Candida medications such as nystatin, clotrimazole, fluconazole, itraconazole, and Ketoconazole are deemed effective against candida, but rising concerns of drug-resistance candida albicans have prompted users to choose herbal remedies in recent years.
Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma Longifolia) is amongst herbal supplements with strong anti-fungal properties that may reduce symptoms associated with candidiasis or candidemia by preventing candida infection.
But does Tongkat Ali work as a candida killer and should you buy one?
This article deep-dive into the potential use of Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma Longifolia) as a candida supplement and the effectiveness of its anti-fungal properties to reduce the growth of candida. We shall investigate whether Tongkat Ali can be used to prevent candidiasis, or candidemia (i.e candida bloodstream infection).
Candida killer drugs such as echinocandins may be effective against candidiasis and candidemia, but the side effects such as rashes, gastrointestinal issues, fever, abnormal liver function, and haemolysis may deter you from using it as a long-term solution.
Other candida medications such as nystatin, clotrimazole, fluconazole, itraconazole, and Ketoconazole are reported to be less effective against drug-resistant candida albicans. The study published in the Journal of Infection and Public Health in 2021 showed the failure of several drugs against candida albicans have led to economic burden and death.
Natural herbs such as Tongkat Ali have attracted scientists and researchers for decades due to its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties; more prominently against yeast infection by suppressing growth such as candida, and promoting good bacteria such as lactobacillus. Our research found at least 17 credible research studies on Tongkat Ali out of 120+ studies on antifungal, microbial and anti-bacterial properties.
Whilst both candida killer anti-fungal drugs and candida supplements have its pros and cons, weighing both options should be carefully considered and consulted by healthcare professionals.
According to Centres of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), candidiasis is a yeast infection caused by a type of fungus known as Candida. The most common type is Candida albicans, which may live or infest on skin and inside the body – typically in the mouth, throat, gut, and vagina.
When candida enters the bloodstream, it is considered invasive. This chronic candida medical condition is known as candidemia (i.e candida bloodstream infection) which may cause hospitalization and death.
Whilst candida albicans is common, the emergence of a new type of candida transmission by candida auris is deemed a serious global health threat in the US, UK and Europe, with rising cases from 44% in 2019 to 95% in 2021. Research showed candida auris is more drug-resistant (especially with echinocandins therapy) than candida albicans which may require candida supplementation to prevent overgrowth of candida in the long term.
As early detection of candida through bloodwork analysis and supplementation may prevent widespread transmission, users, and patients are taking preventive measures by avoiding antibiotics that may cause further growth of candida, especially in women who are diagnosed with vaginal candidiasis.
Natural candida supplements are viewed as an alternative remedies and candida killers such as Tongkat Ali exhibit strong microbial, anti-fungal and anti-bacteria properties which may work to reduce candida growth when taken at the recommended dosage.
Most candida infections can live in the human body without causing problems in the short term but may disrupt your overall hormonal balance in the longer term, causing other hosts of hormonal-related issues.
According to wellness expert Dr. Shel from Texas, studies showed that candida produces 79 different toxins that can cause hormonal imbalance with moderate symptoms such as skin rashes, athlete’s foot, toenail fungus, fatigue, digestive issues, brain fog, anxiety, vaginal and urinary tract infections.
Bloodwork analysis will reveal more in-depth issues that are associated with candida, and this is key to achieve optimal health.
The worst part about candida is that it produces waste that may mimic your hormones, which tricks the body into thinking it has produced adequate levels, and causes your body to reduce the production less hormones. The leads to other diseases or hormonal imbalances if it’s not treated.
Our research revealed that Tongkat Ali may produce a holistic positive effect to restore the hormonal balance in your endocrine system along with its antimicrobial and anti-fungal activities to help prevent candida growth in your gut and treat symptoms associated with vaginal candidiasis.
Candida overgrowth is most commonly caused by excessive use of antibiotic use by women and the elevated estrogen levels may cause vaginal candidiasis.
You may also infected with candidiasis in hospitals if you are have a weakened immune systems. Users are advised to observe any symptoms associated with candida yeast infection.
Candida auris is a rising candid outbreak in the UK and Europe, according to The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). Symptoms of candida overgrowth include “leaky guts”, bloating, migraine, diarrhoea and other allergy type reactions.
Whilst you may appear healthy and fit, but a thorough blood work test may reveal symptoms associated with candida. Users are encouraged to perform blood test to check for hormonal imbalances that may be caused by candida bacteria.
Laura Murphy (Msc, BsC) from College of Naturopathic Medicine wrote extensively on candida and she mentioned that other symptoms associated with candida are frequent ear, nose, and throat infections, premenstrual syndrome with regular mood swings, frequent muscular aches and cravings for sweet sugary foods, as well as frequent urogenital infections including vaginal itching and abnormal vaginal discharge.
