10 things to look out for when buying Tongkat Ali

There are many things to look out for when buying Tongkat Ali to ensure it is legit and authentic. Experts such as Dr. Andrew Huberman commented that the supplement market is filled with garbage.

Consuming authentic, legit, and high-quality Tongkat Ali supplements may minimize the risks of short-term and long-term side effects of Tongkat Ali.

This article will provide guidance on how to find legit and authentic Tongkat Ali. We bring you the best tips and key things to look out for when buying Tongkat Ali in the UK, US and Australia.

Summary:

Here are ten things to look out for when buying Tongkat Ali supplements in the US, UK and Australia.

  1. Look for standardized extracts
  2. Choose hot water extract
  3. Check the dosage
  4. Check for certifications
  5. Read reviews
  6. Check the source
  7. Check for authenticity
  8. Check for purity
  9. Check for the expiration date
  10. Consult a healthcare professional

1. Look for standardized extracts

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

When buying in Tongkat Ali in UK, USA or Australia, it is highly recommended to purchase Tongkat Ali supplements that contain standardized root extract.

According to health and herbal experts, standardized extract is often more potent and safer compared to a non-standardized extract.

A standardized extract is reported by many health coaches to be the gold standard of any herbal extraction method as it delivers a consistent level of bioavailability from Tongkat Ali compounds, namely eurycomanone, eurypeptides, glycosaponin and polysaccharides.

If you are in doubt, choose Tongkat Ali brands that adhere to Malaysian Tongkat Ali standards, MS2409.

The Malaysian Standard MS2409 prescribes the Tongkat Ali standardized root extract protocol using freeze-dried water extract, making it the only country in the world with quality standards for Tongkat Ali extraction.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The Malaysian Standard (MS) 2409 for Tongkat Ali was published by the Malaysian Department of Standards in 2019 to fulfill the needs of the herbal industry to adhere to a set of quality standards. The MS2409 was first drafted in 2011 with years of refinements based on inputs from the multiple Ministries, Government agencies, medical experts, scientists and private sectors.

Authenticity, safety, quality and efficacy parameters and details for the production of the standardised extracts and limits of indicative substances were also included.

The MS2409 serves as the basis for the technical specifications used for regulatory and trade purposes in compliance with international practices.

The best standardized Tongkat Ali extract is currently held by the US-patented AKARALI Physta®, which is reported as more potent and safer than generic or non-standardized Tongkat Ali extract.

On the other hand, non-standardized extracts are mainly produced by low quality Tongkat Ali manufacturers in Indonesia or China due to cheap production costs.

2. Choose hot water extract

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

The most preferred extraction method for Tongkat Ali is considered to be water-based extraction. Hot-water extract is highly regarded by doctors and reported to be more potent and safer to be used at high dosages.

The water extract method 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 solvents or chemicals.

Additionally, water-based Tongkat Ali extract is considered to be a more sustainable method, as it uses less resources and produces less waste than other methods.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

AKARALI Physta® Tongkat Ali is a patented hot water extract technology (US Patent : 7132117 and US Patent : 11166998) that was highly sought after in the US and UK. It is formulated by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) back in 2003, backed by 20 years on clinical studies and research to date.

Physta® is reported to be the world’s first clinically tested Tongkat Ali formulation using water extract with more than 26 clinical tests on humans.

This water extract technology pioneered the global growth of Tongkat Ali in the USA, UK and Europe and sold in more than 32 countries to date.

It’s important to note that the water extraction method should be done carefully and by skilled professionals to ensure that the end product is of good quality and contains the desired active compounds.

3. Check the dosage

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

Ideally, dosage-optimized Tongkat Ali works better across all ages.

However, you can make sure the Tongkat Ali contains the appropriate dosage for your needs. The general dosage guide falls in the range between 200-400mg of a standardized extract and is taken daily, with or without Tongkat Ali cycle.

Avoid taking high Tongkat Ali dosage 500mg or even 1,000 mg per capsule which are offered by many Tongkat Ali brands out there.

Start with lower dosage (from 100mg onwards) to allow your body to adjust and responds to the bioactive ingredients from Tongkat Ali.

You may increase your dosage depending on your health objectives, but dosage-optimized Tongkat Ali products usually works better.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

AKARALI are few Tongkat Ali products in the market that are carefully formulated from years of clinical studies.

This results in an optimized daily dosage of 200mg per capsule that appeals to a wide range of demographics (eg: from 24 to 75 years of age). Such formulation is clinically tested to be optimal, i.e delivering quantifiable and noticeable health benefits at a minimum of 200mg per day.

