The short answer is yes.
Tongkat Ali works through the activation of key hormones in the endocrine system that ensures key functions of your body perform at optimal levels. In return, this delivers the desired benefits.
Needless to say, most of Tongkat Ali health benefits are supported by scientific evidence from decades of clinical trials on humans.
But does Tongkat Ali actually work? And how does it work to deliver those benefits?
This article explains the science behind Tongkat Ali’s mechanism of action, its effect on hormones, and pathological pathways on how it works.
Our aim is to help you to understand better how Tongkat Ali works and how it may benefit you.
Tongkat Ali induces hormonal changes and how well it works depends largely on your age, health status, lifestyle and other underlying medical conditions that you may have.
You can control other variables such as the level of potency (i.e how strong the Tongkat Ali extract is) and daily dosage (i.e how much Tongkat Ali you take daily).
We shall cover how Tongkat Ali works, which hormones are affected by it, and how it affects your overall endocrine system.
Tongkat Ali benefits both men and women by optimizing the production of vital hormones in your glands, which are part of the endocrine system.
Hormones are pathways in the endocrine system to ensure our body functions in an optimal manner.
Tongkat Ali supplementation plays a major influence on the primary endocrine system to enable optimal production of hormones, which is activated by signals produced in the hypothalamus (located in your brain).
Here are 6 steps of how Tongkat Ali works in your body.
Step #1
Tongkat Ali activates Luteinizing Hormones (LH) that stimulate the Leydig cells in your testicles or ovaries to produce testosterone. This action is driven by the signals produced in the hypothalamus (i.e your brain) to send the message to the pituitary, adrenal and thymus glands to produce hormones.
Step #2
Tongkat Ali decreases the sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) which in turn, delivers higher production of testosterone. SHBG rises when your testosterone level is low.
Step #3
Tongkat Ali boosts testosterone production by switching your body’s priorities away from catabolic (muscle-degrading) stress hormone production and shuttles resources into making anabolic (muscle-building) hormones such as testosterone.
Step #4
Tongkat Ali enhances testosterone steroidogenesis at the Leydig cells by inhibiting aromatase conversion of testosterone to estrogen.
At the same time, Tongkat Ali reduces cortisol, i,e the stress hormone that affects the production of testosterone in our body.
Step #5
Whilst Tongkat Ali balances the cortisol, it also helps to raise 5-dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).
Step #6
The mechanism of action work simultaneously to increase the production of “free testosterone”, which is the usable testosterone that your body needs.
Tongkat Ali is clinically tested to effect total testosterone, free testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), DHT, estrogen, cortisol, dopamine, Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), T-cells, Naïve T-cells, CD4+ cells, uric acid, red blood cells, white blood cells, blood glucose level, and insulin levels.
These hormones are found in both men and women.
In other words, Tongkat Ali has a major role in the hypothalamus which controls your primary endocrine system – which include your pituitary glands, adrenal glands and thymus glands.
Studies have shown that Tongkat Ali works on both men and women by delivering improved mood, increase sexual desire, fat loss, and increased muscle strength.
Tongkat Ali benefits women in many ways through the activation of key reproductive hormones such as testosterone, cortisol and estrogen during various situations when your body needs the most.
Studies showed that women above 50, pre-menopausal, post-menopausal or those diagnosed with androgen deficiency may benefit from Tongkat Ali due to low levels of testosterone and estrogen.
You may refer to the list of Tongkat Ali’s studies and clinical trials on women here.
Tongkat Ali works on men and women across 20-70 years to revitalize health, and keeping fit and balanced.
Tongkat Ali works simultaneously in our endocrine system through the pathways described earlier.
Tongkat Ali has unique bioactive ingredients such as eurycomanone, eurypeptides and proteins that induce actions to restore key hormones at the required amount.
Our hormones exist in various sub-endocrine systems (eg: Male & Female Reproduction System, Immunology System, Central Nervous System) and play a vital function in our health.
Tongkat Ali enables our hormones to perform to its optimal level to produce the expected health benefits or to enable us to achieve our health goals.
Tongkat Ali root contains quassinoids and alkaloids, two bioactive compounds that activate hormone-inducing actions in your body.
Key bioactive ingredients of Tongkat Ali that work hard to activate the hormonal responses in your body come from eurycomanone, polysaccharide and glycosaponin.
Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma Longifolia) Bio-active ingredients | Description |
Eurycomanone |
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Polysaccharide |
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Glycosaponin |
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Protein |
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In order to give greater clarity and understanding, here are the full list of key hormones within your endocrine system that are directly and indirectly impacted when you consume Tongkat Ali.
