Tongkat Ali (Eurcoma Longifolia)
Brief description
Known as the ‘longjack’ or Malaysian ginseng, is a herb originating from Southeast asia.
Early research demonstrated its promising ability to improve male sexual health(1). This was later confirmed in the below study.
Evidence base
Testosterone levels:
5 randomised studies of 232 men who took 100-600mg/day for 3 days – 6months. After supplementation, men, with and without low testosterone levels (hypogonadism) demonstrated increases in testosterone levels (SMD = 1.352, 95% CI 0.565 to 2.138, p =0.001)(2).
Recommended serving & duration.
Usual dosage: 100-600mg/day.
For sexual health / Libido: 200-400mg/day (divided into 1-2 doses).
Safety & tolerability
Some participants using dosages of 200-600mg/day experienced gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea; as well as itching.
Lack of data in individuals who are: pregnant, suffering with breast or prostate cancer, heart disease, diabetes, kidney or liver disease, children or those with sleep apnoea.
Furthermore, there is an identified interaction with propranolol (a beta-blocker medication) used to treat palpitations, high blood pressure and/or anxiety(2).
Please consult with your healthcare provider if you have any existing medical conditions, are pregnant or younger than 18 years old.
References:
Thu HE, Mohamed IN, Hussain Z, Jayusman PA, Shuid AN. Eurycoma Longifolia as a potential adoptogen of male sexual health: a systematic review on clinical studies. Chin J Nat Med. 2017;15(1):71-80.
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 Clinical Trials. Medicina (Kaunas). 2022;58(8).
