For centuries, Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia), is used as a traditional energy tonic for men but its benefit now extends beyond its traditional use as an aphrodisiac.
So does Tongkat Ali work for men above 40,50,60, 70 years of age? Or does it benefit if you are fit, young and healthy?
In this article, we will cover the potential health benefits of Tongkat Ali on men and how this ancient remedy steps into the scientific limelight with a growing body of research, unveiling time-tested benefits on men that transcend time.
Nik from Sheffield is above 50 and he has been taking Tongkat Ali as part of his daily nutrition to keep him fit and energized.
But does Tongkat Ali only work on older men?
Tongkat Ali is used and viewed broadly as a natural testosterone supplement but recent studies showed positive effects on the immune system, arterial health and contains anti-viral and anti-cancer properties against candida, and COVID19 virus, which effectively helps to boost men’s health regardless of your age.
Growing scientific studies have highlighted Tongkat Ali’s efficacy on men’s systemic health, particularly in addressing symptoms related hormone (eg: androgen) deficiencies in men, which is a global trend seen in younger men below 40.
The rise of low-T symptoms in men sparked interest by healthcare professionals such as Dr. Andrea Millitello (Italy), Dr. Rena Malik (USA) and even Dr. Andrew Huberman (USA) on the use of Tongkat Ali as a supplement along with other lifestyle changes.
According to health experts, most men who benefitted most from Tongkat Ali are well above 40, active, or have been exercising regularly in their 50s. But we have seen young healthy men using Tongkat Ali as a daily supplement.
Now here is another truth.
Recent research studies on Tongkat Ali using standardized hot-water extract conducted in the last 20 years showed promising results on men’s health, supported by over 26 human clinical trials to date. However, the dosage-dependent Tongkat Ali supplementation means it is more effective if you are taking it above 200mg whilst observing the safety limit of 1,300mg per day.
In this article we’ll explore the various scientifically proven benefits that Tongkat Ali can provide for men’s health:
The primary benefit of Tongkat Ali that underpins optimal health in most men is the ability to restore testosterone levels to optimal levels, by stimulating higher production of total and free usable testosterone.
Dr. Andrew Huberman describes the testosterone benefits and effects of Tongkat Ali on men by stimulating the adrenal gland, pituitary gland, and testes, in order to release more testosterone production.
For active men involved in sports (even if you are in your 20s or 30s), incorporating or taking Tongkat Ali daily or as-and-when needed before your training regulates your testosterone levels, thus improving your sports performance (in terms of endurance, stamina or even speed).
Tested on a 22-year-old British athlete, sprinter Khadafii from Harrogate UK is a living testament that Tongkat Ali did work even if you are young, healthy and fit.
The tip for optimal benefit is to use the right type of Tongkat Ali extract accompanied by a maximum push during your training session.
Young men exposed to strenuous daily training in sports or in military operations or armed services have an inherent risk to their testosterone levels – which can be mitigated through testosterone-boosting supplements such as Tongkat Ali.
Over the past two decades, there has been a notable increase in human clinical trials specifically exploring the impact of Tongkat Ali on total and free testosterone levels, particularly for men suffering from hypogonadism and low testosterone in general, consistently providing affirmative results.
But for younger men, choosing standardized Tongkat Ali hot water extract may work better due to higher bioavailability and higher potency.
Tongkat ali supports testosterone levels in healthy, young males, says recent study
The increasing quality standards over the last decade makes Tongkat Ali suitable for both younger and aging males. Rigorous studies not only confirm its effectiveness across diverse demographics but also showcase its versatility, catering to the needs of professional athletes, amateurs, and even individuals seeking to casually enhance their fitness.
Sustainable optimal testosterone at all times makes Tongkat Ali one of the underrated supplements for semi-pro and pro athletes, sports amateurs and those wanting faster body transformation results.
Tongkat Ali is widely used as a pre-workout supplement by male athletes and sports professionals to naturally increase performance by boosting testosterone levels, which plays a key role in muscle development and recovery that benefits men.
