Tongkat Ali is an herbal medicine that has been used widely as a traditional remedy in Southeast Asian countries since times immemorial. This herbal extract treats a host of health disorders, including fever, erectile dysfunction, and bacterial infections. In addition, evidence has shown that Tongkat Ali may also help to improve male reproductive health, ease stress, and promote body composition and strength.
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Read this article to get an overview of this herbal plant's benefits, uses, and side effects.
What Is Tongkat Ali?
Tongkat Ali, or long jack, is an herbal extract obtained from the roots of the green shrub tree Eurycoma longifolia. It is an indigenous plant in Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Tongkat Ali is used to remedy malaria, infections, fever, male infertility, and erectile dysfunction. The health-benefitting traits of this medicinal herb are attributed to several bioactive compounds present in the plant, including flavonoids, alkaloids, and other compounds that act as antioxidants. Tongkat ail extract is available in the form of pills or concoctions.
Potential Health Benefits
Augments Male Reproductive Health
This powerful herbal extract improves testosterone levels in men, the primary sex hormone that holds a key role in male reproductive health. Ageing, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, certain medications, injury or infections of the testicles, obstructive sleep apnea, and chronic alcoholism are some of the causes of low testosterone. The presence of bioactive compounds in Tongkat Ali extract helps to boost testosterone levels, improve libido and treat erectile dysfunction. Furthermore, Tongkat ail also improves sperm motility, sexual drive, and overall reproductive function in men.
Combats Stress
Tongkat Ali supplement is helpful in easing stress by lowering stress hormones, reducing anxiety, and uplifting mood. A few studies have revealed that supplementing with Tongkat Ali reduced cortisol hormone levels by 16%, which remarkably lessened stress, anger, and tension in subjects taking this supplement.
Strengthens Muscle Mass
This herbal medicine is a natural ergogenic acid, which is claimed to enhance athletic performance and increase muscle mass. The richness of active compounds quassinoids, including eurycomaoside, eurycolactone, and eurycomanone, support the body's use of energy more efficiently, lessen fatigue and increase endurance and stamina.
Traditional Uses
Tongkat Ali extract powder is a potent aphrodisiac and remedies fever. In traditional medicine, people used the roots, bark, and fruits of this flowering plant as natural remedies to cure a host of health conditions, including:
- Sexual dysfunction
- Malaria
- High blood pressure
- anxiety
- Intestinal worms
- Diarrhoea
- Ageing
- Itching
- Dysentery
- Constipation
- Post-workout recovery
- Fever
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Jaundice
- Lumbago
- Indigestion
- Leukemia
- Aches and pains
- Syphilis
- Osteoporosis
Also Read: Jhau: Uses, Health Benefits, Dosage, Side, Effects And Precautions
Potential Side Effects And Dosage
As per the reports by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens, a high dose of >200mg/kg body weight of Tongkat Ali may result in DNA damage of the stomach and duodenum tissues. As this herbal extract has the potential to damage DNA, the panel stated that the safety and use of this extract for any health anomalies had not been established. However, a few human studies on using Tongkat Ali have yet to report any downsides. In addition, the impacts of Tongkat Ali on children or pregnant and lactating women have not been researched. Hence, it's not safe for consumption by children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
Who Can Take This Supplement?
Though few studies claim that Tongkat Ali may ease anxiety and improve muscle mass, research is limited. While some studies reveal that Tongkat Ali does not exhibit any adverse effects in doses up to 400mg daily on short-term use. However, whether taking the supplements longer is beneficial and safe is still being determined. Therefore, it is always best to consult your healthcare provider before taking this supplement to ensure proper safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tongat Ali Gluten-Free?
Tongat Ali does not contain any wheat proteins or gluten. It has a fair amount of crude proteins and amino acids and not wheat protein, making it gluten-free. Thus, people with celiac disease and other gluten-related disorders can safely have this supplement.
What Is The Best Way To Have Tongkat Ali?
This herbal supplement can be consumed in several ways, which include:
Food: Tongat Ali can be added as an active ingredient or additive in coffee or tea.
Energy Booster: As a pre-workout drink it can be consumed by fitness professionals and sports persons to boost their endurance and performance. It is usually blended with herbs to maximize muscle mass, energy, and stamina.
Dietary Supplement: It is readily available as a supplement in capsule form and consumed as part of daily dietary supplements to revamp health and vitality.
Can Women Take Tongkat Ali?
Yes, women can have this powerful herbal supplement to promote healthy endocrine function and reinstate hormonal balance. Tongkat Ali may benefit women’s health in numerous ways for both menopausal women and young females. It can improve muscle mass, reduce fat, enhance mood, and sexual performance, and make you look younger. However, it is not safe for pregnant women or those with serious medical conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does Tongat Ali Do?
Tongkat Ali also called Longjack, is an herbal supplement that helps top male fertility, anxiety and depression, low testosterone, athletic performance, and muscle mass of the body.
What Is The Indian Name For Tongat Ali?
In Sanskrit, it is known by the name Ashwagandha. The herb offers a diverse range of potential health benefits that help to cure many health and sexual ailments.
What is Tongkat Ali vs Ashwagandha?
Whilst, both herbs offer several health benefits, but they differ significantly in their action, mechanisms, and primary uses. Tongkat Ali can help to release more testosterone production than Ashwagandha. It can boost testosterone between fifty to five hundred percent, making it higher than Ashwagandha’s which is quite less as compared to Ashwagandha.
Can Tongkat Ali Have Side Effects?
Like any other herbs, Tongat ali can have side effects specifically in people with cancer, heart diseases. It can also affect people who are taking blood glucose medications.
Conclusion:
Tongkat Ali is one of the promising herbal medicines for healing a host of health anomalies. Some studies disclose that it is valuable for augmenting male fertility and sexual performance and easing stress. Also, it is an effective ergogenic acid that helps to improve stamina, strength, and endurance in athletes. However, there are downsides for people with certain health problems and those who are taking specific medications. Hence it is best to consult your doctor before taking any herbal supplements.
References:
- Effect of Tongkat Ali on stress hormones and psychological mood state in moderately stressed subjects
Julie A Talbott,1 Annie George,2 and Mike Pugh3
- https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2021.6937
