Tongkat Ali, also known as Eurycoma longifolia, is a Southeast Asian herb that has been used medicinally for centuries. It has the potential to improve both physical and emotional health. Several individuals battle with a variety of symptoms that can have a negative impact on their overall health, such as fatigue, tension, anxiety, and low mood.
Common causes of fatigue include lack of sleep, poor food, and chronic sickness. Stress and worry can also be hazardous to physical and mental health, resulting in diminished energy, mood disorders, and even headaches and muscular strain.
Low mood, depression, and other mental health conditions can also be burdensome, impacting all aspects of life and making it difficult to function.
Tongkat Ali has been examined for its capacity to alleviate these symptoms and enhance general well-being, making it an appealing natural remedy for those who wish to better their physical and mental health. In this post, we will examine the scientific evidence supporting Tongkat Ali's advantages, recommended dosages, and potential adverse effects, so that you can determine if it's good for you.
History
Tongkat Ali has a long history of traditional use in Southeast Asia, especially in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam, where it is frequently referred to as Pasak Bumi or Malay ginseng. The herb has been utilized for millennia to treat a range of ailments, including fever, malaria, headaches, and sexual dysfunction.
Tongkat Ali has gained favor in the West in recent years as a dietary supplement that promotes physical and mental wellness. Its possible benefits include boosting energy, lowering stress, and enhancing mood, making it an appealing alternative for individuals seeking natural health remedies.
Since the 1980s, various research have investigated the possible health advantages of Tongkat Ali's therapeutic characteristics. According to these studies, Tongkat Ali includes a number of chemicals, including quassinoids and alkaloids, which may have therapeutic benefits. As a result, traditional medicine and pharmacology have taken an interest in Tongkat Ali.
How it works
Tongkat Ali works by raising the synthesis of testosterone in the body, which has various benefits for general physical and mental well-being. Testosterone is a hormone that is largely responsible for male sexual development and function, but it also plays a role in maintaining muscle mass, bone density, and overall physical and mental health.
Tongkat Ali includes chemicals that activate the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, which regulate hormone synthesis within the body. These substances can boost the synthesis of luteinizing hormone (LH), which stimulates the testicular Leydig cells to make more testosterone. The increase in testosterone can lead to various health benefits, including:
Increased muscle strength and mass: Testosterone is crucial for growing and maintaining muscle mass, hence an increase in testosterone levels can contribute to improved muscle strength and mass.
Testosterone is also essential for sustaining energy and endurance levels. An increase in testosterone may result in enhanced energy and endurance during physical exertion.
Increased mood and cognitive function: Testosterone plays a role in mood and cognitive function, therefore an increase in testosterone levels can lead to enhanced mood and cognitive performance.
Tongkat Ali also includes substances with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. These substances may assist to protect the body against oxidative stress and inflammation, which are known to play a role in a number of chronic disorders, including cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Additionally, Tongkat Ali has been proven to have immuno-boosting qualities, which may aid to defend against infections and promote general immune function. It has also been discovered to promote digestion and intestinal health, which are essential for overall health and well-being.
Studies and Results
There have been a few of research on the effects of Tongkat Ali on physical and mental health, with mixed findings.
In a five-week research published in the Journal of the International Association of Sports Nutrition, 14 healthy males used Tongkat Ali pills. Compared to the placebo group, the participants observed gains in muscle strength, body composition, and self-rated health. Unfortunately, this study included no women and had a tiny sample size.
In a second study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, 63 adults took Tongkat Ali pills for a period of four weeks. The participants reported improvements in their levels of tension, hostility, and perplexity, as well as their subjective well-being. Nevertheless, a placebo group was not included in this trial.
In a third trial published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 12 weeks of Tongkat Ali supplementation were administered to 26 male subjects. Compared to the placebo group, the subjects noticed improvements in sperm quality and concentration, as well as mental alertness and mood.
Overall, additional study is required to properly comprehend the effects of Tongkat Ali on physical and mental health. Yet, these investigations indicate that Tongkat Ali may have some benefits in these areas.
Regarding dose, the Tongkat Ali pills utilized in the experiments ranged from 100 to 400 milligrams per day. Before beginning to use a new supplement, it is essential to follow the directions on the packaging and consult a healthcare practitioner.
It should also be noted that Tongkat Ali supplements may conflict with certain medications or medical conditions; therefore, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider prior to use.
Recommended Dosage
Depending on parameters such as age, health status, and intended effects, the recommended dosage of Tongkat Ali can vary. According to studies, however, a daily dose of 200-300 mg of Tongkat Ali extract can improve physical and mental health, while a daily dose of 400 mg can boost sexual performance.
Conclusion
Tongkat Ali is a natural herbal supplement that has been used in traditional medicine for generations. According to research, it offers several health benefits, including improved physical and emotional well-being, sports performance, the immune system, and sexual function. It has favorable benefits on the body by raising testosterone levels, decreasing cortisol levels, and encouraging the generation of nitric oxide.
Although Tongkat Ali is typically safe for most individuals, it is still crucial to follow the suggested dosage and consult a healthcare provider before taking any supplements, especially if you have underlying health concerns or are taking medication.
Tongkat Ali is a potential natural supplement that can aid in the improvement of physical and mental health. Nonetheless, additional research is required to completely comprehend its action mechanisms and long-term implications.
References
Talbott, S. M. (2013). Effect of Tongkat Ali on stress hormones and psychological mood state in moderately stressed subjects. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 10(1), 28.
Henkel, R. R., Wang, R., Bassett, S. H., Chen, T., Liu, N., Zhu, Y., & Tambi, M. I. (2014). Tongkat Ali as a potential herbal supplement for physically active male and female seniors—a pilot study. Phytotherapy research, 28(4), 544-550.
George, A., & Henkel, R. (2014). Phytoandrogenic properties of Eurycoma longifolia as natural alternative to testosterone replacement therapy. Andrologia, 46(7), 708-721.
Talbott, S. M., Talbott, J. A., George, A., & Pugh, M. (2013). Effect of Tongkat Ali on endurance exercise performance and muscle damage biomarkers. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 10(1), 28.
Chen, C. K., Mohamad, W. M. Z. W., Ooi, F. K., Ismail, S. B., Abdullah, M. R., & George, A. (2014). Supplementation of Eurycoma longifolia Jack extract for 6 weeks does not affect urinary testosterone: epitestosterone ratio, liver and renal functions in male recreational athletes. International Journal of Preventive Medicine, 5(6), 728.
Tambi, M. I. B. M., Imran, M. K., & Henkel, R. R. (2012). Standardised water-soluble extract of Eurycoma longifolia, Tongkat ali, as testosterone booster for managing men with late-onset hypogonadism?. Andrologia, 44(s1), 226-230.
