Tongkat Ali is a widely-used herb particularly for testosterone and sexual function. Traditionally, it was used for sexual dysfunction, energy, diarrhea, fevers, and several other conditions.
The most popular use of Tongkat Ali today is to enhance testosterone and libido. This article will outline key studies showing the benefits of Tongkat Ali for testosterone, how it works, and what the optimal dosage is.
Table of Contents
Tongkat Ali Overview:
Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) is a tall, slim, shrubby tree native to various Southeast Asian countries, such as Malaysia and Indonesia.
The roots of Tongkat Ali are the most frequently used component, due to their high concentration of bioactive compounds, such as:
- Quassinoids
- Alkaloids
- Triterpenes
- Bioactive steroids
The quassinoids (e.g. eurycomanone, eurycolactone, eurycomaoside) are thought to be responsible for most of Tongkat Ali’s health benefits, including increased testosterone.
You can learn more about Tongkat Ali’s most researched quassinoid here.
Benefits of Tongkat Ali for Testosterone:
Several clinical research studies indicate the benefits of Tongkat Ali for testosterone. Overall, Tongkat Ali may increase total testosterone and free testosterone, which is particularly important given that free testosterone is the most bioactive and potent form of testosterone.
One clinical trial on 76 men with low testosterone found that supplementation with 200mg of Tongkat Ali for one month led to an average 47% increase in total testosterone levels. Before the study, only 10% of men had no complaints and 35% had normal testosterone. But after the study, nearly 72% of men had no complaints and 91% had normal testosterone levels.
In another clinical study with men aged 50-70 with low testosterone, researchers gave men either 100 or 200mg of Tongkat Ali daily for 12 weeks. They found that both groups experienced an increase in total testosterone levels, however this occurred faster and to a greater extent in the men that took 200mg of Tongkat Ali. Furthermore, both groups experienced within-group increases in free testosterone, as well as significant reductions in aging male symptoms and fatigue. Lastly, the men who took 200mg also experienced significantly lower cortisol levels.
A clinical trial on 32 young men showed that those who took 600mg daily of Tongkat Ali for two weeks had a notable boost in total and free testosterone levels compared to the placebo group. Specifically, total testosterone increased by 15% and free testosterone increased by 34%.
One clinical study on 45 men with testosterone deficiency found that supplementing with 200mg of Tongkat Ali daily for six months led to marked increases in total testosterone and reduced androgen deficiency symptoms compared to the control group. The effects were even greater when paired with exercise, but Tongkat Ali alone was enough to significantly boost testosterone levels.
A clinical trial on 25 physically active older men and women (aged 57 to 72) showed that supplementation with 400mg of Tongkat Ali for five weeks led to highly noticeable increases in total and free testosterone levels in both the men and women. In the men, total and free testosterone levels increased by an average of 15 and 61%, respectively. In the women, total and free testosterone levels improved by an average of 49 and 122%, respectively. This is important because most studies with Tongkat Ali are typically done on men only, so this trial indicates that there may be several benefits of Tongkat Ali for women.
Summary:
Clinical research indicates that Tongkat Ali may work to increase testosterone levels in both men and women.
How Does Tongkat Ali Boost Testosterone?
Tongkat Ali benefits testosterone production similar to herbs such as cistanche, Fadogia agrestis, and ashwagandha. Tongkat Ali increases testosterone via a few different mechanisms.
First, this herb increases testosterone production in the testicular leydig cells. Second, Tongkat Ali also inhibits the aromatase enzyme, an action that slows down the amount of testosterone converted into estrogen. Third, compounds in Tongkat Ai inhibit sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG), which in turn leads to more freely circulating testosterone in the body.
Overall, these testosterone-boosting effects are mainly attributed to eurycomanone and the other quassinoid compounds in Tongkat Ali.
Mechanism of Action:
Tongkat Ali is thought to increase testosterone levels by increasing testosterone production, slowing the conversion of testosterone to estrogen, and improving the circulation of testosterone in the body.
How Long Does it Take for Tongkat Ali to Boost Testosterone?
Clinical research indicates that Tongkat Ali may start to increase testosterone levels in as little as one to two weeks. With that said, most of the research points to the idea that one should supplement with Tongkat Ali for at least four weeks to see the best results.
Also, to get the most effective results, one should take Tongkat Ali at a dose of 200 to 400mg daily. Ideally, choose a supplement that is standardized for eurycomanone as this is the most potent compound in Tongkat Ali.
It’s important to select a high-quality Tongkat Ali supplement that will work for you; Click here to read about the best Tongkat Ali Supplements.
Lastly, keep in mind that individual results may vary, both in terms of how long it takes to see results and the degree of the effects.
Summary:
Daily supplementation of 200mg to 400mg of Tongkat Ali is thought to begin working within one to four weeks.
Tongkat Ali vs. Other Herbs:
Tongkat Ali is often compared with many other different types of herbs. We have put together a few helpful articles going over common comparisons.
• Tongkat Ali vs. Ashwagandha: Similarities & Differences Explained
• Tongkat Ali vs. Cistanche: Similarities & Differences Explained
• Tongkat Ali vs. Fadogia agrestis: Similarities & Differences Explained
• Tongkat Ali vs. Maca: Similarities & Differences Explained
Read More:
Below, we’ve compiled several articles that go over additional information regarding the herb Tongkat Ali.
• 5 Benefits of Eurycomanone: Dosage & Safety
• 6 Benefits of Tongkat Ali: Dosage & Safety
• 3 Benefits of Tongkat Ali for Women
• Tongkat Ali Safety: Side Effects & Interactions
Conclusion:
Tongkat Ali is a well-researched herb for increasing testosterone. In fact, several clinical trials show that Tongkat Ali is highly effective for boosting total and free testosterone levels. This is due mainly to eurycomanone and other quassinoids in Tongkat Ali, which enhance testosterone synthesis and increase freely bioavailable testosterone.
Furthermore, these effects occur not only in aging males with lower testosterone, but also young, healthy men and even women, which shows that it can be used in many different individuals who want to enhance testosterone production.
If one wants to supplement with Tongkat Ali for testosterone, taking 200 to 400mg per day of a standardized eurycomanone Tongkat Ali supplement for at least two weeks seems effective. As always, consult your doctor before taking any dietary supplement.
