Quick Info
- Tongkat Ali and Turkesterone both enhance physical performance.
- Both are thought to raise testosterone levels.
- Tongkat Ali may also improve mood and energy levels.
- Tongkat Ali and Turkesterone are available in powder, capsules, and extract forms.
Understanding Tongkat Ali and Turkesterone
Both Tongkat Ali and Turkesterone have gained popularity in fitness circles in recent years due to the alleged physical performance advantages they provide. Though the two supplements have different chemical makeups, it is thought that they both encourage testosterone production and provide muscle growth support that maximizes the exercise results.
There’s an overlap between the function and purpose of Tongkat Ali and Turkesterone, but there are also some key differences that prospective users should be aware of. Turkesterone’s value lies also exclusively in its perceived performance-enhancing qualities. Tongkat Ali is also believed to have a positive effect on athletic performance but also provides additional benefits that include improved libido and mood stabilization.
There’s also significantly more peer-reviewed research available for Tongkat Ali than there is for Turkesterone. This doesn’t necessarily invalidate the benefits of using Turkesterone, but does indicate its standing in the supplement industry. While Tongkat Ali has been widely used for hundreds if not thousands of years, Turkesterone’s use has been a little more contained.
An Overview of Turkesterone
Turkesterone is derived from a number of plants indigenous to Central Asia. As a relatively obscure supplement, there’s no standardization and there are various different types of Turkesterone available, though they all serve the same purpose.
The primary value of Turkesterone lies in its impact on athletic performance and results. The supplement is believed to encourage muscle growth, strength, and repair, and is commonly used by athletes and bodybuilders. It’s thought to offer advantages similar to those offered by anabolic steroids, only without the negative side effects of such substances.
Scientific research into the effects of human use of Turkesterone is limited to a single study carried out in 1978. This research indicated that the supplement may provide a suitable alternative to anabolic steroids.
Benefits of Turkesterone
Turkesterone has become a popular supplement in the bodybuilding community due to the number of performance-related benefits it is believed to offer. Some of the most commonly reported benefits of Turkesterone include:
Muscle Growth and Strength
Anecdotal evidence suggests that Turkesterone can help accelerate muscle growth and strength. One self-reported study carried out on Turkesterone users found that more than 70% of takers agreed that the use of the supplement had led to increased muscle mass and strength.
Why this is the case remains unclear. However, it is thought that Turkesterone encourages muscle protein synthesis, much in the same manner as androgenic steroids.
Muscle Repair
Athletes also use Turkesterone for workout recovery and repair. The muscle protein synthesis advantages afforded by Turkesterone allow for muscles to repair more quickly following intense workouts. This can be an important benefit for individuals who work out at above-average levels.
Fast Acting
Many supplements must be taken for a long period before the benefits can be felt. Users of Turkesterone typically report that they feel the effects of the supplement (i.e., it’s working) within the first few weeks of consumption. And by week 8, nearly 80% of users have felt the effects.
Recommended Turkesterone Dosage
Given its relatively niche standing, there’s no standard dosage of Turkesterone. Most producers label their own recommended dose on the product label. However, in general, users typically take around 250 – 700 mg of Turkesterone daily. It’s advisable to take the supplement for around 8 – 12 weeks to begin feeling the effects. With that being said, since the supplement does not cause suppression in the way that anabolic steroids do, there’s no known time limit on how long an individual can take Turkesterone.
Side Effects of Turkesterone
Most people who take Turkesterone experience no side effects whatsoever, though it is believed that side effects are more common for Turkesterone than other supplements, including Tongkat Ali.
Some known side effects of Turkesterone include:
- Brain fog
- Stomach issues
- Nausea
- Agitation.
An Overview of Tongkat Ali
Tongkat Ali is a herb native to Southeast Asia. It has been used as a traditional medicine for hundreds of years in countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.
Its traditional medicine applications in Asia are wide in scope. In the West, Tongkat Ali tends to be used due to its benefits on testosterone levels, athletic performance, stress reduction, and for its promotion of good all-round health.
Benefits of Tongkat Ali
Tongkat Ali has a long history in Southeast Asia, where it has been used for hundreds — if not thousands — of years to treat a wide range of health-related conditions.
