In light of growing clinical evidence, early findings from randomized controlled trials (RCT) suggest that Tongkat Ali may work on most men and women by regulating hormones that help to support reproductive, sexual, metabolic and cardiovascular health.
Beyond clinical trials, to ensure Tongkat Ali truly works, measurable changes or visible improvements are early signs that indicate it is working on you.
This article shares deeper insights from real-world experiences and feedback on what to expect after taking Tongkat Ali and whether these visible signs help to identify whether Tongkat Ali truly work as intended.
Tongkat Ali is consumed for centuries and its first discovery by Scottish botanist William Jack in 1822 suggests that this herb serve as a daily energy boost for men – a scientific wonder that prompted rigorous clinical tests in the modern world to validate its effectiveness in various applications such as anti-aging, virility and sports performance.
In medical school, physiological and biological responses are taught to be the main indicators to ensure the effectiveness (or efficacy) of any drugs although statistically significant results are often hard to achieve. Thus in the case of Tongkat Ali, the effect it has on each individual depends largely on factors such as purity of the extract, dosage, age and lifestyle activities.
Beyond empirical data from clinical tests, Tongkat Ali shows its efficacy through a multitude of pathways and visible signs.
You may have heard how your gym buddies boast about Tongkat Ali’s amazing superpowers. He may lift more weights, run faster or have more energy to burn.
Investigations into whether Tongkat Ali does work in forums such as Reddit showed American users have long claimed that Tongkat Ali worked for them, with less than 5% of the users complaining it did not work for various reasons. Some Reddit users said Tongkat Ali worked extremely well for them, and others said “Tongkat Ali is too good to be true” and comments such as “my libido went through the roof” and “my anxiety went away after 20 minutes” are rather common.
Tongkat Ali is too good to be true. It worked extremely well for me.
But beyond exaggerated claims, how can you tell if Tongkat Ali can work on you?
As we unravel into the world of plant-based natural remedies, experts believe Tongkat Ali work through multiple pathways in our body before showing visible results that you can feel, measure or notice. This may be expressed as short-term or long-term effects of Tongkat Ali when paired with correct exercises, diet and lifestyle changes.
Scientists have worked on solutions such as developing a standardized extract protocol, and the extraction process via a hot-boiling method seemed to yield consistent measurable results based on growing clinical trials.
Standardized hot water Tongkat Ali extract works consistently better as it retains high level of bioavailability without damaging its molecular structure.
Clinically tested Tongkat Ali supplements such as AKARALI (pictured above) are amongst the top Tongkat Ali brands in the US that use standardized hot water extract, reported to induce immediate energy and libido boost 90% of the time.
Based on growing clinical trials and past research studies, Tongkat Ali may work considerably well on most adults with average fitness (or with poor health status), or aging men above 50, but it may be less effective or takes more time to work on others (eg: obese adults with sedentary lifestyle or highly trained young athletes with a well-balanced diet).
For instance, clinical studies showed improvements on testosterone levels but some benefits such as sports performance, metabolic health and cardiovascular health are less visible or require a longer time before you witness any measurable short-term or long-term benefits.
However, those taking pure root Tongkat Ali standardized extracts are reported to gain faster results due to higher bioavailability and solubility, as indicated in most clinical studies. But surely, not all Tongkat Ali brands promise that level of purity, thus you may take longer time (six weeks or longer) before noticing any visible results (either on your weight loss, lean muscle mass, or even faster running time on your Strava).
Our test analysis of a potent Tongkat Ali supplement using standardized hot water extract (with glycosaponin content of 40% and eurypeptides of 23%) on American and British consumers showed that 95% of them felt some level of improvements or noticeable difference, citing they felt “more energetic” and help them boost stamina for their runs.
Similar trend was observed in 200:1 ethanol-based extracts with users reported they felt a mild energy boost throughout the day. However, only less than 50% of our survey correspondence said Tongkat Ali actually worked for them.
