Tongkat Ali

The main benefits of tongkat ali are related to enhancing libido, erections, and fertility in men [1]. Many of the sexual health benefits (for both genders) seem to relate to reducing stress and anxiety around sex (especially erectile dysfunction) [2].

Men see most of the tongkat ali benefits with increased erectile function and health. Some evidence suggest it can help delay ejaculation [3] and increase the sperm quality and motility in men [4]. However, there is not much conclusive evidence regarding tongkat ali benefits for testosterone production.

Also Known As

Longjack, Eurycoma Longifolia Jack, Malaysian Ginseng, longjax, Cay Ba Binh, Pasak Bumi, Langir Siam, Tung Sawa

Editors’ Thoughts on Tongkat Ali

I have never personally used tongkat ali / longjack, but if I were to pick a single supplement option to increase my sex drive and libido (and erectile health), it would be this. The research seems the most conclusive of any of the aphrodisiac compounds.

As I write this I’m in a relationship, which makes it easier to experiment with these sorts of things. If I felt unfulfilled or that I didn’t have enough sexual experiences, I would probably not add this, but it is entirely up to the person.

Mansal Denton, Nootropedia Editor

Benefits of Tongkat Ali

The most questionable benefit of tongkat ali is as a testosterone booster. Many people claim longjack is a test booster, but this is one of the claims that has the least evidence out of them all. One study showed a 46% increase in testosterone with tongkat ali, but this was with men who were already low in testosterone [5]. When another study used healthy adult males, the testosterone increases were insignificant [6]. To add slightly more confusion, a third study showed that stressed individuals could raise testosterone by 37% [7].

In short, the results are a mixed bag and still up for debate. It is difficult to subjectively separate an increase in libido and sex drive from levels of testosterone so it may be impossible to measure for each person. For the testosterone boosting benefits of tongkat ali, you may have to just have faith.

Many of the other tongkat ali benefits are much easier to identify. Specifically, men have improved sex drive and libido when taking the supplement. Over 12 weeks, men noticed a 8.4-8.7% increase in their libido [8]. Men also benefit from an increase in their erectile health, measured by frequency of erections [9] and delayed ejaculation [10].

General benefits, to men or women, include markers of subjective happiness. People using tongkat ali often consider their general wellbeing higher and their stress levels lower. Even studies on cortisol (a stress hormone) show decreases of up to 16% [11].

Finally, as a fertility agent, tongkat ali has much research in support. One marker, sperm motility, is helpful in determining the health of the sperm for sexual reproduction. Studies suggest men can see an average of 44% increase in their sperm motility. The same can be said for the quality of the sperm as well [12].

Side Effects of Tongkat Ali

Of course one of the main side effects of tongkat ali is undesired erections in men. It is a useful part of the supplement for the purposes of increasing sexual experiences and pleasure, but at the wrong moment can create anxiety or discomfort. The dosage of longjack can make a difference for how frequent this occurs.

There are not many studies of toxicity and side effects of tongkat ali, but what exists shows a relatively high limit for using the drug. The LD50 (dosage required to kill 50% of the population) in rats is 5000mg / kg and other studies noted various liver changes in rats at doses of 1200mg / kg [13].

Given that many people take the extract instead of the full tongkat ali plant, it is important to pay close attention to the dosage so you can avoid toxicity based side effects.

Tongkat Ali Dosage

The standard tongkat ali dosage is related to the bioactive ingredient called a eurycomamone. The concentration for longjack is typically 200 – 300 mg of the extract that is 100:1 extract ratio. This mathematically confers the same eurycomamone as 20 – 30 grams of the dry root of the plant.

How and Where to Buy Tongkat Ali

The popularity of erectile dysfunction and sex products has made tongkat ali more popular both in the grocery store and online. Finding a longjack GNC product is probably not difficult given the focus and desire of many men to increase testosterone and sex drive. Still, the best option you have to buy tongkat ali is on the internet.

You’ll be able to buy longjack online through numerous retailers that allow you to compare and contrast the products and their credibility. As with any product (even natural ones) there are still credibility issues to be aware of so that you can get safe products and have peace of mind when you consume them.

Also, keep in mind that when you buy eurycoma longifolia jack, you will probably find products that are full of other supposed “testosterone boosters”. Many of these ingredients either do not work, are cheaper to buy separate, or just create filler. Truly, you want to buy longjack extract alone with nothing else. This is why Nootropedia recommends Source Naturals tongkat ali.

The brand is safe and reputable while at the same time not trying to push any additional ingredients on you!

Selected Community Experiences

“500mg 3-5 time a week and I definitely notice effects” [14] – fadownjoo

“I cycle mine in 5 day periods (Mon-Friday) and leave weekends off. Unless I plan on going out that night, then i'll take some around 6-7 before I start drinking” [15] – BrennanMCollins

References (Click to Expand)

1. //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23243445
2. //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10361892
3. //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21569213
4. //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20126351
5. //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21671978
6. //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23243445
7. //www.jissn.com/content/10/1/28/abstract
8. //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23243445
9. //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11507738
10. //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21569213
11. //www.jissn.com/content/10/1/28/abstract
12. //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23243445
13. //webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/refReq.do?id=839&lang=eng
14. //www.reddit.com/r/Nootropics/comments/44qi87/longjack_2_dosage/
15. //www.reddit.com/r/Nootropics/comments/4pjeor/tongkat_ali_discussion/

Other Scientific Resources (Click to Expand)

1. //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20434529
2. //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22924057
3. //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22119436
4. //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19919052
5. //www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S004835759992432X
6. //www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0031942282830501
7. //www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0031942200906095
8. //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21569213
9. //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19521859
10. //www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/003194229385356V
11. //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20184012
12. //www.freepatentsonline.com/y2007/0009621.html
13. //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22850474
14. //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16206032
15. //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20348942
16. //www.google.com/patents/US7132117
17. //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19703544
18. //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15803965
19. //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9868556
20. //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11564133
21. //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14964739
22. //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9514610
23. //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9353636
24. //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12670032
25. //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/13678248
26. //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12685506
27. //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10803359
28. //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23243445
29. //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10361892
30. //www.jissn.com/content/10/1/28/abstract