Where the hormone is produced | Hormone(s) secreted | Does Tongkat Ali impact the hormone? |
Adrenal glands | Norepinephrine | Yes. Direct Impact
|
Testes (testicles) | Testosterone | Yes. Direct Impact
|
Ovaries | Progesterone | Yes. Direct Impact
|
Ovaries | Estrogen | Yes. Direct Impact
|
Pituitary gland | Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) | Yes. Possible Indirect Impact |
Pituitary gland | Growth hormone (GH) | Yes. Direct Impact |
Pituitary gland | Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) | Yes. Direct Impact |
Kidneys | Renin and angiotensin | Yes. Direct Impact
It inhibits ACE receptor-which controls vasoconstriction and therefore blood pressure
|
Kidneys | Erythropoietin | Yes. Possible Indirect Impact
|
Pancreas | Insulin | Yes. Direct Impact
|
Hypothalamus | Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) | Yes. Possible indirect impact (since report of decrease in LH and FSH)
|
Hypothalamus | Corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) | Yes. Possible indirect impact (since cortisol reduce and testosterone increase)
|
Thymus | Humoral factors | Yes. Possible indirect impact (since it improves immunity by increasing lymphocytes)
|
Growing clinical trials showed that Tongkat Ali has a major impact on key hormones, making it a well-rounded endocrine supplement for men and women.
If you feel good after consuming Tongkat Ali, it has to do with the dopamine (i.e feel good hormone) from Tongkat Ali’s bioactive ingredients released in your central nervous system.
There is more to know about Tongkat Ali’s mechanism of action and how it works in different parts of your endocrine system.
Tongkat Ali work by reactivating or restoring the hormonal balance, understanding how each hormone functions helps you to evaluate if Tongkat Ali may benefit your health.
Hormones are chemical substances that affect the activity of another part of the body or your organs. It circulates in the bloodstream and spread across in our bodies to carry message, signal or even stimulate different parts of our body (i.e organs).
Our hormones are sensitive to the types of food we eat (i.e nutrition), our medical condition, age and host of other factors.
Experts believed that there are more than 200 hormones in our body, working harmoniously with different roles as messengers
To give a better illustration, here are key hormones produced and stored in our body.
The word “hormone” originates from the Greek word hormao meaning “I excite”. It refers to it’s inherent biological function which excites or stimulates a particular part of the body.
“The term ‘hormonal’ has become synonymous with ‘moody,’” says Dr. Epstein. While hormones do affect mood, they do much more in the body than that.
Here are key hormones that are produced in our respective organs and how it functions.
Hormone | Organ | Function |
Testosterone | Testes | Testosterone is responsible for the characteristics of the masculine body, including hair growth on the face and body and muscle development. Testosterone is essential for the production of sperm, libido, mood and also acts to strengthen bones. |
Cortisol | Adrenals | Cortisol has a number of functions. It promotes normal metabolism, maintains blood sugar levels and blood pressure, provides resistance to stress and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. It also plays a part in regulation of fluid balance in the body. |
Thyroxine | Thyroid | Thyroxine controls many body functions, including heart rate, temperature and metabolism. It also plays a role in the metabolism of calcium in the body. |
Oestrogen | Ovaries | Oestrogen facilitates growth of the tissues of the sex organs and other tissues related to reproduction. Oestrogen also acts to strengthen bones and has a protective effect on the heart. |
Progesterone | Ovaries | Progesterone promotes the changes in the uterus that occur in preparation for the implantation of a fertilised ovum and prepares the breasts for milk production. |
Now let’s look at the core action behind Tongkat Ali’s hormone-inducing mechanism.
As most of you are interested in the testosterone-boosting action of Tongkat Ali, the fact is testosterone production in our body is activated by a hormone known as Luteinising Hormone (LH).
Luteinizing hormone (LH) is a glycoprotein hormone which is co-secreted along with Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) in the adenohypophysis (anterior pituitary).
LH and FSH are released from your testis (men) and ovaries (women) from your pituitary glands.
According to WebMd.com, LH and FSH are hormones that help your reproductive system. And this view is supported by urologists and endocrinologists.
Here is a step-by-step explanation what happens when LH and FSH hormones are activated.
Tongkat Ali testosterone-restoring capability directly improves male reproductive system by increasing your body’s free testosterone bioavailability via the following main mechanisms.
Tongkat Ali supplementation produces testosterone at the right amount, or when you need it the most, for your body to function optimally. The testosterone is produced in testes for men, and in the ovary and adrenal gland in women.
