Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia)
400 mg · Daily
Robert
Founder, F*CK Getting Old — independent researcher, not a medical professional.
Last reviewed · 2 cited sources
Evidence
- Human Studies
- 25
- Animal Studies
- 20
- Clinical Status
- Dietary Supplement
- Confidence
- Low
- Long-Term Safety
- Reasonably well-tolerated in trials up to a few months; long-term (multi-year) data is limited, and product quality/standardization varies widely between brands
What this score is: a measure of how much research exists and how far along it is (animal-only vs. human trials, research-stage vs. FDA approved) — not how safe, effective, or worth trying a compound is. A low score usually means “early stage” or “understudied,” not “bad.” A high score doesn’t mean “better” for your goals than a lower-scored one.
This is not my personal rating of the compound, not a recommendation, and not medical advice. It’s a general research synthesis for informational purposes only, not a live literature count. See the linked research and talk to a licensed clinician before making decisions based on it.
Mechanism
Tongkat Ali is an herbal extract studied for effects on testosterone and stress hormone regulation, with proposed mechanisms including reduced SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin, which frees up bioavailable testosterone) and modest cortisol reduction. Trial results are more consistent in men who start with low-normal testosterone than in men with already-normal levels.
Common Protocols
- 200–400 mg daily of a standardized extract (look for a stated eurycomanone percentage)
- Effects, where present, are usually reported after several weeks of consistent use
Side Effects
- Generally well-tolerated
- Insomnia or jitteriness at higher doses in some people
- Rare GI upset
Interactions
- Theoretical interaction with other hormone-modulating supplements or medications — combine cautiously
Practical Details
- Cost
- $$
- Typical Dose
- 400 mg
- Storage
- Store in a cool, dry place
Key Studies & Reviews
- Leisegang K et al. (2022). Eurycoma longifolia improves serum total testosterone in men: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicina (Kaunas). PMID 36013514.
- Leitão AE et al. (2021). A 6-month randomized trial of Eurycoma longifolia and concurrent training in androgen deficiency of aging males. Maturitas. PMID 33541567.
Search the Research
Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) FAQ
What is the typical Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) dosage?
Commonly reported protocols: 200–400 mg daily of a standardized extract (look for a stated eurycomanone percentage); Effects, where present, are usually reported after several weeks of consistent use. Our reference entry uses 400 mg, Daily. These reflect protocols reported in research and user communities, not a medical recommendation — dosing should be decided with a clinician.
What are the side effects of Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia)?
Reported side effects include: Generally well-tolerated; Insomnia or jitteriness at higher doses in some people; Rare GI upset.
Is Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) FDA approved?
Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) is sold as a dietary supplement. The FDA does not approve supplements for safety or effectiveness before they are sold, so third-party tested brands are worth seeking out.
How much research is there on Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia)?
Our evidence profile counts roughly 25 human and 20 animal studies, with low overall confidence. Long-term safety: Reasonably well-tolerated in trials up to a few months; long-term (multi-year) data is limited, and product quality/standardization varies widely between brands.
Does Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) interact with other drugs or supplements?
Theoretical interaction with other hormone-modulating supplements or medications — combine cautiously.
Related compounds
Popular testosterone-support herb; strongest evidence is in men with low-normal or low testosterone