There are many Tongkat Ali supplements to choose from. Filled with utter confusion, listening to Huberman podcasts may not help you to decide better.
You may realize by now that every Tongkat Ali supplement has its formulation, which drives varying levels of potency or efficacy. This brings us to the big question.
Does Solaray 400mg Tongkat Ali work? And should you even buy one?
This article provides an in-depth review of Solaray Tongkat Ali supplement to investigate its effectiveness, potency and efficacy in the real world based on technical analysis and customer experience.
Solaray is one of the best Tongkat Ali supplements in the US, UK and Europe and is seen as an affordable Tongkat Ali for first-time users and those who are easily influenced by what was posted on social media. However, recent first-hand reviews by doctors raise more concerns about the efficacy, effectiveness and quality of Solaray Tongkat Ali supplements.
Solaray uses 200:1 non-standardized Tongkat Ali extract, making it affordable to the mass market.
At $ 12.96 per bottle containing 60 capsules of 400 mg, Solaray Tongkat Ali’s price is hard to beat due to the low-cost 200:1 non-standardized extract sourced from Indonesia. The economy of scale, mainstream ethanol-based extraction technology and low-cost sourcing strategy are the reasons why Solaray is one of the cheapest Tongkat Ali supplement in the market.
With hundreds of customer reviews, Solaray Tongkat Ali is a popular US-made supplement that you can buy at Amazon, iHerb, Fruugo, and other major US online stores. Solaray Tongkat Ali 400mg is also sold in the UK and remains a popular Tongkat Ali supplement below 15 pounds.
Let’s deep dive into Solaray Tongkat Ali’s benefits and whether it works when subjected to real-world performance tests by medical experts.
Note: Solaray Tongkat Ali’s health claims are not supported by clinical trials or human studies based on its original extract.
Solaray Tongkat Ali 400mg may help improve energy and libido with mild improvements in testosterone. However, according to a British medical doctor Dr. Chris G, Solaray Tongkat Ali did not increase testosterone after taking it daily for 40 days based on 400mg daily dose.
Solaray 400mg Tongkat Ali showed a 29% reduction in free testosterone after 40 days.
Despite Solaray Tongkat Ali’s recommended dosage per serving of 400mg to 800mg per day, this review showed that it did not produce any measurable results or tangible benefits due to low bioactive ingredients (eurycomanone <0.12%) found in the extract.
As an experienced medical doctor, Dr. Chris’s blood test report showed a reduction of free testosterone by 29% after consuming Solaray Tongkat Ali in the US, which causes major concerns amongst consumers who have bought Solaray with the expectation that it may increase testosterone.
In the 1 minute video posted on Tiktok, he summarized his long term review of using Solaray Tongkat Ali. While he reported better libido and energy, his actual testosterone report showed a drop which did not correlate to what he is experiencing.
Solaray 400mg Tongkat Ali uses ethanol-based extract from Indonesia that is not clinically tested to boost testosterone or libido.
Whilst most Tongkat Ali extracts are both 3rd party lab-tested, clinically tested Tongkat Ali performs better with higher efficacy and potency.
On this note, we shall find out later in this article if the low-quality Tongkat Ali extract is the main cause of why Solaray did not work for most people.
@doctorchrisg Tongkat Ali did THIS to me
♬ Sequência da Dz7 - MC Menor Do Alvorada & TRASHXRL
In his video which recorded more than 800,000 views, Dr. Chris’ followers commented that he may have bought the wrong Tongkat Ali brand.
This anecdotal experience begs the question of Solaray’s Tongkat Ali’s real-world performance on testosterone and which type of Tongkat Ali actually works.
@doctorchrisg Tongkat Ali DROPPED my testosterone levels #gym #hubermanlab
♬ Sequência da Dz7 - MC Menor Do Alvorada & TRASHXRL
Apart from the review from Dr. Chris, other users on Tiktok reported the same negative reviews on Solaray Tongkat Ali after taking it long term, with measurable effects on testosterone or libido.
We conclude that the anecdotal evidence and recurring consumer feedback reaffirmed that Solaray Tongkat Ali shows poor performance as most US-based Tongkat Ali brands use cheap low-quality extracts to retain higher profit margins.
So what can learn from this experience?
