The Science Behind Tongkat Ali: Benefits, Dosage, and Safety

What Is Tongkat Ali Powder?

Tongkat Ali powder is a supplement made from the powdered roots of the Eurycoma longifolia plant, a shrub native to Southeast Asia.

It contains antioxidants and has been used traditionally to relieve stress, boost physical strength, and improve sexual performance. In modern use, it is marketed to enhance energy levels, support hormonal balance, and increase muscle mass and exercise endurance.

The main bioactive components in tongkat ali are the quassinoid compounds (eurycomanone and eurycomanol), eurycolactones, canthin-6-one metabolites, eurylene and teurilene (derivatives of squalene), and eurypeptides.

It has been used for centuries in Malaysia, Indonesia, and other Southeast Asian countries to treat conditions like malaria, diabetes, and as a general health tonic. Today, it is a popular dietary supplement.

What Is Tongkat Ali Powder Used For?

1. Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Tongkat Ali has in fact been shown to improve mood by decreasing stress, anxiety, and tension.

Tongkat Ali has been compared to pharmaceuticals like Prozac and sertraline due to the calming effect it has on users (Zoloft). Is this the most effective natural remedy for anxiety and depression?

An study found that participants who took Tongkat Ali with multivitamins reported a significant reduction in cognitive stress, physical stress, behavioral stress, and overall stress.

2. Boosts the Testosterone Production

Natural herbs like Tongkat Ali have been shown by science to be effective at controlling testosterone levels in both men and women. Amazing right?

In the last 20 years, there has been an abundance of research on the effects of Tongkat Ali on testosterone levels, and this research has been supported by both scientific evidence and clinical trials.

In addition, Tongkat Ali has been shown to increase free testosterone by the adrenal glands, pituitary gland, testes, and ovaries.

3. Enhances Athletic Performance

Tongkat Ali’s benefits makes it a go-to among the fitness and sports set as a functional ingredient. Including Tongkat Ali in your routine gives you a leg up on the competition by accelerating your muscle gain and increasing your strength.

Plus, popular performance-enhancing formulas often include Tongkat Ali in addition to other herbs like Macca.

Hence, Athletes and sports professionals have turned to Tongkat Ali as a safe alternative to steroids in recent years, and the supplement has become popular as a pre-workout beverage as a result.

This proves that Tongkat Ali’s health benefits allow for a striking improvement in performance-related activities, most notably in muscle growth and strength.

4. Increases Libido and Sexual Performance

There have been claims that Tongkat Ali is the second-best natural remedy after Viagra.

Not only that, but evidence of Tongkat Ali’s effect on libido has accumulated over the years and is sufficient for scientific purposes. The potential health benefits for men include maintained sperm motility, semen production, libido, and erection strength.

In addition to that, increased testosterone production which Tongkat Ali provides appears to be the primary mechanism which is essential for the proper functioning of the male reproductive system.

Because of the increasing prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) in the United States, Tongkat Ali has emerged as a more secure choice for those looking to treat ED with natural means.

Because of its long list of health benefits, Tongkat Ali is quickly replacing Viagra as the preferred alternative.

If you’re a man looking to increase your libido without the unpleasant side effects of Viagra, you should consider trying Tongkat Ali, which has been shown to have these effects in scientific studies.

Researchers have shown a lot of interest in the effects of Tongkat Ali on men’s sexual health, as evidenced by the numerous laboratory and hospital-based studies that have been conducted on the topic.

5. Supports Male Fertility

Historically, male fertility has been boosted with the help of Tongkat Ali. With its compounds that boost sperm quality and quantity, this herb is widely used as a supplement by men who want to increase their chances of fatherhood.

An increase in testosterone from Tongkat Ali is beneficial for a man’s reproductive health. Overall reproductive health and pregnancy rates may benefit from Tongkat Ali’s ability to boost sperm quality.

6. Reduces Fatigue

Tongkat Ali has been shown to increase energy while at the same time reducing fatigue.

