Is Tongkat Ali Good For Erectile Dysfunction?
If you live in the Southeast Asian regions, you may be well-versed with Tongkat Ali. For others, it is a tree that offers several health benefits, including erectile dysfunction, male fertility, and muscle building.
Tongkat Ali has been a crucial ingredient in various traditional remedies in Southeast Asia for centuries.
So what is Tongkat Ali? What are its health benefits? Does Tongkat Ali increase testosterone? Modern studies suggest that the plant has other benefits, and this article covers all of your concerns regarding this tree.
Additionally, we will lay down the possible side effects that may arise if consumed inappropriately.
What is Tongkat Ali?
Tongkat Ali is a tree native to Southeast Asia, such as Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Its root contains alkaloids and quassinoids, which Southeast Asian natives use to treat infections, erectile dysfunction, male infertility, fevers, and malaria for centuries.
Tongkat Ali’s names differ for different regions. These names include Long Jack, Malaysian Ginseng, Wonod Mondou, and Ali’s umbrella. The scientific name for Tongkat Ali is Eurycoma Longifolia.
This tree contains several beneficial compounds, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and quassinoids that act as antioxidants, which reduce cellular damage and other health conditions.
You can consume Tongkat Ali in pills, dietary supplements, or herbal drinks, including tea, coffee, or energy beverages.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Tongkat Ali?
Tongkat Ali offers several health benefits, including muscle strength and raising testosterone levels. Additionally, it is also beneficial for treating erectile dysfunction, fatigue, decreased libido, and stress.
According to health experts, a balanced, appropriate dose of Eurycoma Longifolia can help enhance erectile function and sexual performance.
Tongkat Ali benefits include:
Muscle Building
Tongkat Ali enhances your testosterone levels, increasing your muscle strength and mass. As a result, many athletes use it to boost their physical strength and performance. Additionally, Tongkat Ali can promote fat loss, which is very beneficial for professional athletes.
According to research conducted by a British bureau, a dose of 100mg per day for five weeks can boost an athlete’s performance.
The participants displayed increased muscle strength and mass during the intensive training program. This study suggests that Tongkat Ali enhances muscle mass and strength.
Tongkat Ali may also help older adults by increasing their muscle strength. According to a Phytotherapy Research study published in 2014, Tongkat Ali helped older adults to gain muscular force and testosterone levels.
Another study conducted in 2010 suggested that athletes must consume Tongkat Ali extracts for more than seven days to boost their physical performance.
Erectile Dysfunction
One of the most touted health benefits of Tongkat Ali is erectile dysfunction. Several studies suggest that Eurycoma Longifolia extract can help enhance erectile function and sexual performance.
For instance, a study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine suggests that it aids erectile function and low libido.
The study indicated that Tongkat Ali extract could enhance sperm motility, sexual libido, erectile function, and semen volume. Additionally, it also aided fat loss in overweight participants.
Stress Relief
Tongkat Ali is also beneficial to relieve stress. According to a study, researchers assessed that Tongkat Ali supplement could reduce stress hormones.
They found significant improvements in the participants’ mode states, including anger, confusion, and tension. Additionally, the study also suggested increased testosterone levels and decreased salivary cortisol among the participants.
Infertility
Tongkat Ali has been a crucial ingredient in traditional remedies for Southeast Asian countries to treat infertility.
This belief leads to a study showing that Tongkat Ali extract can result in higher sperm concentration, semen volume, and sperm motility.
Researchers assessed that a daily 200mg of Tongkat Ali extract could help in treating infertility. Additionally, researchers also estimated that it resulted in a better pregnancy rate among the participants’ partners after the program.
Late-Onset Hypogonadism or Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome (TDS)
Late-Onset Hypogonadism or Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome is a common condition associated with older men.
A man suffering from this condition experiences erectile dysfunction and decreased sexual desire. Since Tongkat Ali can increase testosterone levels, it is beneficial for improving the TDS symptoms.
A study published in Andrologia suggested that 200mg of Tongkat Ali extract can improve sexual desire and treat erectile dysfunction. The study involved 76 adult males and continued for one month.
After the study concluded, the researchers assessed that the participants had increased testosterone levels.
Does Tongkat Ali Increase Testosterone?
Like we mentioned earlier, Tongkat Ali can increase the testosterone levels in your body. Tongkat Ali is effective for both men and women, and several studies assess that this plant is beneficial in boosting testosterone levels.
According to a Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition article, Tongkat Ali improves sex drive and stimulates testosterone release.
Additionally, the report suggests that the plant reduces fatigue and reduces erectile dysfunction.
It is also beneficial for improving muscle strength and aids muscle recovery for better sexual satisfaction.
Tongkat Ali Side Effects
Tongkat Ali has several side effects, including anxiety, insomnia, and restlessness. Since human trials are not so elaborate, it is hard to recommend this plant for regular or long-term use.
Since this plant increases testosterone levels, people suffering from specific health conditions should limit its usage.
These individuals include:
- Individuals suffering from hormone-sensitive cancers
- Heart disease
- Kidney or liver disease
- People who have sleep apnea
- Pregnant or nursing women
- Children
- People with a weakened immune system
Additionally, Tongkat Ali may interact with other medications, and it would be best to consult a health expert before consuming it. Furthermore, scientists have also raised concerns over lead and mercury contamination, which may severely affect your body.
Dosage
Tongkat Ali can do wonders if you consume it appropriately. According to health experts, 200 to 400mg of Tongkat Ali can boost your muscular and sexual performance. However, it would be best to consult a doctor before taking the supplement, primarily for older adults.
You can find Tongkat Ali supplements in different forms. They are available in powders, tablets, tinctures, and capsules.
You may also find Tongkat Ali in various testosterone supplements along with other herbs, including Tribulus and Ashwagandha.