Although there are few cases of consumers complaining on the feeling of light headaches, nausea, jittery and other known acute side effects, there have been no reported severe side effects such as kidney or liver injuries from taking Solaray Tongkat Ali.
Ethanol-based extract used in Solaray Tongkat Ali may have higher risks compared to water-based extract.
Solaray uses ethanol-based Tongkat Ali extract that has higher risks if you are diagnosed with pre-existing medical conditions such as kidney injuries or liver diseases. Using ethanol as a solvent during Tongkat Ali extraction process may cause higher blood alcohol concentration (BAC) when taken long-term or high doses.
Growing research on herbal food supplements that use ethanol-based extract showed greater risks to young adults or children. When compared to hot-water standardized Tongkat Ali root extract, ethanol-based Tongkat Ali extract is more common and cheaper to produce.
Related Article: Tongkat Ali Side Effects on Liver and Kidneys
Solaray is a trusted and reputable brand despite its poor performance. It receives many positive reviews on Amazon but consumers continue reporting on the low-quality ingredients used in Solaray Tongkat Ali supplements, which may be sourced from Indonesia and China.
Solaray is a good brand if you are seeking quality affordable Indonesian Tongkat Ali.
Solaray manufactures quality supplements with its cGMP-certified products developed from its high-tech lab in Utah, but their Tongkat Ali supplements (such as Solaray 400mg Tongkat Ali) suffer from poor efficacy as it does not work to boost testosterone as reported by Dr. Chris in his 40-day review of Solaray.
With constant heavy metals checks, Solaray Tongkat Ali products contain mercury levels within the safety tolerance despite its lower potency compared to its competitors.
Based on 3rd party lab tests using chromatography test to assess its purity and bioavailability, Solaray Tongkat Ali fell below average due to low levels of bioactive ingredients such as eurycomanone, eurypeptides and other compounds.
Solaray Tongkat Ali contains low amount of eurycomanone, indicating low potency and efficacy.
According to an independent 3rd party lab test, Solaray Tongkat Ali contains low levels of eurycomanone at 0.12% per 400mg of capsule, compared to premium Tongkat Ali supplements such as AKARALI, which has 10x higher eurycomanone levels at 1.47%
Head of R&D Lab Jean Wong said “Our High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) tests showed that Solaray Tongkat Ali has surprisingly low eurycomanone content due to potential use of high maltodextrin content (binder/filler) compared to other Tongkat Ali brands”.
As most studies are referenced on eurycomanone of 0.9% to 1.5%, we concluded that Solaray Tongkat Ali may not produce its intended health benefits or testosterone boost due to low-level potency as shown in the lab test report, i.e eurycomanone (0.12%).
Tongkat Ali Brand | Eurycomanone Content Per Capsule (%) |
Solaray Tongkat Ali (400mg)
| 0.12 |
AKARALI Tongkat Ali (200mg)
| 1.47 |
Download Solaray Tongkat Ali lab test here:
Tongkat Ali supplements are made using various extraction methods which deliver varying level of efficacy. Due to the unregulated nature of the herbal industry, dilution and shortcuts can happen. There are other factors too, eg: sourcing low-quality extracts, non-standardized extracts and impurities.
In the case of Solaray Tongkat Ali which is sold in the US, UK, Europe and Australia, customers commented on the adverse side effects, sugar spikes from excessive maltodextrin (filler), feeling snappy, jittery and most reported zero benefits after taking it.
Solaray Tongkat Ali may not work well as a testosterone support supplement as it has extremely low bioactive ingredients (i.eurycomanone < 0.12%) that are not sufficient to deliver any significant benefits as reported in the HPLC 3rd party lab test conducted by Biotropics in 2023.
Related Article: Nine reasons why Tongkat Ali didn’t work on you
Our in-house review of Solaray Tongkat Ali covers a wide range of performance and quality indicators to gain a better understanding why it did not work to boost testosterone as reported by Dr. Chris G in his TikTok video.
Here are key questions about Solaray Tongkat Ali that consumers should ask.
Is the Tongkat Ali extract clinically tested?
Solaray sources their Tongkat Ali extract from Indonesia which is lab-tested but may not be clinically tested to work on humans. For users seeking higher quality extract, Malaysian Tongkat Ali is highly preferred as some extracts are clinically tested in a controlled environment, backed by decades of human clinical trials and research studies.
Which type of extraction was used?
