Tongkat Ali

Tongkat Ali - history of use

Kilham states that the root of E. Longifolia has a long history of indigenous medicinal use. But the plant was clearly not commonly known to the west in old times - and the earliest reference I can find to Eurycoma longifolia is an entry in the 1822 Malayan miscellanies. E longifolia is described as a small tree found in Sumatra and Singapore.[3] Volume 16 of the Royal Asiatic Society of Bengal's Journal (1824) lists it as a tree that grows on Prince of Wales Island (Pulo Pinang). [4] However neither of these sources mention any aphrodisiac qualities ascribed to the plant.

However, finally, after some digging, success: The 1906 Pagan Races of the Malay Peninsula, Volume 2 by Walter William Skeat and Charles Otto Blagden writes, in a tiny footnote:

Further research into Western literature using Google Books revealed scarely any other mention of Tongkat ali as aphrodisiac prior to 1990. An then, there is a sudden explosion of material relating to it. However, it appears that the tree was plundered for local use and a 1996 study states that "Having been collected extensively in the wild, it has become rare in the last 10 years." [6]

Tongkat Ali - benefits

Tongkat ali has been studied and found to increase testosterone [7] - even multiplying it three to four times. [2, p. 14] Testosterone, although mostly associated with male sexuality, increases libido in both men and women [2, p.4] and allegedly the sexual benefits of its use are also great for women. Testosterone is widely known to decrease with age in both sexes, leading to loss of libido.

However, where it gets really interesting is that the supposed mechanism by which Testosterone is increased is by stimulation of the Leydig cells of the testicles, which secrete hormones including Testosterone. [8] This action, so it is said, differs from action caused by the introduction of testosterone into the system, which causes the body to shut down its own Testosterone production (the reason why anabolic steroids cause penile and testicular shrinkage.)

Tongkat ali is said to increase penis and testicle size because of stimulation of the Leydig cells - a similar effect to that which is undergone by the male at puberty. [9] No wonder the population of the tree has been in heavy decline!

While this may all be beginning to sound like the hype furnished by dubious "male member enhancement" products so vigorously promoted (or should I say spammed) these days, there is actually some scientific basis for these claims. Scientific articles have shown that Tongkat ali can increase the size of male reproductive organs - in particular the levator ani muscles which are critical for ejaculation.[10]

Additonally, the plant may have benefits as antioxidant and as anti-cancer, anti-aging and anti-fever. [2]

Tongkat Ali - scientific studies

Several scientific studies have presented a strong case for Tongkat Ali's effectiveness in as an aphrodisiac. One study showed that Tongkat Ali "produced a dose-dependent increase in sexual performance" of male rats - but that this increase was not as pronounced as that produced by 15mg/kg subcutaneous Testosterone injections. [11] Another study at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy, showed that treatment of rats with Tongkat ali root powder improved their sexual performance. [12] A study at the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, showed clear increases in sperm count and significant increases in Testosterone level of rats treated with Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali). [13] In a study at the Medical Molecular Biology Institute (UMBI), Universiti Kebangsaan, Malaysia, Tongkat ali generated significantly higher sperm counts and sperm motility in estrogen-treated rats, showing potential of the plant as a counteragent to estrogen effects.

Tongkat Ali - notes of warning

"It is no surprise that when a rare and expensive substance, such as tongkat ali, is traded in a highly competitive market, there will be cheats." -- Serge Kreutz, Tongkat ali researcher.

I just read an interesting article [14] that claims that Tongkat Ali's Wikipedia entry has been spammed by Malaysian tongkat ali traders, who have renamed Tongkat ali references to those of their own products - and that they have mad unjustified claims that Malaysian Tongkat ali is superior to that of other countries. This isn't the first time I have seen such claims in the herbal products market. The site goes on to explain further that there controversy exists withing the Tongkat Ali market [15]. Consumers are advised to be aware of information that could contain bias - and also to beware of fraudulent products. The website states that due to overharvesting Tongkat ali, which only grows in the wild rainforests, is now a scarce plant, protected and guarded, with many of the original trees gone - and the genuine product is expensive. The article makes important suggestions for those buying Tongkat ali - one is only to buy a licensed product registered with a country's health department. Another is to beware of the source and never buy from an internet "span site" that makes outlandish claims and offers no credentials other than glossy advertising. Products sold as Tongkat ali have on occasion been found to be contaminated with pharmaceuticals. [16]

Another thing to be observant for is the method of extraction used. According to Chris Kilham [2, p. 19], Dr. Johari of the University of Malaysia, who has been called the "King of Tongkat ali", states that when alcohol, hexane or acetone are used to make the Tongkat ali extract, unacceptable levels of toxic compounds may be present.

Tongkat Ali - contraindications

A list of contraindications and side effects can be seen at [17]. Be sure to check these!

Tongkat Ali - conclusions

Tongkat ali has scientific backing to show that it does have some credentials as a genuine aphrodisiac. However, the genuine product is expensive, the tree has been recklessly overharvested - and has on occasion the product has been found to be adulterated with cheaper pharmaceutical ingredients. [16] As always, buyer beware.

Tongkat Ali is NOT listed in the AHPA's "Herbs of Commerce" [18]