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Tka7.0
Tongkat Ali Research
Likely helpsModerate safety
17 peer-reviewed studies
What the evidence says
Likely helps
Tongkat Ali appears to help in 3 of 4 studies with measurable effects — the evidence leans clearly favourable.
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 · 2 meta-analyses · 7 RCTs · 1,144 total participants
Confidence
High
What the studies found
3helped1unclear· 13 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
Likely helps14 studies
Therapeutic & clinical
Mostly mechanism / observational4 studies
Endurance & exercise performanceHormonal optimization may support exercise capacity · 4-8 weeks
Mostly mechanism / observational3 studies
Energy & fatigueImproved energy and vitality · 2-4 weeks
Mostly mechanism / observational3 studies
Safety profile
Mostly mechanism / observational3 studies
Muscle strength & powerMay increase testosterone, especially if low or stressed · 4-12 weeks
Tongkat Ali supplementation consistently elevated testosterone levels and improved physical function markers including grip strength and muscular endurance in aging men.
Leisegang K et al. · Phytotherapy Research (2022)
Consistent elevation of free and total testosterone levels across clinical studies
Improved physical function including grip strength and muscular endurance
Positive effects on body composition with reduced body fat percentage
3Traditional 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.
4Erectile 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.
6Erectile 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.
7Male 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.
9Safety 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.
10Stress hormone profile and mood stateSystematic ReviewCited 100×2016
Tongkat Ali demonstrated consistent anti-estrogenic, pro-androgenic, and ergogenic effects with a favorable safety profile across clinical and preclinical studies.
Rehman SU et al. · Molecules (2016)
Large benefit
← WorseNo effectBetter →
Pro-androgenic effects through multiple mechanisms including aromatase inhibition
Ergogenic properties supported by both animal models and human clinical trials
Favorable safety profile at standard supplemental doses (200-400mg/day)
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.