Common candida treatments include oral administration of candida drugs such as echinocandin, micafungin, anidulafungin, fluconazole. Most of these drugs are prescribed by doctors. In addition, candida supplements such as Tongkat Ali may prevent overgrowth or recurrence of candida.
Echinocandin (caspofungin):
Micafungin:
Anidulafungin:
Fluconazole:
Note: Fluconazole is an acceptable alternative to an echinocandin as initial therapy in selected patients.
User may refer to the Clinical Infectious Disease website for more information related to candida treatments below.
Candida supplements contains anti-fungal properties to tackle the root cause, addressing fungal symptoms and reduce the growth of candida. Whilst candida supplements may be effective when taken over a longer duration, most candida supplements are taken as a preventive measure to reduce the likelihood of occurrence from further yeast infection or to suppress overgrowth of candida.
On top of supporting a healthy gut, candida supplements may be taken to reduce symptoms of vagina candidiasis too, often indicated by severe vaginal itching, frequent abnormal vaginal discharge and pain during sexual intercourse.
You may buy best-selling candida supplements in the UK such as AKARALI Tongkat Ali, Garden of Life RAW Candida Cleanse, NOW Foods Candida Support, and Solaray Yeast Candida.
Here are the top-best selling candida supplements that are popular in the US and UK.
Best-Selling
| Ingredients | Price
|
NOW Candida Support (180 Caps) | Biotin, Magnesium, Caprylic Acid, Pau
| USD 19.99 |
AKARALI Tongkat Ali (60 capsules)
| 100% Tongkat Ali root extract | USD 50.00 |
MaxMedic Candida Support (180
| Aloe Vera extract, Caprylic Acid,
| USD 11.90 |
Most candida supplements contain bioactive ingredients which are touted as “candida killers” that may suppress candida growth which include caprylic acid, undecylenic acid, oregano leaf extract, berberine, betaine HCl and others.
Whilst probiotics supplements may work against candida in your guts (or general gut health), medical experts have an opposing view of probiotics candida supplements if you are taking them to improve your vaginal health.
According to an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School Dr. Caroline Mitchell, vaginal probiotic supplements have no benefits for vaginal health. Many probiotic supplements such as candidas support may not be an effective solution for candida or vaginal candidiasis as the theory of introducing more lactobacilli bacteria to protect against the overgrowth of harmful organisms may not work in practice.
The only proven treatments for bacterial vaginosis and yeast infection are antibiotic or antifungal treatments
Therefore, natural herbs containing antibiotic and antifungal properties such as Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma Longifolia) may be more effective as a candida treatment or taken as a candida supplement for vaginal health or gut health.
As candida supplements may not work for everyone, users are recommended to check the bioactive ingredients in the candida supplements before buying to the hype of probiotics.
Most candida medications such as fluconazole, clotrimazole and nystatin work against candida albicans whilst natural candida supplements containing herbs such as Tongkat Ali work equally well to prevent candida overgrowth.
Herbs such as Tongkat Ali exhibit stronger anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties against candida albicans compared to basil leaf extract as indicated by the zone of inhibition values shown below.
Candida Drugs / Supplements | Type | Zone of inhibition against candida (mm)
|
Nystatin 100 IU | Synthetic Drugs | 23.08 |
Clotrimazole | Synthetic Drugs | 21.45 |
Fluconazole | Synthetic Drugs | 19.00 |
Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma Longifolia) | Natural Herb | 16.00 |
Eugenol (Clove Oil) | Natural Herb | 15.52 |
Basil Leaf Extract | Natural Herb | 13.62 |
Note: The zone of inhibition measures the inhibitory properties of each drug. Higher values denote higher effectiveness against candida overgrowth. All values are based on inhibition against Candida Albicans.
Candida supplements containing various anti-fungal formulations such as caprylic acid and other probiotics are viewed as an alternative remedy or a functional medicine to treat candidiasis. Whilst, some anti-fungal supplements may reduce candida levels in the gut and supporting gut health, the effectiveness to treat specific types of candida species or chronic candidiasis requires further research.
Meanwhile, candida supplements that contain single-ingredients such as Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma Longifolia) root extract may be more potent to increase the likelihood of reducing candida overgrowth due to its high anti-fungal (yeast) properties as evidenced in various in-vitro studies over the last decade.
If you are taking candida supplements, it may take few days to four weeks before you can experience any reduction of symptoms associated with candida, or any measurable results from your blood work.
Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma Longifolia) is reported as a strong potential “candida killer” based on multiple in-vitro studies published in 2016, 2019 and 2021 that showed inhibitory properties and positive effects against candida albicans.
