Eurycoma longifolia is an herbal remedy that has been a part of traditional Southeast Asian medicine for centuries.
It’s often used to treat a variety of ailments, including fevers, erectile dysfunction, and bacterial infections.
Studies suggest that tongkat ali may boost male fertility, relieve stress, and improve body composition, but research in these areas is limited
This article reviews tongkat ali, including its benefits, possible side effects, and dosage.
What is Eurycoma longifolia?
Eurycoma longifolia or longjack, is an herbal supplement that comes from the roots of the green shrub tree Eurycoma longifolia, which is native to Southeast Asia.
It’s used in traditional medicine in Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and other Asian countries to treat malaria, infections, fevers, male infertility, and erectile dysfunction .
The health benefits of Eurycoma longifolia likely stem from various compounds found in the plant.
Specifically, tongkat ali contains flavonoids, alkaloids, and other compounds that act as antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds that fight cellular damage caused by molecules called free radicals. They may benefit your body in other ways as well .
Eurycoma longifolia is typically consumed in pills that contain an extract of the herb or as part of herbal drinks .
Potential health benefits
Most of the alleged health benefits of Eurycoma longifolia are not well researched, but some studies suggest that it may help treat male infertility, improve mood, and increase muscle mass.
May increase testosterone levels and improve male fertility
Eurycoma longifolia potential to increase testosterone in men with low levels of this primary sex hormone is well known and well documented.
Low testosterone can result from aging, chemotherapy, radiation treatments, some medications, injury or infection of the testicles, and certain diseases, such as chronic alcoholism and obstructive sleep apnea .
Effects of inadequate testosterone levels include low libido, erectile dysfunction, and in some cases, infertility. Since compounds in Eurycoma longifolia may boost low testosterone, it could treat these issues .
Finally, Eurycoma longifolia may improve sperm motility and concentration, boosting male fertility
May relieve stress
Eurycoma longifolia may lower stress hormones in your body, decrease anxiety, and improve mood.
First identified the possible role of this remedy in treating mood issues and found that Eurycoma longifolia extract was comparable to a common anti-anxiety medication in reducing symptoms .
Similar effects have been seen in humans, but research is limited.
Participants also reported significantly less stress, anger, and tension after taking Eurycoma longifolia .
While these results are promising, more studies in humans are needed.
May improve body composition
Eurycoma longifolia is often claimed to boost athletic performance and increase muscle mass.
This is because it contains compounds called quassinoids, including eurycomaoside, eurycolactone, and eurycomanone, which may help your body use energy more efficiently, reduce fatigue, and improve endurance.
In other words, the supplement may act as an ergogenic aid, which is a substance that can enhance physical performance and improve body composition.
Should you take Eurycoma longifolia ?
Some studies suggest that Eurycoma longifolia may reduce anxiety and improve body composition, but research is limited.
It may also treat low testosterone, poor libido, and male infertility.
Additionally, keep in mind that some supplements may be contaminated with mercury. Plus, they’re not well regulated and may contain more or less Eurycoma longifolia than listed on the label.
Eurycoma longifolia ,or longjack, is an herbal supplement suggested to improve low testosterone, male fertility, anxiety, athletic performance, and muscle mass.