Older men using Tongkat Ali may gain better lean muscle mass, elevated testosterone and sports performance, especially when combined with regular cardio exercises such as 30 minutes of running daily.
This adds Tongkat Ali as an effective supplement health stack, popular amongst male runners and bodybuilders in the UK and US.
Studies show that Tongkat Ali provides notable improvements in stamina, anaerobic performance, post-workout recovery, lean muscle growth, and overall strength.
“We have seen more 40 to 50-year-old marathon runners using Tongkat Ali in recent years to enhance endurance, strength and muscle recovery” said Alex Kua, Community Lead for AKARALI, a reputable Tongkat Ali brand in the United States.
46-year-old Syed Shazli is amongst veteran marathon runners who took Tongkat Ali in his daily training and completed the Berlin Marathon Race in 2024 in less than 3 hours.
“It helped my recovery quickly, boosted my endurance and enabled me to go for longer distances without refuelling” he said.
Tongkat Ali is an adaptogenic plant that is known by herbal experts for its ability to regulate stress hormones in men. This helps reduce anxiety or combat mild depression without feeling sedated or cause any emotional numbness unlike Ashwagandha.
For men experiencing mood swings, Tongkat Ali is found to significantly reduce cortisol (stress hormone) levels between 10-15% and improve dopamine (feel-good hormone) by a significant margin.
Tongkat Ali’s human clinical studies show promising improvements in several mood parameters, including reducing anxiety, anger and confusion in men – although further studies on a larger sample size would be beneficial to validate its efficacy on a wider population.
Having said that, Tongkat Ali’s ability to increase dopamine levels can also enhance motivation for most men who are engaged in strenuous activities, amplifying the “exospheric pleasure” you get from reward the system, as well as enhancing the pleasure you get from just having fun.
Make no mistake, Tongkat Ali is also used by young adults to get their mood going before going out for a long night party at the clubs.
Another notable benefit of Tongkat Ali for men is its aphrodisiac and libido-boosting properties – often viewed as a result of higher testosterone production when consumed over a longer period (typically between six to twelve weeks).
Dr. Andrew Huberman commented that Tongkat Ali may induce mild libido effects on men, but clinical andrologist Dr. Rena Malik from California mentioned that men wanting optimal benefit might consider taking standardized Tongkat Ali hot water extract, which is touted to be more potent for sexual health.
According to American-born Chris Kilham, Tongkat Ali might be the answer for men who are looking for a natural remedy to boost their libido. He is amongst the first Americans who tested and experienced Malaysian Tongkat Ali back in 2013.
Its benefits also extend to supporting various aspects of men’s reproductive health and fertility, encompassing sperm motility, semen production, libido, and erectile function. In qualifying the efficacy on men’s fertility and libido, Tongkat Ali may be effective to aging men who are experiencing mild ED due to low testosterone or hormonal deficiencies.
Numerous studies on men’s health involving Tongkat Ali have demonstrated improvements in symptoms related to erectile dysfunction (ED) and fertility. Notable increases were observed in sperm motility by +11% to 44.4%, sperm concentration by +18.2% to 65%, sperm morphology by +94%, erection hardness by +39.3%, and erection time by +102% to +162% which suggest mild to moderate effect that may benefit men with mild ED.
On another note, the advantage of taking Tongkat Ali for men’s sexual health is that it may be taken daily on a long-term basis, with or without cycle and with minimal acute side effects.
Tongkat Ali facilitates healthy weight loss through multiple action mechanisms as it contains thermogenic properties that promote fat-burning activities by elevating the body’s metabolism. When taken at a moderate dose between 200mg and 400mg, this helps men burn faster calories (and fat) over a period of 3 to 6 months, which must be accompanied by regular 3-day of cardio and weight training per week.
The popularity of Tongkat Ali as a weight-loss supplement for men has prompted many health coaches to recommend Tongkat Ali as part of a weight-loss protocol.
