In the supplement world, thee is always an "herb of the moment" that is promoted as the cure for everything from obesity to sexual dysfunction and fatigue. Herbal Powers' LJ100 is one of these supplements, which the company claims will increase libido, enhance athletic performance, increase energy and "rejuvenate youthfulness." Although it sounds like a pill that just about anybody would like, a closer look reveals that it may be safer to leave it alone.
LJ100
LJ100 contains Tongkat Ali, also known as Longjack or Eurycoma Longifolia. The bottle is labeled as a "Standardized Tongkat Ali Extract", but it does not mention the concentration of the extract, whether it is 1:20, 1:40, or even lower. It does say that each two-capsule serving contains 100mg of the extract, but because the extract concentration is unknown, it is impossible to determine how much Tongkat Ali each dose contains.
Tongkat Ali
Tongkat Ali is native to southeast Asia, where it is used in traditional medicine to treat maladies like hypertension, malaria, dysentery and ulcers, but it is primarily used as an aphrodisiac. In fact, the supplements sold in this country are also primarily marketed as sexual enhancers. Proponents claim that the herb increases testosterone levels, but no evidence exists to prove that it is as effective as medical testosterone supplementation, or even that it has that effect at all. Certain manufacturers, like Herbal Powers, have capitalized upon the "athletic enhancement" claim to market Tongkat Ali as a bodybuilding supplement, but the National Library of Medicine is unaware of any evidence that it is effective for that purpose.
Safety
There is no public data regarding the safety and effectiveness of Tongkat Ali in humans, but studies on rats have shown signs of toxicity at 430mg to 600mg per day. Symptoms included an increased weight to the liver, kidneys, spleen and testes, and administration by injection increases the toxicity 100-fold. The lack of safety data also means that no one is sure how the herb will react with other supplements or medications you may be taking. If you decide to try LJ100, consult your doctor and follow the label instructions carefully. If you begin to feel unwell or different in any way, discontinue the supplement and call your doctor.
Alternatives
If you are having trouble building muscle, examine your diet and training program first. Make sure you are eating enough and getting plenty of protein, and be sure to lift weights heavy enough that you cannot do more than six reps. Include a max rep at the end of every session to stimulate muscle growth. If you are still concerned, consult your doctor -- if you do indeed have a testosterone deficiency, your doctor can easily diagnose it and prescribe a supplement that has been proven both safe and effective. Herbal testosterone supplements don't work unless you have a deficiency to begin with, and usually, the fault is with the training, not the body.
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