Does Tongkat Ali boost athletic performance for women?
Our team reached out to Mira Ambu, a 33-year-old female athlete who participates in ultramarathons and how herbal supplements such as Tongkat Ali can make a difference.
In this review dedicated to female athletic performance, we take a deep-dive view of Tongkat Ali effects on endurance, strength and stamina for women, especially when subjected to long-distance trail runs and cross fit exercises. Our interview with a semi-pro athlete spans years of her experience in running, cross fit trainings, scuba diving and nutrition.
Trail running, especially ultramarathons, is an endurance sport that demands immense physical resilience, mental fortitude, and efficient recovery.
For women (and even for men), nutrition becomes a crucial component that gives runners the competitive edge, enabling them to push their endurance limit in longer distances. Female athletes are often exposed to the risks of hormonal imbalance, affecting strength, athletic performance, mood or even disruption to menstrual cycles.
Often facing variable elevation, tricky obstacles, and rough terrain, many trail runners turn to pre-workout supplements, energy gels and energy bars to stay sustainably competitive.
But is this form of nutrition support effective, safe and ideal for longer runs?
One 100% natural and organic option gaining traction among the running community is clinically tested standardized hot-water Tongkat Ali root extract, known for its natural anabolic, potent ergogenic, as well as adaptogenic properties.
Ideal for both recreational as well as elite runners for boosting energy, strength, endurance, and recovery, Tongkat Ali has become the go-to supplement for female athletes due to its wide range of science-backed health benefits.
We spoke to Mira Ambu Spaniol, a seasoned trail runner, CrossFit enthusiast, and diving instructor from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, about her experience incorporating Tongkat Ali into her training and competition routine.
She first encountered AKARALI’s standardised hot-water Tongkat Ali root extract through friends during training and has used it for elite races like Malaysia’s inaugural UTMB World Series event in Taiping, Perak, Malaysia.
This 50km race in the hot and humid tropical rainforest of Malaysia was particularly tough (and technical), according to her, with heavy rain and lightning during key parts of the course.
Mira expressed that the increased focus, energy, and endurance helped her power through, even with inclement conditions and treacherous terrain.
Excited with Tongkat Ali’s potential, she has started incorporating it into her regular routine and has since noticed very promising results.
“It helps me get into 'the zone' faster, because usually I need time to warm up and get into gear. This is great because I don’t get that heavy feeling at the beginning and there’s no crash at the end either, unlike with other pre-workouts I’ve tried,”
Mira began running in 2010 with shorter road races as a way to keep fit after a hip injury sustained during her Taekwondo practice before eventually transitioning to ultra-distance trail running. Currently, her preferred events range from 30 to 50 kilometres.
Her long term trail running goal is to qualify for the prestigious UTMB (Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc) in Chamonix, France, in 2025 or 2026.
For endurance conditioning and training, her weekly mileage averages about 50 kilometres, often balanced with intense strength training through CrossFit.
Speaking to her in person, she noted that high-endurance sports like long-distance trail running often push the body into a catabolic state, where muscle breakdown can outpace repair due to the sheer physical demands.
For hybrid athletes like Mira, combining endurance training with power workouts adds another layer of challenge in maintaining lean muscle mass and strength.
Therefore, taking natural adaptogenic supplements such as Tongkat Ali and other vitamins and minerals helped highly-trained athletes to gain that extra performance, mainly to promote faster muscle and energy recovery during training and in races.
Mira found AKARALI’s Tongkat Ali to be a versatile supplement for addressing this balance. She highlighted Tongkat Ali natural anabolic properties, which supported her ability to build and maintain muscle strength, even amidst the rigors of ultra-endurance training and competitions.
This is particularly significant for hybrid athletes balancing high-intensity strength training with long-distance running, as it helps counter the muscle-depleting effects of extended aerobic activity and supports better overall performance.
For Mira, this dual benefit of improving lean muscle maintenance and enhancing endurance performance as well as benefits for energy and mood sets standardised hot-water Tongkat Ali root extract apart, making it a new favourite to incorporate into her hybrid workout regimen.
Reviewer Test Profile:
Mira observed a natural surge in energy during her morning runs, helping her overcome grogginess and slow starts. During long races with tough conditions like the UTMB MY50 in Taiping, she avoided the energy crashes typical of other pre-workout supplements. Instead, she maintained steady energy levels and focus over five hours of intense running.
Post-race soreness and recovery time were significantly reduced. Mira noted feeling much less fatigued after using Tongkat Ali during both training and competition, enabling quicker return to performance.
Tongkat Ali helped Mira get “in the zone” faster, improving her mental clarity and focus during technical sections of races. She also felt more lighter and more positive, even in harsh conditions like steep climbs, tricky terrain, as well as intense heat and humidity.
Mira emphasized how Tongkat Ali supported her CrossFit strength training regimen, aiding in muscle strength and lean muscle maintenance. For ultra-endurance runners, maintaining an anabolic state is critical to counteract the catabolic effects of prolonged physical exertion, and Tongkat Ali excelled in this role.
