Tongkat Ali
Learn more about Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma Longifolia). We share all the things you need to know about Tongkat Ali.
About Tongkat Ali
OVERVIEW
Tongkat Ali or Akar Ali (pronounced as Akarali in Malay language) is a herbal medicinal plant that grows mainly in Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo, Indonesia and in small patches in remote regions of Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos.
Tongkat Ali contains medicinal properties and is classified as a phytoandrogen plant due to its pharmacological effects on health.
Tongkat Ali is documented in the Malaysian Herbal Monograph in 2015 published by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) of Malaysia.
Tongkat Ali plants are harvested in the wild rainforests by indigenous people (i.e Orang Asli), where the Tongkat Ali roots (i.e Akar Ali) are cut into smaller pieces for extraction.
Harvesting is done every three to five years to obtain mature roots that are ideal for extraction. Most Tongkat Ali harvesting in Malaysia does not cause deforestation, thus minimizing damage to the natural ecosystem.
SCIENTIFIC NAME
The botanical (scientific name) of Tongkat Ali is Eurycoma Longifolia, which is formed from Greek and Latin words.
In Greek, the word “eurys” originally means broad while “come” means a tufted bush, which describes the plant’s physical attributes. The word Eurycoma refers to the growth habit of its compound leaves that spirals out at the tip of its slender trunk in a large dense rosette.
In Latin, “Longus” means long and Folia refers to the leaves, so the word Longifolia describes the compound leaflets that are often long and slender.
Tongkat Ali is also known by other names such as ‘Pasak Bumi’ in Indonesia, Cay Ba Binh in Vietnam, Pin Yin: 东革阿里 or Dōng gé ālǐ in China, ‘Longjack’ in the United States or Europe and ‘Malaysian Ginseng’ or `Akar Ali’ by locals.
HISTORY
Tongkat Ali, or Akar Ali means Ali’s root in the Malay language. It has a strong history dating back to the 1600s before the rise of the British Empire in the 1800s.
Tongkat Ali was first discovered in Malaysia by William Jack, a Scottish botanist and surgeon in 1822.
In his book titled “Descriptions of Malayan Plants” (1820-1822) in the Malayan Miscellanies, Tongkat Ali was used by Malaysians to treat diseases and illnesses.
Subsequently, a journal on William Jack’s findings on Tongkat Ali was published by Harvard University in 1952.
The first commercialization of Tongkat Ali took place by MIT scientists and the Malaysian Government in early 2000. This historic change marked a new milestone and changed the industry landscape, with increasing clinical trials and quality standards.
At the present time, Malaysian Tongkat Ali is highly sought after due to its quality standards.
Eurycoma longifolia or Long Jack was first discovered in Malaysia as described by explorer William Jack circa 1800s.
The original description of the Tongkat Ali species known as Eurycoma Longifolia was published in the Malayan Miscellanies, Volume 2, in 1822 . The original publication was reprinted in book titled the Description of Malayan Plants, I – III, Bencoolen 1820 – 1822, by Boerhaave Press, Leiden, in 1977.
TRADITIONAL APPLICATION
Tongkat Ali, or Akar Ali is used as a traditional herbal medicine for centuries by the indigenous (also known as Orang Asli) in Malaysia.
The traditional approach of drinking boiled freshly-cut roots is widely practiced and used as an aphrodisiac, antibiotic, appetite stimulant and to promote general well-being.
Tongkat Ali’s bark is mostly used as a vermifuge, while the taproots are used to treat high blood pressure, diarrhea, wounds, dysentery, and fever. Meanwhile, the leaves are used for washing itches, while its fruits are still used in curing dysentery by indigenous people.
Tongkat Ali has been a central part of jamu, an ancient Malay medicinal practice and remedy, drawing similar traditional culture from Indonesia.
Tongkat Ali is categorized as traditional medicine by the Ministry of Health Malaysia. Its approved use is regulated by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA).
There are many other health authorities around the world that approves the use of Tongkat Ali. The Health Singapore Authorities (HSA) also regards Tongkat Ali as a traditional medicine that is generally safe, without the need to register the product in Singapore.
BIOACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Tongkat Ali contains unique bioactive compounds (ingredients), some of which do not exist in any other herbs. This unique bioactive content is widely researched by scientists as it contains medicinal properties.
