What Is Tongkat Ali Extract?

Tongkat ali is a Southeast Asian shrub used to naturally treat a variety of medical conditions. Extracts from the roots and bark imported internationally by nutritional supplement manufactures are included in product formulations or sold as stand-alone herbal remedies. Although some clinical studies have shown positive results, at this time there is insufficient clinical evidence to demonstrate effectiveness or safety, according to Drugs.com.

Components

Tongkat ali extract contains isolated active components from the root or bark of the shrub. Since the root is mostly cellulose, extraction creates a supplement that has a higher concentration of actives than found in a similar quantity of powdered root. Usually found in concentrations between 1:20 and 1:200, the extract is stronger at higher ratios, since there is less cellulose. Tongkat ali extract is a popular aphrodisiac and sexual performance aid that is available as a stand-alone product or as part of a branded compound. Imported by a number of supplement companies, it has become a common component in natural testosterone boosting formulations marketed to bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts, according to the website It's Nature.

History

Tongkat Ali is another name for Eurycoma longifolia, a flowering shrub native to Southeast Asia. The roots and bark of this plant have a long history of use as an indigenous natural treatment but had limited global popularity prior to the 2001 joint patent filling by Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the government of Malaysia for the use of Eurycoma longifolia extract in the treatment of male sexual dysfunction and infertility.

Function

Tongkat ali extract has been used as a natural treatment for a host of medical conditions. Consumed to treat malaria, diarrhea, swollen glands and fever or applied topically to heal ulcers and sores, tongkat ali is most commonly used as an aphrodisiac or erectile dysfunction treatment. In 2009, Cancer Cell International published a study conducted at University Putra Malaysia that suggests that compounds in tongkat ali have a cytotoxic effect on some cancer cell lines. A 1999 study at the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Science Malaysia, found anxiolytic effects consistent with the effects of Diazepam in the treatment of anxiety.

Identification

Tongkat ali is identified under different names on supplement ingredient lists, such as longjack, Eurycoma longifolia and Eurycoma longifolia Jack. If the product contains tongkat ali extract, rather than raw tongkat ali, the extraction ratio or percentage of standardized actives will usually be given. The actual dosage of tongkat ali will vary by product and may be concealed if it used as an ingredient in a proprietary blend.

Considerations

As yet, there is not enough information to determine the safety of tongkat ali. Since tongkat ali extract is a dietary supplement, it is not regulated by the FDA unless the product is shown to be unsafe or the sellers make false claims. Discuss this supplement with your doctor prior to use.