance. Most clinical trials and studies were conducted using a daily intake of 200 mg – 400mg daily for a prolonged period between 4 to 12 weeks. 

What is the toxicity limit of Tongkat Ali?

The toxicity limit (defined as the Lethal Dose 50, or LD50) of Tongkat Ali was observed to be 3,000 mg / kg of body weight which is based the acute toxicity study using on a water-based Tongkat Ali extract. Therefore, the Human Equivalent Dose (HED)toxicity limit for Tongkat Ali is therefore estimated to be 14,500 mg / kg. The LD50 of 5,000mg – 15,000mg/kg is classified as “practically non-toxic” based on toxicity classification of food and pharmaceutical ingredients.

What is the maximum limit and how much Tongkat Ali can I take per day?

Most of the studies and clinical trials on various health benefits were based on daily consumption of 200mg to 400mg Tongkat Ali daily and this is regarded as safe. The maximum limit is approximately 1,000mg to 1,500mg in a single dose.

However, if you are an active sportsperson that works out daily, participating in competitive sports or an amateur athlete, higher consumption of Tongkat Ali (eg: 600mg) is recommended to gain better performance output.

When is the best time to take Tongkat Ali?

The best time to consume Tongkat Ali is in the early morning as it may help to revitalize and energise your day. It is recommended to consume Tongkat Ali after morning meals or after dinner.

Where does Tongkat Ali come from?

Tongkat Ali is consumed for centuries in Malaysia for health and general well-being.

The origin of Tongkat Ali as herbal remedies to treat various illnesses traced back to the 1600s and the 1800s when Malaysia was once a British colony.

This quintessentially Malaysian herb has had a great history and received many international coverage back in the early 2000s due to its massive potential that will revolutionize the health industry.

Will Tongkat Ali encourage male characteristics for women?

Tongkat Ali’s mechanism of action is by restoring key hormones in women; testosterone, estrogen and cortisol. This hormonal balance will not exhibit dominant male attributes or characteristics in women. Tongkat Ali works the same way as HRT or TRT with past studies without causing a hormone imbalance in women.

Which bioactive compounds in Tongkat Ali are vital to health?

Eurycomanone contains quassinoids and is considered one of the most vital bioactive compounds in Tongkat Ali. It’s unique molecular structure is widely researched for medicinal and adaptogen properties.

The amount of eurycomanone that can be extracted from Tongkat Ali is between 1% to 5% depending on the batch production and quality of Tongkat Ali plants. A healthy plant can produce higher eurycomanone.

Several studies found that eurycomanone significantly increased testosterone production and sperm production.

Which hormones are affected by Tongkat Ali?

Tongkat Ali affects a wide range of key hormones in our endocrine system that includes Testosterone, Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), Progesterone, Estrogen, Dopamine, Cortisol, Norepinephrine, Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH), Growth Hormone (GH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle-Stimulating hormone (FSH), Renin and angiotensin, Erythropoietin, Insulin, Corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) and Humoral Factors.

Yellow, Red, and Black Tongkat Ali. Are they the same?

There are three types of Tongkat Ali roots:

  • Yellow Tongkat Ali – Eurycoma Longifolia
  • Black Tongkat Ali – Polyalthia Bullata
  • Red Tongkat Ali – Stema Tuberosa

The most popular is the yellow Tongkat Ali (i.e Eurycoma Longifolia) as it is widely tested and safe for your health. Black Tongkat Ali and Red Tongkat Ali has mixed reviews on their efficacy and safety, and generally sourced from Indonesia with high lead and mercury content that can be harmful to health.

Tongkat Ali and Long Jack. Are they the same?

Yes. Tongkat Ali and Long Jack are from the same plant, Eurycoma Longifolia.

Tongkat Ali is commonly known as Long Jack in the United States. 

The word “Long” comes from the word “Longifolia” which describes the physical attributes of the plant with long slender leaves. In Latin, “Longus” means long and “Folia” refers to the leaves.

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