Tongkat Ali Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

LAST UPDATE : 24th December 2023

Get the best questions and answers from our Tongkat Ali FAQ. Our answers are derived from research papers and clinical studies on Tongkat Ali. Save time with the best medically reviewed Tongkat Ali FAQ with evidence-based information.

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Annie George

Information published on this FAQ page is 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.

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Please refer to our disclaimer section for more information.

Our FAQ contains scientific evidence from research studies, peer-reviewed journals, pre-clinical studies, clinical tests and other credible publications.

Our team of medical advisors and experts strive to be objective and unbiased when compiling the information to develop the best Tongkat Ali FAQ.

What is Tongkat Ali?

Tongkat Ali is a natural herbal root from the plant Eurycoma Longifolia which is found in Malaysian and Indonesian rainforests. Tongkat Ali root, or otherwise known as Akar Ali (i.e pronounced as akarali) in the Malay language is a natural herb used as a dietary or food supplement for centuries.

Tongkat Ali is also known by other names, for example ‘Pasak Bumi’ in Indonesia, Cay Ba Binh in Vietnam, Pin Yin: 东革阿里 or Dōng gé ālǐ in China, ‘Longjack’ in the United States or Europe and ‘Malaysian Ginseng’ or `Akar Ali’ by locals.

Is Tongkat Ali a Malaysian Ginseng?

Tongkat Ali is also known as Malaysian Ginseng due to its ginseng-like properties from its bioactive ingredients such as polysaccharides, peptides, alkaloids, glycosaponin and crude protein. In addition, Malaysian Tongkat Ali shares the same physical appearance and color as most Korean or Chinese ginseng that you find in the market. However, there are unique bioactive compounds found in each of these herbs as they originate from two distinct family trees.

Where does Tongkat Ali come from?

Tongkat Ali is grown in the wild and harvested mainly in Malaysia and Indonesia, and some parts of Vietnam and Thailand. It has been traditionally consumed for centuries and with a deep-rooted history in Malaysia.

The origin of Tongkat Ali is closely associated with Malaysia since its first documented use as a traditional medicinal herb by William Jack, a Scottish herbalist and surgeon who went to Malaysia in 1820. This quintessentially Malaysian herb has had a great history and received much international coverage due to its Government-driven effort to commercialize the export of Tongkat Ali through research and development.

What are the potential health benefits of Tongkat Ali?

Multiple human clinical studies over the last 20 years have resulted in the following benefits: 

There are 12 potential benefits from scientifically-backed evidence on Tongkat Ali. Access to more scientific and research studies here.

What is Tongkat Ali in English or in other language?

Tongkat Ali is known as Longjack in English. In fact, it is one of the few herbs which has multiple household names in different languages, depending on which country you live in.

Tongkat Ali is also commonly known as ‘Pasak Bumi’ in Indonesia, Cay Ba Binh in Vietnam, Pin Yin: 东革阿里 or Dōng gé ālǐ in China, ‘Longjack’ in United States or Europe and ‘Malaysian Ginseng’ or `Akar Ali’ by locals.  Interestingly the Russians and Arabs refer to it as “Tongat Ali”.

The word “Tongkat Ali” root comes from a direct translation from the Malay language that means Ali’s root or Ali’s stick. It is also common for locals to refer to Tongkat Ali root as Akar Ali, (pronounced as akarali) in short.

Tongkat Ali and Long Jack. Are they the same?

Yes. Tongkat Ali and Long Jack are from the same plant, Eurycoma Longifolia.

Tongkat Ali is commonly known as Long Jack in the United States. 

The word “Long” comes from the word “Longifolia” which describes the physical attributes of the plant with long slender leaves. In Latin, “Longus” means long and “Folia” refers to the leaves.

What is Eurycoma Longifolia?

Eurycoma Longifolia is the scientific name of the Tongkat Ali plant that is found in remote rainforests of Malaysia.

The word “Eurycoma Longifolia” comes from Greek and Latin words. In Greek, the word “eurys” originally means broad while “come” means a tufted bush, which describes the plant’s physical attributes.

The word Eurycoma refers to the growth habit of its compound leaves that spirals out at the tip of its slender trunk in a large dense rosette.

In Latin, “Longus” means long and Folia refers to the leaves, so the word Longifolia describes the compound leaflets that are often long and slender. 

What are the main ingredients of Tongkat Ali?

Major bioactive compounds in Tongkat Ali are eurycomanone, glycosaponin, polysaccharide and crude protein. In it’s natural form, these bioactive ingredients work together to deliver health benefits.

The Tongkat Ali root has the highest level of bio-active ingredients compared to the branch, leaves and other parts of the Tongkat Ali plant.

Which bioactive compounds in Tongkat Ali are vital to health?

Eurycomanone contains quassinoids and is considered one of the most vital bioactive compounds in Tongkat Ali. It’s unique molecular structure is widely researched for medicinal and adaptogen properties.

The amount of eurycomanone that can be extracted from Tongkat Ali is between 1% to 5% depending on the batch production and quality of Tongkat Ali plants. A healthy plant can produce higher eurycomanone.

Several studies found that eurycomanone significantly increased testosterone production and sperm production.

Does Tongkat Ali contain protein?

Studies showed that Tongkat Ali plants found in Malaysia contain crude proteins between 15.5% to 39.9%. The amount of crude protein varies on the soil quality and Tongkat Ali in the state of Pahang usually has higher crude protein content.

Physta® Tongkat Ali contains high crude protein content, averaging more than 22% due to the standardized water extraction technology.

Does Tongkat Ali contain gluten and is it gluten-free?

Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma Longifolia) does not contain gluten, or wheat proteins.

Gluten or wheat proteins is found in grains – such as wheat, barley, rye, and a cross between wheat and rye called triticale. These include any species of wheat (i.e durum, spelt, khorasan, emmer and einkorn), barley, rye and some oat cultivars. 

Studies showed that Tongkat Ali contains crude proteins and amino acids, and not wheat protein.

As Tongkat Ali is gluten-free, this makes it ideal if you have celiac disease and other medical conditions associated with gluten.

Is Tongkat Ali a food supplement or medicine?

Depending on the legal definition by the health authorities in each country, Tongkat Ali is defined as a dietary supplement in the US and as a food supplement / novel food in the UK. As Tongkat Ali is a natural plant, technically it should be broadly classified as a dietary/ food supplement (and not as complementary medicine) in most countries. 

How is Tongkat Ali consumed?

Here are three ways you can consume Tongkat Ali:

  1. Food Ingredient – as an active ingredient or additive in coffee or tea.  
  2. Performance Ingredient – as pre-workout drinks or supplements used by fitness professionals and sports amateurs to deliver a competitive edge. Often mixed with other herbs to maximize muscle growth and recovery, energy and stamina.
  3. Dietary Supplement – mainly available in capsule form and consumed as part of daily dietary supplements to revitalize general health and vitality.

Can you feed animals with Tongkat Ali?

