MORE INFO ON TONGKAT ALI

Many scientific research has been conducted on Tongkat Ali done by the Malaysian government in collaboration with universities such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and research institutions as Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM). These studies have found that Tongkat Ali:

• Is useful in overcoming the symptoms of late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) and for the management of hypogonadism

• Stimulates release of free testosterone from its binding proteins (SHBG)

• Restoreshormone balance (cortisol/testosterone)

• Raises the testosterone level

• Improves sperm quality and quantity

• Improves male fertility

• Improves libido

• Reduces fatigue and Improves vitality

• Improves mood

• Increase in lean mass, a decrease in fat mass, and increase in arm circumference

• Increased muscle strength

Standardised water-soluble extract of Eurycoma longifolia, Tongkat ali, as testosterone booster for managing men with late-onset hypogonadism?

Andrologia. 2012 May;44 Suppl 1:226-30. doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0272.2011.01168.x. Epub 2011 Jun 15. Tambi MI, Imran MK, Henkel RR

In most countries, millions of people are relying on herbal medicines as remedy for numerous ailments. In South-East Asia, Eurycoma longifolia Jack, also known as 'Malaysian ginseng' or Tongkat ali, is used to combat stress and disease and to improve physical strength. Moreover, the compounds of the roots of this plant are reported to have aphrodisiac and testosterone enhancing effects in the rat. Considering that human studies are not available, 76 of 320 patients suffering from late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) were given 200 mg of a standardised water-soluble extract of Tongkat ali for 1 month. The Ageing Males' Symptoms (AMS) according to the standardised rating scale and the serum testosterone concentration were taken. Results show that treatment of LOH patients with this Tongkat ali extract significantly (P < 0.0001) improved the AMS score as well as the serum testosterone concentration. While before treatment only 10.5% of the patients did not show any complaint according to the AMS scale and 35.5% had normal testosterone levels, after the completed treatment 71.7% and 90.8% of the patients showed normal values, respectively. Thus, Tongkat ali extract appears to be useful as a supplement in overcoming the symptoms of LOH and for the management of hypogonadism.

Increasing Circulating Testosterone: Impact of Herbal Dietary Supplements

Gunnels and Bloomer, J Plant Biochem Physiol 2014, 2:2. Trint A Gunnels and Richard J Bloomer Cardiorespiratory/Metabolic Laboratory, the University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA

Longjack root is used traditionally in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam, where the root of the plant is boiled and consumed as a tonic for increased sexual potency, malaria, high blood pressure, fatigue, migraine, fever, arthritis, and increased sports performance. Known popularly as “Tongkat Ali”, the tree from which Longjack root is harvested reaches a height of around 10 meters, is slender and often unbranched, and contains reddish brown petioles. Currently, Longjack products are available as a raw crude powder of the root, a capsule, mixed in proprietary blends, and as an additive mixed with coffee.

Studies have provided evidence in support of the claim that a particular compound called eurycomanone, extracted from Longjack root, can increase testosterone levels in rats. A recent study in humans involved supplementation of 76 of 320 patients suffering from late-onset hypogonadism with a 200 mg serving of a standardized water-soluble extract of Tongkat ali for 1 month. Data from this study indicate that treatment of late-onset hypogonadism patients with Tongkat ali extract significantly elevated serum testosterone concentrations. Following treatment, 90.8% of the subjects exhibited normal testosterone values.

Another study found that in 14 men who participated in an intensive 8-week weight training program, the seven men who were supplemented with 100 mg/day of aqueous Longjack root extract experienced a 5 % increase in lean mass, a decrease in fat mass, and an average of 1.8 cm increase in arm circumference while those in the placebo group did not. This study did not find that Longjack root supplementation increases testosterone concentration; however, the positive findings indicate the need for future research in this area as many of the results are consistent with an increase in testosterone.

