Eurycoma longifolia (Longjack) has great potential as testosterone booster

Eurycoma longifolia Jack is a plant also known as Longjack, Malaysian Ginseng or Tongkat Ali that has gained notoriety as a symbol of man’s ego and strength by the Malaysian men because it increases male virility and sexual prowess during sexual activities [1]. The plant parts have been traditionally used for its antimalarial, aphrodisiac, anti-diabetic, antimicrobial and antipyretic (fever reduction) activities, which have also been proved scientifically [2]. Moreover, the compounds of the roots of this plant are reported to have aphrodisiac and testosterone enhancing effects in the rats. Therefore, Eurycoma longifolia can be found in many testosterone boosters.

Eurycoma Longifolia Jack (Longjack) and Low Testosterone

There are plenty of animal studies using the rat as model showing that Eurycoma longifolia Jack (Longjack) supplementation increased sexual motivation and performance [3-6,13-16] including increased serum testosterone concentrations [7]. It seems that Eurycoma longifolia produces a dose-dependent, recurrent and significant increase in the episodes of penile reflexes and increase in mounting frequency [15,17]. There are, however, some studies that have failed to measure significant improvements in testosterone levels in normal rats after Eurycoma longifolia Jack supplementation [8].

Eurycoma longifolia (Longjack, Tongkat Ali) root and leaves.

One very recent study in rats by Solomon and associates [10] further investigated aphrodisiac effects of Eurycoma longifolia Jack (Longjack). Because previous studies were limited to only few sperm parameters or testosterone concentration, Solomon and colleagues investigated the in vivo effects of Eurycoma longifolia Jack (Longjack) on body and organ weight as well as functional sperm parameters in terms of safety and efficacy in the management of male infertility. After 14 days of force-feeding researchers weighted sexual organs and muscles and assessed testosterone concentration, sperm concentration and mitochondrial membrane potential. There was no changes in organ weights, testosterone concentration increased by 30.2% (p = 0.0544), muscle weight increased but not significantly, sperm concentration, motility and vitality increased significantly, mitochondrial membrane potential improved by 25.1% (P = 0.0765).  Bin-Seng Low and colleagues [19] also reported increase in plasma testosterone levels when male rats were fed with 25 mg/kg of Eurycoma longifolia Jack extract. Compared to placebo significant difference in testosterone levels were evident at day 26 (p<0.05) and day 52 (P<0.01) but not at day 104 [19]. In contrast, the plasma estrogen level was significantly lower than that of the untreated control [19].

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Clinical Studies

The only human studies that are accessible online are in subjects with hypogonadism (diminished functional activity in the testes). 76 males were given 200 mg of a standardised water-soluble extract of Eurycoma longifolia Jack (Longjack) for 1 month. Results show that treatment of hypogonadic patients with Eurycoma longifolia Jack extract significantly (P < 0.0001) improved the aging male syndrome score as well as the serum testosterone concentration [9]. Interestingly one very recent study [23] in healthy males who received 200mg of Eurycoma longifolia and 100 mg of Polygonum minus demonstrated an increase in total testosterone (10.36%) but decrease in free testosterone (active testosterone). Which suggests that these two compounds (alone or in combination) may also increase sex-hormone binding globulin or increased metabolism and breakdown of free testosterone. When patients (75 completed one full cycle) suffering from infertility were given 200 mg of the Eurycoma longifolia Jack (Longjack) extract daily for 9 months sperm quality was significantly improved, allowing for 11 (14.7%) spontaneous pregnancies [11].

Eurycoma longifolia Jack (Longjack) seems to increases testosterone levels in rats with hypogonadism (or clinical signs of hypogonadism). There is lack of studies on otherwise healthy rats. The only evidence on humans is also in persons with hypogonadism, other studies that claim increases of testosterone in healthy humans cannot be accessed online, are short and are of questionable quality.

According to WebMD.com [12]: “Some of the chemicals seem to affect how the body produces the hormone testosterone. Research in animals and humans suggests Eurycoma longifolia might increase testosterone in the body.” However, there is a possibility that Eurycoma longifolia may only work when there is testosterone deficiency as Eurycoma longifolia supplementation to normal male rats failed to elevate the testosterone levels compared to nontreatment rats [3].