Whilst you can use Tongkat Ali powder extract in small doses as a protein supplement to grow your chickens or fish, there are limited studies on using Tongkat Ali for other animals such as cows, horses, pigs, birds, cats, or even dogs. Please consult your vet before feeding your pets or animals with Tongkat Ali. Impurities, allergens, heavy metal content or food preservatives found in low-quality Tongkat Ali extracts may be harmful to animals. 

Yellow, Red, and Black Tongkat Ali. Are they the same?

There are three types of Tongkat Ali roots:

  • Yellow Tongkat Ali – Eurycoma Longifolia
  • Black Tongkat Ali – Polyalthia Bullata
  • Red Tongkat Ali – Stema Tuberosa

The most popular is the yellow Tongkat Ali (i.e Eurycoma Longifolia) as it is widely tested and safe for your health. Black Tongkat Ali and Red Tongkat Ali has mixed reviews on their efficacy and safety, and generally sourced from Indonesia with high lead and mercury content that can be harmful to health.

What is the difference between Tongkat Ali and Panax Ginseng?

Tongkat Ali and Panax Ginseng come from different family trees with roots that exhibit various health benefits. 

  • Tongkat Ali (or Malaysian Ginseng) comes from a plant Eurycoma Longifolia belonging to family tree known as Simaroubaceae
  • Panax Ginseng comes from a family tree known as Araliaceae

Both of these plants are native to different parts of the world.

  • Tongkat Ali are found and harvested in Malaysia and Indonesia
  • Panax Ginseng are cultivated in Northeast of China and Korean Peninsula

However, Panax Ginseng and Tongkat Ali contain one similar bio-active ingredient known as saponin that is associated with various biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, cholesterol-lowering and anti-cancer properties.

Read more about the differences and similarities between Tongkat Ali and Panax Ginseng here.

Can ladies / women take Tongkat Ali?

Yes, women can take Tongkat Ali as an everyday supplement to support a healthy endocrine system and restore hormonal balance. Tongkat Ali may benefit women’s health in many ways and clinically tested on both menopausal women and active young females. However, it is not recommendable to consume Tongkat Ali if you are pregnant or if you are diagnosed with critical medical conditions. Kindly consult your doctor before consuming Tongkat Ali.

Does Tongkat Ali benefit women?

Tongkat Ali benefits women’s health in many ways; increasing muscle mass, fat loss, improved mood, improved sexual libido and potentially looking younger too. The effects of Tongkat Ali on women were largely due to its ability to restore testosterone, DHEA and estrogen (estrodial) and balance cortisol levels. Tongkat Ali is commonly used by female athletes, women in their 40s or those who experience pre or post-menopausal symptoms.

Does Tongkat Ali make you look younger?

Tongkat Ali has natural anti-aging properties that may affect skin elasticity and tightening from increased DHEA and testosterone. A 2021 clinical study on 105 men between 50-70 years showed an increase of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) by 11% after consuming 200mg of Tongkat Ali for 12 weeks. Another study showed free testosterone increase of 600% in women and 582% in men after consuming 50mg of Physta® Tongkat Ali with multivitamins for 24 weeks.

Similarly, the principle of DHEA and testosterone treatment have contributed to youthful appearance and better skin for many years. Over the counter DHEA cream has been shown to thicken and tighten skin by dermatologists whilst testosterone cream and HRT improves skin tightening and skin elasticity.

Many consumers are beginning to consume Tongkat Ali as a natural DHEA supplement with positive results from better appearance, reduced facial lines, stronger facial definition and youthful looks. DHEA is dubbed as the “fountain of youth hormone” by Dr. Susan Richards from Stanford University in her book on natural wellness.

Are Tongkat Ali safe for vegetarians?

Most Tongkat Ali grows naturally in wild rainforests and consumes natural nutrients from the earth. If you are already on a plant-based diet, Tongkat Ali can supplement nutrients that your body needs to promote better vitality and general health.

How does Tongkat Ali work?

Tongkat Ali work through several mechanisms through hormonal activation via the endocrine system. The primary endocrine system controls the release of hormones such as testosterone, testosterone, norepinephrine, progresterone, estrogen, Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Growth Hormone (GH), renin and angiotensin, cortisol and dopamine via Pituitary Glands and Adrenal Glands.

Here is how Tongkat Ali work and the science behind it.

  1. Tongkat Ali contains ingredients such as eurycomanone,  a family of quassinoids and alkaloids that work by activating hormone-inducing actions in our body.
  2. Tongkat Ali activates Luteinzing Hormones (LH) that stimulates the Leydig cells in your testicles to produce testosterone. In women, the Luteinizing Hormones (LH) triggers the creation of steroid hormones from the ovaries and that helps with menstrual cycle and ovulation.
  3. Tongkat Ali decreases the sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) which in turn, delivers higher production of testosterone. SHBG rises when your testosterone level is low.
  4. At the same time, Tongkat Ali reduces cortisol, the stress hormone that lowers the testosterone in our body.
  5. The mechanism of actions collaboratively increase production of “free testosterone” in our body.
  6. Therefore, increased free testosterone from Tongkat Ali provides more energy, improved mood, improved sexual libido, more sperm motility, stronger muscle growth, reduced body fat, increased immune system and reduction of stress.

Does Tongkat Ali work?

Yes, Tongkat Ali is proven to benefit health in many areas of the endocrine system with more than 300 clinical evidence, tests and studies on humans. More than 1,000 humans have been tested with Tongkat Ali from various demographics and medical history, with new research studies being published each year. In addition, real-world performance from 2-week, 4-week and 6-week consumption of Tongkat Ali reported positive gains to individuals.

Are Tongkat Ali benefits validated by science?

There are more than 300 research papers and  30 clinical trials on Tongkat Ali that were validated by qualified scientists, medical professionals, and certified researchers in the last two decades.

Human-tested clinical trials have provided sufficient evidence of Tongkat Ali’s effectiveness to benefit health in many ways. Scientists such as Dr. Annie George, Dr. Shawn Talbott, Professor Dr. Anthony Sinskey, Professor Hirokawa and others have long dedicated their research to Tongkat Ali for decades.

Is Tongkat Ali tested on humans?

Yes, most recent Tongkat Ali clinical trials, tests and research studies are performed on humans (both men and women). Close to 1,000 test participants and volunteers have participated in clinical tests involving Tongkat Ali in the last 20 years. Approximately only 10% of Tongkat Ali studies are tested in vitro on animals (mice and rats). Similar to the approach taken by pharmaceutical drugs, companies like Pfizer said that “the use of animals in research is currently an essential component of the drug discovery process”.

What is premium Tongkat Ali?

Premium Tongkat Ali is an embodiment of carefully handpicked Tongkat Ali roots using the best extraction technology.

The finest Tongkat Ali contains one of the highest bio-active ingredients which can only be found in roots that are more than 4 to 5 years old. More often than not, these roots are chromatography tested to ensure only the best roots are selected by trained artisans. 

The potency, efficacy and scarcity define the premium price, which explains why authentic Tongkat Ali prices have skyrocketed in recent years.

