What are the health effects of Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali)?

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Last updated: February 7, 2025 • View editorial policy

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From the Research

Health Effects of Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali)

The health effects of Eurycoma longifolia, also known as Tongkat Ali, have been studied in various research papers. Some of the key findings include:

  • The plant has been traditionally used to treat various health conditions, including sexual dysfunction, aging, malaria, cancer, diabetes, anxiety, and fever 1.
  • The roots of the plant are rich in bioactive compounds, including quassinoids, canthin-6-one alkaloids, and β-carboline alkaloids, which have been shown to have aphrodisiac and testosterone-enhancing effects 1, 2.
  • Studies have shown that Tongkat Ali extract can improve symptoms of late-onset hypogonadism, including increased testosterone levels and improved ageing males' symptoms 2, 3.
  • The plant has also been shown to have ergogenic benefits, including increased muscle strength and improved physical function in elderly individuals 3.
  • However, the quality of online information about Tongkat Ali supplements is generally low, and there is a need for more research on the safety and efficacy of these products 4.
  • Eurycoma longifolia has also been studied for its potential anti-cancer properties, with some studies suggesting that it may inhibit cancer cell growth and induce cell death 5.

Potential Health Benefits

Some of the potential health benefits of Eurycoma longifolia include:

  • Improved sexual function and libido
  • Increased testosterone levels
  • Improved physical function and muscle strength
  • Anti-cancer properties
  • Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects
  • Improved symptoms of late-onset hypogonadism

Potential Risks and Side Effects

Some of the potential risks and side effects of Eurycoma longifolia include:

  • Interactions with other medications
  • Allergic reactions
  • Gastrointestinal side effects
  • Increased risk of bleeding
  • Unknown long-term effects on health 1, 4

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.