The herb contains compounds that can improve your body’s ability to use oxygen, using it regularly can make you feel less tired and more energized.

Therefore, Tongkat Ali is a popular dietary supplement among athletes and people who are interested in getting in shape because of its capacity to improve one’s performance while working out.

7. Improves Cardiovascular Health

A number of studies have demonstrated that Tongkat Ali is good for one’s cardiovascular system.

It has been demonstrated that the herb reduces cholesterol levels and increases blood flow, both of which reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Thus, Tongkat Ali improves the health of blood vessels by reducing the amount of oxidative stress and inflammation that they are exposed to, which in turn reduces blood pressure and protects against atherosclerosis.

Benefits of Taking Tongkat Ali Powder Daily

1. Can Increase Sex Drive

Tongkat ali is a phrase in Malayalam (an Indian language) that translates to “Ali’s walking stick.” Some experts say this name refers to the plant’s long, twisted roots, while others say it refers to its aphrodisiac effects.

Some evidence suggests that supplementing with tongkat ali can increase libido (sex drive).

2. Might Reduce Stress

Supplementing with tongkat ali may reduce stress and improve mood. A study that followed 86 people with moderate work-related stress found that those who took the supplement said they felt more energized, calm, and at peace.

It’s important to note that one of the study’s authors was an employee of a tongkat ali supplement manufacturer, which raises issues of potential bias.

3. May Improve Male Fertility

Research has shown that tongkat ali supplements can improve semen volume and how well sperm moves. Tongkat ali might also be able to restore testosterone levels among people with testosterone deficiency syndrome, or late-onset hypogonadism.

Some evidence suggests that the supplement could be an alternative to testosterone replacement therapy.

4. May Improve Erectile Function

Research has found that men who took tongkat ali reported improvements in their erections. This includes improvement in how often they were able to get an erection during sexual activity. Tongkat ali has also been shown to help with how firm an erection is.

Scientists think it may enhance erections because of its bioactive compounds.However, research is mixed on the effect of tongkat ali on erection function and whether it’s an appropriate treatment for erectile dysfunction.

5. Helps Improve Muscle Strength

Some evidence suggests that taking tongkat ali can increase muscle strength and size.In a small study, young men who took tongkat ali significantly improved their peak power when completing a resistance training program.

How to Take Tongkat Ali Powder?

Tongkat ali is a shrub plant often found in Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, and other Southeast Asian countries.The root of the tongkat ali plant is used to create an extract that can be taken as a powder, supplement capsule, or, in some cases, a drink.

There’s no official recommendation on when to take tongkat ali or whether you need to take it with or without food. It’s also not clear how long you would need to take tongkat ali to see results. Many of the human studies showing efficacy had participants take the supplement for anywhere from eight weeks to six months.

Dosage

Tongkat ali is not well-studied, so there are no firm dosage guidelines. Many studies administer around 200 milligrams of tongkat ali per day to participants. This is generally considered a safe amount to take.

Directions

• Infusion: Mix the powder with warm water for a traditional tonic.
• In Beverages: Add to smoothies, coffee, or tea.
• Serving: Add to oatmeal or yogurt.

Tip: Due to its bitter taste, it is recommended to add a natural sweetener such as honey.

Who Should Avoid Tongkat Ali Powder?

While Tongkat Ali is safe for most healthy adults, certain groups should avoid it entirely:

Definitely Avoid If You Have:

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding: No safety data exists for these populations
• Hormone-sensitive cancers: Particularly prostate or breast cancer
• Significant heart disease: Especially if you have arrhythmias or uncontrolled blood pressure
• Severe liver or kidney disease: Impaired organ function increases risk
• Autoimmune conditions: Tongkat Ali may affect immune function

Potential Side Effects of Tongkat Ali Powder

Common Side Effects

• Digestive Issues: Nausea, abdominal discomfort, or diarrhea can occur.
• Mood and Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia, restlessness, and irritability have been reported, possibly due to testosterone-boosting effects.
• Headaches: Some users experience headaches.