What is the best Tongkat Ali?

The best Tongkat Ali has the most potent formulation which is clinically tested to deliver optimal health benefits to both men and women. Clinically tested Tongkat Ali is generally more effective and has higher efficacy compared to generic lab-tested Tongkat Ali products. The best Tongkat Ali product contains proprietary Tongkat Ali extract, resulting from decades of research and clinical tests.

Which type of Tongkat Ali is the best?

The best type of Tongkat Ali is yellow Tongkat Ali (i.e Eurycoma Longifolia) with hot water standardized root extract, which offers higher potency than ethanol-based extract. The best Tongkat Ali extract using standardized extract protocol often has higher eurycomanone between 0.8% to 1.5% and glycosaponin between 20-40% based on the Tongkat Ali Malaysian Standards MS2409.

Where can I buy the best Tongkat Ali?

Where can I find the most potent Tongkat Ali?

The most potent Tongkat Ali can be found in the virgin rainforest of the state of Pahang, Malaysia and in selected regions of Borneo. A study showed that Tongkat Ali found in Pahang contains higher crude protein (39.3%) compared to Tongkat Ali found in Perak (15.5%).

The most potent Tongkat Ali is from standardized hot-water freeze-dried extract compared to the conventional 200:1 or 400:1 extract method, which contains a high percentage of eurycomanone (>1.5%), glycosaponin (>48%), polysaccharide (>30%), and crude protein (>22%).

Learn more about Tongkat Ali’s potency and efficacy here.

Which Tongkat Ali brand is the best?

AKARALI is the leading Tongkat Ali brand with MIT-formulated Physta® extraction technology , with more than 26 clinical trials to date. It is one of the most trusted and reputable Tongkat Ali brands in the market and is sold in more than 130 countries.

Here are other top trusted Tongkat Ali supplement brands on Amazon.

Which Tongkat Ali extract is the best?

Yellow Tongkat Ali root extract using hot water extraction is reported to deliver the best results and health benefits. The water-based extraction method used by AKARALI Physta® Tongkat Ali is considered to be more effective at preserving the active compounds in the root, as it uses heat and pressure to extract the compounds, rather than ethanol-based extract (i.e using solvents or chemicals).

On the other hand, Black and Red Tongkat Ali extracts are deemed less popular as it is not widely researched and are plagued by quality, safety, and efficacy issues.

What is clinically tested Tongkat Ali?

A clinically tested Tongkat Ali refers to Tongkat Ali products that have undergone clinical trials or clinical pre-trials where Tongkat Ali extracts are tested on humans (eg: patients or volunteers) with test results validated by qualified medical professionals and scientists.

Is clinically tested Tongkat Ali better than lab-tested Tongkat Ali?

Clinically tested Tongkat Ali is far superior to lab-tested Tongkat Ali due to the extensive clinical trials performed on humans to validate its efficacy, safety and pharmacological effects on health. In comparison, lab-tested Tongkat Ali products are not tested on humans, thus may not deliver its intended benefits to health.

What is standardized Tongkat Ali extract?

Standardized Tongkat Ali extract is the gold standard of any herbal extraction process that ensures bioactive components from Tongkat Ali (such as eurycomanone, eurypeptides, glycosaponin, polysaccharides) are produced in a specific and guaranteed amount for every batch of production. This ensures consumers receive the same level of quality, with the same concentration of bioactive components from every batch produced by the manufacturer.

What is the recommended Tongkat Ali dosage?

Typical dosage recommendations are between 50 mg to 100 mg a day, and 100 mg to 200 mg if you are seeking noticeable improvement in sexual function, healthy aging and sports performance. Most clinical trials and studies were conducted using a daily intake of 200 mg – 400mg daily for a prolonged period between 4 to 12 weeks. 

Find out more on our daily dosage guide here.

Can I take Tongkat Ali everyday?

Tongkat Ali is a herbal supplement that you can consume every day to achieve your health goals. The recommended daily dosage is between 100mg to 400mg daily, taken for two weeks to six weeks to achieve the desired effect. There are no reported negative effects, death or law suites arsing from users consuming Tongkat Ali in the last 20 to 30 years. 

When is the best time to take Tongkat Ali?

The best time to consume Tongkat Ali is in the early morning as it may help to revitalize and energize your day. It is recommended to consume Tongkat Ali after morning meals or after dinner.

There are many situations when Tongkat Ali will deliver the most benefits to you. Do check out the top situations, covering more than 20 different occupations and moments that are best suited when taking Tongkat Ali.

 

Can you take Tongkat Ali at night?

You may take 100mg to 200mg of Tongkat Ali at night between 1700 hours to 2300 hours. Salivary testosterone studies showed that our daily testosterone levels are at their lowest point between 1900 to 2300 hrs. 

How long does it take for Tongkat Ali to take effect?

Depending on your age and health conditions, past scientific studies showed that Tongkat Ali will take into effect between several hours to several days. However, in most cases, you can feel the difference in energy levels after 12 to 24 hours.

For long-term effect of Tongkat Ali, daily consumption of 4 weeks to 12 weeks will bring significant improvements.

For young active adults below 40, improvement in sexual libido can be felt a couple of hours after the first dosage of Tongkat Ali.

If you are diagnosed with Androgen deffiency or looking to improve Erecticle Dysfunction, long term consumption may be required.

Read more on scientific validation studies on Tongkat Ali here.

What is the maximum limit and how much Tongkat Ali can I take per day?

Most of the studies and clinical trials on various health benefits were based on daily consumption of 200mg to 400mg Tongkat Ali daily and this is regarded as safe. The maximum limit is approximately 1,000mg to 1,500mg in a single dose.

However, if you are an active sportsperson that works out daily, participating in competitive sports or an amateur athlete, higher consumption of Tongkat Ali (eg: 600mg) is recommended to gain better performance output.

Find out more on our daily dosage guide here.

What is the toxicity limit of Tongkat Ali?

The toxicity limit (defined as the Lethal Dose 50, or LD50) of Tongkat Ali was observed to be 3,000 mg / kg of body weight which is based the acute toxicity study using on a water-based Tongkat Ali extract. Therefore, the Human Equivalent Dose (HED) toxicity limit for Tongkat Ali is therefore estimated to be 14,500 mg / kg. The LD50 of 5,000mg – 15,000mg/kg is classified as “practically non-toxic” based on toxicity classification of food and pharmaceutical ingredients.

Can Tongkat Ali be taken long term?

Tongkat Ali does not appear to have adverse effects on the liver, kidney and other health-related complications based on doses up to 600mg per day. Most studies and clinical trials on Tongkat Ali range from 2 weeks to 36 weeks with no reported negative effects on health.

How can I gain maximum health benefits from Tongkat Ali?