In fact, testosterones are produced in different quantities by the Luteinizing Hormone (LH), which are activated from the bio-active compounds contained in Tongkat Ali roots.
The net result of these mechanisms of action is an increase of “Free Testosterone”, which is also known as the usable testosterone.
The health benefits of Tongkat Ali are derived from the amount of free (usable) testosterone that are produced in your adrenal glands.
However, testosterone secretion from Tongkat Ali supplementation depends largely on other factors such as your eating habits, health condition, exercises and other lifestyle factors.
Some require 200mg of Tongkat Ali to work, whilst those with larger physiques require 400 mg to work.
That explains some users may require a higher Tongkat Ali dosage to obtain the required responses and reactions before they can feel any noticeable benefits.
There are sufficient clinical tests to support the evidence that Tongkat Ali actually works to boost or restore total testosterone and free testosterone levels.
However, only clinically tested Tongkat Ali products work to boost testosterone.
With so many fake customer reviews, clinically tested Tongkat Ali supplements with standardized hot water extract performs better in the real world.
For Tongkat Ali to work, it is best to avoid non-clinically tested products or supplements that use generic non-standardized extract.
The mechanism of how Tongkat Ali work is by restoring normal testosterone levels by increasing the release of free testosterone from its binding hormone, the sex hormone-binding globulin.
Clinically tested Tongkat Ali supplements are conducted by qualified scientists and reviewed by medical professionals to assess their efficacy (i.e ability to induce testosterone increase) across a wide range of patients with various demographics and health conditions.
Clinical tests are performed to assess either of the following categories:
Here are some scientific studies:
If you are still skeptical despite the growing clinical evidence on Tongkat Ali, the only way to find out is to perform a testosterone test at your nearest clinic.
This method will validate if Tongkat Ali supplement that you are taking does work on you.
Usually, a blood sample test is taken to measure the testosterone level before Tongkat Ali supplementation.
There are mixed reports of testosterone blood tests on Reddit, but that depends on the potency of Tongkat Ali extract that you take and the daily dosage.
Here are the testosterone test results that showed improvement after taking Tongkat Ali.
Here is a real-life review of Tongkat Ali showing a testosterone test result over a period of 10 days. The editor compared two testosterone tests after consuming two Tongkat Ali products:
Credit: Ricemedia.co
Credit: Ricemedia.co
The result of consuming the Tongkat Ali supplement showed an increase in testosterone level (from 12.50 to 16.33 nmol/L) in five days.
So, if you are consuming a pure Tongkat Ali supplement, you can expect improvements between 5 to 30 days.
And since there are many Tongkat Ali products sold on Amazon today, you may want to choose high-quality Tongkat Ali hot water extract supplements to get the best testosterone boost.
Tongkat Ali does work exceptionally well, or it may exceed your expectations under two conditions:
There are many reasons why Tongkat Ali did not or may not work on you. Possible reasons include lack of regular exercise, quality Tongkat Ali extract, excessive smoking or drinking, lack of sleep and obesity.
Refer to our guide on nine possible reasons why Tongkat Ali may not work for you.
Generally, if your goal is to achieve overall revitalization or to prevent early aging symptoms related to hormone deficiencies, then Tongkat Ali works as an ideal supplement.
The fact that Tongkat Ali works well to restore key hormones such as testosterone, the positive effect on health can be seen in the following areas:
Since Tongkat Ali has proven scientifically to increase the production of testosterone through Luteinising Hormone (LH), you can enjoy great health benefits and can read more about it on Healthline.com here
So, what it means to you is the following:
If your testosterone is restored or increased by natural plant-based approach such as Tongkat Ali, you can enjoy the health benefits from improved functions in any of the areas stated above.
The result of health benefits from Tongkat Ali’s inherent mechanism in producing testosterone are as follows:
Tongkat Ali may work to keep you revitalized and energized at all times, or throughout the day.
More so if you are busy with work, or living in a constant hectic work-life schedule that affects your hormones; notably testosterone and cortisol levels.
Tongkat Ali supplements work well if you are having a sedentary or active lifestyle. It helps to regulate the testosterone, cortisol and other hormones in your body that keeps you revitalized all day.
It is common to find customer reviews such as “I feel more energetic the next morning”, or “I feel younger again” after consuming Tongkat Ali.
But how fast does Tongkat Ali work?
Tongkat Ali takes time to work. On average, it takes two to four weeks of continuous daily consumption of 200 mg per day before you can notice any significant improvements in energy and stamina.
