Caffeine may not be the only natural ingredient that can induce dopamine release, causing you to feel good. Tongkat Ali is an equally potent dopamine booster that was recently discovered by scientists. Here is what we know.
Both caffeine and Tongkat Ali share a similar family of alkaloids that boost dopamine. Hence why Tongkat Ali coffee works well when you are feeling depressed, angry, fogy, anxious or even stressed. It is known to improve mood and mental clarity.
Tongkat Ali causes positive reactions in your Central Nervous System (CNS) by activating dopamine (feel-good hormone) and reducing cortisol (stress hormone).
In this article, we shall focus on investigating the effects of Tongkat Ali on dopamine; i.e the pleasure neurotransmitter that controls your brain, your feelings and your emotional responses to various situations.
In fact, we have learned that Tongkat Ali is clinically tested to improve mood by reducing cognitive stress, tension whilst reducing the level of cortisol.
Let’s find out more about the effects of Tongkat Ali on dopamine; the pathway to a better mood and pleasure — and how you can benefit from it.
Tongkat Ali is suitable to be taken if you are experiencing any of the following:
✅ moderate stress or depression
✅ moderate temper or anger
✅ postnatal depression
✅ a bad day at work
✅ a brain fog (slight daze)
✅ lethargic, lazy or less motivated
✅ restlessness or agitation
✅ lack of mental calmness at work
Dopamine is a “pleasure” hormone that acts as a neurotransmitter in your brain. It controls mental and emotional responses.
Higher dopamine levels are associated with better mood and cognition; making you feel motivated, fulfilled, enriched, optimistic, less depressed, calmer and better cognitive abilities.
Too little dopamine is bad for you. Low levels of dopamine are closely associated with Parkinson’s Disease.
Tongkat Ali may be one of the best-underrated dopamine supplements in the 21st century. In fact, Tongkat Ali affects more than just dopamine, but also key hormones in your endocrine system.
Firstly, Tongkat Ali does not work like other known psychoactive substances. For instance, caffeine. So you don’t have to worry about crashing, or having to deal with horrible withdrawal symptoms.
Secondly, it works magically without a sudden surge in dopamine, and it does not come with any adverse known side effects for most people.
Thirdly, Tongkat Ali can be mixed with coffee for those seeking a significant boost in dopamine from caffeine.
And in case you did not know, Tongkat Ali coffee or tea is widely consumed in Asia for centuries and it is considered safe.
Tongkat Ali remains the best dopamine herbal supplement in modern times, with two decades of clinical trials and research studies on its wide range of health benefits.
Tongkat Ali was found to release more dopamine when consumed in doses of between 200mg to 800mg daily in 10 days. A recent study showed that Tongkat Ali affects two main dopamine types that are pathways to pleasure:
The recent study on 50, 100, 200, 400, or 800 mg consumption of Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma Longifolia) for 10 consecutive days showed an increase in dopamine. The findings of the study showed that the brain cortical and hippocampal dopamine content was significantly elevated (by almost 100%) with no significant effects on serotonin or noradrenaline content.
Here are some results from the study.
Test results showed a significant increase in cortical dopamine and hippocampus dopamine after 10 days. The highest increase of dopamine was based on 800mg daily consumption of Tongkat Ali. (Source)
In short, Tongkat Ali does elevate cortical dopamine, which explains why you feel better after taking it. The importance of cortical dopamine system is related to memory and cognition.
You may feel more self-motivated, highly optimistic at all times, and agility to navigate through stressful situations or complex life challenges better after consuming Tongkat Ali.
And that’s due to the dopamine effects from Tongkat Ali. You may experience better mental clarity, focus and ability to solve complex problems (or puzzles).
Researchers in Netherlands found that optimum amount of dopamine improves cognitive ability
Optimum Amount of Dopamine Improves Cognitive Ability
To some, the idea of taking Tongkat Ali is to help sustain positive feel-good feeling through the release of dopamine (and balancing cortisol levels) due to work-related deadlines and others.