Anti-Estrogenic Effect

When female rats were injected with testosterone, which lead to irregular estrous cycle thereby affecting the ovarian function, 50mg/kg of a standardized quassinoid-rich extract (TAF 273) of Eurycoma root was able to improve irregular estrous cycles with less follicular morphological damage [26]. It appears that potent anti-estrogenic effect of Eurycoma (especially quassinoid Eurycomanone) was able to ameliorate the adverse effects of testosterone injection [26].

Effects on Stress

It seems that daily supplementation with tongkat ali root extract improves stress hormone profile (reduced cortisol levels by 16% and increased testosterone status by 37%) [24]. Treatment group also exhibited significant improvements for tension (−11%), anger (−12%), and confusion (−15%) compared to placebo [24].

Recommended Dosage

Eurycoma longifolia Jack is normally recommended to be administered by men at the dose of 200–400 mg daily [3]. The calculated acceptable daily intake is up to 1.2 g/60 kg adult/day [21]. However, toxicological reports are incomplete and insufficient for demonstrating either long-term safety or prediction of acceptable daily intake [21].

Eurycoma longifolia Jack (Longjack) Side Effects

Even though toxicity and safety evaluation studies have been pursued, there is still not enough information to know for sure if Eurycoma longifolia is safe. However, recent study in animals reported that Eurycoma longifolia appears safe for possible treatment of male infertility and ageing male problems [10]. Results of one recent in vitro study [18] indicate that the Eurycoma longifolia extract has no deleterious effects on sperm functions at therapeutically used concentrations. However, at very high doses, in may have harmful effects in vitro [18]. 600 mg/kg of Eurycoma longifolia Jack did not cause any adverse effects in a human clinical study [20]. A recent study [22] reported that Eurycoma longifolia might be a safe alternative to testosterone replacement therapy. Another very recent study [23] in healthy males reported no liver and kidney abnormalities after supplementation with 300mg combination of Eurycoma longifolia and Polygonum minus for 12 weeks. In rats, LD₅₀ for Eurycoma has been found to be greater than 5000mg/kg [25].

(Other common names: Akar Pasak Bumi, Ali’s Umbrella, Ali’s Walking Stick, Batang Pasak Bumi, Canne d’Ali, Eurycoma, Eurycoma Longifolia Jack, Eurycoma merguensis, E. longifolia, Ginseng de Malaisie, Kayu Dali, Long Jack, Longjack, Malaysian Ginseng, Manotes Asiatica, Pasak Bumi, Picroxylon Siamese, longjax, Tongkat Ali, Tung Saw, Umpudumaidu, Wonod Mondou, Cay Ba Binh)

