Longjack, aka Tongkat Ali derives from the root of the Eurycoma longifolia tree. This tree is indigenous to Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia but is also grown in other parts of Southeast Asia.
Tongkat Ali has been used in traditional medicine to treat a wide variety of ailments. It has mainly been used to enhance testosterone markers in men.
The main compounds in Tongkat Ali are eurycomanone and eurycomanol. The market offers a variety of different potencies of eurycomanone and eurycomanol, which is important to understand before supplementing with the compound.
Tongkat Ali mainly comes in capsule form. It is often paired with other potential testosterone boosting supplements like Fadogia Agrestis.
Tongkat Ali's main reported benefit is it's ability to increase testosterone. Whilst research is still limited, a number of studies have been conducted in aging males with positive results. As males age, testosterone declines. This study of 76 aging males found that 200mg of Tongkat Ali supplementation significantly increased testosterone levels back to normal ranges in 90% of the study's participants.
This study of both male and female participants found that after supplementing with Tongkat Ali for 4 weeks, a mean 37% increase in testosterone was seen against the placebo group.
Studies have shown that Tongkat Ali may improve anxiety, improve mood and buffer stress. This study of 63 people (32 males and 31 females) with moderate stress found that supplementing with Tongkat Ali significantly improved tension by 11%, anger by 12% and confusion by 15%. Cortisol was also decreased by 16%.
Tongkat Ali effect of sexual function are impressive. This study of 75 couples struggling with infertility found that males supplementing with 200mg of Tongkat Ali significantly improved their sperm concentration and mobility. After three months, 14% of the couples achieved organic pregnancies.
Another study of 109 men between 30 and 55, taking 300mg of Tongkat Ali resulted in 44% increase in sperm mobility, 14% increase in libido and semen volume increases of 18% compared to the placebo group.
This study of older athletic people, between 57-72, 13 males and 12 females taking 400mg Tongkat Ali for 5 weeks. The results found that the supplementing group significantly increased their muscle strength in comparison to the placebo group.
More research is needed in this area.
Tongkat Ali's main mechanism in increasing free testosterone works by decreasing SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin), a protein that binds to testosterone to transport it around the body. If SHBG levels are too high, then a higher percentage of testosterone is biologically inactive and unable to benefit the body's tissues and cells. Decreasing or balancing SHGB 'frees' testosterone up to be used in positive ways.
Supplement companies often provide Tongkat Ali in two forms, 2% eurycomanone and 10% versions. This relates to the potency of one of the main beneficial compounds in Tongkat Ali eurycomanone. Whilst more eurycomanone sounds appealing, often users should treat these as different supplements and try both. Higher percentages of eurycomanone have reported side effects such as nausea and gastrointestinal distress. Some users report no side effects from either version.
This detailed meta-analysis highlights that "Most of the studies included in this systematic review utilize the same commercial, freeze-dried water extract of E. longifolia root standardized to 0.8–1.5% eurycomanone"
The results of this analysis demonstrated benefits at 1.5% eurycomanone and therefore 10% should be used with caution.
There is no research backed evidence or recommendation of when to take Tongkat Ali. Anecdotally, people who supplement with Tongkat Ali report feelings of alertness. Therefore it may be safer to take in the morning to protect against any loss in sleep.
It's also advised to take with food to protect against any gastrointestinal distress.
This 2022 meta-analysis reports that Tongkat Ali is safe for human consumption in 200mg - 600mg range studied. The studies in this analysis reported no side effects after treatment with Tongkat Ali using 0.8–1.5% eurycomanone.
Anecdotally, there has been reports of nausea when taking higher doses such as the 10% eurycomanone versions.
Contamination of Tongkat Ali has been documented. In this study, 100 different Tongkat Ali products from Malaysia were tested for heavy toxic metals. Results found that 26% of products contained dangerous amounts of mercury and do not comply safety requirements. This highlights the importance for supplement companies to publish their heavy metals testing results.
It may be important to note, no long term studies have been done on the safety of Tongkat Ali.
Studies that have seen benefits with Tongkat Ali have typically used 200mg - 400mg with no safety concerns. It is advised to start at the low end of the reference range with 2% eurycomanone and work up to find the minimal effective dose.
The studies mentioned above see benefits from the 4 week to 12 week range. Dr Andrew Hubman also details in this video below that Tongkat Ali may take longer to see results and may have a compounding effect on the pathways involved.
If you’re experimenting supplementing with Tongkat Ali, we recommend you talk to your healthcare provider and ideally have your serum blood tested to understand your baseline testosterone levels. We would also recommend re-testing after 8 weeks to understand the impact Tongkat Ali is having on your own body and health.
Tongkat Ali has become a hot topic in the health and fitness landscape. The potential benefits for testosterone augmentation and sexual function are exciting. To recap Tongkat Ali may benefit:
- Testosterone levels
- Sexual function
- Libido
- Male fertility
- Overall mood
- Anxiety symptoms
- Athletic performance
- Muscle mass & muscle strength
Safe dosages of Tongkat Ali should be between 200mg - 600mg where the majority of benefits are seen at up to 2% eurycomanone. Taking Tongkat Ali early in the morning with food is practical. Minimal side effects have been experienced studies using 1.5% eurycomanone. Some users report nausea at higher doses. Please contact your healthcare provider for advice when starting to supplement with Tongkat Ali and monitor with blood tests where possible.