Optimal results from Tongkat Ali supplementation can be achieved with a combination of diet and regular exercises comprising weight training and high-intensity exercises at least 4 times a week. Most aging adults may need to switch their diet to a high-protein diet and reduce alcohol and sugar intake to gain the best results from Tongkat Ali. A study by the University of Santa Catarina Brazil in 2021 showed that daily consumption of Tongkat Ali with a 60-minute exercise 3 times a week brings the most improvement in ED, sexual satisfaction and desire.

Does Tongkat Ali bring real-world benefits or gains?

Tongkat Ali is dosage-dependent in order to deliver real-world performance gains. There are other factors that influence real-life gains such as age, BMI, lifestyle, diet and exercise. Most real benefits are observed after  two-week, four-week and six-weeks after taking Tongkat Ali. 

Is Tongkat Ali another scam?

Many Tongkat Ali supplements are reported as scams as they fail to deliver any testosterone or libido boost or any visible health benefits as advertised. The widespread unadulterated Tongkat Ali supplements filled with sildenafil, adulterants, impurities and illegal substances or from untested polyherbal formulations at high doses (eg: Fadogia-Tongkat Ali, Horny Goat Weed Tongkat Ali) have tarnished the global reputation of Tongkat Ali. Most of the testosterone or libido benefits are based on studies conducted on pure Tongkat Ali root extract, a rarity that is not found in most Tongkat Ali Amazon stores in the US, UK or Australia.

What is the best Tongkat Ali extract?

Tongkat Ali hot-water root extract is regarded as the best in the herbal industry due to its high potency, efficacy and long-term safety. The boiling hot-water extract method is derived from traditional practices and outperforms the ethanol-based extraction method. 

The standardized hot water Tongkat Ali extract usually contains bioactive compounds that are optimized for your health and are mostly clinically tested using carefully calibrated dosing that brings optimal gains. In simple terms, Tongkat Ali root extract that complies with Tongkat Ali standards (or known as standardized extract) delivers consistent potency which often guarantees better health and testosterone or libido gains.

Can you consume Tongkat Ali with coffee?

Yes, you can add a quarter teaspoon, or not exceeding 1.5g of Tongkat Ali powder extract to a cup of coffee. Although Tongkat Ali coffee consumed for centuries as an herbal coffee in Malaysia and some parts of Indonesia, this novelty coffee is used daily in small doses by those who are exposed to physical activities that consume extra energy, or to enhance sports performance during training. The best Tongkat Ali coffee is made from potent Tongkat Ali root extract and freeze-dried Arabica coffee beans.

Read more about Tongkat Ali coffee here

Can I take Tongkat Ali with alcoholic beverage or cocktails?

Yes, you can take Tongkat Ali supplements with wine, beer or any alcoholic drinks at your leisure without having to worry about its potential side effects. Tongkat Ali extract is used as a  novelty ingredient in herbal cocktails, and you may find Tongkat Ali-infused wines sold in Malaysia or even in China. However, if you are focused on getting the best health benefits, taking Tongkat Ali with alcohol may not be the best option to yield optimal results.

Can you take Tongkat Ali with Zinc?

Yes, you may take Tongkat Ali with Zinc supplements within the recommended dosage of 200mg daily to gain the advantage of increased energy and increased testosterone levels. Please observe the daily dose of zinc when pairing it with Tongkat Ali to avoid excessive dosage that will cause acute side effects such as nausea or mild headaches.

Is Tongkat Ali coffee safe?

Yes, Tongkat Ali coffee is consumed daily for centuries as a part of the tradition and culture in Malaysia.

There are hundreds of brands of Tongkat Ali coffee brands sold out there at it is generally safe to be consumed.

However, consumers are generally advised to beware of fake Tongkat Ali coffees sold in the market such as CNI Tongkat Ali Ginseng Coffee. Authorities in Malaysia have been revamping up enforcement effort to nab fake and illegal Tongkat Ali coffee manufacturers and suppliers.

There was also a case of a Texas-based BestHerb Coffee which stopped selling the Tongkat Ali Coffee brand (known as Tongkat Ali Kopi Jantan). The USFDA found desmethyl carbodenafil, which is similar to sildenafil in the Tongkat Ali coffee.

Read more about Tongkat Ali coffee here

Is Tongkat Ali illegal or banned in the United States?

There is no public notification by the USFDA on Tongkat Ali being illegal or unsafe. You can consume and sell Tongkat Ali in the USA.

However, USFDA does ban Tongkat Ali products that contain illegal substances such as sildenafil, tadalafil and other illegal or harmful substances. 

For instance, USFDA issued a ban on Tongkat Ali Kopi Jantan which contained desmethyl carbodenafil, which is similar to sildenafil in the Tongkat Ali coffee.

We advise consumers to be careful and do their research before purchasing Tongkat Ali products. There are few Tongkat Ali brands out there that are trusted by consumers.

Is Tongkat Ali legal or banned in the UK?

Tongkat Ali is not banned in the UK, and is not listed on the UK Government’s restricted herbal ingredients list. Tongkat Ali is sold widely in the UK and you can import Tongkat Ali into the UK without any customs restrictions.

Is Tongkat Ali illegal or banned in Singapore?

Tongkat Ali is not banned or illegal to be consumed in Singapore. According to the Health Singapore Authorities (HSA), Tongkat Ali products are classified as Traditional Medicine (TM) and are not subjected to approvals or licensing by HSA.

Please find the list of banned or warnings by HSA on the Tongkat Ali products that contain illegal substances here.

Is Tongkat Ali illegal or banned in Australia?

Tongkat Ali (Malaysian Ginseng) is not banned, can be purchased, imported and consumed in Australia as long as it meets quality standards. Tongkat Ali is widely sold in Australia as Tongkat Ali is not banned or prohibited by TGA. In addition, Tongkat Ali (Malaysian Ginseng) is not listed as a prohibited item in the Australia Border Force (ABF). In Australia, Tongkat Ali is not classified as a medicine, or drug containing anabolic or androgenic substances, psychoactive substances or therapeutic drugs.

Can I use Tongkat Ali in military?

You may use Tongkat Ali as a dietary supplement in military training, military operations and throughout your military service.  According to an announcement by the US Department of Defense (DoD) published in April 2023, Tongkat Ali is not listed as a prohibited substance, or as a prohibited dietary supplement. DoD further mentioned that taking Tongkat Ali (as a testosterone booster) may not cause a positive result on a routine military drug test. However, users are cautioned against taking testosterone supplements that are filled with adulterants or illegal substances that may affect their drug test or health. If you are in doubt when taking testosterone supplements, taking pure Tongkat Ali root extract, either in capsule of powder form, is the safest option to ensure optimal energy, strength and reducing stress during your military service.

Does Tongkat Ali contain mercury?

Most lab-tested and clinically tested Tongkat Ali contain mercury less than 0.05 ppm, which is far below USFDA’s maximum permissible limit of 1.0 ppm of mercury.  Based on FDA’s findings on mercury levels,  Tongkat Ali has much lower mercury levels than Tuna (1.478 ppm), Mackerel (1.67 ppm), and Cod Fish (0.98 ppm), or even Oyster (0.25 ppm). Mercury is also found in most vegetables and fruits grown in some countries.

