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Tka6.0
Tongkat Ali Research
Probably helps
17 peer-reviewed studies
What the evidence says
Probably helps
Tongkat Ali helped in about half (2/3) of the studies that measured an effect — promising, but not unanimous.
Most evidence is from high-quality meta-analyses and randomised trials published 2010–2024 with a typical study size of 84 participants.
Based on 17 studies · 3 meta-analyses · 6 RCTs · 839 total participants
Confidence
High confidence
What the studies found
2helped1unclear· 14 more without graded effect data
By outcome
Men's vitalityReduces SHBG and cortisol to improve testosterone-to-cortisol ratio · 4-8 weeks · Increased free testosterone, improved libido · 2-4 weeks
Probably helps13 studies
Energy & fatigueImproved energy and vitality · 2-4 weeks
2Traditional Chinese medicine properties analysisSystematic Review2024
This study aims to facilitate the compatible use and product development of Tongkat Ali while providing reference for introducing it as a new TCM resource and studying the TCM properties of ginseng plants abroad.
Ye DN et al. · Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica (2024)
Tongkat Ali has the main functions of tonifying kidney and replenishing essence, invigorating spleen and replenishing Qi, and soothing liver and relieving depression.
The recommended dosage and usage of this medicine are 2-10 g daily and decoction with water, respectively.
This study aims to facilitate the compatible use and product development of Tongkat Ali while providing reference for introducing it as a new TCM resource and studying the TCM properties of ginseng plants abroad.
3Erectile function (IIEF-5 score)Meta-AnalysisCited 23×n=139 · medium study2015
Based on current evidence, the herbal extract of Tongkat Ali may have clinical effect on erectile function.
Kotirum S et al. · Complementary therapies in medicine (2015)
No clear effect
← WorseNo effectBetter →
Likely real
No significance between group difference was found in the mean WMD of the change in the 5- item version of the international index of erectile function (IIEF-5) at week-12 (0.91; 95% CI: -1.50 to 3.33 with I(2)=89.5%, P-value=0.002) with statistical heterogeneity.
Based on the subgroup analysis, significant improved IIEF-5 score of 2.15 (95% CI 1.03-3.27) was found in subjects with lower baseline IIEF-5 score, but this was not seen among those with higher baseline IIEF-5 score.
Based on current evidence, the herbal extract of Tongkat Ali may have clinical effect on erectile function.
Although more research is required before its use in clinical practice, this may represent a safe and promising therapeutic option, particularly in hypogonadal men.
Leisegang K et al. · Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) (2022)
Huge benefit
← WorseNo effectBetter →
Likely real
A significant improvement in total testosterone levels after E. longifolia treatment was mostly reported in both healthy volunteers and hypogonadal men.
The random model effect revealed a significant increase (SMD = 1.352, 95% CI 0.565 to 2.138, p = 0.001) in the total testosterone levels in men receiving E. longifolia supplementation, which was confirmed in the hypogonadism subgroup.
Conclusions: This systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature supports the possible use of E. longifolia supplementation for enhancing testosterone production.
5Erectile dysfunction supplement efficacySystematic ReviewCited 20×n=21 · very small study2019
Our investigation revealed that human studies evaluating the efficacy of ED-S ingredients are limited and have yielded no definitive findings of the effects on ED.
Balasubramanian A et al. · The journal of sexual medicine (2019)
Our literature review identified 413 studies involving the 21 identified ingredients, of which 59 (16%) involved human subjects.
Among these 69 human studies, only 12 (17%) investigated supplement ingredients individually and reported improvement in ED.
Our investigation revealed that human studies evaluating the efficacy of ED-S ingredients are limited and have yielded no definitive findings of the effects on ED.
6Male sexual health improvementSystematic ReviewCited 24×2017
In summary, there is convincing evidence for the prominence of EL in improving the male sexual health.
Thu HE et al. · Chinese journal of natural medicines (2017)
In summary, there is convincing evidence for the prominence of EL in improving the male sexual health.