Here are the key bioactive compounds found in Tongkat Ali:
- eurycomanone
- eurycolactone
- eurycomalactone
- quassinoids
- β-carboline alkaloids
- canthin-6-one alkaloids
- triterpene tirucallane
- squalene derivatives
- laurycolactone
- biphenyl neolignan
- glycosaponin
- polysaccharide
Each Tongkat Ali root is unique, thus giving varying degree of bioactive ingredients. Standardized extract protocols enables maximum bioactive extraction from Tongkat Ali roots.
In general, the best Tongkat Ali extract with the highest bioactive ingredients contain the following specifications:
- 1.5%-3% Eurycomanone
- 20% – 22% Eurypeptides
- 40% – 48% Total Glycosaponin
- 20% – 22% Total Protein
- 25% – 30% Total Polysaccharides
Tongkat Ali roots contain the highest level of bioactive compounds. Download a comprehensive literature review of Tongkat Ali to understand more.
INTENDED USE
Tongkat Ali is used as a daily supplement to revitalize health. Specific use include but not limited to supporting healthy testosterone for a person with low androgen levels, as a sports supplement to boost energy, stamina and anaerobic performance, as a daily supplement to maintain a healthy immune system, and as a libido supplement to increase sexual desire and manage early ED-symptoms.
Tongkat Ali usage is backed by more than 300 scientific studies including randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials on humans and various toxicity tests to ensure quality and safety.
However, Tongkat Ali should not be viewed or used as a medicinal drug to treat or cure any illnesses or diseases.
USAGE INSTRUCTION
There are no specific instructions on how to use Tongkat Ali. Tongkat Ali can be used in various forms; i.e capsules, powder extract, tablets, effervescent, and in liquid form found in energy drinks.
Tongkat Ali can be used throughout the day, i.e early morning (after breakfast) and in the evenings.
Tongkat Ali may also be used short-term and long-term with weekly or monthly cycling.
DOSAGE
As reported on Healthline and Examine.com, 200 mg to 400 mg daily consumption of Tongkat Ali is reported as safe.
Most Tongkat Ali studies investigating it’s health benefits are clinically tested based on a daily dose between 200 mg to 400 mg.
BENEFITS
There are more than 12 potential benefits of Tongkat Ali based on 300 research studies, clinical trials, and meta-analyses since early 2000.
For Men’s Libido & Fertility
- As a supplement to manage early ED-related symptoms, men’s fertility, i.e more sperm concentration, motility and morphology
For Testosterone
- As a supplement to restore and promote a heathy testosterone level for men and women across various demographics and those diagnosed with low testosterone known as hypogonadism.
For Sports & Strength
- Used as a sports supplement to accelerate lean muscle mass, promote weight loss, and to improve stamina and anerobic performance
For Immune System
- Supplement for general well-being and building a stronger immune system againstt virus and bacteria attacks.
RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT
With more than 300 publications, studies and clinical trials to date, Tongkat Ali has undergone massive transformation and acceptance in the last two decades.
Research and development of Tongkat Ali have produced quality extracts that deliver higher gains. Hot water root extract technology using a standardized extract method are generally preferred and performs better than ethanol-based Tongkat Ali extract.
CLINICAL TRIALS
Tongkat Ali clinical trials on humans are ongoing activities, with new randomized placebo-controlled tests being published each year to validate its efficacy and pharmacological effects on health.
To date, there are at least 26 Tongkat Ali clinical trials on men and women. This makes clinically tested Tongkat Ali a better choice than lab-tested Tongkat Ali.
STANDARDS
Tongkat Ali standardized extract enables higher bioactive compounds from Tongkat Ali to extract while minimizing molecular degradation that can impact its overall efficacy and potency.
Most high-quality Tongkat Ali extracts adhere to Tongkat Ali standards known as the Malaysian Standard MS2409.
According to the Malaysian Standard MS2409, the best Tongkat Ali standardized extract must contain eurycomanone content between 0.8% – 1.5%, polysaccharides above 30%, protein above 20% and glycosaponin above 40%.
Standardized hot water extract is reported to the best Tongkat Ali extraction method. This ensures high bioactive ingredients and is safe to be used in high dosages.