FDA has not issued any warnings on mercury levels found in Tongkat Ali in the last 30 years.

What does it feel like after consuming Tongkat Ali?

In the first hour or so after your first dosage, you will feel more mentally awake coupled with greater clarity.  Some reported an increase in sexual desire, erection with improved mood.

After about two weeks, Tongkat Ali begins to have an effect on the endocrine system by increasing (freeing up more) testosterone levels and decreasing the stress hormone known as cortisol.

After four to six weeks, you will feel more energetic and less “sluggish” or lethargic when you wake up in the morning, or if you had a long night out.

If you are into competitive sports, muscle-building or even planning to lose weight, long-term consumption of Tongkat Ali will cause an increase in muscle strength, muscle growth and less body fat

Read more on Tongkat Ali’s experience after two weeks, six weeks, and a unique 30-day experience here

Does Tongkat Ali makes you feel good?

Tongkat Ali makes you feel good due to the dopamine effect (i.e feel good hormone) and the lowering of cortisol hormone. Studies showed Tongkat Ali improved overall mood profile, with a significant reduction in cognitive stress, tension, and other mood parameters.

What happens if I stop consuming Tongkat Ali?

There are no withdrawal symptoms, downtime or reported side effects if you stop consuming Tongkat Ali. Tongkat Ali does not contain any addictive substances or ingredients.

There is no “downtime” if you stop consuming Tongkat Ali. However, if you are a serious bodybuilder or in a sports competition and decide to stop consuming Tongkat Ali, you may notice a gradual drop in your anaerobic performance, or muscle strength.

What are the side-effects of Tongkat Ali?

There are mild side effects associated with Tongkat Ali which include insomnia, mild jittery and mild nausea. Some of these side effects are due to incorrect dosage (i.e higher dosage) or if you are diagnosed with any chronic medical conditions. 

However, almost 99% of consumers who have consumed Tongkat Ali posted a positive experience without experiencing any form of side effects.

There have been no severe cases related to Tongkat Ali or reported deaths in publically available information.

However, if you are in doubt, kindly consult your doctor or if you encounter any severe side-effects after consuming Tongkat Ali.

Can I take Tongkat Ali if I have diabetes?

If you are diabetic, you can consume Tongkat Ali without any side effects.

In fact, Tongkat Ali is a plant-based adaptogen herb that contains crude proteins, amino acids, alkaloids and quassinoids that are found to lower blood sugar levels.

A study published at the International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science and Research published in 2019 showed that Tongkat Ali lowers the blood sugar levels.

Although there have been no reported cases associated with complications due to Tongkat Ali amongst diabetic patients, we strongly recommend consulting your nearest doctor.

Can I take Tongkat Ali if I have high-blood pressure?

Tongkat Ali has a mild anti-hypertensive vasodilatory effect and it will not aggravate high blood pressure. A study has shown that Tongkat Ali may present an alternative treatment for hypertension that would complement the conventional therapies.

If you have high blood pressure (or hypertension as it is commonly known), you can still consume Tongkat Ali without any side-effects. This is beneficial to patients who experience side-effects or if you are intolerant or not responsive to conventional treatments.

Although there have been no reported cases associated with complications due to Tongkat Ali amongst high blood pressure patients, we strongly recommend consulting your nearest doctor.

Can I take Tongkat Ali with alcohol?

Yes, Tongkat Ali can be taken, or mixed with alcohol and other non-alcoholic beverages such as coffee with no side-effect or any reported harmful effects to your body or mental state of health. Tongkat Ali cocktails are gaining new grounds as a novelty herbal cocktail and are sold in selected top bars in Malaysia and Singapore. Users are cautioned against consuming Tongkat Ali in high doses when mixing it with alcohol, spirit or beer.

Can I take Tongkat Ali and Ashwagandha together?

Yes, Tongkat Ali can be taken with Ashwagandha together to maximize your health gains without any adverse side effects. However, it is recommended with the right daily dose; i.e 200mg Tongkat Ali daily and 40mmg of Ashwagandha daily.

Can I take Tongkat Ali and Fadogia Agrestis together?

Yes, Tongkat Ali can be taken with Fadogia Agrestis together. However, there are no sufficient research studies or clinical evidence to prove the health benefits of Fadogia Agrestis. Despite a lack of evidence (with less than 6 studies published to date), the Fadogia Agrestis Tongkat Ali combo is a popular choice amongst the sports & fitness community.

Can I take Tongkat Ali and Turkesterone together?

We do not recommend taking Tongkat Ali and Turkesterone together. Turkesterone is an anabolic steroid (ecdysteroid) and there have been no studies to investigate pharmacological reactions to human health and long-term safety.  You may read more about Turkesterone and Tongkat Ali before deciding which herb is better for you.

Can I take Tongkat Ali with Multivitamins?

Yes, Tongkat Ali can be taken with multivitamins for maximizing health gains. A 24-week placebo-controlled study on Tongkat Ali showed a 580% increase in free testosterone when paired with multivitamins consisting of ascorbic acid (50 mg), retinyl acetate (4,000 IU), cholecalciferol (200 IU), Dl-alpha tocopherol acetate (15 IU), thiamine mononitrate (1.5 mg), riboflavin (1.7 mg), pyridoxine hydrochloride (2 mg), cyanocobalamin (0.001 mg), folic acid (0.2 mg), niacinamide (20 mg), D-biotin (0.15 mg), copper (2 mg), iron (10 mg), magnesium (10 mg), manganese (2.5 mg), selenium (0.005 mg), zinc (5 mg) and calcium (100 mg).

Can I take Tongkat Ali with Cialis?

Yes, you can take Tongkat Ali (200mg) with Cialis (5mg-10mg) without any side-effects. Tongkat Ali is a herbal supplement that can be taken with medicinal drugs (such as Cialis) as each has its own mechanism of action in managing ED-related symptoms.

Read more about Cialis, Levitra, Viagra and Tongkat Ali to understand more about the mechanism of actions before taking Tongkat Ali.

Can Tongkat Ali reduce hangovers?

Tongkat Ali may be used as a herbal remedy to manage hangovers as it regulates your cortisol levels from alcohol consumption. Studies have shown that Tongkat Ali lowers your cortisol and improves your mood.

Can Tongkat Ali treat gout?

Tongkat Ali may be used to prevent the risk of gout (caused by high uric acid in your body). Tongkat Ali showed a reduction of uric acid in a clinical study on 105 men using 100mg – 200mg Physta® Tongkat Ali extract over a period of 12 weeks.

Can Tongkat Ali reduce uric acid?

Yes, Tongkat Ali reduces uric acid levels in humans, making it a potential anti-gout supplement that can be taken daily. A placebo-controlled clinical study on 105 men with 100mg Tongkat Ali daily showed a reduction of 11.6% in uric acid from 5.69 mg/dL to 5.03 mg/dL, after 12 weeks. Lowering uric acid can reduce the risk of gout and may even prevent flares.

