Tongkat ali, botanically known as Eurycoma longifolia Jack, is a slender tree native to Southeast Asia. Its medicinal uses in Malaysian culture date back centuries, and include antimalarial, aphrodisiac and antibacterial remedies. Healers would utilize the roots, bark and leaves of the plant. Perhaps most popular for its purported effects on libido, tongkat ali has been studied by current science, and found to contain substances that may have beneficial health effects. Tongkat ali is not approved by the FDA; talk to your doctor before using.
Constituents
With the advent of chemical extraction processes, modern science has been able to take a closer look at the active ingredients in herbal medicines. Tongkat ali possesses unique compounds that have specific actions in the human body. "Fitoterapia" featured a study in October 2010 that discusses the various pharmacological constituents in the plant. The study states that tongkat ali contains alkaloids and quassinoids, including eurycomaoside, eurycolactone, eurycomalactone, eurycomanone and pasakbumin-B. Not all of the actions of these compounds are known; however, research continues to determine tongkat ali's safety and efficacy.
Libido
If you have seen tongkat ali advertised as a sexual enhancer, you may be curious to find out if these claims are true, and if it is a safe supplement to use. A May 2010 study in the "Asian Journal of Andrology" investigated its effects on sperm morphology and motility. The study found that extracts of the herb significantly improved all aspects of semen quality, resulting in spontaneous pregnancies. It can also increase sex performance. According to a study in the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology" in November 2009, tongkat ali had an impact on the sexual performance of sluggish male rats. Serum testosterone levels increased, and rats had lower percentages of latent ejaculation. The percentage of mounting and ejaculating males increased, while the amount of time in between ejaculations was reduced. Although these findings are promising, tongkat ali is not guaranteed to work. Talk to your doctor before using for sexual enhancement.
Other Uses
Tongkat ali may also potentially fight bacterial infections and malaria. The "Saudi Medical Journal" published results in September 2007 from a study that looked at extracts from various parts of the plant. These extracts were tested for their effectiveness against gram-positive and negative bacteria as well as Staphyloccocus aureus. Results showed that the alcoholic and acetone extracts from the leaves and stems were active against both gram-positive and negative except E. coli and Salmonella typhi. Aqueous leave extracts were effective in killing Staphylococcus aureus.
Tongkat ali's antimalarial action was tested in an October 2009 study published in the "Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift." This study utilized extracts from the root, several quassinoids, testing them separately and together against Plasmodium falciparum. The study found that separately the quassinoids effectively inhibited the parasite; however, when combined their inhibitory activity was greater. Researchers concluded that there is a synergism between the compounds or active compounds that remain unidentified.
Safety
According to Drugs.com, there is no evidence to show any specific toxicity or contraindications for tongkat ali supplements. However, it may be stimulating; therefore, some side effects may include anxiety, increased heart rate and insomnia. Use caution if you are taking medications, have hypertension or any heart condition. Do not use if you are pregnant or nursing.
Dosing
Tongkat ali is typically available in capsule or tablet form at drugstores or health food stores, as well as online. Drugs.com states that there is no known dosing for this supplement, so talk to your doctor about how much is right for you. You can also follow the recommendations on the bottle. The FDA does not regulate this product, however. Potency and purity may differ between brands.
References
- "Fitoterapia"; Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia Jack): A review on its ethnobotany and pharmacological importance; Bhat R and Karim AA; October 2010
- "Asian Journal of Andrology"; Eurycoma longifolia Jack in managing idiopathic male infertility; Tambi MI and Imran MK; May 2010
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Influence of Eurycoma longifolia on the copulatory activity of sexually sluggish and impotent male rats; Zanoli P et al; November 2009
- "Saudi Medical Journal"; Antibacterial activity of Eurycoma longifolia Jack. A Malaysian medicinal plant; Farouk AE and Benafri A; September 2007
- "Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift"; Activity of Eurycoma longifolia root extract against Plasmodium falciparum in vitro; Wernsdorfer WH et al; October 2009
- Drugs.com: Tongkat Ali Safety and Dosing
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