Eurycomanone is a major quassinoid compound found in Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia). It is often regarded as being responsible for many Tongkat Ali benefits, such as increased testosterone and fertility.
In this article, we’ll go over the possible benefits of eurycomanone as well as the ideal dosage, possible side effects, and safety information.
Table of Contents
Eurycomanone Overveiw:
Eurycomanone is a quassinoid that’s found in Tongkat Ali, which is an herb native to southeast Asia.
In general, quassinoids are a group of molecular compounds found from plants in the Simaroubaceae family. They have been shown to provide many possible health benefits.
There are many other compounds in Tongkat Ali, but eurycomanone is thought to have the strongest effects on biological functions, such as hormonal health, fertility, and energy.
As such, most Tongkat Ali supplements are standardized to contain high levels of eurycomanone.
Click here to learn more about the best Tongkat Ali Supplements that are standardized for eurycomanone.
Eurycomanone Benefits:
Eurycomanone is generally well-researched and proven to offer a diverse array of biological activities.
In particular, eurycomanone is associated with the following benefits:
1. May Enhance Sexual Function
Various research studies, including clinical trials, have shown that eurycomanone benefits the body by improving testosterone production, fertility, and sexual function.
Researchers believe that one of the main mechanisms of action of eurycomanone is to inhibit aromatase, which in turn leads to a decrease in the conversion of testosterone to estrogen. This was shown in an in vitro study, which showed that eurycomanone had an inhibitory effect on aromatase. Researchers found that eurycomanone greatly increased testosterone production in rat leydig cells (the primary source of testosterone in males).
A clinical study on aging men with low testosterone also revealed that supplementing with Tongkat Ali (standardized to contain 0.8 to 1.5% eurycomanone) was effective for boosting free and total testosterone. This product also decreased aging male symptoms, such as fatigue and low libido.
In a clinical trial on adult men, researchers discovered that a Tongkat Ali supplement standardized for eurycomanone (0.8 to 1.5%) enhanced many aspects of sexual health, including erectile function, semen volume, sperm health, and libido.
There are also other clinical trials that show the positive effects of Tongkat Ali on testosterone and sexual function. These studies all contain tongkat ali standardized to contain roughly 1% to 1.5% eurycomanone just like the ones mentioned above.
Summary:
Clinical research indicates that eurycomanone may improve sexual function by increasing testosterone levels and reducing aging male symptoms.
2. May Improve Exercise Performance
There aren’t any studies that have specifically isolated eurycomanone for improved exercise performance. However, a few clinical studies have shown that Tongkat ali concentrated for eurycomanone has ergogenic effects.
A clinical study on active male and female seniors showed that supplementation with Tongkat Ali (standardized to 0.8 to 1.5% eurycomanone) notably increased strength and power, along with hormonal improvements.
In a clinical trial on rugby athletes, Tongkat Ali supplementation (0.8 to 1.5% eurycomanone) alongside resistance training improved muscle mass and strength.
However, a clinical trial on endurance athletes showed no significant differences between Tongkat Ali and placebo in terms of running capacity. This may be due to the lower doses used in the study (150mg daily).
Summary:
Clinical trials have found that tongkat ali concentrated for eurycomanone may be able to increase strength and power, however, human studies using isolated eurycomanone are required to confirm this finding.
3. May Have Anti-Cancer Effects
Interestingly, eurycomanone may also have anti-cancer effects, such as apoptosis (programmed cell death which is important for overall cellular balance).
In an in vitro study, eurycomanone induced apoptosis in cancerous liver cells, which suggests that it may be able to prevent cancer cell proliferation.
An in vitro study also found that eurycomanone decreased lung cancer cell proliferation and overall growth. Moreover, eurycomanone suppressed lung cancer cell tumor markers as well as various genes associated with cancer cell growth.
In an in vitro study on human cervical cancer cells, eurycomanone exerted anti-cancer effects mainly by increasing apoptosis. It was shown to be toxic to cancer cells yet much less toxic to normal cells. Additionally, eurycomanone increased levels of a tumor-suppressing protein.