Can Tongkat Ali reduce cholesterol?

Yes, Tongkat Ali has shown to reduce cholesterol. A placebo-controlled clinical study on 105 men with 100mg daily Physta® Tongkat Ali extract showed a reduction of LDL / HDL ratio from 2.475 to 2.396 in 12 weeks. The total cholesterol / HDL ratio also showed a reduction from 3.993 to 3.631 in 12 weeks.

Does Tongkat Ali help gastric or stomach ulcers?

Yes, Tongkat Ali contains gastroprotective (anti-gastric) properties that may prevent gastric or stomach ulcers. A recent 2023 study by the Clinical Research Center for Food & Herbal Product of Chiang Mai University in Thailand showed that Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma Longifolia) extract at 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg of body weight showed gastroprotective properties that prevented gastric ulcer formation. The result showed that Tongkat Ali did not decrease the volume of gastric acid or increase the intragastric pH. The in-vitro animal study concluded that Tongkat Ali provides scientific evidence of the pharmacological activity of Tongkat Ali extract in its anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, antipyretic, and gastroprotective activities and supports its use, without causing gastric ulcers, in gastric ulcer treatment.

Can I take Tongkat Ali with Maca?

You may consume Tongkat Ali and Maca to enhance your health goals such as boosting testosterone, improving libido, and others. However, there is a lack of sufficient clinical trials on humans to verify the health effects and toxicity of Maca. In comparison, Tongkat Ali has a long list of clinical trials and studies dating back to the 90s to verify its health benefits. Users are cautioned against taking mixed herbal supplements such as Maca Tongkat Ali which may cause acute to severe side effects such as vomiting, nausea, or recurring headaches. 

Is Tongkat Ali safe?

Yes, Tongkat Ali is generally safe for health adults with no underlying medical conditions and is taken within the recommended dosage between 200mg to 400mg daily. It is recommended to consume Tongkat Ali in small doses, typically less than 1,500mg per day to avoid any health complications. There is no reported death or hospitalization from consuming Tongkat Ali from the public records of the Ministry of Health Malaysia, Singapore or United Kingdom. Users are advised to check on the impurities and heavy metal content when purchasing Tongkat Ali supplements to minimize health risks or any potential side effects.

Is Tongkat Ali safe to be used in Olympics or competitive sports?

Tongkat Ali is safe to be used in the Olympics or in other tightly regulated sports events based on the current doping policies; which is 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 six weeks.

Due to the low T/E ratio, Tongkat Ali was regarded as safe as long as the doping policy of the Olympics Committee remains the same.

Read more about how Tongkat Ali is used in sports and fitness here

Does Tongkat Ali benefit sports performance?

Yes, Tongkat Ali may benefit sports and athletic performance in various key areas. Multiple clinical trials and research showed improved anaerobic peak power, muscle strength (limb and back), lean muscle mass, faster muscle recovery time from sports injuries and ergogenic effects from efficient energy conversion and metabolism.

Is Tongkat Ali good for bodybuilders or to gain muscle?

Tongkat Ali exhibits both anabolic and thermogenic properties that aid protein synthesis together with fat-burning which helps in muscle-building activities for bodybuilders. Tongkat Ali is one of the common active ingredients found in most sports supplements and is added as part of the bodybuilding stack to enhance muscle growth, energy and strength during weight training. 

Research findings published by the British Journal of Sports Medicine showed the use of Tongkat Ali extract resulted in a 5 % increase in lean body mass in 5 weeks and an increase of arm circumference by 1.8 cm. In addition, a randomized controlled study showed that Tongkat Ali showed reduction in body fat and BMI in obese adults when paired with regular exercises.

Is Tongkat Ali an anabolic agent or steroid?

Tongkat Ali is not an anabolic steroid (or anabolic-androgenic steroid), but its plant-based protein exhibits mild to moderate anabolic and androgenic properties that aid protein synthesis, enabling the building of muscle mass and helping with muscle tissue recovery. The anabolic-androgenic action of Tongkat Ali is through the pathway of increasing testosterone production from its two key bioactive compounds; i.e eurycomanone and eurypeptides.

Can I use Tongkat Ali to lose weight?

Tongkat Ali may be used to aid weight loss together with exercises due to its thermogenic (fat-burning) properties. A clinical study on obese adults showed a reduction of Body Mass Index (BMI) after consuming Tongkat Ali for 112 days. It is highly recommended to consume Tongkat Ali as part of a dietary supplement together with regular exercise and a healthy diet to achieve your desired weight goals. Tongkat Ali should not be abused as a slimming pill and users are advised to observe the recommended dosage before embarking on any weight reduction regime to avoid unwanted side effects.

Can I use Tongkat Ali as a Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) or Hormone Replacement Therapy?

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.

Which hormones are affected by Tongkat Ali?

Tongkat Ali affects a wide range of key hormones in our endocrine system that includes Testosterone, Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), Progesterone, Estrogen, Dopamine, Cortisol, Norepinephrine, Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH), Growth Hormone (GH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle-Stimulating hormone (FSH), Renin and angiotensin, Erythropoietin, Insulin, Corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) and Humoral Factors.

Does Tongkat Ali boost testosterone?

There is a long list of scientific studies related to Tongkat Ali’s efficacy in regulating and promoting free testosterone levels across various age groups of people in their 20s, 40s and 70s.

Some of these studies include randomized with placebo-controlled groups to further validate Tongkat Ali’s efficacy in boosting testosterone.

Several testosterone-related studies on young men, middle-aged men and senior men including women from 2010 – to 2021 showed significant improvement depending on the daily dosage.

Does Tongkat Ali raise DHEA?

Yes, Tongkat Ali increase DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone). A randomized placebo-controlled group study on 105 test participants showed an increase in DHEA levels based on 200mg of Physta® Tongkat Ali daily consumption for 12 weeks. The study reported that the increase in DHEA was possibly due to high protein content (12-45%) and high eurypeptides from Tongkat Ali standardized bioactive ingredients. 

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a steroid hormone available in supplement form that is sometimes used to increase testosterone levels. Produced naturally by the adrenal glands, DHEA is converted by the body into testosterone and other sex hormones

Can Tongkat Ali boost free testosterone?

Several studies have shown that daily consumption of Tongkat Ali helps to regulate and restore your testosterone levels by freeing up more “usable” or also known as free testosterone.

Placebo-controlled group studies by Food & Nutrition (2021) and Phytotherapy Research (2014) showed improvement in free testosterone of up to 122% depending on the daily dosage.

Here is what we found:

  • 100mg – 5.1% increase after 12 weeks
  • 200mg – 16.9% increase after 12 weeks
  • 400mg – 61.2% increase after 5 weeks (male)
  • 400 mg – 122% increase after 5 weeks (female)

Another study published in the Journal of International Society of Sports Nutrition by Dr. Shawn Talbott and Julie Talbott showed a testosterone increase of 37% (in both men and women) after four weeks of consuming Tongkat Ali.

