What Does Tongkat Ali Do?: Tongkat Ali, also known as Eurycoma longifolia, is a herbal supplement that according to some studies helps with testosterone, libido, sleep and more.
What is testosterone?
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone that plays a key role in the development and maintenance of the male reproductive system and typical masculine physical characteristics.
- It induces puberty in males and is responsible for the deepening of the voice, growth of facial and body hair and the development of bone density and muscle mass
- It can help maintain libido
- It can help regulate your mood
- It support overall health and wellbeing
- It plays a role in the production of sperm
The greater levels of testosterone, the better the sexual health and libido and other benefits the individual can reap.
Why is testosterone important?
Testosterone is a key hormone for many aspects of the body. While it’s known mainly for improving libido, this key hormone also helps with a variety of aspects in the body. People might choose to increase their testosterone levels to:
Supports muscle growth and strength – This might be important for appearance, performance or confidence reasons, such as for those that want to lift more in the gym. When testosterone levels are consistently higher, you might see increased gains when working out as well as more energy to work harder in the gym. These can cause a knock-on effect.
Improve bone density – An increased bone density means better bone health and less chance of issues such as osteoporosis or brittle bones. Those with low bone density can suffer with fractures or breakages more easily which can be painful and cause other issues such as downtime from work or an inability to conduct everyday tasks as usual.
To increase libido – Testosterone is a key player in improving sexual health. It can improve your overall sex performance, help with erectile dysfunction and increase libido. Having a reduced libido can negatively impact relationships, cause mental health issues and more. By increasing levels of testosterone, this can help rectify the above issues.
To help with concentration – Some studies have found a correlation between testosterone levels and cognitive function, improving memory and critical thinking. This can have a positive impact on your work and home life, with a better chance of success at your tasks. You might be able to get your jobs at work done faster or to a higher standard; this in turn could lead to a promotion or increased commission.
Stress and Cortisol Regulation – Some studies claim that Tongkat Ali may help reduce cortisol levels, which are associated with stress. Stress can have a very negative impact on all aspects of your life, from your immune system and physical health to your mental health. Prolonged feelings of stress can lead to symptoms such as trouble sleeping, high blood pressure and constantly being ill. It could impact all areas of your life, from work to home and can shorten your lifespan too.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Tongkat Ali may also have anti-inflammatory properties, which could contribute to potential health benefits. These anti-inflammatory properties can help to lower your blood pressure, reduce long and short term health problems, boost your mental health and relieve issues such as muscle pain and heartburn.
What does Tongkat Ali do for testosterone?
Scientifically-named Eurycoma Longifolia – Tongkat Ali – is a flowering plant native to countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam. The roots have been used in traditional medicines for many years, favoured for their many natural health benefits. Its makeup of various compounds including alkaloids, quassinoids and other bioactive substances are what gives it the healing properties.
In regards to what it does for testosterone, it:
Has aphrodisiac properties – Tongkat Ali can enhance libido and improve sexual performance, making it a good aphrodisiac. For those that suffer from performance anxiety or struggle in this department, having increased testosterone can help with some of these issues.
Stimulates Luteinizing Hormone (LH) to make more testosterone – Tongkat Ali is believed to stimulate the release of luteinizing hormone (LH), which plays a role in signalling the testes to produce more testosterone.
Improves Sperm Quality – Some studies suggest that Tongkat Ali may have positive effects on sperm quality, including sperm motility and concentration. This might help with conceiving for those that are trying.
Affects Cortisol Levels – There is some evidence suggesting that Tongkat Ali may help regulate cortisol levels, which are associated with stress. Lowering cortisol levels may have indirect benefits for testosterone.
Tongkat Ali for fertility – A study
Those that have inadequate levels of testosterone tend to have problems such as erectile dysfunction, low libido and sometimes infertility. For those that are trying to conceive, Tongkat Ali can improve not only the amount of sperm produced, but the quality of it also. With increased sperm motility and concentration, the chances of getting pregnant are much higher than they would be otherwise. One study looked at 75 couples with infertility, testing how the males fared after taking 300mg Tongkat Ali extract a day for three months. Results found that it helped 14% of couples to become pregnant.
Tongkat Ali for testosterone and stress levels – A study
A study published in 2013 in the National Library for Medication looked into the “effect of Tongkat Ali on stress hormones and psychological mood state in moderately stressed subjects’ ‘. 63 subjects (32 men and 31 women) were screened for moderate stress before being supplemented with a standardized hot-water extract of TA root or a placebo for four weeks.
The results found in the non-placebo group that there was an over -11% decrease in tension, -12% anger and -15% confusion. The stress hormone profile was significantly improved and there was less cortisol exposure (-16%) as well as an increased testosterone status. The production of testosterone increased by 37%. This shows there might be a direct correlation between TA, stress and testosterone levels.
Another study which was published by the Food & Nutrition Research journal showed the effects of Tonkat Ali in increasing testosterone for males and females between the ages of 25 to 65. The study found that TA raised the levels of free testosterone in the body between 15% to 600% in both men and women, showing all had some sort of increase in their levels.
The reason for this increase is that Tongkat Ali’s bioactive ingredient eurycomanone activates the adrenal and pituitary glands via the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal axis. It’s here that testosterone is produced, so by activating the hormone, levels are raised – sometimes significantly so.
How is Tongkat Ali taken?
The most popular way that Tongkat Ali is taken tends to be through a pill that contains an extract of the herb. Others might prefer it to be drunk as part of a herbal tea, depending on preference.
What does Tongkat Ali do for testosterone?
The impact that Tongkat Ali can have on testosterone can affect everyone differently. Those of different ages, weights, genders and of different body composition might find their results differ from others.
- Increases the levels of testosterone produced
- Improves sperm quality
- Positively impacts cortisol levels
- Has aphrodisiac properties