Serious and Potential Risks

Medication Interactions:

Tongkat Ali may interact with blood thinners, blood pressure medications, immunosuppressants, and drugs affecting hormone levels, increasing the risk of infection or other side effects.

Hormone-Sensitive Conditions:

Individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions should be cautious, as Tongkat Ali may boost testosterone levels.

Liver Injury:

A rare case of liver injury was reported in a user, highlighting the potential for harm from supplements.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is not recommended due to lack of safety data.

Important Considerations

Consult a Healthcare Provider:

Before using Tongkat Ali, discuss potential risks and interactions with your doctor, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking other medications.

Does Tongkat Ali Powder Work Immediately?

It takes 30-120 minutes before you can notice any changes after you first take Tongkat Ali, but to get a meaningful or measurable results from your bloodwork or athletic performannce, you may need to take it in longer duration of more than four weeks.

The truth is, Tongkat Ali takes time to be fully digested in your intestines before absorbing the bioactive ingredients into your bloodstream.

That means induce pharamacological changes to elevate your testosterone, hormonal changes, muscle growth, reduction in fat loss, changes in mood or even athletic performance requires daily consumption at the right doses.

Regardless format you choose, Tongkat Ali capsules, tablets, powder extract, coffee and effervescent deliver various response times.

Assuming you are taking pure standardized hot water Tongkat Ali extract that is 3rd party lab tested at 200mg to 400mg, you may experience noticeable improvements in energy, mostly felt or perceived as an energy boost that translates into improved stamina or strength within 30 minutes after consuming Tongkat Ali.

However, it may take as long as 2 hours if you are taking non-standardized extract or if it contains impurities and other adulterants.

According to pharmacists, taking Tongkat Ali powder extract in coffee or liquid form works faster than capsules due to faster absorption in the blood, which activates faster hormonal response from the adrenal and pituitary glands.

Fun Ways to Incorporate Tongkat Ali Powder into Your Routine

1、How To Use Tongkat Ali extract powder?

• Smoothies and Shakes

Adding a teaspoon of it to tea, coffee, Shakes or a smoothie as a daily energy drink to start your day. It can also be added to baked goods or as an ingredient for cocktails or mocktails.

• Tongkat Ali coffee

Mixing Tongkat Ali with coffee is one of the optimal ways to experience Tongkat Ali whilst enhancing the benefits of Tongkat Ali and caffeine.

This potent energy-enhancing combo is achieved by mixing pure extract powder with your brew of choice.

• Tongkat Ali chocolate cake

By making your own at home and combining this with pure Tongkat Ali extract powder, you could create a delicious homemade snack that offers a blend of diverse antioxidants along with Tongkat Ali’s bioactive compounds for enhanced energy, aphrodisiac qualities, as well as for better cardiovascular health.

2、How To Use Tongkat Ali Capsules?

Most dosage-optimized Tongkat Ali capsules contain between 400mg to 600mg depending on the size of the capsule (eg: size 0, 1, or even 2). Most size 0 capsules are easy to swallow with minimal fuss, and you may take it after or before meal, just pop a capsule and you’re done.

3、How To Use Tongkat Ali Slices?

If you had bought a raw slice of a Tongkat Ali root, the best way is to use 1 -2 slices and boil it in hot water before drinking the water.

Boiling raw Tongkat Ali root slices for 30 minutes or longer is viewed as the original method used by the indigenous, and for purists, it is the most traditional method of consuming Tongkat Ali.

This method works best if you can secure mature and freshly harvested Yellow Tongkat Ali roots that have been dried and prepared the right way.

Conclusion

Tongkat Ali powder stands as a testament to the remarkable healing potential of natural remedies. Its centuries-old legacy coupled with modern scientific research continues to shed light on its multifaceted benefits.

Whether you’re seeking to enhance your sexual health, boost athletic performance, or simply promote overall well-being, Tongkat Ali powder offers a natural solution worth exploring. As with any supplement, it’s essential to approach its use mindfully and in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle for optimal results.