Tongkat Ali
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Tongkat Ali. Malaysian root extract that frees bound testosterone via SHBG reduction.
How it works. Quassinoids (especially eurycomanone) inhibit SHBG and aromatase, increasing free testosterone. Also appears to lower cortisol.
What the research supports. 5 graded claims. Strongest: Increases free testosterone in men with low T (moderate).
How much to take. Typical dose: 200–400 mg/day standardized extract. Morning (can cause insomnia if late).
Side effects and interactions. 3 medication interactions listed. Serious: Heavy metals contamination in unstandardized products — choose tested brands.
Stacking. Pairs well with Fadogia Agrestis, Zinc, Vitamin D3. Avoid combining with Other strong stimulants late in day.
Forms. 2 forms. Pick one to open its profile.
Key studies. 12 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.
Community. Experiences from people who have tried Tongkat Ali. Anecdotes are not medical advice.
Tongkat Ali. Malaysian root extract that frees bound testosterone via SHBG reduction.
What it is
Root extract of Eurycoma longifolia, traditionally used in SE Asia for vitality. Standardized 'Physta' and 'LJ100' extracts (~2% eurycomanone) are the best-studied.
Also called
Food sources
Goals
How it works
Quassinoids (especially eurycomanone) inhibit SHBG and aromatase, increasing free testosterone. Also appears to lower cortisol.
Pathways
- SHBG inhibition
- Aromatase inhibition
- Steroidogenesis support
Effects
- ↑Free testosterone increases
- ↓SHBG decreases
- ↓Cortisol decreases
- ↑Libido increases
- +Sperm parameters supports
What the research supports
Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.
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Side effects & interactions
Common side effects
- Insomnia if taken too late
- Restlessness
Serious
- Heavy metals contamination in unstandardized products — choose tested brands
Medication interactions
May additively lower BP.
May affect glucose.
Mild immunostimulant — theoretical interference.
Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.
Combines with
Pairs well
- Fadogia AgrestisPopular 'T-stack' — different mechanism (LH-pathway).
- ZincFoundational cofactor for testosterone synthesis.
- Vitamin D3Both correlated with serum T.
Avoid combining
- Other strong stimulants late in dayRisk of insomnia.
Key studies
12 studies cited in total.
Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Tongkat Ali and "Increases free testosterone in men with low T". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.
Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Tongkat Ali and "Improves libido and erectile function". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.
Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Tongkat Ali and "Reduces cortisol and tension under stress". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.
Discussion
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