Solaray Tongkat Ali uses 200:1 Tongkat Ali extract which may be less potent compared to hot water standardized extract. Ethanol-based 200:1 extract is common amongst low-priced Tongkat Ali brands in the US. Although it is the cheapest method for manufacturers, it may not deliver the required potency or efficacy that meets the Tongkat Ali standards. More so for Tongkat Ali as it requires a delicate extraction process to get the best bioactive ingredients that matter to your health.
Is it a standardized extract?
Solaray may not use a non-standardized extract as this information is not available to the public. Tongkat Ali supplements with standardized extract complies to the Malaysian Tongkat Ali standards, MS2409 and generally performs better due to higher potency and safety limits.
Is the Tongkat Ali sourced from mature roots?
If Solaray Tongkat Ali did not work for you, chances are the Tongkat Ali extract may have been sourced from young plants that have lower potency, or extract that may contain adulterants or sourced from barks or leaves. Mature 5-year-old Tongkat Ali roots are regarded as highly potent as it contains higher eurycomanone, eurypeptides (polypeptides), and other bioactive compounds that are clinically tested to benefit health in several key areas.
There are mixed reviews about Solaray Tongkat Ali on Amazon, Reddit and other platforms. But how do we get an honest review about Solaray Tongkat Ali?
The best way is to weed out the fake reviews on Amazon.
The truth is, Solaray Tongkat Ali received a Grade C by Fakespot review, indicating a poor feedback rating from customers.
The overall rating on Solaray Tongkat Ali were adjusted downwards from 4 stars to 2.5 star ranking after taking into account genuine customer reviews on Amazon by Fakespot.
Get more insights on Solaray Tongkat Ali before buying one.
You can buy Solaray Tongkat Ali 400mg (60 capsules) Longjack in the US, UK and Australia at major Amazon online shops with prices as low as USD 11.69 or at GBP 14.95 if you are buying in the UK. Solaray Tongkat Ali is also available in Australia at affordable price of AUD 31.95, which is a bargain given its low potency and bioactive ingredients.
Where to buy Solaray Tongkat Ali? | Average Price
|
| USD 11.69 |
| GBP 14.95 |
| AUD 31.95 |
While Solaray is a globally trusted brand, customers who bought Solaray Tongkat Ali reported adverse side effects such as nausea, headaches and vomiting. Despite being a company with decades of manufacturing experience, Solaray receives a bad reputation due to low-quality Tongkat Ali extracts that have lower-than-expected eurycomanone levels and the potential addition of excessive maltodextrin may cause blood sugar spikes rather than actual health benefits from testosterone production. In addition, the raw Tongkat Ali roots sourced from its Indonesian suppliers may contain fillers, allergens, or contaminants from nearby mining sites.
Amazon customers shared that Solaray Tongkat Ali did not produce any effects or health benefits as advertised, which is similar to what had happened to Dr. Chris G when reviewing Solaray’s effect on testosterone.
According to consumer data analysis feedback on Solaray across the UK, US and Europe, many customers have stopped taking Solaray Tongkat Ali after their initial purchase as they did not gain any benefits.
The fact that some customers had to endure the recurring side effects gave a bad reputation on Solaray’s Tongkat Ali supplements in the UK, US and across Europe.
Our technical analysis from HPLC test results showed that Solaray Tongkat Ali is not an effective testosterone booster compared to other brands. This is backed by first-hand experience by healthcare professional Dr. Chris who reported that taking Solaray Tongkat Ali did not cause any testosterone increase after 40 days.
Dr. Chris’s bloodwork showed a reduction in total testosterone levels of 29% after taking Solaray Tongkat Ali 400mg daily for 40 days. This is mainly caused by low eurycomanone (0.12%) content found in Solaray Tongkat Ali supplement, a percentage that is below the Malaysian Tongkat Ali Standards, MS2409. This amount is insufficient to deliver any significant effects on testosterone production as most studies were conducted based on eurycomanone levels of between 0.5% to 1.5% using hot water standardized extract.
For optimal testosterone support, users are encouraged to purchase potent Tongkat Ali extract from quality roots using standardized hot water extraction technology for higher efficacy and better performance. This helps to increase and activate Luteinizing Hormone (LH) to produce more testosterone in your adrenal glands, especially if you are diagnosed with hypogonadism or low-T symptoms.