Unlike some other energy boosters, Tongkat Ali didn’t suppress her appetite to the extent that she could not stomach food, allowing her to maintain proper nutrition during extended races—a critical factor for long distance trail running. Mira was surprised that she did not touch any of her energy gels during her UTMB race, noting that she had the appetite to fuel up with real food and fruits at the checkpoints.
“During the 50km UTMB race where I incorporated AKARALI’s Tongkat Ali, surprisingly I didn’t touch any of my energy gels but rather I had real food and fruits when I got to checkpoints.”
When taken at the right time of the day, Tongkat Ali may improve your endurance and stamina. Mira has incorporated her own set of protocol when using AKARALI Tongkat Ali as follows:
“Speaking of recovery, I might say that it has reduced my recovery time too. Because after both times trying it, I did notice I am not as sore as I would usually be, given the effort exerted during time of activity.”
Mira previously tried various pre-workouts during her stint with shorter road races and for gym use, but found them unsuitable for long-distance running due to the energy crash that typically follows.
According to her, AKARALI Tongkat Ali offered a steadier and more natural energy boost, aligning better with the demands of ultra-endurance events.
“I’ve have used other pre-workouts when I did shorter distances and when I was in the gym, but I found them unsuitable for longer endurance running because they give a surge of energy at the beginning, but a really bad crash afterwards - usually after 4 to 5 hours. AKARALI does not do this which is ideal for ultramarathons.”
Is Tongkat Ali highly recommended for runners? As for Mira, she encourages other endurance athletes to try Tongkat Ali, emphasizing adequate hydration and balance. She highlights several versatile benefits:
She also advises other athletes and fitness enthusiasts to experiment with different dosages during training first to understand how their body responds and what works best.
According to 33-year old Mira, she appreciates AKARALI’s clinically tested, standardized extract, which ensures consistent quality and efficacy. She added that this gives her the assurance that AKARALI is effective, potent and safe for runners, and also in other sports. To her, the combination of long-distance trail running and CrossFit places extreme demands on both body and mind, and that AKARALI’s all-natural and organic formulation stands out for her by offering versatile benefits without the downsides of other pre-workout supplements.
Her feedback was shared by other long distance ultra trail runners such as Eddie and KW in various AKARALI reviews on TrustPilot. In other parts of the world, 22-year old British young sprinter Khadafi reported improvement in his sprint time after taking AKARALI Tongkat Ali for six weeks.
Get more insights on how Tongkat Ali helps runners build a higher endurance and a winning edge in ultramarathons.
As a long-distance semi-pro runner, Mira’s initial experiences with standardised hot-water Tongkat Ali root extract are compelling, showcasing its potential as a nutritional support for endurance, strength, and hybrid athletes alike – benefiting women who seek for a natural herbal supplement that works without side effects.
While more extensive testing and more data from her training as well as races will provide deeper insights, her experience so far highlights how supplementation with standardised hot-water Tongkat Ali root extract can play a vital role in optimizing performance, recovery, and overall enjoyment for ultra-distance trail runs.
For female trail runners and women athletes looking to enhance and keep up with their routine sustainably, standardised hot-water Tongkat Ali root extract is a well-rounded natural supplement for all your training or competition needs.
While it works best when taken consistently with exercises, Mira’s experience shows that Tongkat Ali can be just as effective when taken as-needed too, especially before competitive races where you want to push your endurance to the limit.
Tell us a little bit about yourself (name, age, where you live, what you do for a living, etc.), your running background, and how you discovered Tongkat Ali and AKARALI
My name is Mira Ambu Spaniol, I’m 33 years old, I live in Kota kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia and I am a diving instructor. I started running in 2010 starting off with short distances such as 5km to 10km and on roads where it eventually grew into ultra distances and I grew to love trail running. Now my preferred running races would be long-distance trail events in the range of 30-50km, and I’m currently targeting to ballot in for UTMB 2025 or 2026. I learnt of AKARALI from word of mouth from friends who also approached me to give it a try during my most recent event in Taiping, Perak which was also Malaysia’s first UTMB world series event past weekend.
How many kilometres do you typically run per week? What is your best time for different distances like 5K, 10K, half-marathon, and full marathon?
I usually try to average around 50km per week, but I don’t stress solely on kilometres every week because there are weeks that I also give more days to do strength training (CrossFit). My best times on road so far are; 5km(25mins), 10km(54mins), 21km(1hr57min), 42km (4hrs 26min), but now with my focus being more towards trail running, it has been a while since I paid attention to my PBs on road.
How often do you participate in high-endurance races like marathons or ultramarathons? Have you noticed any specific benefits from using Tongkat Ali in your training or races?
At the moment I have been quite stacked with almost a race every weekend, but normally I would have at least one or two races each month. So far, I have only gotten the chance to try running with AKARALI twice. One was during a training session and another was during my recent MY50 at Taiping. During both times, I felt the natural boost in my energy and also a nice mood lifter especially when conditions got rough during the race. I feel like if I continue using AKARALI, I would definitely be able to improve my performance in the long run.
Can you describe a specific instance where Tongkat Ali noticeably improved your performance or endurance during a marathon or ultramarathon?
