Tongkat Ali
Also known as: Eurycoma longifolia, Longjack, Malaysian Ginseng, Pasak Bumi
A tropical plant whose root quassinoids (eurycomanone, eurycomanol) modulate HPA-HPG axis crosstalk, reduce sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and support Leydig cell steroidogenesis.
Last reviewed: 2024-03-25 · 2 indexed studies
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Overview
Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) is a Southeast Asian medicinal plant with growing clinical evidence for supporting healthy testosterone levels, reducing cortisol, and improving male reproductive health parameters.
Mechanism & Function
Dark amber-brown root extract powder. Intensely bitter — usually encapsulated.
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
Capsule is generally preferred for bioavailability or efficacy.
Mechanism of Action
Eurycomanone reduces cortisol via HPA axis modulation, freeing the HPG axis to optimize LH signaling. Quassinoids may inhibit aromatase and reduce SHBG, increasing free testosterone bioavailability.
Physiological Role
Supports the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis by reducing stress-mediated suppression of gonadotropin release. May enhance Leydig cell testosterone production through improved LH signaling.
Primary Pathways
Performance / Health Relevance
Most relevant for men over 30 with suboptimal testosterone due to stress, poor sleep, or aging. May improve body composition, mood, and recovery in conjunction with resistance training.
Evidence Review
Practical Use & Dosage
- Minimum Effective Dose
- 100mg/day (100:1 extract)
- Optimal Range
- 200–400mg/day standardized hot-water root extract
- Upper / Caution Level
- 600mg/day
- Timing
- Morning, with or without food
- Best Format
- Standardized hot-water root extract (2%+ eurycomanone)
- Bioavailability
- Hot-water extraction yields higher quassinoid content than ethanol extraction. Standardization to eurycomanone ensures potency.
- Absorption Considerations
- Can be taken with or without food. Consistent daily dosing for 4+ weeks required to see hormonal effects.
Safety & Interactions
Side Effects
- •Restlessness/insomnia (at higher doses)
- •Mild irritability
Contraindications
- Hormone-sensitive cancers
- Pregnancy/lactation
Drug Interactions
- •Testosterone replacement therapy
- •Anticoagulants
Who Should Avoid
- •Women (insufficient safety data)
- •Those with hormone-sensitive conditions
- •Children and adolescents
Monitoring
Check total and free testosterone, SHBG, and cortisol at baseline and 8 weeks. Monitor PSA in men over 40.
Frequently Asked Questions
Auto-generated from indexed evidence — dosage, safety, interactions, and more.
When is Tongkat Ali typically used or indicated?
Tongkat Ali is most commonly used for: Testosterone support, Libido enhancement, Stress resilience, Body composition. Supports the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis by reducing stress-mediated suppression of gonadotropin release. May enhance Leydig cell testosterone production through improved LH signaling.
How does Tongkat Ali work?
Eurycomanone reduces cortisol via HPA axis modulation, freeing the HPG axis to optimize LH signaling. Quassinoids may inhibit aromatase and reduce SHBG, increasing free testosterone bioavailability.
What is the recommended dose of Tongkat Ali?
The optimal range is 200–400mg/day standardized hot-water root extract. with a minimum effective dose of 100mg/day (100:1 extract). Best taken: Morning, with or without food. Upper / caution level: 600mg/day.
What are the side effects of Tongkat Ali?
Reported side effects include: Restlessness/insomnia (at higher doses); and Mild irritability. Monitoring: Check total and free testosterone, SHBG, and cortisol at baseline and 8 weeks. Monitor PSA in men over 40.
Does Tongkat Ali interact with medications?
Known or theoretical interactions: Testosterone replacement therapy; and Anticoagulants. Always check with a clinician before combining with prescription medication.
Who should avoid Tongkat Ali?
Tongkat Ali is generally not recommended for: Women (insufficient safety data); Those with hormone-sensitive conditions; Children and adolescents; Hormone-sensitive cancers; and Pregnancy/lactation.
How strong is the evidence for Tongkat Ali?
Evidence level: Moderate (overall score 55/100), based on 2 indexed studies on SuppIndex.
Research & References (2)
Effect of Tongkat Ali on stress hormones and psychological mood state in moderately stressed subjects
200mg/day for 4 weeks significantly reduced cortisol (−16%) and improved testosterone (−37% improvement in T:C ratio).
Eurycoma longifolia supplementation and testosterone: a systematic review
Review of 9 clinical trials indicating Tongkat Ali consistently improves testosterone levels in hypogonadal and stressed males.
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Research Overview
Moderate EvidenceCite this ingredient
One-click citation export in APA, MLA, Chicago, BibTeX, or HTML. The URL below is stable and safe to link.
Stable URL
https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/tongkat-ali
SuppIndex. (2026). Tongkat Ali: Evidence summary, dosage and clinical studies. Retrieved October 23, 2026, from https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/tongkat-ali
Based on 2 indexed studies · Evidence level: Moderate.
Goal Ratings
Stack Compatibility
Pairs with ashwagandha for comprehensive HPA-HPG optimization. Add zinc and vitamin D for foundational hormonal support.
Related evidence
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Last reviewed Mar 2024