Keep in mind, these are just pre-clinical trials. Much more research needs to be done before confirming that eurycomanone has anti-cancer effects.
Summary:
Lab-based studies indicate that eurycomanone may work to prevent cancer cell growth, but human research is required in order to verify this finding.
4. May Promote Weight Loss
A few studies indicated that eurycomanone may have anti-obesity effects, mainly by inhibiting adipogenesis (fat cell formation).
Researchers have discovered that eurycomanone acts on a number of enzymes, metabolic pathways, and other functions in order to promote fat loss.
For example, results from two in vitro and in vivo combination studies (found here and here) showed that eurycomanone (and other quassinoids) decreased fat, cholesterol, and triglyceride accumulation and also promoted lipolysis (fat breakdown). Additionally, the treatment reduced fat accumulation in the liver, improved glucose tolerance, and enhanced metabolism. Altogether, these effects were shown to inhibit weight gain and decrease fat mass.
In a clinical trial on college athletes, Tongkat Ali (standardized for 0.8 to 1.5% eurycomanone) promoted increased lipolysis. The researchers concluded that these effects may also have benefits for energy production due to the increased ability to use fat for fuel.
A clinical trial on college athletes also showed that Tongkat Ali (standardized for eurycomanone) enhanced lipolysis and helped the athletes favor fat metabolism over glucose metabolism for fuel. The researchers also noted that this may provide greater aerobic benefits by increasing the athletes’ ability to use fat for energy, and not merely glucose alone.
Summary:
Clinical trials show that eurycomanone and standardized tongkat ali may work to promote weight loss.
5. May Have Anti-Malarial Properties
Eurycomanone also may have anti-malarial actions, as evidenced by in vivo and in vitro studies.
In one in vitro study, eurycomanone was one of a few compounds in Tongkat Ali identified for its strong anti-malarial effects against Plasmodium falciparum (a parasite that causes malaria).
In another in vitro study, eurycomanone was just one of two compounds isolated from Tongkat Ali’s roots that showed potent antimalarial activity against P. falciparum.
These effects are echoed by another in vitro study which showed that eurycomanone was just one of two compounds in Tongkat Ali that had anti-malarial activity in rat plasma.
Summary:
In vitro research has found that eurycomanone may possess anti-malarial effects. Human studies are needed for confirmation of this finding.
Eurycomanone Safety:
In general, eurycomanone is generally safe to consume in the appropriate recommended doses. It is rarely taken as a standalone supplement and is typically consumed in a concentrated form in Tongkat Ali supplements (typically at a 0.8% to 1.5% concentration).
There is some concern about liver toxicity with eurycomanone, however, this is only at a dose greatly above the recommended guidelines.
Pregnant and nursing women as well as elderly individuals may do best to avoid eurycomanone as there simply isn’t enough data to guarantee safety for these individuals.
Click here to learn more about the safety of eurycomanone and Tongkat Ali.
Dosage:
The dosage of eurycomanone is dependent on the total Tongkat Ali dosage, since eurycomanone is hardly ever supplemented in true isolation.
Current guidelines show that 200 to 400mg per day of Tongkat Ali extract is best for most cases (and up to 1.2g per day is safe for most individuals).
When looking for a supplement to provide eurycomanone, the total dose of Tongkat Ali should be roughly 1% to 1.5% concentration of eurycomanone. This equates to 2mg to 6mg of eurycomanone per day.
Conclusion
Eurycomanone is one of the most beneficial bioactive compounds found in the roots of Tongkat Ali. The most well-researched effects of eurycomanone are its ability to enhance testosterone, fertility, and sexual function, Additionally, eurycomanone may also have anti-cancer, anti-obesity, and antimalarial effects.
The best way to supplement with eurycomanone is to take 200mg to 400mg of Tongkat Ali daily that is standardized to contain 1% to 1.5% eurycomanone. This dose limits the possible side effects and is able to deliver benefits observed in clinical studies.
Eeurycomanone is safe for most individuals to consume and likely has unique health benefits. However, always consult with your doctor or other healthcare practitioner before taking any supplement.
