The Ultimate Tongkat Ali Supplement Guide 2023: Benefits, Side Effects & How To Use

Tongkat Ali, also known as Longjack, is sourced from the roots of the green shrub tree Eurycoma longfolia, which are native to Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand and other mainland Indochinese countries. 

Tongkat Ali is rapidly gaining popularity and approval for its ability to increase testosterone, muscle size and libido, whilst also having nootropic qualities.

Usually supplements that promote these types of benefits come with a host of side effects, including hormonal suppression and toxicity. However, Tongkat Ali is a 100% natural herbal supplement that is not associated with any of these adverse implications, and therefore doesn’t require any on-cycle or post-cycle support. 

Tongkat Ali is highly recommended for ageing men, as well as those who want to naturally improve athletic performance and accelerate muscle growth. This ultimate guide will explain the main things you need to know about Tongkat Ali supplementation.

• What is Tongkat Ali?
• What are the benefits of Tongkat Ali?
• What are the side effects of Tongkat Ali?
• How to take Tongkat Ali?
• What can be taken with Tongkat Ali?
• Where to buy Tongkat Ali?
• FAQ section

What Is Tongkat Ali?

Tongkat Ali, also known as Longjack, is sourced from the roots of the green shrub tree Eurycoma longfolia, which are native to Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand and other mainland Indochinese countries. 

This plant extract has been used in traditional Southeast Asian medicine for generations, mainly to treat fevers, infertility and ED. However, recent studies have shown Tongkat Ali can do much more than this, specifically in relation to exercise performance, stress relief, muscle building and fat loss. 

Tongkat Ali is suggested to possess these beneficial effects due to its potent flavonoid, alkaloid and antioxidant content. These compounds have many health benefits including reducing cellular damage caused by free radicals, which is often a problem in those who exercise. This reduced physiological stress and inflammation enables the body to function and develop optimally, improving body composition and well-being. 

What are the Benefits of Tongkat Ali?

Recent scientific research has suggested that Tongkat Ali supplements have multiple health benefits, here are 4 of its most supported and celebrated effects.

Increase Testosterone

When it comes to male health, libido and muscle building, there is nothing more important than healthy testosterone levels. Testosterone levels gradual decrease with age and the process can be accelerated by lifestyle factors, this decline can have undesirable effects on the body, such as reduced muscle, lower sense of well-being, fatigue and low sex drive. By elevating testosterone levels to optimal levels naturally you can reduce your risk of experiencing these symptoms and help unleash and maintain your inner alpha.

A study found supplementing as little as 200 mg of Tongkat Ali for 1 month to significantly increase testosterone levels and reduce symptoms of male ageing (1). Another investigation also reported significant increases in testosterone levels following 5 weeks of Tongkat Ali at 400 mg (2).

These findings demonstrate the Tongkat Ali benefits in the short term supplementation of Tongkat Ali at lower doses than commonly utilised can have direct beneficial effects on testosterone levels. Furthemore, as Tongkat Ali is a natural herbal extract it does not take testosterone above and beyond the natural realm, and therefore doesn’t cause any post-cycle suppression. 

Enhance Athletic Performance, Muscle Growth & Fat Loss

There are many supplements designed to enhance athletic performance and improve body composition, however many of them cause undesirable side effects and are dangerous. Tongkat Ali is supported by research to have these benefits with no known side effects. 

First of all, the effect of Tongkat Ali on muscle mass, strength and fat loss has been investigated in human clinical trials. A study that prescribed 100 mg of Tongkat Ali daily for 5 weeks found it to significantly increase lean body mass compared to a control group who followed the same strength training program. The researchers also reported the Tongkat Ali group to lose more fat over the course of the study (3). This demonstrates that supplementing Tongkat Ali alongside your exercise regime will help you achieve a more athletic physique. 

A different 5 week study reported significant increases in muscular strength following a daily dose of 400mg of Tongkat Ali, when compared to a placebo group (). Other research has also indicated that Tongkat Ali promotes energy efficiency, enhances endurance capacity and inhibits tiredness due to containing compounds called quassinoids (5). Quassinoids are a group of nortriterpenoids with dynamic and various pharmacological properties (6).

Ultimately, athletes and gym-goers may be interested in Tongkat Ali as it can help maintain optimal cortisol and testosterone ratios, and therefore reduce risk of overtraining side effects, whilst improving recovery and muscle development. Ultimately, Tongkat ali is backed by the academic literature to enhance athletic performance and improve body composition (7).

Improve Libido & Sperm Health

Another recognised Tongkat Ali benefit is its ability to improve desire, erectile firmness and sexual well-being. But not only that, it has also been shown to enhance male sperm quality and fertility.

Studies, including a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trails (gold standard of research) have shown this supplement to stimulate sexual arousale and improve erectile dysfunction (8, 9). Furthermore, daily supplementation of 300mg of Tongkat ali may improve sperm health and male fertility and has even helped couples become pregnant that were considered infertile (10). 

Reduce Stress & Mental Health Support

Not only can Tongkat Ali support testosterone and athletic performance, it may also have mental health benefits. As this herbal extract is suggested to reduce cortisol levels and improve well-being, there is research demonstrating its effectiveness. 

The mental health benefits of Tongkat Ali were first highlighted in an investigation that found Tongkat Ali to be similar to anti-anxiety medication in its ability to address mood instability (11). 

