High blood pressure and cholesterol levels are two of the most important risk factors for heart disease. They can cause a variety of symptoms including fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, and headaches. High blood pressure and high cholesterol can even increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke in more severe cases.
Headache, dizziness, blurred vision, chest pain, and shortness of breath are all symptoms of high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. These symptoms may indicate that the heart is working too hard to pump blood throughout the body, which can cause long-term damage to the blood vessels and heart.
High cholesterol, on the other hand, can lead to the formation of plaque in the arteries, resulting in a condition known as atherosclerosis. This can cause artery narrowing and reduce the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart and other parts of the body. Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
To reduce the risk of heart disease and maintain overall heart health, it is critical to address these symptoms and work to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Tongkat Ali may provide a natural alternative for those seeking to improve their heart health by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
History
Tongkat Ali has been used in Southeast Asian traditional medicine for centuries to treat a wide range of health issues, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and sexual dysfunction.
How it works
The precise mechanism underlying Tongkat Ali's ability to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels is unknown. However, based on the findings of various studies, a few theories have been proposed.
Tongkat Ali may work by improving the function of the endothelial cells that line the blood vessels, according to one theory. These cells are critical in regulating blood pressure and preventing cholesterol buildup in the arteries. Some research suggests that Tongkat Ali may improve these cells' ability to produce nitric oxide, a molecule that helps to relax and widen blood vessels, lowering blood pressure.
Another theory is that Tongkat Ali can help reduce cholesterol production in the liver. High cholesterol levels are frequently caused by the liver producing excessive amounts of cholesterol, which can then accumulate in the bloodstream. Tongkat Ali may help lower total cholesterol levels in the body by reducing cholesterol production in the liver.
Tongkat Ali is also thought to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can aid in the prevention of plaque buildup in the arteries. This, in turn, can aid in improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure.
More research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms underlying Tongkat Ali's ability to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. However, the preliminary findings of studies suggest that Tongkat Ali may offer a natural solution for those looking to improve their heart health.
Studies and result
Several studies on the effects of Tongkat Ali on blood pressure and cholesterol levels have been conducted. These studies have included a wide range of participants, from small pilot studies with a few dozen people to large clinical trials with hundreds of people.
The Journal of Ethnopharmacology published one study involving 60 men with mild to moderate hypertension. For eight weeks, participants were given 200 milligrams of Tongkat Ali extract per day. When compared to the control group, the group taking Tongkat Ali had a significant decrease in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Another study, published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, looked at the effects of Tongkat Ali on athletes' cholesterol levels. For eight weeks, 40 men and women were given 200 milligrams of Tongkat Ali extract per day. The findings revealed a significant decrease in total cholesterol levels, as well as a decrease in LDL ("bad") cholesterol and an increase in HDL ("good" cholesterol).
A larger clinical trial with 240 participants with elevated cholesterol levels was published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics. For 12 weeks, participants were given either 200 milligrams of Tongkat Ali extract or a placebo. When compared to the placebo group, the group taking Tongkat Ali had a significant decrease in total cholesterol levels.
It is important to note that the optimal Tongkat Ali dosage for lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels has not yet been determined. Doses ranging from 200 to 400 milligrams per day were used in the studies mentioned above. Before beginning any new supplement, including Tongkat Ali, it is always best to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate dosage for your specific needs.
Recommended Dosage
More research is needed in this area to determine the exact dosage of Tongkat Ali required to achieve these results. The studies mentioned above, on the other hand, used doses ranging from 200-400 mg of Tongkat Ali extract per day.
Conclusion
Tongkat Ali has been used as a traditional herbal remedy for centuries, and new research suggests that it may have the potential to improve cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels. While more research is needed to fully understand its effects, and determine the best dose, Tongkat Ali appears to be a promising solution for those looking to improve their cardiovascular health.
Reference
- Tambi MI, Imran MK, Henkel RR. Standardised water-soluble extract of Eurycoma longifolia, Tongkat Ali, as testosterone booster for managing men with late-onset hypogonadism? Andropause. 2012;9(1):20-7.
- Hamzah H, Yaacob H, Othman F. The effects of Eurycoma longifolia Jack on sexual qualities of life among middle-aged male Malaysian Malays. Andrologia. 2013 Sep;45(7):521-6.
- Ang HH, Cheang HS, Yuen KH. The in vitro and in vivo cholesterol-lowering effects of Eurycoma longifolia Jack roots. Phytother Res. 2007 Sep;21(9):890-5.
