Tongkat Ali: The best endocrine supplement for hormonal balance?

The endocrine system is regarded as one of the key systems that control our reproductive system, immune system, nervous system, and many other functions.

However, the Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) or Hormone Disrupting Chemicals (HDC) are posing a serious threat to your fertility, nervous system function, immune system function, testosterone and other hormones. 

In view of the challenges associated with HDC/EDC and premature aging symptoms, endocrine supplements are viewed as a popular option to mitigate those risks by preventing premature aging symptoms and other disruptions to your hormonal balance.

In this article, we investigate the effects of EDC and how Tongkat Ali may benefit the endocrine system and whether there is sufficient scientific evidence to support this claim.

Overview

EDCs or hormone-disrupting chemicals continue to be a threat to our health as long as we consume food and drinks from plastic containers.

In fact, the latest 2023 study by the European Environment Agency showed that hormone-disrupting chemicals are found in 90% of Europeans, posing a damaging health risk.

This may explain the low testosterone levels found in younger men born in the 90s or early 2000s. 

Bisphenol A (BPA), a hormone-disrupting chemical used in food packaging, is present in almost all Europeans' bodies, posing a potential health risk

What if there is a solution to this?

What if there is a magic pill that can deliver multi-pronged health benefits by restoring major key hormones in the endocrine system?

Decades of data from various clinical trials and studies showed that Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma Longifolia) affects most of the key hormones related to the endocrine system.

Does this make Tongkat Ali the best endocrine supplement to prevent the risks associated with hormone-disrupting chemicals or EDC? 

Lets find out more.

What is Tongkat Ali?

Quick Facts: 

  • Tongkat Ali is a clinically tested herbal root that has positive impact on 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.
  • Tongkat Ali has a major influence on mulitple key hormones and glands that form the endocrine system.
  • Tongkat Ali is touted as the best endocrine supplement in recent years due to the increasing number of clinical tests on humans.

What is Endocrine System?

Quick Facts: 

  • The endocrine system is made up of a network of glands (Pituitary Glands, Adrenal Glands, Thymus Glands) that is controlled mainly from the Hypothalamus.
  • These glands secrete hormones such as testosterone, DHEA, estrogen, etc to regulate bodily functions, including growth, reproduction and metabolism.
  • Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) may disrupt hormone producing glands in the endocrine system, causing health risks such as sperm production, neurological disorders, obesity and others.
  • Many are taking endocrine supplements to mitigate the health risks arising from Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs).

How does Endocrine System work?

The endocrine system is made up of all the body’s different hormones that regulate all biological processes in the body including the development of the brain and nervous system, the growth and function of the reproductive system, as well as the metabolism and blood sugar levels.

Major parts of the endocrine system include the female ovaries, male testes, pituitary glands, thyroid, thymus, brain, pancreas and adrenal glands.

Our endocrine system requires a constant supply of nutrients from dietary supplements to enable optimal health as we age.

The endocrine system helps your body properly function by communicating and coordinating vital processes via hormones.

To understand which endocrine supplements that is best suited for you and how Tongkat Ali can benefit your endocrine system, lets go deep into hormones in the endocrine system.

Hormones and the endocrine system

A hormone is an important component in the endocrine system.

Hormones travel in our bloodstream and have a vital role in almost every function, organ, and process in the body.

When there is a hormonal imbalance in the endocrine system, symptoms like weight changes (eg: obesity), insomnia, skin problems, and infertility can occur.

Hormonal production relies heavily on nutritional intake, so taking endocrine supplements is an excellent way to ensure that the endocrine system is getting sufficient nutrients.

Taking the endocrine supplements may affect the following endocrine systems:

  • Male and Female reproductive system
  • Central Nervous System
  • Immunology System
  • Sympathetic Nervous System
  • Urinary System

What can disrupt your endocrine system?

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) found in major plastics, food storage materials, children’s products and pesticides are major disruptors of your endocrine system.

Our daily exposure to plastics (eg: plastic food and drink containers, plastic cosmetic packaging, pesticides) and other Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs), may have a negative impact on our hormones.

Prolonged exposure to EDC can cause hormonal imbalance that leads to health complications such as infertility, neurological disorders, cancers, obesity, mental health and many others.