The review also substantiates the use of current methodology in the development of novel and more rationale natural herbal medicines for the management of male sexual disorders.
The testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS) is characterised by numerous symptoms, including low libido, increased fat mass, fatigue, erectile dysfunction or osteoporosis, and up to 80% of men will experience some kind of ageing males' symptoms.
This is caused by the age-depending decline in serum testosterone levels with concentrations being about 40-50% lower in men older than 60 years compared with young men.
Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali; TA) is natural alternative to TRT and has been shown to restore serum testosterone levels, thus significantly improving sexual health.
8Safety and efficacy evaluationSystematic ReviewCited 7×2013
This article includes written and statistical analysis of clinical trials, plus a compilation of expert opinion, folkloric precedent, history, pharmacology, kinetics/dynamics, interactions, adverse effects, toxicology, and dosing.
Ulbricht C et al. · Journal of dietary supplements (2013)
An evidence-based systematic review of tongkat ali (Eurycoma longifolia) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration consolidates the safety and efficacy data available in the scientific literature using a validated, reproducible grading rationale.
This article includes written and statistical analysis of clinical trials, plus a compilation of expert opinion, folkloric precedent, history, pharmacology, kinetics/dynamics, interactions, adverse effects, toxicology, and dosing.
9Traditional uses, chemistry, pharmacology and toxicologySystematic ReviewCited 100×2016
Liver and renal function tests showed no adverse changes at normal daily dose and chronic use of E. longifolia.
Rehman SU et al. · Molecules (2016)
The plant is reported to be rich in various classes of bioactive compounds such as quassinoids, canthin-6-one alkaloids and β-carboline alkaloids, with quassinoids accounting for a major portion of the root phytochemicals.
An acute toxicity study found the oral LD50 of the alcoholic extract in mice is between 1500-2000 mg/kg, while the aqueous extract LD50 is more than 3000 mg/kg.
Liver and renal function tests showed no adverse changes at normal daily dose and chronic use of E. longifolia.
Supplementation of Physta® at 200 mg was able to increase the serum total testosterone, reduce fatigue and improve the quality of life in ageing men within 2 weeks' time.
Chinnappan SM et al. · Food & Nutrition Research (2021)
Significant increase in total testosterone at week 12 (Physta 100 mg) and at weeks 4, 8 and 12 (Physta 200 mg) versus placebo.
Ageing Male Symptoms and Fatigue Severity Scale scores significantly reduced in both Physta groups; muscle strength significantly increased at week 12.
Cortisol significantly decreased in the Physta 200 mg group; no safety-related clinically relevant changes were observed.
11Ethnobotany and pharmacological propertiesSystematic ReviewCited 114×2010
The plant parts are rich in various bioactive compounds (like eurycomaoside, eurycolactone, eurycomalactone, eurycomanone, and pasakbumin-B) among which the alkaloids and quassinoids form a major p...
Bhat R et al. · Fitoterapia (2010)
The plant parts are rich in various bioactive compounds (like eurycomaoside, eurycolactone, eurycomalactone, eurycomanone, and pasakbumin-B) among which the alkaloids and quassinoids form a major portion.
Even though toxicity and safety evaluation studies have been pursued, still a major gap exists in providing scientific base for commercial utilization and clearance of the Tongkat Ali products with regard to consumer's safety.
The present review aims at reviewing the research works undertaken till date, on this plant in order to provide sufficient baseline information for future works and for commercial exploitation.
17Sperm quality and pregnancy rateOpen-Labeln=75 · small study2010
The proprietary extract of Eurycoma longifolia Jack significantly improved the sperm quality in these patients, allowing for 11 (14.7%) spontaneous pregnancies.
Tambi MI et al. · Asian Journal of Andrology (2010)
Follow-up semen analyses showed significant improvement in all semen parameters (semen volume, sperm concentration, normal morphology, and motility).
350 men with idiopathic infertility received 200 mg/day of the standardized extract; 75 completed one full 3-month cycle.
Treatment allowed for 11 (14.7%) spontaneous pregnancies.