A later study on 31 middle-aged women between the ages of 45-59 years, found very similar results. This study used the same daily 100 mg supplement of Longjack root as the previous 2003 study in men. The findings indicated increased muscle strength and larger quadriceps muscles. Another recent pilot study utilizing both men (n = 13) and women (n = 12) cyclists aged between 57 and 72 years, found that a dose of 400 mg/day aqueous extract of Longjack root (Physta®) led to significant increases in both muscle strength and testosterone level.

Multiple mechanisms of action have been proposed concerning the increase in testosterone levels with Longjack root supplementation. The earliest possible mode of action was described by Pihie, whereby Longjack root was found to increase cAMP levels [12]. This increase in cAMP enhances glucose utilization and may have a significant attribution to the energy increasing effects. In a more recent study, Longjack root extract induced testosterone synthesis and elevated LH and FSH but reduced oestrogen levels in the plasma [116]. This finding provides evidence that treatment with Longjack root extract may potentially down-regulate the oestrogen-mediated feedback effect on LH and LSH secretion in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis [122]. The same study suggested that the enhanced production of testosterone by Leydig cell explants is the mechanism of action, owing to the inhibition of phosphodiesterase and aromatase by eurycomanone [116]. Eurycomanone is the derivative (a major quassinoid compound) mentioned earlier in this review that is present in Longjack root extract. Additional research is needed to more fully elucidate our understanding of the mechanisms underlying an increase in testosterone as a result of Longjack root supplementation.

Eurycoma longifolia Jack in managing idiopathic male infertility

Bin Mohd Tambi MI, Imran MK. Eurycoma longifolia Jack in managing idiopathic male infertility. Asian Journal of Andrology. 2010;12(3):376-380. doi:10.1038/aja.2010.7.

A total of 350 patients were given 200 mg of the extract daily and follow-up semen analyses were performed every 3 months for 9 months. Of these 350 patients, 75 patients completed one full cycle of 3 months. Follow-up semen analyses in these patients showed significant improvement in all semen parameters. The proprietary extract ofEurycoma longifolia Jack significantly improved the sperm quality in these patients, allowing for 11 (14.7%) spontaneous pregnancies.

Effect of Tongkat Ali on stress hormones and psychological mood state in moderately stressed subjects

Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 2013, 10:28 doi:10.1186/1550-2783-10-28. Shawn M Talbott, Julie A Talbott, Annie George and Mike Pugh

A wide range of investigations, from laboratory research, to animal feeding studies, to human supplementation trials, have confirmed the health benefits and traditional use of tongkat ali root extract. Laboratory evidence shows that eurycoma peptides stimulate release of free testosterone from its binding proteins and improve overall hormone profiles. More than a dozen rodent feeding studies have demonstrated improved sex drive, balanced hormonal profiles, and enhanced physical function. Human supplementation trials show a clear indication of reduced fatigue, heightened energy and mood, and greater sense of well-being in subjects consuming tongkat ali root extracts. It is important to note that the majority of these studies, and all of the human supplementation trials, have been conducted on specific hot-water-extracts of Eurycoma longifolia (which is the traditional Malaysian preparation) produced using a patented extraction process to isolate and concentrate the bioactive compounds.

In conclusion, tongkat ali, used for centuries in traditional medicine systems of Southeast Asia for treating lethargy, low libido, depression, and fatigue, appears to have significant potential for restoring hormone balance (cortisol/testosterone) and improving psychological mood state in humans exposed to various modern stressors, including aging, dieting, and exercise stress.

The Effect of Eurycoma Longifolia Jack on Spermatogenesis in Estrogen-Treated Rats

Norhazlina Abdul Wahab, Norfilza M. Mokhtar, Wan Nurul Heriza A Halim, and Srijit Das

Testosterone is important for normal male fertility, and a hyperestrogenic state may not be conducive for ideal testicular function. EL heightens testicular functioning and inhibits the effects of an excessive estrogen state. Therefore, EL can be used as a supplement for treating fertility conditions where there is testosterone deficiency or estrogen excess.