Salivary testosterone levels were significantly higher (+37% compared to placebo group, PL) following Tongkat Ali (TA) consumption of 200 mg per day for 4 weeks. Source: Journal of International Society of Sports Nutrition, 2013

What is the highest testosterone increase from consuming Tongkat Ali?

The highest testosterone increase that was ever recorded in a clinical trial was in 2019 using Physta Tongkat Ali extract on a randomized placebo-controlled group of 93 participants (both male and female) between 20 – 60 years.

Test results showed a jump in free testosterone of 582% in men and 600% in women after 24 weeks.

Does Tongkat Ali boost dopamine?

Tongkat Ali has effects on dopamine. A recent study on the consumption of 50, 100, 200, 400, or 800 mg of Tongkat Ali showed an increase in brain cortical and hippocampal dopamine by almost 100%. The boost of dopamine and reduction in cortisol from Tongkat Ali helps improve the overall mood. At the time, the reduction in stress was also reported in studies and from real-world experiences.

Does Tongkat Ali raise cortisol?

Tongkat Ali does not raise cortisol. A clinical study on Tongkat Ali in 2013 showed a reduction of cortisol by 16% in moderately stressed test participants (both men and women) based on 200mg per day of Tongkat Ali for 4 weeks.

In another clinical study published in 2021 with 103 test participants (who are not moderately stressed), Tongkat Ali was found to reduce cortisol by 11.2%; from 284.6 (nmol/l) to 252.8 (nmol/l) after 12 weeks. This study was based on 200mg per day of Tongkat Ali.

Does Tongkat Ali improve sleep?

Tongkat Ali improves sleep quality by lowering your core body temperature during sleep. A 2022 study by the National Institute of Advance Industrial Science and Technology Japan reported that Tongkat Ali supplementation improves sleep quality with a lower Core Body Temperature (CBT) recorded after four weeks. This study was published published in the Journal of Nutritional Science & Vitaminology and a patent was submitted to use Tongkat Ali as sleeping-improving agent.

Is Tongkat Ali effective to reduce hangovers?

Tongkat Ali is one of the best herbal remedies for hangovers by reducing cortisol levels resulting from alcohol consumption. Your body produces more cortisol when you consume alcohol.

Research of 2693 men and 977 women showed that cortisol levels increased with alcohol consumption. High cortisol level is associated with neurotoxicity, which impairs cognitive abilities including memory, attention, learning and decision-making process.

A study on Tongkat Ali showed that salivary cortisol levels reduced by 16% (compared to placebo group) after taking 200 mg Tongkat Ali daily – with better mood profile due to lower cortisol levels.

Is Tongkat Ali a natural viagra?

Tongkat Ali is widely reported as a natural viagra by the media such as ABCNews, Fox News and even Reuters. However, in reality, Tongkat Ali is not classified as a viagra although much of the libido effects are contributed by the activation of increased testosterone through adrenal glands and testes. 

A study published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine showed improvement in erection hardness and time, sperm motility and concentration amongst others.

Does Tongkat Ali boost women's libido?

Tongkat Ali may improve women’s libido from higher DHEA levels.

A clinical study on Tongkat Ali showed reported an increase of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) by 11% in 12 weeks based on 200mg of Tongkat Ali daily.  Other studies showed that DHEA treatment can increase sexual desire in women diagnosed with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD).

DHEA is reported to deliver a dramatic sexual awakening effect with increased frequency of sexual thoughts, sexual interest, and satisfaction in women.

This makes Tongkat Ali a popular choice amongst women seeking a DHEA-inducing natural supplement to boost libido. 

Does Tongkat Ali makes you hard?

Yes, Tongkat Ali was reported to improve erection time (+162%) and erection hardness (+39%). This evidence was backed by a study published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine which showed improvement in erection hardness and erection time, including sperm motility and concentration amongst others.

Tests on daily consumption of 300mg of Tongkat Ali on 26 test subjects (with Placebo group) aged 40-64 years of age showed sufficient evidence that Tongkat Ali can be used safely as a natural viagra.

Tongkat Ali’s use as a libido for men attracted many medical views and discussions as it also offers a wide range of other scientifically-proven benefits beyond its single use as natural viagra.  

Can Tongkat Ali boost my immune system?

Daily consumption of Tongkat Ali may deliver a stronger immune system. A clinical trial by a group of Japanese scientists showed a significant increase in T-Cell and CD4+ T-Cell count after daily consumption of 200mg Tongkat Ali for 4 weeks by 82 males. 

Results of taking Tongkat Ali supplements showed 69.6% increase in T-Cell count and 80% increase in CD4+ T-Cell count after four weeks. A Tongkat Ali patent was filed in the US in 2016 soon after the breakthrough discovery in 2014.

Can Tongkat Ali help my endocrine system?

Yes, Tongkat Ali is one of the best endocrine supplements to support a healthy endocrine system. Multiple studies showed Tongkat Ali’s 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.

The endocrine system comprises our reproductive system, central nervous system, immune system, sympathetic nervous system, urinary system and many others.

Tongkat Al affects Pituitary Glands, Adrenal Glands, Thymus Glands in the endocrine system. These glands secrete hormones such as testosterone, DHEA, estrogen, etc to regulate bodily functions, including growth, reproduction systems, and metabolism.

Can Tongkat Ali cure cancer?

Tongkat Ali may cure certain types of cancer as ongoing research showed significant potential from several in-vitro studies conducted in 2002, 2005, 2018, 2020. The types of cancer that were tested with Tongkat Ali include lung cancer, breast cancer and colon cancer.

A recent study in 2018 showed that eurycomanone, (one of the most active bioactive compounds in Tongkat Ali), displayed a strong dose-dependent anticancer efficacy against lung carcinoma (A-549 cancer cells) and breast cancer (MCF-7 cancer cells). Tongkat Ali also showed moderate efficacy against gastric (MGC-803 cells) and intestinal carcinomas (HT-29 cells).

At the same time, ongoing research in 2020 by Japan & Malaysian scientists continued to show growing potential, positioning Tongkat Ali as one of the widely-researched anti-cancer herbal remedy in the last decade.

Can I take Tongkat Ali if I am diagnosed with cancer?

Whilst early in vitro research studies of Tongkat Ali showed anti-cancer properties against lung carcinoma (A-549 cancer cells), breast cancer (MCF-7 cancer cells),  gastric (MGC-803 cells) and intestinal carcinomas (HT-29 cells), we strongly recommend you to avoid taking Tongkat Ali unless you are have been treated with cancer treatments, or you are in the recovery phase. 

Kindly consult your nearest doctor before consuming Tongkat Ali.

Is Tongkat Ali clinically proven?

Yes, Tongkat Ali has had decades of clinical trials and research since its first discovery. It is estimated that there are more than 300 research studies and more than 50 clinical trials on Tongkat Ali. Clinically proven Tongkat Ali means it is clinically tested on humans by qualified scientists or medical professionals.

Reputable Tongkat Ali extract such as Physta® has undergone more than 26 clinical trials to date, involving hundreds of human test subjects to validate improvements in men’s health and women’s health since 2003.