Each of us has unique responses after taking Tongkat Ali. With regular exercises, there are visible signs that it is working on you.
Despite limited studies and small sample size, Tongkat Ali is reported to work 95% of the time, but it does come with a strong caveat that “Tongkat Ali must be taken with regular exercises and balanced diet”. The lack of concrete evidence from researchers using low-quality extracts in clinical studies has led many American consumers choosing higher quality standardized Tongkat Ali extracts that are reported to work 95% of the time given the right dosage.
Therefore, some early short-term indicators such as improvements in running or exercise endurance, or greater strength could be seen as a positive sign for those taking Tongkat Ali consistently, although it may not be backed by statistically significant results at times due to the inherent variability of our biological responses and the dynamic fluctuation of hormones in our body.
Related Article: Does Tongkat Ali work based on science-based evidence?
Despite more than 300 research studies, empirical evidence from published clinical trials on Tongkat Ali may not be sufficient when tested in the real world, even with a larger sample size. This applies to vaccinations, medical devices and drugs too as the efficacy methodology taught in the medical school is filled with inherent flaws.
When judged against many output parameters, testosterone, higher energy, better mood and mild libido effects are common signs that Tongkat Ali is working on you.
Whilst Tongkat is clinically proven to work on most adults, each of us are built differently, with underlying conditions that are not known, often less diagnosed – which impair the ability to respond positively to Tongkat Ali supplementation.
However, according to most health experts, standardized hot water Tongkat Ali (from pure root extract) may likely work better, delivering faster and more visible gains – even when taken in smaller doses.
This takes away the limelight from many non-standardized Tongkat Ali extracts that are not clinically proven to work – let alone deliver any visible results, benefits or changes in your hormones.
The fact that there are mixed signals from many, this creates polarizing opinions amongst users in forums, sending premature alarms as to whether Tongkat Ali truly work. Apart from using low quality extracts, the rise of cheap Tongkat Ali extracts and lack of standardization of biomarkers across various Tongkat Ali brands, there are many other reasons why Tongkat Ali did not work on some people.
So, in order to ascertain whether it works, there are some visible observations that you might consider when taking Tongkat Ali. This tip helps greatly if you do not have the resources, budget or time to do a bloodwork test.
Here are some visible signs to indicate that Tongkat Ali is actually working on you.
These signs help to indicate that Tongkat Ali is working on you, at least to some degree.
1. You feel energized in the morning
2. You can work longer hours
3. You may run or cycle faster or further
4. You can carry heavier items or loads with ease
5. You are calmer and more relaxed
6. You can breathe better
7. You sweat faster
8. You experience morning wood
9. You build muscle faster when working out
10. You lose weight faster
One of the most noticeable effects that Tongkat Ali is working for you in the boost in morning energy. You may feel less lethargic and easier to get out from bed, even when you had a long night.
And the reaction could be felt 24 hours after your first consume Tongkat Ali (with a minimum dose of 200mg).
Due to Tongkat Ali’s ability to regulate testosterone levels, your body will produce its peak testosterone in the early morning, and this elevated morning energy is one of the major indicators that Tongkat Ali is working.
Studies have shown that standardized pure Tongkat Ali extract may improve energy levels through elevated testosterone and improve REM sleep, which means you may find it easier to get up in the morning and feel more refreshed throughout the day.
With increased energy (from optimal testosterone levels) comes the ability to stay productive for extended periods. If you have taken a potent Tongkat Ali, this “productive-energy” proxy indicator is a sign that Tongkat Ali worked on you.
Many users report feeling less fatigued and more focused after taking Tongkat Ali, which may be attributed to its stress-lowering and energy-enhancing properties. Office or nightworkers who rely on testosterone to keep them focused at work may notice improvements after taking Tongkat Ali for few weeks.
Whether it’s mental focus or physical stamina, Tongkat Ali can help you tackle your work or daily tasks with more endurance (i.e longer hours)
Tongkat Ali has been shown to improve physical performance, particularly in endurance activities like road and trail running or cycling.