Related Article: Tongkat Ali For Optimal Testosterone Support: A User Guide
Solaray Tongkat Ali may be a good choice for newbies who cares about buying Tongkat Ali at bargain prices without considering on its effects. If you are serious about Tongkat Ali, then Solaray Tongkat Ali may not be the best choice for you due to low bioactive compounds that are not sufficient to produce any measurable benefits; notably on testosterone levels, uric acid, mood and other parameters. There are other more potent and stronger Tongkat Ali such as AKARALI Tongkat Ali that uses pure root extract using hot water extraction method to deliver higher efficacy and potency at lower doses.
Here are top customer reviews who bought Solaray Tongkat Ali from the US, UK and Australia, mainly on Amazon. Find out if Solaray Tongkat Ali works for you.
So I took the recommended dose 6 days a week for about a month and I honestly didn't feel any different for the first week or two. Then around the third week, I started feeling a lot more anxious than usual, to the point that I was stressing over any little thing which was very unusual for me. I didn't connect the dots until the fourth week, which I then immediately stopped taking it and I went back to normal stress levels soon after so I'm convinced it was caused by this.
So far I haven't noticed any improved wellness or vitality as promised on their website. I've purchased two months worth, so I will finish the bottle and update this review if that does change. I don't doubt that it works for some people, I just personally haven't noticed any improvements.
I saw a couple videos online about them and thought they’d help me in the gym with weight lifting. Can’t really say I’ve noticed a huge difference.
This product gave me headaches and makes me you dizzy. Don’t buy it
I understood this to be tongkat ali root extract. I was wrong. You would have to take 200 of these capsules at once to get the benefit of one tongkat ali 200/1 extract capsule. If it's not at least 100 to 1 extract, it will do absolutely nothing for you. I paid about $10 for this plus I paid a foreign countries sales tax of $5. Then the border tax was $13. This company values this at over $24 for for border fees when the price was less than $10. I guess some people think everyone is stupid but them yet. For the ones that read reviews, I hope you see this.
Generally we found the same grouses and complaints about Solaray Tongkat Ali on Reddit. Many Reddit members shared their negative reviews about Solaray Tongkat Ali and major complaints on prices, mild effects on libido and lack of other health benefits (eg: energy and stamina).
There are a handful of Tongkat Ali brands such as AKARALI that uses US-patented Physta® standardized hot water extract which guarantees higher eurycomanone, eurypeptides and glycosaponin. Physta® is backed by human clinical studies to ensure the highest gain in total and free testosterone, libido, muscle strength, cortisol and fertility.
Our final verdict: Solaray Tongkat Ali is popular on Amazon due to its affordable prices, but it lacks efficacy and potency to produce any measurable benefits. It may not be the best natural testosterone booster as reported by Dr. Chris due to the low bioactive content (i.e eurycomanone at 0.12%, low potency and other unknown side effects from using ethanol-based extract.
Nonetheless, Solaray is a good brand with higher-than-above customer ratings for its other supplements. However, Solaray Tongkat Ali supplements have deterred many consumers from buying the brand as it did not deliver the optimal testosterone gains, or health benefits as reported in other Tongkat Ali clinical trials and research studies.
If you want Tongkat Ali that does work, users are recommended to buy Tongkat Ali supplements which use standardized hot water extract, to increase their efficacy and likelihood to boost testosterone, libido and muscle strength due to higher bioactive compounds.
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.
2 Responses
Hello,
I contacted Solaray about the heavy metal contents in their products, and they told me they follow UPS guidelines and will allow up to 3 ppm of heavy metal contents in their product.
Is this not a lot? 3 ppm is over the limit!!! Am I mistaken? According to Akarali.com and other sources online, heavy metals, especially mercury need to be below 1 ppm, preferably 0.5-0.05 ppm. HOW ARE THEY selling products and allowing it to be up to 3 ppm???!?!
Please test their products.
We believe the USFDA guideline based on their website on mercury content for food states clearly it should be below 1ppm. Applying this guideline to dietary supplements (including herbs such as Tongkat Ali), clearly most Tongkat Ali products on the market are not safe if the mercury tests show 3ppm, which is way over the safety limit. When taken over long term, this could cause potential health risks. This is why Solaray Tongkat Ali has been scrutinized by many consumers due to these toxicity risks.