“Tongkat Ali is not a steroid and it works well if you are already active, or hitting the gym at least 3 times a week with regular HIIT workouts or weight training” said Dr. Zamir Hillman who advises many of his clients on weight management.
For overweight men particularly below 40, adding Tongkat Ali with a testosterone-rich diet enhances efficient energy conversion and stimulates thermogenesis, a process generating heat that burns calories – when paired with cardio or weight training.
High dose of pure Tongkat Ali extract (between 600mg to 1,000mg daily) may elevate metabolism, contributing to sustainable weight loss and accelerated lean muscle growth for active men.
While effective on its own, Tongkat Ali synergizes best with regular exercise and a balanced diet, maximizing its potential to supercharge metabolism and optimize weight loss or when paired with creatine, protein shakes, green tea, zinc, magnesium or boron. This Tongkat Ali advance formulation, when consumed at the right dosage, is seen as the ideal weight loss supplement health stack for men.
Tongkat Ali contains anti-atherosclerotic effects in building a strong foundation to support a healthy heart, making it a good daily supplement for men who seek a preventive measure to reduce risks of cardiovascular diseases.
Recent studies showed that Tongkat Ali prevents and reduce arterial plaque build-ups that cause major cardiovascular diseases. Tongkat Ali supplementation also exhibits antihypertensive effects, leading to a decrease in blood pressure by improving the relaxation of aortic rings and lowering triglyceride levels in the bloodstream.
Most men combine Tongkat Ali and Omega Fish Oil for added support for an optimal healthy heart – and this can be added to your Vitamin E and other minerals in moderate dosage. This stack can also be applied for sports and used by many ultramarathon runners.
With the added versatility and multi-pronged benefits through hormone regulation and arterial health, Tongkat Ali presents an optimal and sustainable approach to enhancing heart health in men.
Tongkat Ali is an effective way to bolster human immunity, a key study conducted by a group of Japanese scientists showed that it significantly boosts the counts of total, naïve, and CD4(+) T cells, essential components of the immune system responsible for identifying and combating infections and diseases.
Additionally, its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties contribute to preventing cellular damage from overtraining, thereby aiding the immune system in operating more effectively.
Again, Tongkat Ali’s adaptogenic qualities further play a role in stress reduction and lowering cortisol levels, ultimately elevating and enhancing immune function in men.
Tongkat Ali has shown promising anti-cancer properties, boasting a rich spectrum of medicinally active compounds that prevent cancer growth. Taking Tongkat Ali could potentially be a preventive supplement against cancer for men who are concerned about their immune system.
67-year-old Mario from Australia is amongst post-treatment cancer patients who are taking Tongkat Ali as a daily supplement to build a stronger immune system.
“I felt better and stronger after taking Tongkat Ali for more than 12 months after my last treatment, he said.
Notably, 16 compounds within Tongkat Ali showcase significant anti-proliferative and anti-cancer properties. Eurycomanone, a key bioactive component, stands out with a potent, dose-dependent anticancer effect observed in lung carcinoma (A-549 cells), gastric (MGC-803 cells), and intestinal carcinomas (HT-29 cells).
Additionally, Tongkat Ali has demonstrated the ability to inhibit the viability of prostate cancer cell lines, as well as for more complicated cancers like leukaemia that is prevalent in men.
Aging men above 50 or 60 who are concerned with prostate cancer may benefits from Tongkat Ali anti-cancer properties. This comprehensive profile from in-vitro and in-vivo studies supports the potential use of Tongkat Ali as a promising complementary anti-cancer prevention for men.
However, we recommend not to use Tongkat Ali if you are diagnosed with cancer or currently taking cancer medications.
Yes, Tongkat Ali may benefit men in their 20s as early studies showed elevated strength on leg press, endurance and energy from elevated testosterone levels. A recent 2021 Tongkat Ali study on young males (24 years of age) showed increased testosterone levels by 15% and free testosterone levels by 34% among subjects taking 600mg of standardized Tongkat Ali extract for two weeks, compared to the placebo group.
