Tongkat ali
Eurycoma longifolia
Herbs & Roots. Folk & home remedies and Modern nutrition.
Also called Malaysian ginseng, Longjack, Pasak bumi
Few safety studies; hormone effectsA root from Southeast Asia, sold mainly to boost male sex drive, energy, and muscle.
Did you know? Tongkat ali belongs to the quassia family, a group of trees whose wood and roots are famously bitter.
What it may help, and how strong the proof is
- Sexual health. One six-month trial in 45 middle-aged men with low androgen levels reported better erectile function scores. Other evidence is limited.Early proof
- Men's health. Testosterone results in small trials are inconsistent, and big claims are not backed by full study reports.Early proof
Parts of the body
Traditional use
In Malay and Indonesian folk medicine, the root has been used for fever, weakness, and sexual vigor in men.
How it is classified
- Herbal actions
- Aphrodisiac, Tonic. Energy: neutral.
How people take it
Studies used standardized root extracts, often about 100 to 400 mg a day, for several weeks to a few months.
Capsule, powder and tea.
Where to get it
Grows in rainforests of Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand. Roots are dug from wild or planted stands, dried, and extracted, then sold as capsules, powders, and drink mixes.
Be careful
Possible side effects include trouble sleeping, nervousness, headache, and upset stomach. Long-term safety data are limited. Some sexual-enhancement products sold as tongkat ali have been found to contain hidden prescription drugs, so buy from reliable brands.
Avoid if: pregnancy; breastfeeding; hormone-sensitive cancer; heart disease; liver disease; children under 12.
Mixing with other things
- Works well together
Both are sold for male energy and sex drive. Neither has strong proof.
- Works well together
Both are sold for libido and energy. Human proof is limited for both.
The honest take
Tongkat ali is marketed for sex drive, testosterone, and energy, but the human studies are few, small, and short. Testosterone results are inconsistent. The label 'natural testosterone booster' goes well beyond the evidence.