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Eurycoma Longifolia Jack

Eurycoma (Tongkat Ali, LongJack) is a pro-fertility agent and aphrodisiac that appears to have a large body of evidence supporting this role and some evidence suggesting it may be an anti-estrogen and pro-erectile agent. Lack of evidence for testosterone boosting.

Our evidence-based analysis on eurycoma longifolia jack features 52 unique references to scientific papers.

Kamal Patel
Research analysis led by .
Reviewed by
Examine.com Team
Last Updated:
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Summary of Eurycoma Longifolia Jack

Primary information, health benefits, side effects, usage, and other important details

Eurycoma Longifolia Jack is the herb name for what is more commonly known as Tongkat Ali, Malaysian Ginseng, or Longjack.

The aphrodisiac effects of Eurycoma are quite reliable and appear to span a large variety of animal models, limited evidence in female rats but it appears to affect these to a similar extend as in males. It is difficult to do a comparative analysis between other herbal aphrodisiac to assess potency, but Eurycoma is anecdotally one of the better ones.

In addition to the aphrodisiac effects, Eurycoma can also increase sperm production and may directly act as a proerectile agent. At least one molecule in Eurycoma (9-hydroxycanthin-6-one) is associated with both a delay in ejaculation as well as pro-erectile properties (although the ability of this molecule to act via consuming Eurycoma extract is not known).

Hormonally, Eurycoma appears to have remarkable anti-estrogenic effects in vitro and has a potency similar to Tamoxifen when the active ingredient is injected. Promising, but no human studies exist on it currently or studies assessing oral intake of Eurycoma Extract. On the testosterone side of things, the literature appears to be needlessly promising. No peer-reviewed evidence currently establishes Eurycoma as a testosterone booster in otherwise healthy persons or rats but many studies are quick to cite presentations by an M.I Tambi claiming these boosts in testosterone. None of Dr.Tambi's research presented in conferences appears to be indexed in Medline and the claims expressed cannot be proven.

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How to Take

Medical Disclaimer

Recommended dosage, active amounts, other details

The standard dosage of eurycoma longifolia jack is 200-300mg of a 100:1 extract (the concentration is based on the eurycomamone content), which at least in regards to eurycomamone is as effective as 20-30g of the dry root of the plant.

This dose tends to be taken in 1-2 doses throughout the day, and it is unsure if this is the optimal dose.

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Human Effect Matrix

The Human Effect Matrix looks at human studies (it excludes animal and in vitro studies) to tell you what effects eurycoma longifolia jack has on your body, and how strong these effects are.
Grade Level of Evidence
Robust research conducted with repeated double-blind clinical trials
Multiple studies where at least two are double-blind and placebo controlled
Single double-blind study or multiple cohort studies
Uncontrolled or observational studies only
Level of Evidence
? The amount of high quality evidence. The more evidence, the more we can trust the results.
Outcome Magnitude of effect
? The direction and size of the supplement's impact on each outcome. Some supplements can have an increasing effect, others have a decreasing effect, and others have no effect.
Consistency of research results
? Scientific research does not always agree. HIGH or VERY HIGH means that most of the scientific research agrees.
Notes
grade-c
Cortisol
Minor - See study
In stressed persons, daily supplementation of eurycoma is associated with a 16% reduction in cortisol concentrations.
grade-c
Erections
Minor - See study
There appears to be a slight proerectile effect of eurycoma supplements as assessed by self-report survey
grade-c
Libido
Minor - See study
An increase in libido is seen with prolonged daily ingestion of eurycoma supplements in the range of 8.4-10.8%
grade-c
Seminal Motility
Minor - See study
Sperm motility appears to be increased, with more efficacy in those with lower baseline motility and improvements averaging 44.4%
grade-c
Sperm Quality
Minor - See study
May increase parameters of sperm quality and volume.
grade-c
Stress
Minor - See study
Supplementation of eurycoma in stressed persons appears to reduce subjective perceptions of stress.
grade-c
Subjective Well-Being
Minor - See study
In otherwise normal men supplementing eurycoma, an increase in overall quality of life and happiness is seen (alongside increases in libido)
grade-c
Weight
Minor - See study
A decrease in weight has been noted in overweight and obese men, but did not extend to men of normal weight. Mechanisms unknown.
grade-c
IGF-1
- - See study
No detectable alterations in IGF-1 for eurycoma extract
grade-c
Serum DHEA
- - See study
No significant changes in the sulfate form of DHEA (DHEA-S) is noted after twelve continual weeks of supplementation
grade-c
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin
- - See study
No significant influence on circulating SHBG over the course of 12 weeks in otherwise healthy men.
grade-c
Testosterone
- Moderate See all 3 studies
Although the protective effects of tongkat ali on the testicles and the profertility effects may result in a slight increase in testosterone in infertile men and the adaptogenic effects may cause a preservation of testosterone in stressed men, there is no evidence in otherwise healthy and unanxious men.
grade-d
Lean Mass
Minor - See study
One pilot study has noted an increase more than control when both eurycoma and control were paired with exercise
grade-d
Power Output
Minor - See study
A slight increase in power output has been noted, which may be secondary to increased training adaptations
grade-d
Fat Mass
- - See study
No significant known influences on fat mass

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Frequently Asked Questions and Articles on Eurycoma Longifolia Jack

Four Testosterone Boosters and Sketchy Research
Read full answer to "Four Testosterone Boosters and Sketchy Research"

Things to Note

Is a Form Of

Other Functions:

Primary Function:

Also Known As

Longjack, Tongkat Ali, Malaysian Ginseng, longjax, Cay Ba Binh, Pasak Bumi, Langir Siam, Tung Sawa

  • Eurycoma Longifolia Jack is able to increase libido and sexual drive, but is otherwise non-stimulatory

  • May reduce anxiety, but understudied

  • Active ingredients confer a bitter taste

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Research Breakdown on Eurycoma Longifolia Jack

1Sources and Structure

1.1Sources

1.2Composition

1.3Patented or Research extracts

2Pharmacology

3Neurology and the Brain

3.1Aphrodisia

3.2Anxiety and Stress

4Sexuality and Sex Organs

4.1Erectile function

4.2Seminal parameters

5Interactions with Exercise Performance

5.1Interventions

6Skeletal and Bone Health

6.1Androgen-dependent Osteoporosis

7Interactions with Hormones

7.1Testosterone

7.2Estrogen

8Nutrient-Nutrient Interactions

8.1Propanolol

9Safety and Toxicology
Click here to see all 52 references.

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This page is regularly updated, to include the most recently available clinical trial evidence.

Each member of our research team is required to have no conflicts of interest, including with supplement manufacturers, food companies, and industry funders. The team includes nutrition researchers, registered dietitians, physicians, and pharmacists. We have a strict editorial process.

This page features 52 references. All factual claims are followed by specifically-applicable references. Click here to see the full set of research information and references for Eurycoma Longifolia Jack.

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