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References

1. Ang, Hooi Hoon, and Hung Seong Cheang. “Effects of Eurycoma longifolia jack on laevator ani muscle in both uncastrated and testosterone-stimulated castrated intact male rats.” Archives of pharmacal research 24.5 (2001): 437-440.
2. Bhat, Rajeev, and A. A. Karim. “Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia Jack): a review on its ethnobotany and pharmacological importance.” Fitoterapia 81.7 (2010): 669-679.
3. Tajul Ariff AS, et al. Effects of Eurycoma longifolia on Testosterone Level and Bone Structure in an Aged Orchidectomised Rat Model. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. (2012)
4. Ang, Hooi Hoon, and Meng Kwoon Sim. “Longjack (Tongkat Ali) and orientation activities in sexually experienced male rats.” Biological & pharmaceutical bulletin 21.2 (1998): 153.
5. Ang, H. H., and K. L. Lee. “Effect of Eurycoma longifolia Jack on orientation activities in middle‐aged male rats.” Fundamental & clinical pharmacology 16.6 (2002): 479-483.
6. Ang, H. H., and T. H. Ngai. “Aphrodisiac evaluation in non‐copulator male rats after chronic administration of Eurycoma longifolia Jack*.” Fundamental & Clinical Pharmacology 15.4 (2001): 265-268.
7. Zanoli, P., et al. “Influence of Eurycoma longifolia on the copulatory activity of sexually sluggish and impotent male rats.” Journal of ethnopharmacology 126.2 (2009): 308-313.
8. Ariff, Tajul, et al. “Effects of Eurycoma longifolia (Longjack) on Testosterone Level and Bone Structure in an Aged Orchidectomised Rat Model.” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2012 (2012).
9. Tambi, M. I. B. M., M. K. Imran, and R. R. Henkel. “Standardised water‐soluble extract of Eurycoma longifolia, Tongkat ali, as testosterone booster for managing men with late‐onset hypogonadism?.” Andrologia 44.s1 (2011): 226-230.
10. Solomon, M. C., N. Erasmus, and R. R. Henkel. “In vivo effects of Longjack (Tongkat Ali) extract on reproductive functions in the rat.” Andrologia (2013).
11. Tambi, Mohd Ismail Bin Mohd, and M. Kamarul Imran. “Eurycoma longifolia Jack in managing idiopathic male infertility.” Asian journal of andrology 12.3 (2010): 376-380.
12. Find a Vitamin or Supplement – Eurycoma longifoli. Retrieved from WebMD.com at 14. May 2013
13. Ang, H. H., T. H. Ngai, and T. H. Tan. “Effects of E longifolia Jack on sexual qualities in middle aged male rats.” Phytomedicine 10.6 (2003): 590-593.
14. Ang, Hooi Hoon, and Kheng Leng Lee. “Effect of E longifolia Jack on Libido in Middle Aged Male Rats.” Journal of basic and clinical physiology and pharmacology 13.3 (2002): 249-254.
15. Ang, H. H., S. Ikeda, and E. K. Gan. “Evaluation of the potency activity of aphrodisiac in Eurycoma longifolia Jack.” Phytotherapy Research 15.5 (2001): 435-436.
16. Ang, Hooi Hoon, Kheng Leng Lee, and Matsumoto Kiyoshi. “Longjack Enhances Sexual Motivation in Middle Aged Male Mice.” Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology 14.3 (2003): 301-308.
17. ANG, Hooi Hoon, and Meng Kwoon SIM. “Eurycoma longifolia Jack enhances libido in sexually experienced male rats.” Experimental Animals 46.4 (1997): 287-290.
18. Erasmus, N., et al. “Effect of Eurycoma longifolia Jack (Tongkat ali) extract on human spermatozoa in vitro.” Andrologia 44.5 (2012): 308-314.
19. Low, Bin-Seng, Prashanta Kumar Das, and Kit-Lam Chan. “Standardized quassinoid-rich Eurycoma longifolia extract improved spermatogenesis and fertility in male rats via the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.” Journal of ethnopharmacology (2012).
20. Tambi, M. I. “Standardized watersoluble extract of eurycoma longifolia (LJ100) on men’s health.” International Journal of Andrology. Vol. 28. Commerce Place, 350 Main St, Malden 02148, MA USA: WILEY-BLACKWELL PUBLISHING, INC, 2005.
21. Li, Ching-Hao, et al. “Evaluation of Acute 13-Week Subchronic Toxicity and Genotoxicity of the Powdered Root of Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia Jack).”Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2013 (2013).
22. George, A., and R. Henkel. “Phytoandrogenic properties of Eurycoma longifolia as natural alternative to testosterone replacement therapy.” Andrologia (2014).
23. Udani, Jay K., et al. “Effects of a Proprietary Freeze-Dried Water Extract of Eurycoma longifolia (Physta) and Polygonum minus on Sexual Performance and Well-Being in Men: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2014 (2014).
24. Talbott, Shawn M., et al. “Effect of Tongkat Ali on stress hormones and psychological mood state in moderately stressed.” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 10 (2013): 28.
25. Shuid, A. N., et al. “Acute and subacute toxicity studies of E longifolai in male rats.” International Journal of Pharmacology 7.5 (2011): 641-646.
26. Abdulghani, Mahfoudh, et al. “The ameliorative effects of longjack on testosterone-induced reproductive disorders in female rats.” Reproductive biology 12.2 (2012): 247-255.