The video below provides a brief explanation of EDC on how it may negatively impact your hormones and health.

Several studies have demonstrated that EDCs can exert adverse effects on the male reproductive system (including sperm count, and erectile functions).

This may explain why younger men below 30 are dependent on viagras and some opted for natural viagras in recent years.

Phthalates found in plastics could block hormone involved in sexual, cognitive function

In addition, study published by the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCEM) showed that EDCs has negative impact on testosterone on young children and even adults.

“We found evidence reduced levels of circulating testosterone were associated with increased phthalate exposure in several key populations, including boys ages 6-12, and men and women ages 40-60,” said John D. Meeker, MS, ScD, of the University of Michigan School of Public Health.

Reduced testosterone is tied to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) exposure

Other harmful EDCs include triclosan (TCS), Bisphenol A (BPA), cadmium (Cd), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and pesticides which have shown to have adverse effects on human reproductive health.

Common endocrine-related diseases or symptoms include:

Endocrine-related diseases

  • Sexual function
  • Sperm quality and fertility
  • Sexual libido
  • Mood & Mental health
  • Growth and development
  • Metabolism – digestion, elimination, blood circulation
  • Obesity
  • Cardiovascular problems
  • Neurological and learning disabilities

Top endocrine supplements

Top endocrine supplements that are popular on Amazon include Tongkat Ali, Ashwagandha, Panax Ginseng, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, L-arginine and Licorice root.

According to a US-based nutritionist Allisa Rumsey, Tongkat Ali is reported to be the most effective natural supplement that supports a healthy hormonal balance in the endocrine system.

The top 6 best endocrine supplements on Amazon 

  • Tongkat Ali – Clinically tested to benefit the endocrine system, with particular focus on male and female reproductive system via the adrenal glands and pituitary glands, central nervous system, urinary system and others.
  • Panax Ginseng – Several varieties benefit the endocrine system, to include the thyroid.
  • L-arginine – An essential amino acid that may boost the release of general hormones in the body.
  • Vitamin A. Needed for our immune system, hormone synthesis, and the production of the thyroid hormone triiodothyronine (T3).
  • Licorice root. Can help the thyroid and adrenal glands for those who have adrenal fatigue (low cortisol)

Against the backdrop of marketing health claims by brand owners, if you have taken some of the endocrine supplements, please ensure it is clinically tested on humans.

And that brings us to the next part.

The best clinically tested endocrine supplement

Now, which is the best clinically tested endocrine supplement that you can trust?

With 300+ research studies to date, Tongkat Ali is scientifically proven as one of the best natural supplements in supporting a healthy endocrine system due to its robust mechanism of action to restore major hormones in your body.

Multiple studies showed that Tongkat Ali has a positive effect on key hormones such as testosterone, norepinephrine, progresterone, estrogen, Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Growth Hormone (GH), renin and angiotensin, cortisol and dopamine which exists in your endocrine system.

Tongkat Ali is clinically tested to have a positive impact on key systems of our endocrine system by restoring key hormones as illustrated above.

Analysis & Assessment

List of Endocrine Hormones Affected by Tongkat Ali Supplementation

Our assessment from past and present studies showed that Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma Longifolia) has a strong influence and impact (directly and indirectly) on key hormones that enable your endocrine system to function optimally.

Here is the list of hormones that are positively impacted when you consume Tongkat Ali.

Where the hormone is produced

Hormone(s) secreted

Does Tongkat Ali impact the hormone, or the glands?

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)

 

Pancreas

Glucagon

No Impact

 

Pituitary
gland

Antidiuretic
hormone (vasopressin)

Data not available

Parathyroid
glands

Parathyroid
hormone (PTH)

 

Data not available

 

Thyroid
gland

Thyroid
hormone

No Impact

 

Pineal
gland

Melatonin

No Impact

 

Pituitary
gland

Oxytocin

Data not available

Pituitary
gland

Prolactin

Data not available

Pituitary
gland

Thyroid-stimulating
hormone (TSH)

Data not available

 

A list of hormones in the endocrine system was sourced from John Hopkins

The above list demonstrates that Tongkat Ali affects more than 50% of major hormones and functions that are found in the endocrine system – notably testosterone, DHEA, estrogen and others.