Despite this, only a relatively small number of peer-reviewed studies have been conducted on the effects of Tongkat Ali. That research, as well as self-reported data from users, suggest that supplements may provide the following benefits:
Enhanced Testosterone Production
Low testosterone levels are a common complaint among aging people and individuals with testicular injuries and conditions, among others. Tongkat Ali is promoted as a supplement that can help to raise testosterone to normal levels, which in turn helps with sperm production, libido, and sexual desire.
Energy Boosts
Tongkat Ali users typically report higher energy levels. It is thought that this may be due to the increase in testosterone levels provided by the supplement, as well as the increase in athletic performance.
Anti-Stress Qualities
Tongkat Ali is thought to have anti-stress properties. In one study carried out on the effects of Tongkat Ali on mice, the supplement was found to significantly lower cortisol levels. There have also been a number of self-reported studies that found that the use of Tongkat Ali helped to reduce stress levels in individuals experiencing moderate to high stress.
Improved Athletic Performance
Tongkat Ali may help to improve athletic performance. Studies have found that the supplement has a positive impact on exercise outcomes, maximizing the effects of aerobic and strength training. One report on the effects of Tongkat Ali on 45 men found that it led to enhanced strength following six months of use. It’s important to note that these effects were only present when the supplement was used in conjunction with training.
Recommended Tongkat Ali Dosage
The recommended dose of Tongkat Ali for healthy adults is around 300 – 400 mg per day. Though not known to be dangerous, the lack of research into the effects of Tongkat Ali on pregnant and breastfeeding women means the supplement should be consumed by such individuals.
Side Effects of Tongkat Ali
Tongkat Ali is largely considered to be safe. As such, the vast majority of users experience no side effects at all, even following long-term use. Most side effects present themselves soon after consumption and are short-lasting. Some reported side effects of Tongkat Ali include:
- Restlessness
- Insomnia.
- Gastrointestinal conditions.
Tongkat Ali vs Turkesterone: Which is More Popular?
From a purely use perspective, Tongkat Ali is significantly more popular. With a long history and a decent number of research studies under its belt, it’s become a popular addition to the supplement industry. On the other, Turkesterone is a relatively niche supplement that has few users.
That doesn’t mean that Tongkat Ali is necessarily better than Turkesterone. It just means that it’s more well-known. Many individuals will find that Turkesterone is better suited for their needs. Choosing the supplement that’s right for you depends on what you’re hoping to achieve.
When to Choose Tongkat Ali
Tongkat Ali is a good option for people looking to:
- Raise their testosterone levels.
- Enhance their libido.
- Improve their mood.
- Enhance their general well-being.
When to Choose Turkesterone
Turkesterone is a good option for looking to:
- Boost their gym performance.
- Increase muscle mass and strength.
- Aid athletic recovery.
Using Tongkat Ali and Turkesterone Together
This article has positioned Tongkat Ali and Turkesterone against each other, but you don’t necessarily have to choose between one supplement or the other. Research suggests that it’s possible to stack (use together) Tongkat Ali and Turkesterone, which may help to elevate the impact of each.
Stacking the two supplements may produce welcome benefits for individuals, especially those who are considering taking supplements to enhance their athletic performance. Some reported benefits of combining the two include:
- Enhanced Muscle Growth: Tongkat Ali’s testosterone-boosting properties combine with Turkesterone’s effect on muscles to maximize muscle growth.
- Boosted Energy: Tongkat Ali is known to increase energy levels, which, when combined with the endurance enhancement offered by Turkesterone, can allow for much improved physical performance.
- Recovery: Turkesterone is used to provide muscle repair support during workout recovery. During this time, users may also benefit from the stress-reducing properties of Tongkat Ali.
Summary: Tongkat Ali vs Turkesterone
- Tongkat Ali is a popular supplement that has been used as a traditional medicine for hundreds of years.
- Turkesterone is a less-widely-used supplement believed to produce similar effects to anabolic steroids without the side effects.
- Both supplements are used within the fitness community.
- Tongkat Ali and Turkesterone can be stacked for maximum performance.
- Both supplements are available in powder, capsule, and extract forms.
