What are the benefits

and side effects of

tongkat ali?
 What is it?

 Historical uses

 Benefits

 Risks and side effects

 Summary

Tongkat ali is a traditional Asian remedy for

male sexual performance. Advocates of
traditional medicine also use this plant to
help relieve other ailments and health
issues.

There has been promising research into tongkat ali’s properties.

However, people should be cautious about trying it if they have
certain health conditions or are taking specific medications.

Keep reading to learn more about tongkat ali’s traditional uses and
what the scientific evidence says about its potential benefits and side
effects.
What is tongkat ali?

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Eurycoma longifolia, or tongkat ali, is a shrubby tree native to

Southeast AsiaTrusted Source. The plant is indigenous to Malaysia,
Indonesia, and Vietnam. Some species of the plant also grow in
regions of Cambodia, Myanmar, and Thailand.

Tongkat ali literally means “Ali’s walking stick,” which makes

reference to its aphrodisiac effects. Some people say that the “stick”
refers to the plant’s long, twisted roots that some groups harvest for
their medicinal value.
Other common names for E. longifolia are Long Jack, Malaysian
ginseng, and Ali’s Umbrella.

There are, in fact, three other plant species that people may refer to
as tongkat ali. These are Entomophthora apiculata, Polyalthia bullata,
and Goniothalamus.

This article, however, will focus on E. longifolia.

Historical uses
In Asia, E. longifolia is a well-known aphrodisiac and malaria remedy.
People tend to use the roots, bark, and fruits of the flowering plant to
make remedies.

According to a 2016 reviewTrusted Source, in traditional medicine,

people use E. longifolia to relieve the following conditions:

 sexual dysfunction
 malaria
 high blood pressure
 anxiety
 intestinal worms
 diarrhea
 aging
 itching
 dysentery
 constipation
 exercise recovery
 fever
 diabetes
 cancer
 jaundice
 lumbago
  indigestion
 leukemia
 aches and pains
 syphilis
 osteoporosis

The same review concluded that E. longifolia is a promising herbal

remedy for some conditions. However, there is insufficient evidence
regarding its safety and efficacy.

People also use the plant roots to stimulate appetite and increase
strength and energy. Others use them as an antibiotic.

Traditionally, people drank a water decoction of the plant. Nowadays,

though, there are many E. longifolia products available, including
powders and capsules.

The plant contains many bioactive compounds, including alkaloids

and steroids. Quassinoids are the major active compound in the
roots.

Herbalists regard the plant as an adaptogen. An adaptogen is an

herb that helps the body adapt to different kinds of stress, including
physical, chemical, and biological stress.

Benefits
Tongkat ali may have health benefits for certain conditions. The
following sections will look at some of these conditions in more detail.

Male fertility and sexual performance

Some research indicates that E. longifolia may enhance male fertility

and sexual performance.
According to a 2016 reviewTrusted Source, animal and human
studies suggest that the beneficial effects may include:

 increased semen volumes, sperm count, sperm viability, and

sperm motility
 increased production of testosterone
 enhanced erectile function and sexual performance

A 2019 studyTrusted Source in rats suggested that the aphrodisiac

effects of E. longifolia may be due to the elevation of testosterone
levels and enhancement of dopamine in the brain.

Ergogenic aid

Athletes sometimes use ergogenic aids to enhance their

performance. E. longifolia may act as an ergogenic aid because it
decreases stress and increases testosterone levels, according to
one 2016 reviewTrusted Source.

The researchers concluded that with high dosages and long-term

supplementation, E. longifolia might have some benefit in relation to
endurance performance.

A 2014 pilot studyTrusted Source in physically active people aged

57–72 years reported enhanced muscle strength and increases in
testosterone following supplementation with E. longifolia extract for 5
weeks.

Bone health

A 2018 reviewTrusted Source examined the evidence for E.

longifolia on osteoporosis in rats. It concluded that E.
longifolia seemed less effective than other traditional Malaysian
herbs.
However, there could still be potential for its use in preventing bone
loss, according to the review.

Stress

A study in the Journal of the International Society of Sports

NutritionTrusted Source assessed stress hormones in 63 people
taking tongkat ali extract or a placebo for 4 weeks.

The researchers saw significant improvements in anger, tension, and

confusion in people taking the extract. Testosterone levels increased,
and levels of the stress hormone cortisol decreased.

They concluded that tongkat ali might be an effective remedy for

modern-day chronic stress, sleep deprivation, and exercise training.

Another study from 2018Trusted Source looked at the combined

effects of E. longifolia and multivitamins in moderately stressed but
otherwise healthy participants. The participants reported enhanced
vigor and emotional well-being. Glucose concentrations also
decreased, which may also have contributed to the participants’ well-
being.

Cancer

ScientistsTrusted Source are discovering and identifying new

quassinoids in E. longifolia that may help fight cancer. Laboratory
studiesTrusted Source in test tubes indicate that the compounds are
toxic to lung and cervical cancer cells.

A review from 2018Trusted Source identified 16 compounds in E.

longifolia, isolated from various parts of the plant, that showed
promising anticancer properties.
Another laboratory studyTrusted Source indicated that quassinoids
from E. longifolia were effective against human prostate cancer cells.
However, the Endocrine SocietyTrusted Source contraindicate
testosterone treatment in prostate cancer, so using the plant for this
condition is not advisable.

Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects

Some researchTrusted Source indicates that E. longifolia is effective

against bacteria, including Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi.

In test tube studies, extracts of the plant showed anti-inflammatory

and antioxidant properties.

Risks and side effects

A 2016 reviewTrusted Source on the safety and toxicity of E.
longifolia reported that it does not seem to have detrimental effects
on sperm in test tubes when the scientists used it in therapeutic
doses. However, animal studies show that in higher concentrations, it
may be toxic.

The same review concluded that scientists consider E. longifolia safe

as long as people do not take it in high doses. The authors
recommend taking 200–400 milligramsTrusted Source daily with
caution, especially if the person is an older adult.

People who have hormonal cancers should be cautious of taking E.

longifolia, as it may increase testosterone levels. Although laboratory
studies have indicated beneficial effects, these effects may not be the
same in the human body.
People taking medications to lower their blood glucose should speak
to their doctor before taking E. longifolia, as it may increase the
effects of these medications.

According to the review, some sources advise people with certain

conditions to avoid E. longifolia. These conditions include cancer,
heart disease, and kidney disease. People with weakened immune
systems should also be cautious.

Summary
Tongkat ali seems to be a promising remedy for several health
issues. Some research suggests that it is beneficial for male fertility,
sexual performance, and stress. It might also be an effective
ergogenic aid.

Some laboratory studies indicate the effectiveness of E.

longifolia against cancer in test tubes. However, research also
suggests that people with certain cancers should avoid using it.

There are some safety issues for people who have certain health
conditions and those who are taking specific medications. Therefore,
a person should check with their doctor before taking any herbal
supplements.