Tongkat AliNew

Reviewed Sep 26, 2026

Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) is a Malaysian root traditionally used for energy, libido and "anti-aging." The human evidence is best described as moderate and centered on hormonal and stress endpoints. A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials found that standardized extract significantly raised serum total testosterone versus control (standardized mean difference 1.35, 95% CI 0.57–2.14), with the clearest signal in men with low baseline testosterone (Leisegang et al., Medicina, 2022). A 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicentre trial in 105 men aged 50–70 with low testosterone reported that a standardized water extract (Physta) at 200 mg/day significantly increased total testosterone from week 4, lowered cortisol, reduced Aging Male Symptoms and Fatigue Severity scores, and improved muscle strength, with no clinically relevant changes on blood, liver or kidney safety panels (Chinnappan & George et al., Food & Nutrition Research, 2021). In a 4-week randomized placebo-controlled trial of 63 moderately stressed adults, a standardized hot-water root extract improved the salivary stress-hormone profile — testosterone status rose about 37% and cortisol exposure fell about 16% — alongside modest reductions in tension (−11%), anger (−12%) and confusion (−15%) (Talbott et al., J Int Soc Sports Nutr, 2013). Findings are less consistent in younger, already-healthy or athletic groups: a 2-week trial in healthy young men showed dose-related rises in testosterone and free testosterone (Chan et al., Andrologia, 2021), whereas a 7-day trial in trained rugby players found no effect on hormones, performance or muscle-damage markers. Recent work is largely preclinical — a 2024 study reported enhanced sleep–wake consolidation in mice — and a 2025 case report described a probable Tongkat Ali–associated atrial flutter in an older man, a reminder that supplement quality varies and that cardiovascular and other effects are not fully characterized. Benefits depend heavily on using a properly standardized extract (for example eurycomanone-standardized or LJ100/Physta) at studied doses. Tongkat Ali is a dietary supplement, not a treatment for any condition; it is not advised in pregnancy, in hormone-sensitive cancers, or with significant heart conditions, and it should be used under physician guidance — particularly alongside hormonal therapy or cardiovascular medication. This is educational information, not medical advice — discuss supplementation with your physician.