“This outcome of Tongkat Ali effects on young males is a strong platform for formulating sports supplements for competitive athletes and trainers.” Said Annie Eng, CEO of HP Ingredients based in the United States.
But if your bloodwork shows optimal hormonal levels, then chances are taking Tongkat Ali may benefit other areas of your health, such as building a stronger immune system, regulating better mood and focus, and promoting better metabolic and cardiovascular health.
There is no official recommendation on the optimal age when to use Tongkat Ali as recent studies showed promising health benefits on men from 22 years to 78 years. The majority of men who took Tongkat Ali falls in the category between 30 to 70 years, and relatively active with moderate level of daily or weekly physical activities.
While children below 14 are not advised to take it, some younger men between 18-22 may experience premature low testosterone levels, or hormonal imbalance due to stress, overtraining and other factors.
While Tongkat Ali can play a supportive role in facilitating natural weight loss, it is important to note that it is not intended nor recommended for use as a standalone weight-loss supplement, especially if the goal is rapid weight loss.
For men seeking for optimal weight loss, Tongkat Ali may be incorporated into a comprehensive dietary supplement regimen, complemented by regular exercises at least 3 times a week and a healthy protein-based diet. This holistic approach ensures a balanced and sustainable strategy for achieving your desired weight goals.
Tongkat Ali may be used as an alternative or to supplement TRT or HRT. Tongkat Ali is a natural testosterone booster that is scientifically proven and clinically tested by medical professionals, scientists, and health experts. However, we recommend you to consult your doctor before consuming Tongkat Ali if you are currently on a TRT treatment.
Tongkat Ali possesses anabolic properties that are well-suited for bodybuilding and weight training, promoting accelerated muscle growth and reduced body fat, along with increased strength. Real-world performance improvements after a six-week period of Tongkat Ali consumption included enhanced stamina and greater muscle strength
Notably, a study demonstrated that the use of Tongkat Ali extract resulted in a 5% increase in lean body mass within five weeks and an augmentation of arm circumference by 1.8 cm. Participants also experienced a significant reduction in body fat. These findings underscore the potential benefits of incorporating Tongkat Ali into a comprehensive approach for bodybuilding and fitness.
Tongkat Ali is safe to be used in the Olympics or in other highly regulated sports events based on the current doping policies, which are determined by the TE ratio. A study published in the International Journal of Preventive Medicine showed the Testosterone vs. Epitestosterone ratio (i.e T:E ratio) fell within the acceptable range of 0.63:1 and 0.74:1. The results were taken from the test groups after consuming 400mg daily of Tongkat Ali for 6 weeks. Due to the low T:E ratio, Tongkat Ali is regarded as safe and within acceptable limits of current international doping policy.
It depends on your needs or health goals, but 200mg to 400mg of Tongkat Ali daily is regarded as optimal for men weighing 75kg to 80kg. For men who are overweight or obese, higher dosage of more than 400mg may be required to induce pharmacological effects.
As a reference, most past studies and clinical trials on men are based on a dose of 200mg to 400mg of Tongkat Ali daily. Male bodybuilders or professional athletes may require a higher dose of Tongkat Ali (up to 600mg per day), and some may choose to take up 1,000mg per day for short duration.
Men experience mild side effects from Tongkat Ali compared to women which include insomnia, mild jittery and mild nausea. Most of these side effects occur due to incorrect dosage (i.e., higher than needed dosage), the addition of fillers, allergens or adulterants or due to underlying chronic medical conditions.
Most human clinical studies conducted on Tongkat Ali supplementation have recorded minimal to zero side effects with long-term consumption between 200mg to 400mg. Similarly, most male consumers in the UK who have consumed Tongkat Ali have noted a positive experience without experiencing any side effects.
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.
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