The Tongkat Ali is a plant known to improve men’s fertility and health.
In the world of science it’s known as Eurycoma longifolia – a tall, slender shrub that grows up to 10 meters tall and is a native to many Southeast Asia countries.
Literally translated as ‘Ali’s walking stick’, it is mostly consumed as a drink or in the form of pills.
They contain an extract of the herb and is often believed to be a natural solution for those who have low libido, experiencing erectile dysfunction and infertility.
You may be wondering by now how does this plant really work, and what another benefit it might have that could help you. Well, do not fret, that is why we are here!
So, let’s not waste any more time and get the right to find out its uses and effects.
Health Benefits of Tongkat Ali
If you’re still asking yourself what is tongkat ali, here are a few health benefits explained to you in detail.
Even though most of the health benefits are not yet well researched, however, we already know Tongkat ali helps with boosting male fertility along with an increase in muscle mass as well as improves moods.
1. Boosting Male Fertility
There are many reasons for having low testosterone, it can be from chemotherapy, radiation treatments, aging, diseases like obstructive sleep apnea and chronic alcoholism, infection or injury of the testicles, and some medications.
It has been well researched and documented that compounds present in the plant can boost the primary sex hormone and treat these issues.
Studies done on both humans and animals showed signs of sexual arousal and improvement in erectile dysfunction by taking Tongkat Ali. It helps to improve sperm concentration and motility.
One research shows that over 70 male partners who had infertility, taking 200mg of Tongkat Ali extract every day improved their sperm motility and concentration within 3 months. The treatment helped to get some of the couples pregnant as well!
These studies show that Tongkat Ali treats infertility, low testosterone, and sperm concentration in men.
2. Helps to Build Muscle Mass
Tongkat Ali contains compounds such as eurycomanone, Eurycoma side, quassinoids, and euro lactone. These compounds can help you to reduce fatigue, improve endurance, and help your body use its energy more deftly.
To be more specific, it acts as an ergogenic aid, that helps to improve body composition and enhance its physical performance.
A short one month study where 14 participants took 100mg of Tongkat Ali extract was put to a strength training program. Those who took the extract every day showed a greater increase in lean body mass than those who were given a placebo.
Not only that, but another study of 25 active adults taking 400mg of Tongkat Ali also extracts per day increased their muscular strength significantly as well.
There are studies that also showed the extract did nothing to improve performance or strength.
3. Helps to Relieve Stress
Research done on mice during the late 90s helped to identify that Tongkat Ali extracts helped to reduce anxiety. Even though research on humans is limited, it has shown similar effects too.
Tongkat ali may help to lower stress hormones in your body, improve mood and decrease anxiety.
Another 1-month research done on 60 adults, with average stress levels, shows taking 200mg of the plant’s extract per day reduced their stress hormone levels by over 15%.
Participants exhibited less anger, stress, and tension after taking Tongkat Ali compared to those who were given a placebo. Even though these results show promise, it’s clear more research in humans is needed.
If you’re looking for a way to relieve stress, consult with your doctor first before trying Tongkat Ali.
4. Helps to Fight Inflammation
There are antioxidant and antibacterial properties present in Tongkat Ali that can help to reduce inflammation. However, that doesn’t mean you should take it without consulting your doctor first.
Tongkat Ali may help to reduce inflammation, but if you are experiencing inflammation anywhere on your body, it is advised to consult your doctor and get treated accordingly.
What Are the Side Effects?
One study showed taking 200mg of tongkat ali extract every day was just as safe as taking a placebo. Other studies show that taking up to 1.2 grams of the extract every day is perfectly safe for adults, but the amount has not yet been researched thoroughly.
There are no long-term studies that make it clear as to how safe the supplement actually is over longer periods of use. One study found that 100mg of supplements had over 20% higher levels of mercury content than the recommended limit.
We’re all aware that too much of this metal in our body can cause mercury poisoning.lt usually starts with memory problems, mood changes, and motor skills.
Although the few studies that have been done show no side effects, there are still some doubts present.
Should You Take Tongkat Ali?
Currently, only a few short-term studies and research are done showing that taking 400mg per day appeared to have no side effects at all. It’s still not clear how beneficial and safe it is if taken over longer periods of time.
If you are still interested in taking this supplement, we recommend you consult with your doctor first before trying it out.
Also, keep in mind that the supplements have mercury in them so try to buy only from reputable brands. It’s possible they might not be regulated properly. Make sure before buying that they are tested by a third party.
Finally, pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding should not take Tongkat ali. Since there is no research done in this area yet, it’s unwise to take medications without consulting your doctor first.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, we’d like to say that even though research is very limited, Tongkat ali has helped to improve body composition and reduce anxiety.
There are cases where people with low testosterone have shown great improvement as well. We hope our article helps you to understand Tongkat Ali better and should you ever decide to take it, always consult with a doctor first.
It’s better to be safe than sorry!