🌿 Tongkat Ali: Ancient Root for Modern Testosterone Support

Tongkat Ali: Ancient Root for Modern Testosterone Support

A time-tested Southeast Asian herb that boosts testosterone, slashes stress, and supports male vitality — now backed by science.

Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia), also known as “Longjack,” is a powerful medicinal root native to Southeast Asia. Revered for centuries in traditional medicine to enhance male virility, energy, and stamina, tongkat ali is now gaining traction worldwide as a natural testosterone booster — and science is beginning to catch up with tradition.

Testosterone + Cortisol: A Game-Changer for Stress

One landmark study in moderately stressed adults found tongkat ali supplementation reduced cortisol by 16% and increased testosterone by 37% in just four weeks1. This significant improvement in the cortisol:testosterone ratio suggests tongkat ali may help reverse the hormonal damage caused by chronic stress.

Participants also reported improved mood and reduced tension, indicating tongkat’s psychological benefits alongside its hormonal effects1.

Supporting Aging Men & Fertility

Tongkat ali also shows promise for older men with low testosterone. In a randomized controlled trial, daily supplementation significantly boosted both total and free testosterone levels in men with late-onset hypogonadism over 12 weeks2.

Even more compelling, studies report improved sperm motility and volume, supporting tongkat’s traditional use as a fertility enhancer. And countless men also note increased libido and sexual performance — effects echoed by clinical research and user anecdotes3.

Benefits Beyond Just Men

While most studies focus on males, women also report benefits from tongkat ali. These include better energy, reduced fatigue, and even improved lean muscle preservation. By lowering cortisol and supporting anabolic hormones, tongkat ali may aid in workout recovery, muscle gain, and fatigue resistance.

Preliminary studies in athletes even suggest enhanced strength and muscle mass when tongkat ali is combined with training — though more research is needed.

How to Use Tongkat Ali

Most supplements use a standardized root extract (often 100:1). Clinical doses typically range from 100 mg to 300 mg daily. Some herbalists recommend cycling (e.g., 5 days on, 2 days off) to prevent tolerance, though this hasn’t been proven necessary in research.

Is Tongkat Ali Safe?

Tongkat ali is generally well-tolerated. Rare side effects like insomnia or irritability may occur at high doses, likely due to its mild stimulatory nature. Be sure to choose a reputable source — as with any root-based supplement, purity and standardization are essential to avoid adulterants or ineffective dosing.

Bottom Line

Tongkat ali blends ancient herbal wisdom with modern science to deliver a well-rounded boost to testosterone, libido, stress resilience, and vitality. It’s a top contender in any natural hormone support stack — and a favorite among men looking to regain their edge.

🧾 References

1. Talbott, S. M., Talbott, J. A., George, A., & Pugh, M. (2013). Effect of Tongkat Ali on stress hormones and psychological mood state in moderately stressed subjects. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 10(1), 28. https://doi.org/10.1186/1550-2783-10-28 ↩ ↩2

2. Chinnappan, B., et al. (2021). Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali) raises testosterone and improves quality of life in aging males: A randomized controlled trial. Food & Nutrition Research, 65, 5647. https://doi.org/10.29219/fnr.v64.5647 ↩

3. Rehman, S. U., & Choe, K. (2016). Review on a traditional herbal medicine, Eurycoma longifolia Jack (Tongkat Ali): Its traditional uses, chemistry, evidence-based pharmacology, and toxicology. Molecules, 21(3), 331. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules21030331 ↩