Tongkat Ali has been shown to improve mental health by reducing stress, anger, and anxiety. This was discovered after a 1-month study, where 63 moderately stressed adults supplemented 200mg of Tongkat ali per day. The results showed that taking Tongkat Ali to reduce the stress hormone cortisol by 16%, with reports of less tension, stress and anger by the participants (12).

What are the Side Effects of Tongkat Ali?

So far we’ve uncovered that Tongkat Ali may be able to boost testosterone, muscle growth, fat loss, alongside improving mental and sexual well-being. Supplements that have these abilities usually cause side effects, however current research suggests that Tongkat Ali does not. Research commonly prescribed 200-400mg for several weeks, and so far no side effects have been reported in the literature.

The effects of Tongkat Ali supplements on children or pregnant women has not been studied, but all research points to the conclusion that Eurycoma longifolia supplements are safe for healthy adult men and women. In fact, one study found that Tongkat Ali supplements are as safe as taking a placebo supplement (13).

Tongkat Ali Malaysian vs Indonesian, Which is better? 

Malaysian and Indonesian Tongkat Ali are the best known forms of Tongkat Ali, but which is better? Malaysian Tongkat Ali is sourced from certain parts of Malaysia and whilst it has certain health benefits it typically has a lower Eurycommanone %, studies done on the Eurycommanone % of tongkat Ali show this to be the beneficial part of the plant which assists with testosterone production and Libido.  

Indonesian Tongkat ali on the other hand has been studied extensively and shows a higher % of Eurycommanone, as high as 10% in contrast to the Malaysian 0.1% 

for this reason we recommend Indonesian Tongkat Ali as the most potent form of Tongkat Ali for increasing testosterone. 

How to take Tongkat Ali?

We advise running Tongkat Ali for 8-12 weeks at 2 capsules per day, providing 500mg. This is a high and effective dose so we do not advise exceeding this. No post-cycle therapy is required as this extract does not interfere with hormonal activity. It is recommended to take Tongkat Ali with food in the morning. 

What can be taken with Tongkat Ali?

To compliment the benefits of Tongkat Ali and support its stress relieving and testosterone boosting qualities, we recommend stacking it with either Ashwagandha, Fadogia Agrestis or Tribulus. 

Ashwagandha

‘Tongkat ali vs Ashwagandha’ is a debate amongst the fitness community, however research shows that they work in different ways to produce similar results. So running these extract simultaneously may lead to more significant health improvements. Here’s some of the benefits of Ashwagandha; 

• Lowers stress hormones and calms anxiety 
• Sharpens focus and memory 
• Improves sleep quality
• Has positive effects of testosterone and reproductive health in men 
• Promotes muscle growth and exercise recovery

Fadogia Agrestis

The combination of Tongkat Ali and Fadogia Agrestis is becoming recognised due to its effectiveness to augment male health and well-being. Here are some of the benefits associated with Fadogia Agrestis supplementation;

• Increased Testosterone
• Improve Libido
• Increase Muscle Mass

We have a Tongkat Ali and Fadogia Agrestis stack at a discounted price. 

Tongkat Ali, Fadogia Agrestis & Ashwagandha Stack

We have put together a supplement stack including all three of these extracts at a discounted price. 

Tribulus

Tribulus Terrestris is another natural testosterone booster and muscle builder. Many supplement users use these supplements at the same time, and believe it to be a potent muscle growth duo. Here are some benefits of Tribulus;

• Natural hormone augmentation
• Accelerated muscle growth
• Increased sexual function

Where to buy Tongkat Ali?

German Pharma Tongkat Ali delivers 250mg of Indonesian eurycoma longifolia 200:1 per capsule, which is highly sought after. German Pharma Tongkat Ali is made in-house and standardised for 10% Eurycomanone, a powerful Quassinoid (extracted compounds derived from plants). It delivers an effective researched supported dosage at a very competitive price. 

German Pharma also provides a triple bundle of Tongkat Ali for those who want to stock up at a discounted price. 

FAQ

Is Tongkat Ali more effective than Maca?

Both have male fertility benefits, however Tongkat Ali appears to be more effective. Additionally, Tongkat Ali is suggested to be more effective at increasing libido, fat loss and muscle mass. Making Tongkat the better choice (15). 

Is Tongkat Ali banned in the UK?

Tongkat Ali is not banned in the UK, and is not listed on the UK Government’s restricted herbal ingredients list (14).

How long before Tongkat Ali starts to work?

Users generally experience Tongkat Ali’s benefits within the 2-4 weeks. Strength gains are generally experienced after the fourth week. 

Can i drink Coffee with Tongkat Ali 

Yes, you can drink coffee with Tongkat Ali. It is not recommended to drink too many coffee's with Tongkat Ali due to coffees high caffeine content 

Can Women Take Tongkat Ali?

All of the studies conducted on the supplementation of tongkat ali have shown no detrimental effects to adult women.

Does Tongkat Ali increase size?

There is clinical research to suggest Tongkat Ali can increase testosterone levels, muscle mass and strength. This would suggest that muscle size can be increased with Tongkat Ali, when used alongside an appropriate training regimen. 

Can you take Tongkat Ali everyday?

Most research articles use Tongkat Ali for a couple of weeks, therefore we recommend not running it indefinitely. However there is no current research to suggest that this would lead to side effects.

Is TongKat Ali Safe? 

Yes, Tongkat Ali is safe. It is not known if there are any side effects associated with taking Tongkat Ali. However, it is important to note that Tongkat Ali is not recommended for pregnant women or people who are breastfeeding. 

Below you will find an informative video on Tongkat ali, including dosing, the benefits and potential side effects