But for those who are regularly exercising 3 times per week, expect faster improvements within less than 2 weeks.
For men, Tongkat Ali works amazingly well, exceeding expectations when it comes to men’s health.
You may greatly benefit from an improved libido and sperm production over a period of 4 to 12 weeks. In fact, if you are looking for a workable long-term solution, Tongkat Ali is a preferred natural supplement compared to Viagra, Levitra or Cialis.
If you are experiencing a hectic lifestyle and spending less time exercising, Tongkat Ali can bring noticeable benefits for busy working adults.
Tongkat Ali work by regulating cortisol (stress hormones) when you are busy meeting deadlines or exposed to long hours at work.
And if you are tired after work, it means your testosterone level has depleted to a minimum. Tongkat Ali restores testosterone levels during your busy hours to ensure you have plenty of energy left after work.
Our 30-day long term review on Tongkat Ali with one of our test subjects provided amazing feedback in reducing stress and increase energy throughout the day.
So if you need that extra boost in energy to meet your crazy deadlines, just pop two capsules of 200mg Tongkat Ali daily to give a boost of energy.
Try it for 7 days and feel the difference in less than 2 weeks. You may feel fresh and energetic getting out of bed in the morning, or when staying up late night.
However, do note that most scientific studies that showed significant improvements based on longer 2-4 weeks consumption of Tongkat Ali.
Let’s get one thing straight.
Tongkat Ali is a plant and it contains plant-based protein and other natural nutrients.
Most Tongkat Ali supplements sold in the market today are vegan-friendly, making them an ideal supplement if you are on a plant-based diet.
And it does work to deliver the same desired benefits or health goals.
You can reap maximum benefits from Tongkat Ali’s bio-active nutrients such as Eurycomanone, Glycosaponin, Polysaccharide and other protein-binding nutrients.
This will help to further strengthen your body with the right nutrients to elevate your testosterone hormones and feel alive again.
Tongkat Ali is dosage-dependent. If you are into bodybuilding or sports, Tongkat Ali works well if taken at a higher dosage between 400mg to 600mg daily.
Tongkat Ali is a functional dietary food that is used to enhance muscle growth, and metabolism, promote faster fat burn, and increase strength. The high crude protein from Tongkat Ali is a perfect companion for your existing health stack.
Tongkat Ali works well when mixed with Fadogia Agrestis, Turkesterone and other herbal supplements.
Taking Tongkat Ali helps you restore testosterone and cortisols, two key vital hormones if you are into high-endurance sports.
It is the best sports supplement that works well as a pre-workout and post-workout for faster recovery.
For athletes, sports professionals, and bodybuilders, studies have shown Tongkat Ali promotes muscle growth, reduces body fat, and increases anaerobic performance and overall energy.
Expect multi-pronged benefits from Tongkat Ali as summarized below:
There are many reasons why Tongkat Ali is the preferred pre-workout and post-workout drink and most of it are backed by scientific evidence.
You may opt for intermittent fasting, a plant-based diet, and exercise. It is one of the best tips from nutritionists if you want Tongkat Ali to work the best for you.
Real-world Tongkat Ali feedback based on a four-week review reported that Tongkat Ali supplementation worked better when combined with body toning exercises and weight training.
There are studies that suggest Tongkat Ali works as an effective herbal supplement for hangover symptoms from alcohol consumption.
In theory, the mechanism of action from Tongkat Ali works by reducing cortisol levels from alcohol. This makes you feel better the next morning.
Whilst it is safe to consume Tongkat Ali with alcohol, we highly recommend using Tongkat Ali after you have done drinking for the night.
If you decide to take Tongkat Ali with alcohol, you may not get the full benefit.
This may hamper your health goals; eg: to lose weight, to improve energy, muscle growth or libido.
It means if you are a heavy drinker (i.e more than 3 glasses a night), expect a longer time to achieve your health goals. Or worst case, you may not feel any improvement from Tongkat Ali at all.
There was a time a Tongkat Ali-infused red wine was made popular in 2010. But that does not mean Tongkat Ali and alcohol are a potent mix to produce the desired health benefits.
It may work negatively on you with adverse side effects.
Multiple pieces of evidence and clinical studies showed that Tongkat does work with measurable health benefits.
In fact, Tongkat Ali has compelling evidence that it works better than Fadogia Agrestis, Panax Ginseng or even Turkesterone.
And for optimal results, don’t forget to consume Tongkat Ali along with a good healthy diet, or you may perform intermittent fasting, and regular exercises to bring added benefits.