The clinical trials involved placebo and randomized controlled groups to further validate their findings.

You may download the summary of clinical trials on Tongkat Ali here

Is Tongkat Ali recommended by medical doctors and specialists?

Neurobiologists, urologists, psychonutrionist, andrologists and global herbal experts have good things to say about Tongkat Ali in recent years. Here at the top five specialists and experts who have spoken positively on Tongkat Ali.

  • Dr. Andrew Huberman – Neurobiologist from Stanford University, USA
  • Dr. Rena Malik – Urologist at University of Maryland, USA
  • Dr. Andrea Millitelo – Award-Winning Urologist and Andrologist, Rome, Italy
  • Dr. Shawn Talbott – Psychonutrionist from American College of Sports Medicine, USA
  • Dr. Ismail Tambi – Andrologist, National Population and Family Development Board Malaysia
  • Dr. Chris Kilham – Herbal Specialist a.k.a Medicine Hunter, USA

Read more about experts reviews and opinions on Tongkat Ali here.

Do you require prescription before buying Tongkat Ali?

No, you do not need a prescription from doctors or pharmacists in order to purchase Tongkat Ali. Tongkat Ali is considered a herbal supplement, and not categorized as a medicinal or botanical drug. As a herbal supplement, it means Tongkat Ali can be taken daily in the form of a supplement, in food, or as part of your daily diet / nutrition plan.

What is the best age to consume Tongkat Ali?

Tongkat Ali can be used across age groups from 22 years to 78 years. Past studies on various health benefits of Tongkat Ali are based on test subjects aged 30 and above.

A recent study in 2021 reported that Tongkat Ali improved testosterone in young adults between 24-and 28 years of age implying that it can be effective for young adults to gain more strength from elevated testosterone levels.

Since our testosterone drops gradually after we hit 30, the optimal age to gain maximum advantage from Tongkat Ali will be between 30 to 75 years.

Read more on testosterone-related clinical trials and studies across various age-groups from 24-78 years.

What is the long term impact of taking Tongkat Ali?

Long-term consumption (i.e six months) of Tongkat Ali conducted by a group of scientists at the University of Santarina Brazil in 2020, showed a significant increase in testosterone amongst middle-aged men after consuming 200mg of Tongkat Ali daily with 3-day exercise per week.

There are no reported cases of side effects from long-term consumption of Tongkat Ali. A person taking Tongkat Ali for six weeks (42 days) reported more stamina, better sleep, weight loss, and an increase in muscle mass.

 

When is the best time to consume Tongkat Ali?

To maximize the effect and health benefits from Tongkat Ali, it is recommended to consume first thing in the morning with or without food.

The noticeable effect is a boost of energy that you can enjoy throughout the day. More so if you need that energy before hitting the gym in the morning.

Most people consume Tongkat Ali at night to enhance men’s desire (or libido) to keep their partners happy. However, there are people who consume Tongkat Ali to enjoy a calm evening of relaxation. 

Should Tongkat Ali be cycled?

Tongkat Ali cycling is the practice of taking Tongkat Ali in start-stop intervals, with 4 weeks ON and 1 week OFF. It is reported that cycling Tongkat Ali consumption will optimize Tongkat Ali’s bioactive efficacy and hormonal responses.

Find out more on how to cycle Tongkat Ali to get the best results.

Should Tongkat Ali be taken with or without food?

Tongkat Ali can be taken with or without food. Tongkat Ali contains crude protein and polysaccharides which serve as one of the key nutrients your body needs. However, it is recommend to eat Tongkat Ali after a meal (i.e with food).

Can I take Tongkat Ali with blood pressure tablets?

Yes, you can. Some clinical Tongkat Ali studies on Physta extract were on subjects with controlled Blood Pressure (BP) and with BP medication. The study found that there were no significant differences in BP between the groups that consumed Tongkat Ali vs. the placebo group.

Please monitor your blood pressure if you are consuming Tongkat Ali with other high-blood medication. Kindly consult your nearest doctor for medical advice.

Can I use Tongkat Ali to reduce weight?

Studies have shown that Tongkat Ali may reduce body fat, burn more calories and increase lean muscle mass. However, using Tongkat Ali as a weight-loss supplement should be complemented with regular exercises and a diet plan.

 

Can Tongkat Ali promote weight loss if I am obese?

A randomized placebo-controlled study on 96 obese adults published in Phytotherapy Research showed that consuming 400mg of Tongkat Ali daily with bergamot orange led to a significant reduction in Body Mass Index (BMI) after 112 days. This study suggests that Tongkat Ali supplementation may help obesity and promote weight loss by burning more fat.

Can children consume Tongkat Ali?

It is strictly prohibited for children or young adults below 18 years of age to consume Tongkat Ali. Tongkat Ali is a dietary and food supplement for adults.

Will Tongkat Ali encourage male characteristics for women?

Tongkat Ali’s mechanism of action is by restoring key hormones in women; testosterone, estrogen and cortisol. This hormonal balance will not exhibit dominant male attributes or characteristics in women. Tongkat Ali works the same way as HRT or TRT with past studies without causing a hormone imbalance in women.

Read more on how Tongkat Ali can benefit women’s health by restoring hormonal balance.

Tongkat Ali does not work on me. What are the causes?

There are possible causes why Tongkat Ali did not work on you. Common causes include low quality extract, poor extraction method (eg: non standardized extract) and adulteration (of other substances). Consuming poor quality Tongkat Ali products may not translate to any health benefits or noticeable gains.

You may find out other top reasons why Tongkat Ali did not work on you.

What is Tongkat Ali Standards?

Tongkat Ali standards comprise of steps, processes, specifications and quality controls that should be adopted when producing quality Tongkat Ali extract. The Malaysian Standard MS2409 defines the technical specifications of freeze-dried water extract derived from Tongkat Ali roots (i.e Eurycoma longifolia). The Malaysian Standard MS2409 is the pioneer of Tongkat Ali root extract standards and used by few manufacturers in the world.

Read more about the Malaysian Tongkat Ali Standard MS2409 and why it matters when you are buying quality Tongkat Ali products.

Is Tongkat Ali destroying the forest?

Tongkat Ali grows only in the wild rainforests and often harvested without the need for deforestation. 

The replanting program has been carried out through a systematic approach by Tongkat Ali manufacturers and suppliers. For instance, indigenous people are taught to plant 5 Tongkat Ali trees for each tree harvested from the rainforest.

Tongkat Ali in Malaysia follows strict regulations and sustainability practices. Harvesting and replantation is carried out by indigenous people who are well-trained by the public and private sector to ensure the natural reserves are protected at all costs.

Does Tongkat Ali benefit the indigenous people?

There few Tongkat Ali brands such as AKARALI that supports sustainable fair trade and socially responsible practices for the indigenous population in Malaysia.

We invest a portion of our profit to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes in Malaysia which include but not limited to education, charity programmes and eco-friendly projects that benefit the indigenous community.

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