One should be careful not to consume higher than required dosage in order to gain more benefits. As herbal supplement is unregulated, it is recommended to seek for professional advice or by referring to our daily dosage guide for optimal results.

Higher dosages may not translate to better results. Please check our daily dosage guide for various Tongkat Ali applications to achieve your health goals.

4. Check for certifications

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

Look for products that have been certified by a third-party organizations, such as EUROFINS,  the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), NSF International, or ConsumerLab, which indicates that the product has been tested for purity, potency, and safety.

AKARALI Tongkat Ali products are third party tested by EUROFINS and free from contaminants or illegal substances (such as sildenafil or tadalafil).

Other certifications to look out for includes GMP certification, Halal Certification and Kosher certifications.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Whilst lab-tested certificates are the normal standards in any herbal supplement industry, some premium Tongkat Ali products go beyond that.

Clinically tested Tongkat Ali products are certified and recognized by many scientists and medical doctors to be more superior, potent and safer.

Always go after Tongkat Ali brands that are certified and allow users to download the certifications. 

5. Read reviews

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

Read more in-depth long-term and short-term reviews of Tongkat Ali from other consumers.

Many of us respond differently after taking Tongkat Ali supplements, Tongkat Ali coffee or even Tongkat Ali effervescent.

Learning how Tongkat Ali may revitalize your health from consumer reviews provides a greater learning experience and to avoid any pitfalls.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

If you are unsure, you may check other global consumer reviews and how they have benefitted from Tongkat Ali.

6. Check the source

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

Tongkat Ali is a plant that is native to Southeast Asia, so it is recommended to look for products that are sourced from countries within that region – namely Malaysia or Indonesia.

Overall, Malaysian Tongkat Ali has higher quality and safety standards due to MS2409 Tongkat Ali standards compliance compared to Indonesian Tongkat Ali.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

  1. Potency: Malaysian Tongkat Ali is often considered to be more potent than Indonesian Tongkat Ali, due to the fact that the root is harvested from older trees, which contain higher levels of active compounds.
  2. Quality Control: Malaysian manufacturers are known for having strict quality control measures in place. With Malaysian Standard (MS2409), this ensures that the Tongkat Ali supplements produced are of high quality and free from contaminants.
  3. Extraction Method: Malaysian Tongkat Ali is often extracted using a patented water-based extraction method, which is considered to be more effective at preserving the active compounds in the root.
  4. Purity: Malaysian Tongkat Ali is considered to be purer than Indonesian Tongkat Ali, as the former is often grown in remote and untouched areas, whereas the latter may be grown in regions with heavy pollution or pesticide use.
  5. Sustainability: Malaysian Tongkat Ali is often sustainably sourced and the manufacturers take care to not over-harvest the root, which helps to ensure that the Tongkat Ali population is not depleted.

Quality Tongkat Ali products are sourced from Malaysia. Find out why Malaysian Tongkat Ali is considered the best Tongkat Ali that you should buy.

7. Check for authenticity

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

Look for Tongkat Ali products that have a certificate of authenticity. Premium Tongkat Ali supplements with authentic handpicked Tongkat Ali roots are considered rare and expensive.

On the other hand, you may purchase cheap Tongkat Ali supplements that are less authentic from various resellers and exporters from China and Indonesia.

Authentic Tongkat Ali supplements are mostly clinically tested and lab tested to validate it’s efficacy and health benefits. 

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Most Tongkat Ali products in the USA are less authentic than buying directly from the country of origin (where Tongkat Ali is sourced).

USA are highly dependent on China imports. This opens up to further exploitation amongst herbal manufacturers to obtain the cheapest Tongkat Ali which is less authentic, and prone to abuse.

Avoid Tongkat Ali products which are excessively marketed by influencers or third parties. These are tell-tale signs that it is not authentic products, but merely driven by highly paid marketers, or brand ambassadors.

8. Check for purity

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

Choose Tongkat Ali products that have been lab-tested for purity. This enables you to safely consume Tongkat Ali supplements with minimal side effects.

Impurities such as contaminants and adulterants may cause moderate to severe side effects. And it is crucial for you to minimize those risks.