But remember to choose the finest quality Tongkat Ali or the one with the highest potency so that it works better for you.
If you have more questions, we have prepared a list of Tongkat Ali Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) here.
Till then, choose wisely and stay safe!
Naressa Khan contributes regularly on AKARALI. As a writer and journalist, Naressa specializes in nutrition, natural supplement and wellness. With this approach always in mind, she eagerly explores the nuances in life via the aspects of lifestyle, culture, travel, health, and wellness.
13 Responses
I’ve been consuming tongkat ali for almost a year no. Yes, tongkat ali does work for me. Just within a month i can feel the difference. Overall, i feel more energetic physically and mentally. Just be sure to opt for the best quality tongkat ali.
Having the right amount of energy and testosterone are important for a ‘sports freak’ like me. Since taking tongkat ali my performance in sports have been improved meaning that tongkat ali does work effectively. The best part is that it can be mixed with coffee.
Tongkat ali was introduce to me by a friend who understands my struggle with fatigue. 5 months after taking tongkat ali i can say that i’m feeling fatigue a lot less and at the same time it improved my sleep quality. So, yes, it does work for me.
Took tongkat ali as a pre workout supplement after it was suggested by a mate. The effect from this is that i’m able to exercise longer and more intense as it gave me a boost of energy. It also helped me in maintaining my BMI. I must say, it worked perfectly for me.
Few months back i’ve been taking tongkat ali and i must say, it felt great. After couple of weeks, i can get more stuff done during the day and can still go on…plus, I don’t fell so exhausted after a long day at the office. My libido and sexual drive have been increase exponentially. So far, i’m not experiencing any side effect from this. Good stuff!
I would really recommend using tongkat ali as a supplement. I consume quality and genuine Tongkat Ali in the form of capsules or mixed it with coffee sometimes. Yeah it will ruin the taste of coffee with its bitterness LOL. So far I’m on week two, I can tell the difference where I definitely feel less lethargic and doesn’t go straight to bed after work.
I bought Tongkat Ali numerous times. I was very impressed by the effect it had on my training. I felt more energetic everytime I woke up in the morning. The muscle recover much faster and I could train more days instead of waiting for the muscle to recover.
I would say that after more than 2years using Tongkat Ali , the results have been good to very good. I am 64 and have literally never had a problem with sexual performance and I am not aware of any side effects (I do have a pretty sexy wife, though). I’ve not experienced any weight loss – as has been noted in some descriptions- but that was never the main reason for my purchase anyway.
I have used Tongkat Ali to enhance my sexual activity and libido. Overall I have been very pleased with the effects of this product. My first cycle was on for about 2 weeks and I felt how I have more energy during the day and that I needed less sleep during the night. After week 3 I could feel a real boost and the result was that I had a strong increase in my libido and my sexual activity. After 6 weeks I stopped for 1 week and started over with my cycle again. So far I still feel the same great results as when taken for the first time, this product has been working great for me so far.
Tongkat ali is one of the best pre workout supplement i’ve ever taken. It helped improves your performance and give you a boost of energy that helped to push further. It also help with muscle mass. Tongkat ali work for me and i would suggest it to others.
I have started taking Tongkat Ali a few months ago, and I feel energised and more active physically and intellectually. I’m positive it is one of the best herbal supplement in the market today. what’s amazing about Tongkat Ali is that it can be taken with tea or coffee or even as a pre-workout source of energy.
I have tested Tongkat ali 400mg extensively for 5+ months. The first 60 days were perfect hand grip strength went from 145lbs x10 to 197lbs x 22 in 3 months. BUT! Heart palpitations showed itself at day 60, I took 3 weeks breaks until all palpitations subsided. Only for the palpitations to return after 13 days on Tongkat again. This I reproduced twice like clockwork 2-3 weeks off and on day 13 heart palpitation start. So yes there is benefits but it duplicated what TRT Gel does at 13 days increased red blood cells. I see no studies stating this or any feedback from anyone stating this but should be mentioned as a possibility. I logged all of my data on amazon Tongkat Ali 400mg from Solaray.
thanks for your blog!
Although the effects of tongkat Ali on free testosterone have repeatedly been shown in studies, there are few (if any) randomized controlled trials (RCT) that tested its effect on muscle hypertrophy or strength gains. Although there seems to be evidence that tongkat Ali mimics (elements of) testosterone replacement therapy I have not been able to find an RCT that shows significant gains in muscle hypertrophy or (peak) strength.