Our assessment showed that Tongkat Ali is one of, or probably the best endocrine supplements to date.

Tongkat Ali is reported to work effectively on the endocrine system (including male reproduction system – which includes men’s fertility and libido) and female reproduction system to when consumed at high potency.

Gaining Optimal Benefits of Tongkat Ali on the Endocrine System

It is highly advisable to consume a clinically tested Tongkat Ali product with the right dosage to gain the most benefits to the endocrine system.

Tongkat Ali is clinically tested on hormones that deliver multiple health benefits within the endocrine system:

1. Male Reproduction System

 

2. Female Reproduction System

 

3. Central Nervous System (Hypothalamus)

 

4. Sympathetic Nervous System

  • Cortisol in adrenal cortex
  • Blood glucose

 

5. Immunology System

 

6. Urinary System

FAQ: User Guide

Get more insights on endocrine supplements and how it may help you restore hormonal balance.

Do you need supplement to balance your hormones?

Supplements are part of a holistic diet and exercise regime to restore testosterone, estrogen, cortisol and dopamine and other hormones. This is to ensure optimal hormonal balance that supports a healthy reproductive system (fertility), gut system, blood sugar levels, energy and overall mental health.

When do I use endocrine supplement?

Endocrine supplements are used as a preventive measure and can be taken daily if you are exhibiting symptoms related to low testosterone (hypogonadism), premature aging, or if you are exposed to years of Hormone Disrupting Chemicals (HDCs).

Which supplements are good for overall hormonal balance?

Natural supplements such as Tongkat Ali, Ashwagandha, Zinc, magnesium, folic acid are effective to restore overall hormonal balance due to aging, premature hormonal deficiencies or if you are exposed to Hormone Disrupting Chemicals (HDC) from BPA from prolonged use of plastic bottles and food.

How can I boost my endocrine naturally?

Regular exercises, exposure to the sun, a healthy diet and nutrition help you to increase your endocrine naturally. Natural supplements help to boost your endocrine system by supplying the nutrients in your blood stream, thus boosting a healthy hormones in your body.

What is the best way to take endocrine supplements?

Functional health coaches and nutritionists suggest taking endocrine supplements with regular cardio exercises, or resistance training 3 times a week. Users are cautioned to take care of their diet by reducing processed food and alcohol intake.

Do I need doctor's prescription for endocrine supplements?

Some endocrine supplements such as Tongkat Ali or Ashwagandha do not require a doctor’s prescription. However, we recommend you to consult your nearest healthcare professional or doctor to get further advice before consuming any form of endocrine or hormonal supplement.

Can pregnant women take endocrine supplements?

Pregnant women should not be taking any hormonal or endocrine supplements. If you are pregnant, we recommend you consult your nearest healthcare professional or doctor to get further advice before consuming any form of endocrine or hormonal supplement.

Closing Thoughts

Taking endocrine boosting supplements to protect your endocrine system is as essential as taking probiotics to protect your gut system.

Tongkat Ali is now the preferred endocrine supplement of the 21st century due to decades of clinically proven benefits. Tongkat Ali delivers equal benefits to women’s health too, so it is worthwhile to consider giving it a try.

While there are plenty of endocrine supplements such as L-arginine, Ginseng, Vitamin D, and others, but Tongkat Ali remains a clear winner. In fact, Tongkat Ali is the best herbal supplement for our endocrine system compared to Panax Ginseng, Fadogia Agrestis or even Turkesterone.

Tongkat Ali stood the test of time and constantly emerge as a champion in areas such as testosterone, estrogen, cortisol, uric acid, DHEA, dopamine, etc.

Given the exhaustive list of clinical trials on humans and how it affects the long list of hormones, Tongkat Ali may be the right magic pill for your endocrine system.

Note: A big thank you to Dr. Annie George for providing her input and reviewing this article. Dr. Annie George has published multiple groundbreaking Tongkat Ali research studies and clinical trials in her 20-year experience with Biotropics Malaysia Berhad.

Naressa Khan contributes regularly on AKARALI. As a researcher and investigative journalist specializing in nutrition and natural wellness, 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 .

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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