Benefits of Tongkat Ali: A Natural Boost for Vitality

Nowadays, nature, in conjunction with technology, gives us excellent options to maintain good health, most supplements that we buy in pharmacies are from a plant or root, and there are more and more discoveries that allow us to take advantage of all the benefits that the earth gives us.

Tongkat Ali, scientifically known as Eurycoma longifolia, is a traditional herbal remedy native to Southeast Asia. Revered for centuries, this plant has been utilized for its potential to enhance energy levels, improve sexual health, and support overall well-being. In this article, we delve into the scientifically-backed benefits of Tongkat Ali and how it can contribute to a healthier lifestyle.

What is Tongkat Ali?

Tongkat Ali, a name that means “Ali’s stick,” is also known as Eurycoma Longifolia, Longiack, or Asian Ginseng. Is a flowering plant belonging to the Simaroubaceae family, predominantly found in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. The root of the plant is the primary source of its medicinal properties, containing bioactive compounds such as eurycomanone, eurycomanol, and eurycomalactone. These compounds are believed to contribute to the herb’s various health benefits.

Advantages and disadvantages of Tongkat Ali

There are several advantages and disadvantages of consuming this herb, so it is important to know them before finishing it. The main ones are mentioned below:

Advantages

• Tongkat Ali can be ingested through drinks or capsules.
• It is not mandatory to have a medical prescription to consume it in the United States or other countries.
• It can be used in the treatment of various diseases and ailments.
• It does not present adverse reactions if doses of less than 400 mg daily are used.
• It contains antioxidants that fight premature aging.
• There are no reports of serious side effects after consuming slightly higher doses.
• The sale of Tongkat Ali-based supplements is permitted in the United States.
• It can be purchased in some physical stores and online.

Disadvantages

Some of the disadvantages that we can find are:

• There are not enough studies on humans to support all the benefits it possesses.
• It has not yet been evaluated by the FDA to be able to recommend its consumption.
• The long-term effects are unknown.
• Its consumption could cause irritability, nervousness, and insomnia.
• Some studies have shown the presence of high amounts of mercury in Tongkat Ali supplements, so it is not recommended to consume supplements from unknown manufacturers.
• It may alter the functioning of medications indicated to regulate heart rate, such as propranolol.

Effects

The consumption of Tongkat Ali may cause various effects on the body. Among the most studied and widespread we have :

Aphrodisiac potency:

It is the most widespread property since it is considered capable of increasing sexual desire and satisfaction, mainly in men, as it considerably increases testosterone levels, responsible for the development of male genitalia and for providing them with the phenotypic characteristics that distinguish the male sex (facial hair, thick voice, Adam’s apple, etc.) as well as playing a fundamental role in increasing sexual desire.

Anti-aging properties:

Another of its properties is the possibility of influencing bone density due to its high polyphenols content, the molecules responsible for fighting against cellular oxidation that causes premature aging.

Athletic development:

Because it promotes testosterone production, Eurycoma favors the improvement of athletic condition thanks to the increase in muscle mass.
Some other not so pleasant and beneficial effects that could be generated due to the potency of the natural components of the plant are:

• Excessive sweating.
• Insomnia.
• Increased body temperature.
• It can weaken the immune system.

5 Benefits of Tongkat Ali

The properties of this plant provide many benefits to the human body, especially in men. Some of the most notable are:

1. Enhances Testosterone Levels

One of the most well-known benefits of Tongkat Ali is its potential to increase testosterone levels. Research indicates that supplementation with Tongkat Ali can help elevate total and free testosterone levels in men, particularly those with low testosterone due to aging or other factors .

2. Improves Male Fertility

Tongkat Ali has shown promise in improving male fertility. Studies have found that it can enhance sperm concentration and motility, which are crucial factors for male fertility .

3. Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Tongkat Ali may help alleviate stress and anxiety by reducing cortisol levels, the body’s primary stress hormone. A study involving 63 adults with moderate stress found that supplementation with Tongkat Ali led to a significant reduction in cortisol levels and improved mood .

4. Boosts Athletic Performance

Athletes and fitness enthusiasts may benefit from Tongkat Ali’s potential to enhance physical performance. Research suggests that it can increase muscle strength and endurance, making it a popular supplement among those looking to improve their athletic capabilities .

5. Supports Weight Management

Tongkat Ali may aid in weight management by promoting fat loss and increasing lean muscle mass. Its ability to regulate hormones and improve metabolism contributes to its role in supporting a healthy body composition .

It should be noted that all these benefits mentioned are based on research conducted to study all the potential of the plant. However, it is necessary to conduct more studies that scientifically support all these benefits.

Presentations for its consumption

Among the most common presentations of this plant we can find:

Capsules or tablets:

This is the most recommended way to use Tongkat Ali as it allows to regulate each dose properly.

Infusions:

The powdered supplement or dried leaves of Tongkat can be used to prepare infusions. The flavor obtained is very bitter, so it is recommended to mix it with some sweetener such as maple syrup or bee honey.

Beverages:

There are some beverages and soft drinks containing Tongkat on the market, but they are little known in the United States. Some of them can be purchased online.

What is the best way to consume it?

There are no conclusive studies about the best way to consume Tongkat Ali. However, it can be ingested daily or internally depending on the dose used, generally between 25-400mg. It also depends on the number of bioactive molecules present in the different presentations of the supplement.

Important contraindications

Its consumption is not recommended for people suffering from serious chronic diseases such as diabetes, coronary problems, or kidney or liver disease.