A recent study published in the Journal of Pharmacognosy in 2021 showed Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma Longifolia) root extract inhibits the growth of Candida albicans based on sample isolated from saliva of patients with high caries risk. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of Tongkat Ali to inhibit the growth of candida was observed at 31.3 mg/mL.
In a study published by the Journal of Pharmacognosy in 2019 showed the result of Tongkat Ali extract with a concentration of 200 mg/ml inhibited the growth of candida albicans with a zone of inhibition of 16.0 ± 3.0 mm.
Another in-vitro study published by the Journal of International Dental and Medical Research in 2016 showed that Tongkat Ali inhibits the growth of antifungal activity against candida albicans at 25mg/ml of Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma Longifolia) extract.
Many research studies suggest the potential use of Tongkat Ali as a potent candida supplement for the treatment of vaginal candidiasis (women) and candida oral infection (men).
Candida diet and supplement protocols are undertaken with the support and guidance of a suitably qualified therapist or doctor. Candida supplements may work well with a diet regime that involves less processed sugar, dairy products, and meat to suppress candida overgrowth. For chronic symptoms related to candida, it is essential for you to first consult with your doctor to rule out other medical causes based on your existing symptoms.
Yes, Tongkat Ali supplements containing root extract may be used as a dietary supplement to prevent overgrowth of candida as evidenced in at least 17 studies in the last decade. Whilst Tongkat Ali extract exhibits potent inhibitory properties against candida albicans, there are limited studies on the efficacy against other types of candida species (eg: candida auris). Results of the early studies on candida albicans are promising but it should not be viewed as an effective treatment or medicine to treat chronic candidiasis.
Yes, Tongkat Ali exhibit a strong anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent against strains of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Shigella felxneri, Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus.
In fact, a recent systematic review showed at least 17 published articles out of 123 studies showed Tongkat Ali’s antimicrobial and antiparasitic activities against other fungi and bacteria which exist in our bodies.
Tongkat Ali root extract may inhibit anti-fungal properties against vaginal yeast infections or the growth of candida albicans, lactobacillus, aspergillus fumigatus and streptococcus which helps overall vaginal health. Furthermore, the majority of vaginal fungal infections caused by candida albicans can be addressed by Tongkat Ali root extract supplementation at the recommended dosage. Users are advised to consult their nearest healthcare before taking any candida supplements.
Yes, you may use Tongkat Ali if you have mouth thrush or oral infection due to overgrowth of candida albicans. You may use Tongkat Ali in capsule form or powder extract to prevent candida overgrowth. Users are encouraged to take pure Tongkat Ali root extract with the highest bioactive compounds for maximum effectiveness against candida.
Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma Longifolia) root extract contains phytochemical compounds such as alkaloids, phenolic compounds, terpenoids, flavonoids, which exhibit antibiotic-like effects against bacteria. Terpenoids, which are also found in Tongkat Ali, have been widely referred to as antibiotics, insecticidal, anthelmintic, and antiseptic in the pharmaceutical industry.
Our functional health coach AJ Brookes specializes in bloodwork analysis to check for candida symptoms. Get the best advice on candida with our free consultation.
Tongkat Ali has a strong potential use as a candida supplement, which may be taken as an alternative remedy or alongside with other candida killer drugs such as echinocandin due to strong anti-fungal properties against candida albicans.
Whilst more human clinical studies are required to reaffirm Tongkat Ali’s efficacy vis-à-vis optimal dosing against candidiasis and other types of candida species, you may still use Tongkat Ali as an anti-fungal supplement at the recommended dosage to avoid any potential side effects.
Please speak to your nearest healthcare professional or doctor to get the best advice for the right candida treatments or supplements that works for you.
Naressa Khan contributes regularly on AKARALI. As a researcher and investigative journalist, Naressa is all about creating, deconstructing, and reassembling meaningful content through words and facts. With this approach always in mind, she eagerly explores the nuances in life via the aspects of lifestyle, culture, travel, health, and wellness in Malaysia .
Our articles are third party reviewed by our panel of experts and medical advisors to ensure the facts are accurate and credible. These are validated against multiple source references which include but not limited to research studies, peer-reviewed journals, pre-clinical studies, clinical tests and other credible publications.
Our panel of medical advisors and experts are highly experienced in their individual fields. However, they do not provide any medical advice or recommendations arising from content published in this article.
Disclaimer:
The content published on this website is for educational purposes and should not be viewed, read, or seen as a prescription or constitute any form of medical advice. We recommend you consult your nearest GP or doctors before consuming Tongkat Ali or any products which contain Tongkat Ali. For further information, kindly refer to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for more information.
