Men – Should You Take Tongkat Ali?
Tongkat Ali is a herbal medicine derived from the Southeast Asian Eurycoma Longifolia shrub. It contains several potentially beneficial compounds and is used to treat a variety of ailments, including fevers, erectile dysfunction, and bacterial infections.
Boosting Low Testosterone
Tongkat Ali’s potential to increase testosterone in men with low levels of this primary sex hormone is well known and well documented.
Low testosterone can result from aging, chemotherapy, radiation treatments, some medications, injury or infection of the testicles, and certain diseases, such as chronic alcoholism and obstructive sleep apnea.
Effects of inadequate testosterone levels include low libido, erectile dysfunction, and in some cases, infertility. Since compounds in Tongkat Ali may boost low testosterone, it could treat these issues.
What’re more, studies show that taking Tongkat Ali stimulates sexual arousal and may improve erectile dysfunction in men.
A one month study in 76 older men with low testosterone found that taking 200 mg of Tongkat Ali extract per day significantly increased levels of this hormone to normal values in over 90% of participants.
Boosting Male Fertility
Finally, Tongkat Ali may improve sperm motility and concentration, boosting male fertility.
One study in 75 male partners of couples with infertility found that taking 200mg of Tongkat Ali extract per day significantly improved sperm concentration and motility after 3 months. The treatment helped over 14% of couples become pregnant.
Similarly, a 12-week study in 108 men ages 30–55 observed that taking 300 mg of Tongkat Ali extract daily increased sperm volume and motility by an average of 18% and 44%, respectively.
According to these studies, Tongkat Ali effectively treats low testosterone and infertility in some men.
Lowering Stress & Anxiety
Tongkat Ali may lower stress hormones in your body, decrease anxiety, and improve mood. A 1999 study first identified the possible role of this remedy in treating mood issues and found that Tongkat Ali extract was comparable to a common anti-anxiety medication in reducing symptoms of anxiety in mice
A one month study in 63 adults with moderate stress found that supplementing with 200 mg of Tongkat Ali extract per day reduced levels of the stress hormone cortisol in saliva by 16%, compared to those who received a placebo.
Participants also reported significantly less stress, anger, and tension after taking Tongkat Ali.
Boost Energy
Tongkat Ali is often claimed to boost athletic performance and increase muscle mass.
This is because it contains compounds called quassinoids, including eurycomaoside, eurycolactone, and eurycomanone, which may help your body use energy more efficiently, reduce fatigue, and improve endurance.
In other words, the supplement may act as an ergogenic aid, which is a substance that can enhance physical performance and improve body composition.
To conclude, Tongkat Ali is a herbal supplement suggested to improve low testosterone, male fertility, anxiety, athletic performance, and muscle mass. If you’re interested in taking Tongkat Ali, consult your healthcare provider to ensure proper safety.