In Canada, recreational athlete Carolyn shared that she felt great after taking AKARALI Tongkat Ali, noting she “was strong the whole day, and didn’t bonk at all” and top it all, she recorded her personal best distance of 67km in 8 hours during her endurance run. Her verified review on TrustPilot showed one of the positive visible signs of Tongkat Ali when paired with endurance or aerobic exercises.
“I never thought I could complete 60km without any training prior to my race. But 1,000mg of Tongkat Ali extract helped me fuel my endurance”, said another ultramarathon runner, Marwan Faiz, who recently completed the Cameron Cultra 60km race and in UTMB Chiang Mai.
By supporting testosterone production during long distance races, which plays a role in muscle endurance, Tongkat Ali can help you push harder and go further (or in even faster) during your training.
In the UK, we saw a similar trend of how Tongkat Ali helped athletic performance. According to a 22-year-old British sprinter Khadafi, taking standardized Tongkat Ali pure extract helped him run faster, reducing his sprint time by an amazing 20% after 6 weeks of daily supplementation.
Prolonged daily use of Tongkat Ali works in harmony with many athletes and you may notice these performance changes if you keep track of them. Studies have shown that Tongkat Ali supplementation correlates with an increase in stamina and athletic performance.
Strength improvements are another benefit that can signal that Tongkat Ali is working on you. Testosterone supports muscle strength and recovery, allowing you to lift heavier weights or carry heavier items with less strain.
You may notice you can carry 10-15% more weight, and the “feeling of being strong” after taking Tongkat Ali is closely associated with your lean muscle mass development. It may not be a placebo effect as Tongkat Ali contains thermogenic properties that are inherently designed to burn fat and promote better metabolic health.
“It was not placebo for sure, I can lift more weights now and felt stronger after taking it.” said 42 year-old James Goodman, a fitness weighlifting enthusiast from Essex, United Kingdom. He added there are significant short-term effects on strength and energy after taking it at higher a dose of 400mg to 600mg an hour before hitting the gym as recommended by Dr. Andrew Huberman.
While the improvements in carrying heavier loads or weights may be marginal (and goes unnoticed in most cases), many aspiring bodybuilders are taking Tongkat Ali as part for a complete supplement stuck. For most people, this can be especially helpful in everyday activities, such as carrying groceries or lifting heavy objects, where you may notice increased physical power.
You may notice mood changes especially when handling stressful situations after taking Tongkat Ali daily for at least two weeks. Tongkat Ali is known for its adaptogenic effects to lower your stress hormone (cortisol) – which help the body manage stress more effectively. Lower cortisol levels often result in an overall sense of well-being, reducing anxiety and promoting a more relaxed state of mind.
“I felt my anxiety just melted away after 20 minutes of taking it.” said a forum user on Reddit. As with standardized Tongkat Ali extract, the stronger potency means you may be able to feel calmer at 200mg to 400mg dose within 10-20 minutes depending on how fast it gets digested by the intestines into your bloodstream.
Feeling calmer and less anxious are major signs that Tongkat Ali is working for you. According to health experts, users reported feeling calmer and more resilient to stress after taking Tongkat Ali, a benefit that is linked to reduction in cortisol levels.
Other positive signs or indicators of the effects of Tongkat Ali after 4 to 8 weeks:
Improvements in respiratory capacity can also indicate that Tongkat Ali is taking effect.
You may breathe better without much restriction if you have taken it for more than a year. This is largely attributed to the reduction of arterial plaque that restricts your blood flow, and potentially due to the calming effects from lower cortisol levels.
This herb may support respiratory health by enhancing the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood, which is essential for efficient breathing, especially during physical exertion. If you find it easier to breathe during workouts or even while climbing stairs, it could be a sign of Tongkat Ali working to optimize your energy levels.
Other positive signs or indicators of the effects of Tongkat Ali after 4 to 24 weeks:
Increased metabolism is one of the lesser-known effects of Tongkat Ali. The herb may help raise your body’s metabolic rate, making it easier to work up a sweat during exercise, training or even in serious competition.
