SupplementModerate evidenceImmunity

Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia)

Southeast Asian root with RCT signal for free testosterone elevation in hypogonadal men and stress-cortisol modulation.

Why

Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) root, colloquially 'Malaysian ginseng', has accumulated a small but consistent RCT body for elevation of free testosterone in age-related hypogonadism and in stress-related low-testosterone states. The Tambi 2012 trial reported normalisation of testosterone in 90% of subclinical hypogonadal men over 1 month. A separate Talbott trial documented reduced cortisol and improved tension-anger scores in moderately stressed adults.

How it works

Quassinoid eurycomanone may inhibit aromatase and increase free testosterone via reduced SHBG-binding. Cortisol-lowering effect through HPA-axis modulation may be relevant for stress-induced functional hypogonadism.

Expected onset · Hormonal markers over 4–8 weeks; stress markers within 2–4 weeks

How to take

Dosage

Standardised water-soluble extract (Physta): 200–400 mg/day. Some trials use 100 mg twice daily.

Timing

Morning, with food

On the label

Standardised water-soluble extract (Physta®) or stated eurycomanone content. Avoid bulk-grade powder without third-party testing.

Ideal for

Adult men with age-related or stress-related testosterone decline (after specialist assessment); active men with chronic high-stress exposure exploring adaptogenic adjuncts.

Safety

Limit duration to 3 months without medical review for hormonal indications. Avoid in hormone-sensitive cancer and severe cardiovascular disease. Mild restlessness or insomnia if taken late in the day. Mercury and lead contamination reported in poorly-sourced bulk product, quality testing matters. Pregnancy and women: not indicated. Coordinate with prescribing clinician if on testosterone replacement therapy or PDE5 inhibitors.

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Evidence

At a glance

Tambi 2012 Andrologia RCT (n=76 hypogonadal men): Physta extract 200 mg/day for 1 month normalised free and total testosterone in 90% of subclinical hypogonadal men. Talbott 2013 J Int Soc Sports Nutr RCT (n=63 stressed adults): 200 mg/day Tongkat Ali reduced cortisol by 16% and improved Profile of Mood States vs placebo at 4 weeks.

Where to get it

Shop Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) on Amazon

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