Eurycoma Longifolia Jack Powder
Also known as: Tongkat Ali, Malaysian ginseng, Longjack, Eurycoma longifolia Jack
Overview
Eurycoma longifolia Jack, commonly known as Tongkat Ali, is a medicinal plant native to Southeast Asia. Its root extract is widely used as a herbal supplement, traditionally valued for enhancing male sexual health and vitality. It is primarily recognized for its potential to boost testosterone levels, improve sexual function, and enhance physical performance. While traditional use is extensive, modern research, including randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews, is increasingly providing evidence for these effects. The supplement is often consumed in powdered root extract form and is categorized as an adaptogen and aphrodisiac.
Benefits
Eurycoma longifolia shows promising evidence for several benefits, particularly in men. A systematic review and meta-analysis of nine RCTs indicated a significant increase in serum total testosterone levels in both healthy individuals and those with hypogonadism (SMD = 1.352, 95% CI 0.565 to 2.138, p = 0.001). This suggests a robust effect on testosterone. Some systematic reviews also point to improvements in erectile function, though the evidence for this benefit is less conclusive and requires further high-quality research. Additionally, one randomized controlled trial reported that 100 mg daily of E. longifolia extract, when combined with exercise, led to increased muscle mass and strength over five weeks compared to exercise alone. Other reported effects, such as antibacterial and antiarrhythmic properties, have been observed in preliminary in vitro studies and small clinical contexts, but these require substantial further validation before being considered established benefits.
How it works
Eurycoma longifolia is believed to exert its effects primarily by influencing testosterone production and availability. It is thought to stimulate Leydig cells in the testes, which are responsible for testosterone synthesis, and to modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, a key regulatory system for hormone production. The plant may also reduce the levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), a protein that binds to testosterone, thereby increasing the amount of free, biologically active testosterone in the body. Its bioactive compounds, including quassinoids, eurycomanone, and various alkaloids, are thought to interact with steroidogenesis pathways. The oral bioavailability of these compounds can vary depending on the extraction method, with water and alcohol extracts being common forms.
Side effects
Eurycoma longifolia is generally considered safe when consumed within the dosages used in clinical trials. Mild and infrequent side effects have been reported, but no serious adverse events have been identified in meta-analyses. However, long-term safety data and comprehensive contraindications are still limited. Caution is advised for individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions due to its potential impact on testosterone levels. There is a potential for drug interactions; for instance, it may reduce the absorption of certain medications like propranolol. Due to the limited long-term safety data, individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or those taking other medications should consult a healthcare professional before use. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also avoid its use due to insufficient safety information.
Dosage
Effective dosages of Eurycoma longifolia in randomized controlled trials typically range from 100 mg to 400 mg daily of standardized extract. Some protocols suggest higher doses, such as 400–800 mg daily, often divided into multiple doses. Cycling regimens, like 5 days on and 2 days off, are sometimes employed for up to 8 weeks. For acute effects, such as enhancing exercise performance or sexual activity, it is often recommended to take the supplement approximately one hour beforehand. The consistency and efficacy of the supplement are highly dependent on the standardization of the extract, particularly its eurycomanone content. It is crucial to adhere to product-specific recommendations and consult with a healthcare professional for personalized dosage advice, especially given the variability in extract potency.
FAQs
Is Eurycoma longifolia safe for long-term use?
Limited data suggest short-term use is safe, but long-term safety has not been well established. More research is needed to confirm its safety profile over extended periods.
How soon can I expect to see effects from Eurycoma longifolia?
Increases in testosterone levels have been observed within a few weeks in clinical trials, though individual responses may vary based on dosage and personal physiology.
Does Eurycoma longifolia work for all men?
While benefits are more pronounced in men with hypogonadism (low testosterone), positive effects have also been observed in healthy volunteers, indicating a broader applicability.
Can Eurycoma longifolia replace medical testosterone therapy?
No, Eurycoma longifolia is not currently recommended as a substitute for prescribed medical testosterone replacement therapy. It should be used as a supplement, not a treatment.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36013514/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis, published in Medicina in 2022, analyzed 9 RCTs (5 included in meta-analysis) and found that Eurycoma longifolia supplementation significantly increased serum total testosterone in men (SMD = 1.352, p = 0.001). The study included both healthy and hypogonadal men, highlighting its broad potential, but noted heterogeneity in extract types and moderate sample sizes as limitations.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9415500/ – This article provides further details on the systematic review and meta-analysis mentioned above, confirming the significant increase in testosterone levels. It underscores the importance of standardized extracts for consistent results and emphasizes the need for more research to address the observed heterogeneity and optimize dosing strategies.
- https://magistralbr.caldic.com/storage/product-files/445511096.pdf – This document references an RCT by Hamzah & Yusof (2003) which reported that 100 mg daily of Eurycoma longifolia extract, when combined with exercise over five weeks, led to increased muscle mass and strength compared to exercise alone. While the sample size was adequate, it is a single study, limiting the generalizability of these findings.
- https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/An-Evidence-Based-Systematic-Review-of-Tongkat-Ali-Ulbricht-Conquer/efce2ca8125997cfee4f5e440538d0bc5993d2b6 – This systematic review on erectile function improvement indicated potential benefits of Eurycoma longifolia, but it also highlighted the need for more high-quality randomized controlled trials to definitively confirm these effects. The review suggests that while promising, the evidence for erectile function is less robust than for testosterone enhancement.