Faster sweating can also indicate that your body is efficiently managing temperature, a process crucial for athletes and anyone engaging in intense physical activity.
If you are sweating more than before during exercise, it is a strong indication that Tongkat Ali is working as it contains strong thermogenic fat burn properties, raising your metabolism to optimal levels during training or workouts.
Other positive signs or indicators of the effects of Tongkat Ali after 1 to 2 weeks:
Due to improved testosterone production and blood flow from Tongkat Ali, you may experience a “morning wood”, indicated by a stronger morning erection that happens between 4am to 8am in the morning (assuming you had 6 to 7 hours of quality sleep).
Improved circulation, particularly as it enhances red blood cell production, might make it easier to gain a stronger erection. This is one of the strongest signs that Tongkat Ali is working on you.
Health experts believe that standardized Tongkat Ali hot water extract has higher potency that works better on libido, causing stronger erection – although it not meant to cure any form of ED based on advice by urologists.
Other positive signs or indicators of the effects of Tongkat Ali after 1 to 2 weeks:
Tongkat Ali is widely recognized for its muscle-building properties due to its effect on testosterone and fat burn. Studies indicate that Tongkat Ali can help boost lean muscle mass when combined with resistance or weight training.
So watch out for signs by checking you pre-workout and post-workout muscle development after taking Tongkat Ali.
If you’re noticing that you’re building muscle at a faster rate than before, this could be a clear sign that the Tongkat Ali is positively impacting your workout results. These improvements may be marginal for some bodybuilders to retain muscle mass, but those seeking to build lean mass for the first time should experience visible improvements in 4 to 12 weeks after taking Tongkat Ali.
Other positive signs or indicators that you may experience after taking Tongkat Ali for a minimum of 6 to 12 weeks:
If you are losing few kg after taking Tongkat Ali daily and exercising regularly for 10 weeks, then it is a sign that it is working. Weight loss can be a byproduct of the metabolic and energy-enhancing effects of Tongkat Ali.
For obese adults, you know that Tongkat Ali is working when you experience 20-30% of weight loss after twelve of weeks of cardio and weight exercises together with daily supplementation of Tongkat Ali.
By increasing metabolic rate and reducing cortisol (which can contribute to fat storage), Tongkat Ali can support weight management. Studies have found that individuals supplementing with Tongkat Ali may improve fat loss, body composition, particularly when it’s combined with exercise and a balanced diet.
Other positive signs or indicators that you may experience after taking Tongkat Ali for 12 to 24 weeks:
These are amongst common visible signs that serve as early indicators when you take Tongkat Ali, be it everyday or as-and-when needed. If you’re experiencing any of these positive changes after taking Tongkat Ali, it could be a good indication that it’s working for you.
While results may vary based on factors such as age and dosage (i.e how much you consume), these 10 signs are concrete evidence based on a wide range of user feedback and supported by scientific findings related to the effects of Tongkat Ali.
As with any supplement, consult your healthcare provider to ensure it fits well with your health goals and personal needs.
Alex Kua leads AKARALI’s Global Partnership Community to help athletes, sports communities, and thousand of others optimize their well-being through evidence-based research that enables them to make better informed decisions. His legal and business consulting background underpins the rigorous data-driven approach in his writing – from hours of interviews, real-world performance data, and firsthand experiences of real people – offering actionable insights that connects clinical research, emerging health trends, and real-world applications. He is also an experienced researcher in herbal nutrition, with years of deep technical knowledge on Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia), including quality standards, industry benchmarks, lab tests, clinical trials, and the use of natural herbs by collaborating with top scientists, herbal experts, and nutritionists. As part of the core team behind AKARALI’s knowledge portal, he empowers people worldwide to access the benefits of high-quality herbal nutrition in a way that is effective, sustainable, and safe. He is also an avid runner, with regular participation in local sports communities and running events.
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.
