Tongkat Ali

Also known as: eurycoma longifolia, longjack, malaysian ginseng

Grade C — Preliminaryherbmood
200–400 mgMorning (standardized extract)

Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) is a Southeast Asian herb traditionally used as an ergogenic aid and hormonal optimizer. Clinical trials demonstrate its ability to support healthy testosterone levels — particularly in stressed or aging men — by reducing cortisol and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). It has also shown benefits for male fertility, stress resilience, and body composition in RCTs using standardized hot-water root extracts.

TL;DR: Southeast Asian herb with emerging evidence for cortisol reduction and hormonal support.

⚡Energy💪Muscle & Recovery😊Mood🧘Stress & Anxiety
Last reviewed: 2026-03-12

Quick Facts

Evidence

Grade C

Studies

1

Interactions

2

Forms

1

Evidence Rating: Grade C — Preliminary

Limited human trials, mostly animal or in-vitro data. Promising but not yet proven in robust human studies.

Cycling Protocol

8 weeks on/2 weeks off

Hormonal adaptogen — cycling maintains receptor sensitivity for cortisol and testosterone effects

Interaction Warnings

Hormone therapiesModerate

May interact with testosterone or estrogen therapies

Blood pressure medicationsLow

May affect blood pressure

Important Notes

  • Limited but growing evidence base
  • Quality varies widely between products
  • Cycle use recommended

Clinical Evidence (1 study)

Effect of Tongkat Ali on stress hormones and psychological mood state

Talbott SM et al. (2013) — J Int Soc Sports Nutr

Reduced cortisol, improved testosterone profile, and reduced tension and anger

View on PubMed

Alternatives to Consider

These supplements target similar goals and may be worth considering alongside or instead of Tongkat Ali.

Ashwagandha

Grade A

Ayurvedic adaptogen with strong clinical evidence for cortisol reduction (15-30%), stress relief, and exercise performance.

🧘 Stress & Anxiety💪 Muscle & Recovery⚡ Energy😊 Mood

Rhodiola Rosea

Grade B

Adaptogenic herb with strong evidence for reducing stress-related fatigue. Comparable to low-dose antidepressants for mild depression.

⚡ Energy🧘 Stress & Anxiety😊 Mood

Myo-Inositol

Grade B

Naturally occurring sugar alcohol with strong evidence for PCOS, panic disorder, and OCD. Gentle anxiolytic. Very safe at standard doses.

😊 Mood🧘 Stress & Anxiety⚡ Energy

Related Supplements

Ashwagandha

Grade A — Strong Evidence

Ayurvedic adaptogen with strong clinical evidence for cortisol reduction (15-30%), stress relief, and exercise performance.

Rhodiola Rosea

Grade B — Moderate Evidence

Adaptogenic herb with strong evidence for reducing stress-related fatigue. Comparable to low-dose antidepressants for mild depression.

Myo-Inositol

Grade B — Moderate Evidence

Naturally occurring sugar alcohol with strong evidence for PCOS, panic disorder, and OCD. Gentle anxiolytic. Very safe at standard doses.

Magnesium Glycinate

Grade A — Strong Evidence

Highly bioavailable form of magnesium. Strong evidence for sleep quality, muscle relaxation, and stress reduction. Most adults are deficient.

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⚕️ Important Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen, especially if you take medications or have health conditions.

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