During my first time trying AKARALI out during my training session in the morning, I could feel that nice mild surge of energy that helped me overcome that groggy feeling I usually get in the morning as I am not a morning person. During my race recently, with also proper hydration I did not feel any crash after more than 5hrs in the race, and after having lunch at the second check point, I reloaded myself with another dose which refreshed me to continue on feeling good.
What other supplements do you use in combination with Tongkat Ali? How do they complement each other, and have you noticed any synergistic effects?
At the moment, I don’t actually take any other supplements. Unless energy gels, salt tablets or hydration mixes also count. If these count as supplements, then so far based on my trial during my recent race, I think they complement each other well. However, during this recent race also, somehow, I didn’t use any energy gels but rather I had real food and fruits when I got to checkpoints.
How do you prepare for a marathon / ultramarathon? Does your preparation routine include Tongkat Ali, and if so, how?
Usually, I just make sure I give enough time, kilometres, elevation and strengthening based on the race I know I’m about to run. I have never incorporated any sort of nutrition or supplements to my preparation, but perhaps now I will start with AKARALI since it seems to work well with me.
Do you feel that Tongkat Ali has contributed to improvements in your stamina or endurance levels? Can you provide any specific examples or data from your runs?
At the moment I can’t give a full answer to this because I’ve only tested it twice. But based of the two times I’ve ran with it; I felt better than without it.
How does Tongkat Ali affect your recovery process after high-endurance runs? Have you noticed any changes in muscle soreness, fatigue, or overall recovery time?
Speaking of recovery, I might say that it has reduced my recovery time too. Because after both times trying it, I do notice I am not as sore as I would usually be given the effort exerted during time of activity.
How has Tongkat Ali impacted your mental focus and clarity during long runs like marathons or ultramarathons?
I think it helps me get into ‘the zone’ a bit faster than usually needing time to warm up and get into gear. Which is nice because I don’t get that heavy feeling at the beginning and it doesn’t give me a crashing feeling when I’m done.
Do many runners or endurance athletes in your community use Tongkat Ali? If so, what feedback have you heard from them regarding its benefits?
So far, I have yet to meet other athletes that have been using it aside from the friends who recommended me to try. I would like to know also, but so far, I think AKARALI is still relatively new and should be brought out for sure.
What makes AKARALI’s Tongkat Ali different from other supplements or brands you may have tried?
Back in the day I have used pre-workouts when I did shorter distances and when I was in the gym but I found them unsuitable for longer endurance running because they give a surge boost of energy at the beginning, but a really bad crash afterwards usually after 4 to 5 hours. AKARALI does not do this which is ideal for ultramarathons.
How long have you been using Tongkat Ali, and do you cycle it or take it consistently? What dosing schedule works best for you in terms of running performance?
So far, I have only tried it twice. In terms of usage, I only have taken it when I went running. I have not taken it outside of activity. Still learning about how to use the product too, but usually when I’m not training, I would not take any supplements.
How does AKARALI Tongkat Ali make you feel during runs compared to other performance-enhancing supplements you’ve used?
Lighter, better focused and I feel like I can keep going without the crash at the end.
Have you noticed any improvements in your stress levels or ability to handle the physical and mental demands of high-endurance running since incorporating Tongkat Ali into your routine?
Yes, very much so. Even during intense heat, steep climbs or technical trails I seem to be more positive about it.
Do you think Tongkat Ali can benefit other runners or endurance athletes? If yes, what specific benefits would you highlight?
Yes, I think it can as long as it suits their body as each person may be different. I would highlight the energy, focus, positive mood and the fact that it also does not suppress my appetite which is important during endurance running as we need to eat in order for our body to have energy.
What would you like people who haven’t tried Tongkat Ali to know about its potential benefits for runners and endurance athletes in general?
It’s a natural supplement that does the body well. So, they should try and see if it suits them so they can experience the goodness just like I did.
What advice would you give to other runners or endurance athletes who are considering trying Tongkat Ali for the first time?
Give it a go and feel the boost, but you must keep your hydration well too.
If you are interested in experiencing the benefits of Malaysian single-origin standardized hot-water Tongkat Ali root extract for yourself, you can get your hands on our dose-optimized capsules, pure powder extract, or potent coffee, available worldwide with international delivery via DHL express.
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Alex Kua leads AKARALI’s Global Partnership Community to help athletes, sports communities, and thousand of others optimize their well-being through evidence-based research that enables them to make better informed decisions. His legal and business consulting background underpins the rigorous data-driven approach in his writing – from hours of interviews, real-world performance data, and firsthand experiences of real people – offering actionable insights that connects clinical research, emerging health trends, and real-world applications. He is also an experienced researcher in herbal nutrition, with years of deep technical knowledge on Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia), including quality standards, industry benchmarks, lab tests, clinical trials, and the use of natural herbs by collaborating with top scientists, herbal experts, and nutritionists. As part of the core team behind AKARALI’s knowledge portal, he empowers people worldwide to access the benefits of high-quality herbal nutrition in a way that is effective, sustainable, and safe. He is also an avid runner, with regular participation in local sports communities and running events.
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.
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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.