However, dopamine can be released naturally without relying on supplements.
There are people who seek healthier dopamine highs through meditation and moving away from the dependency on caffeine.
When is dopamine released?
Yes, Tongkat Ali may be used as a daily herbal supplement or as a herbal coffee to promote the release of dopamine. Regular consumption will bring greater joy, happiness, and a better mood.
This heightened sense of calmness and composure, coupled with greater mental clarity will enable you to focus on your tasks. Tongkat Ali coffee is often enjoyed by face-paced executives and nightshift workers; both demand optimal mental strength to overcome work challenges.
You may use with a recommended daily dosage of between 100mg-200mg daily, and can be taken continuously with, or without OFF / ON cycle.
Supplements to boost levels of vitamin D, magnesium, and omega-3 essential fatty acids may also help to raise dopamine levels, but there needs to be more research into whether this is effective.
If you are currently taking Tongkat Ali continuously, stopping Tongkat Ali does not cause a “crash”, or any withdrawal side effects associated with caffeine, or other feel-good psychoactive substances.
The same can be said if you drink Tongkat Ali coffee daily.
No, you will not get addicted to Tongkat Ali. Tongkat Ali does not contain addictive substances or ingredients, and it is not classified as a psychoactive drug.
Dopamine-inducing or psychoactive drugs work differently compared to Tongkat Ali although some plants contain a similar family of alkaloids. For instance:
For example, cocaine’s mechanism of action of increasing dopamine transmission and producing pleasure by manipulating the neurotransmitter in the brain is detrimental to health. And you may experience a substantial drop in testosterone and sexual stamina too.
The same cannot be said for Tongkat Ali. Tongkat Ali has a simultaneous effect on almost 20 hormones in your endocrine system, and that brings overall revitalization of health including dopamine boost.
Scientists have discovered that cocaine acts by blocking the removal of dopamine from the synapse, which results in an accumulation of dopamine and an amplified signal to the receiving neurons
Technically you cannot get addicted to dopamine from consuming Tongkat Ali.
Tongkat Ali is used as herbal supplement and should never be used to treat any diseases related to dopamine deficiency, serotonin deficiency or if you are diagnosed with any of the following medical conditions:
Note: Medicinal drugs such as Zoloft is used to improve serotonin in the brain and prescribed by doctors to reduce symptoms related to the above medical conditions. Please consult your nearest doctor before consuming Tongkat Ali as an alternative remedy.
By taking Tongkat Ali, you may benefit more from the increase of dopamine and testosterone simultaneously. This is beneficial when are involved or engaged in an activity (eg: sports) where your body requires an optimal level of testosterone to fuel your daily activities.
Studies have shown that testosterone changes throughout the day with a huge drop in testosterone after 1700 hours. And that may explain why you are moody, less cheerful, and possibly knackered after a long hard day.
Researchers found the relationship between testosterone and dopamine mostly bidirectional – it means testosterone may influence dopamine, and vice-versa. A study has shown that testosterone can induce molecular changes in dopamine.
Test results show a significant increase in total testosterone and free testosterone after 10 days. The highest increase is based on 800mg daily consumption of Tongkat Ali. (Source)
There are 4 natural ways to increase your dopamine without going to the doctor.
There are many other dopamine supplements that have the ability to boost dopamine but there are natural ways to boost your dopamine too.
Tongkat Ali is one of the few dopamine supplements that is plant-based, organic and with minimal side-effects. Without having to suffer from withdrawal symptoms, Tongkat Ali is probably the best thing next to caffeine.
And that brings you endless joy and smiles.
Lastly, be assured to choose clinically-tested Tongkat Ali products and check for potency for maximum gains.
That’s the only way to enjoy a healthy dose of dopamine rush.
And don’t forget to check out our Tongkat Ali dosage guide to get the best results.
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 .
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