In comparison to other generic or ethanol-based Tongkat Ali extract, hot water extract delivers higher potency.
The best Tongkat Ali extract in the world is Physta®, which is formulated by MIT in 2003, and backed by 26 clinical tests on both men and women.
MODERN APPLICATIONS
Malaysian Tongkat Ali is one of the most versatile herbs that is found in nutritional dietary supplements and used as food and performance ingredients in pre-workout drinks.
Food Ingredient
Tongkat Ali is used as a functional food ingredient in coffee or tea for decades. Learn more about homemade recipes vs. pre-mixed Tongkat Ali coffees.
Performance Ingredient
Tongkat Ali is a key performance ingredient in pre-workout drinks or supplements used by fitness professionals and sports amateurs to deliver a competitive edge.
Dietary Supplement
Tongkat Ali is widely consumed as a dietary supplement by both men and women to revitalize health. Dietary supplements are available mainly in capsule form.
Yellow, Black and Red Tongkat Ali.
TYPES OF TONGKAT ALI
There are three types of Tongkat Ali sold in the market today; Yellow Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma Longifolia), Black Tongkat Ali (Polyalthia Bullata) and Red Tongkat Ali (Stema Tuberosa) .
Find out the differences, benefits and risks between various Tongkat Ali roots.
The Tree That Cures Hundred Diseases
Tongkat Ali was once known as “the tree that cures a hundred diseases” due to its wide range of medicinal properties, which include antimalarial effects; and used widely to treat migraine, fevers, and even arthritis too.
These beliefs and venerated traditions that transcend through time are sending waves to the modern medicinal drugs community.
A BELIEF THAT TRANSCENDS THROUGH TIME
MIT and Malaysian scientists made scientific breakthroughs on Tongkat Ali as early as 2003, which propelled more research studies and clinical trials in the last two decades.
Learn more about the past, the present, and the future of Tongkat Ali.
TONGKAT ALI & THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
The endocrine system is regarded as one the key systems that control our reproductive system, immune system, nervous system, and many other functions.
Learn how Tongkat Ali affects key hormones in your endocrine system.
Tongkat Ali in 120 seconds.
You can learn more about Tongkat Ali and its potential health benefits by watching this video.
Tongkat Ali Quick Guide
Learn more facts about Tongkat Ali from scientific evidence. Our information is sourced from trusted sources, reviewed and fact-checked by our experts.
Tongkat Ali Benefits
There are twelve scientifically-backed health benefits of Tongkat Ali from decades of clinical trials and research studies. Get more insights and learn how Tongkat Ali can promote better healthy living.
Medical Views on Tongkat Ali
Tongkat Ali receives attention from global neurobiologists, urologists, psychonutrionists, andrologists and herbal experts. Gain more insights from experts’ views and opinions on Tongkat Ali.
Tongkat Ali Dosage Guide
Find out how much Tongkat Ali should you take daily and what is the maximum limit you can take. Depending on your age and health objectives, our dosage guide will assist you in optimizing your gains and desired benefits.
How does Tongkat Ali Work?
Tongkat Ali works through its hormone-inducing action by releasing free testosterone from Luteinising Hormone (LH). This works the same for both men and women. Learn more about how Tongkat Ali functions in your body.
Tongkat Ali Extract
Standardized hot-water extraction technology enables the best bio-active ingredients to be extracted from Tongkat Ali roots. Fine quality Tongkat Ali extract delivers higher gains to achieve optimal health benefits.
Tongkat Ali FAQ
Access our comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and find out the best answers to your specific questions. Seek more clarity in our latest compilation of fact-based evidence and save hours of searching for credible answers.
Tongkat Ali Brands
Forget about Amazon reviews. Find the best Tongkat Ali brands in each country and compare prices with ease. There are a handful of reputable Tongkat Ali brands that you can trust. Shop with confidence.
Tongkat Ali Shops
With 5,000 Tongkat Ali products to choose from, there are few places you can find reputable and trustworthy Tongkat Ali stores. Find out hidden gems in top stores to help you find the best Tongkat Ali products.
Rare & Finest Quality
Quality Tongkat Ali is produced from handpicked roots from deep Malaysian rainforests, and lab tested to be from human contamination and pollutants.
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