3rd party lab-tested Tongkat Ali by independent laboratories such as EUROFINS and SGS are considered safe and legit. EUROFINS offers various services such as adulterant lab tests on sports and health supplements that you can refer to.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

  • Look out for yellow Tongkat Ali and this is highly regarded as pure compared to Red Tongkat Ali or Black Tongkat Ali
  • Pure tongkat ali may change colour when exposed to humidity and temperature change, indicating that the extract is 100% pure.
  • Choose root-only extract that is highly potent.
  • Look out for reputable Tongkat Ali suppliers and manufacturers
  • Compliance with Malaysia Standard MS 2409, i.e Tongkat Ali extraction standards

Pure unadulterated Tongkat Ali products that comply with the Malaysian Standard MS 2409 are generally pure, authentic, potent and legit.

Best selling Tongkat Ali supplements in the USA such as AKARALI contains pure Tongkat Ali root extract that is extremely bitter in its original form. This is due to standardized extract from mature plants that are harvested in the wild rainforests of Malaysia.

 

 

9. Check for the expiration date

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

Always find Tongkat Ali which is freshly produced from the factory with an expiration date of more than 12-24 months from the date it was produced.

As Tongkat Ali is a natural plant, and the level of bioavailability may degrade over time due to oxidation, exposure to sunlight, temperature and humidity.

It is not recommended to consume Tongkat Ali beyond it’s expiry date as the level of bioactive ingredients and efficacy may be lower.

It is best to check for the expiry date before you make your purchase. Make sure the product is not expired or near its expiration date as it may change its efficacy or potency over time.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Most Tongkat Ali products can last up to 24 months (or 2 years) if it is stored in room temperature between 20 – 25C.

Some Tongkat Ali products may have longer expiration date of more than 2 years, however it is best to consume within less than 20 months. If you are buying larger amounts to stock up for longer periods and live in a warm climate, don’t keep it longer than 12 months.

After you have bought one, please ensure Tongkat Ali is stored in a warehouse away from sunlight. More so if you are buying Tongkat Ali powder.

Exposure to sunlight may have affect on the expiry date. Pure yellow Tongkat Ali may change colour more significantly compared Black or Red Tongkat Ali due to humidity and sensitive to temperature changes.

10. Consult a healthcare professional

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

Before purchasing Tongkat Ali supplement, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you are taking other medications or have pre-existing medical conditions.

Many medical professionals and experts have strong views on Tongkat Ali. Here top medical views on Tongkat Ali by professionals (including general doctors, urologists, andrologists and specialists).

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Dr. Andrew Huberman (Stanford University), Dr. Rena Malik (urologist from the University of Maryland School of Medicine), Dr. Andrea Millitelo (Top Doctor and Urologist from Rome, Italy) and Dr. Ismail Tambi (Clinical Consultant Andrologist, Pantai Hospital Malaysia) are amongst top doctors who have covered in great details on the merits of Tongkat Ali.

Whilst their views on Tongkat Ali are based on clinical and scientific evidence, consulting your respective GP or specialists on Tongkat Ali is the best medical advice to suit your needs. Tongkat Ali does not require any doctor’s prescription as it is considered as a dietary supplement, and not to be used to treat any diseases or illnesses.

We recommend that those undergoing treatment, pregnant woman or those having underlying medical conditions to consult your doctors before consuming Tongkat Ali.

Parting Thoughts

Those are the top 10 things to look out for before you purchase any Tongkat Ali supplements in the UK, US or even Australia.

Urologist Dr. Rena Malik from the University of Maryland recommends using standardized Tongkat Ali hot water root extract if you want the best Tongkat Ali.

AKARALI is a time-tested Tongkat Ali supplement that went through decades of scientifically-backed clinical studies and was medically reviewed by some of the top doctors.

It is worth reading the global Tongkat Ali market insights to get the best knowledge before you buying.

Author

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 .

Our articles are third party reviewed by our panel of experts, scientists and medical advisors to ensure the facts are accurate and credible. These are validated against multiple source references which include but not limited to research studies, peer-reviewed journals, pre-clinical studies, clinical tests and other credible publications.

Our panel of medical advisors and experts are highly experienced in their individual fields. However, they do not provide any medical advice or recommendations arising from content published in this article.

Disclaimer: 

The content published on this website is for educational purposes and should not be viewed, read or seen as a prescription or constitute any form of medical advice. We recommend you consult your nearest GP or doctor before consuming Tongkat Ali or any products which contains Tongkat Ali. We will not be responsible if the prescribed daily dose is suitable for you, your health, or if it cause any severe side effects that may jeopardize your existing or future state of health. For further information, kindly refer to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for more information.

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