Tongkat Ali for Testosterone: Does it Work?

Are you wondering if Tongkat ali for testosterone works? Tongkat Ali is a well-known herbal treatment that has been practiced in Southeast Asian countries for hundreds of years.

It is commonly used to treat various conditions, such as fevers, erectile dysfunction, and bacterial infections.

Several studies suggest that Tongkat ali may improve body composition, reduce stress, and increase male fertility [1,2,3]. 

In 2021, the European Food Safety Authority warned that tongkat ali might be carcinogenic (could cause DNA damage) [4].

The benefits of Tongkat ali, as well as its possible drawbacks and the appropriate amount of the supplement to take, are discussed in this article.

What is Tongkat Ali?

Tongkat Ali, also known as long jack, is a dietary supplement made from the roots of the Eurycoma longifolia, a native Southeast Asian green shrub tree. Tongkat ali is also known by its other name, tongkat ali.

It is used in traditional medicine in Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia, as well as in other Asian countries, to treat erectile dysfunction, male infertility, fevers, infections, and malaria [5].

It is likely that the presence of a large number of compounds in the plant is responsible for the health benefits of Tongkat Ali.

It Contains various compounds with antioxidant properties, including flavonoids, alkaloids, and others. Antioxidants are compounds that work to counteract the damage that free radical molecules can do to cells. Your body could reap additional benefits from consuming them [6,7].

It is most commonly taken in the form of capsules containing an herb extract or as a component of various types of herbal beverages.

Does Tongkat Ali Really Increase Testosterone?

Through anecdotal and scientific evidence, Tongkat Ali has been shown to raise testosterone levels in men with a deficiency in this primary sexual hormone.

Injury or infection of the testicles, certain medications, radiation treatments, chemotherapy, Aging, and certain diseases such as obstructive sleep apnea and chronic alcoholism can cause low testosterone levels. Certain medications can also cause low testosterone levels [8].

A low testosterone level can lead to a decrease in libido, difficulty maintaining an erection, and even infertility in some cases. Because the compounds in Tongkat Ali have the potential to boost testosterone levels, they might be effective in treating the conditions that are being discussed [9,10].

More than ninety percent of participants in a study that lasted one month and involved 76 older men with low testosterone levels saw significant increases in this hormone to normal levels after taking 200 milligrams of Tongkat Ali extract per day for the duration of the study [10].

In addition, research conducted on both humans and animals suggests that Tongkat Ali boosts sexual arousal and has the potential to help men with erectile dysfunction [11,12,13,14].

It May improve the mobility and concentration of sperm, which would increase male fertility [15,16,17].

Tongkat Ali extract, at a dose of 200 milligrams per day, significantly increased both the concentration and motility of sperm in a study that lasted for three months and involved 75 male partners of infertile couples. Over 14% of couples were able to conceive with the help of the treatment [1].

Similarly, a study that lasted for 12 weeks and involved 108 men aged 30 to 55 found that taking 300 milligrams of Tongkat Ali extract increased sperm volume by 18% and motility by 44% [14].

Although these studies suggest that Tongkat Ali may be an effective treatment for low testosterone and infertility in some men, further investigation is still needed.

How Long Does it take for Tongkat Ali to Raise Testosterone?

Because of the variability in individuals’ responses to Tongkat ali, there is no predetermined timeline for when testosterone levels will begin to rise. According to the findings of several studies, it takes approximately four weeks for the effects of tongkat ali to become noticeable, and it takes an additional 12 weeks to experience the full benefits of this natural supplement.

Tongkat Ali Side Effects and Dosage

Tongkat ali’s water-based extract from dried ground Tongkat ali has the potential to cause DNA damage in the tissues of the stomach and duodenum, according to a report published in 2021 by the Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods, and Food Allergens of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) [4].

The panel concluded that the safety of using tongkat ali under any circumstances had not been established. This was because it may be carcinogenic (can cause cancer) and may damage DNA.

There were no reports of any negative side effects in the few studies conducted on humans regarding the use of Tongkat ali [18].

A 2016 review including toxicology studies found that oral administration of 200 mg/kg body weight of tongkat ali in an alcohol-based extract or 300 mg/kg body weight of tongkat ali in a water-based extract did not affect liver or kidney function in mice [19].

According to the same study, the oral dose of tongkat ali that caused death in mice ranged between 1,500 and 2,000 mg/kg when it was in the form of an alcohol-based extract, but it was greater than 3,000 mg/kg when it was in the form of a water-based extract.

A 12-week course of 300 milligrams of tongkat ali extract once daily was found to be as safe as a placebo in a study involving 109 men aged 30 to 55 [13].

In Egypt, a randomized clinical trial of tongkat ali and maca root, two natural treatments for low libido, was conducted to determine the safety of the combination when used by men with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction. The trial lasted for twelve weeks. The findings of this clinical trial have yet to be presented in a published form [20].

Other research suggests that an adult can safely consume up to 1.2 grams of tongkat ali extract daily, but further research has yet to be conducted on this particular dosage. In addition, studies on its long-term safety have yet to be conducted, so it is unknown whether or not the supplement can be safely used for extended periods of time [21].

Furthermore, 26% of 100 tongkat ali supplements contained mercury levels that were higher than the recommended maximum, according to a study conducted in 2006 in Malaysia [22]. When mercury levels get too high in the body, mercury poisoning sets in, causing mood swings, memory loss, and motor skill impairments [23].

Furthermore, there has been no study conducted on the effects of tongkat ali on children or pregnant/nursing mothers. Because of this, it is impossible to say whether or not the treatment is safe for the groups mentioned above.

Precautions

Take into consideration the possibility that some dietary supplements contain mercury. In addition, they must be adequately regulated, and their labels may misrepresent the amount of tongkat ali that is actually present in the product. Look for a brand validated by an impartial party and has a good reputation.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid taking tongkat ali because very little research has been done on it in this area. Before using tongkat ali, people with preexisting medical conditions or who are currently taking medication should discuss the supplement with their primary care provider.

The Bottom Line

Tongkat ali, also referred to as long jack, is a dietary supplement recommended for enhancing low testosterone levels, male fertility, and muscle mass. Long jack is another name for tongkat ali. Despite this, there is only a little research.

If you are interested in trying tongkat ali, it is recommended that you first speak with your primary care physician and then search for a reliable brand in local stores or online.

Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.

Editorial References And Fact-Checking:

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