Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia)
Southeast Asian herb studied for testosterone support and stress reduction.
By Suplagen Team · Updated
What it is
Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) is a traditional Southeast Asian medicinal plant. Standardized root extracts are studied for hormonal and adaptogenic effects.
How it works
May reduce SHBG to increase free testosterone; quassinoids modulate cortisol; supports HPG axis signaling.
What the evidence says
Emerging evidence for modest testosterone and cortisol modulation; more research needed in healthy young males.
How much to take
The catalog range is 200 to 400 mg daily, with 400 mg as the ceiling. Use a standardized extract with at least 2% eurycomanone; patented forms like LJ100 and Physta are the studied ones, and quality varies widely elsewhere.
The evidence is emerging for modest testosterone and cortisol modulation, with the emphasis on modest, and more research is needed in healthy young men. Start at 200 mg.
When and how to take it
Morning, with food. Cycle it: 5 days on and 2 off, or 8 weeks on and 2 off.
It appears in our muscle growth guide with its grade attached, and compared with maca, which does a different job.
Who should skip it
Hormone-sensitive cancers are a hard stop, and it's off-limits in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Interactions: testosterone replacement therapy (moderate) and blood pressure medications (mild). On TRT, don't add it without your prescriber.
Safety Notes
- Look for patented extracts (LJ100, Physta) with standardized eurycomanone content. Quality varies widely.
- Cycling: 5 days on, 2 days off, or 8 weeks on, 2 weeks off.
- Not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
- Use caution with: hormone-sensitive cancers (avoid), pregnancy, breastfeeding.
- testosterone replacement therapy: Additive hormonal effects; consult physician.
- blood pressure medications: May lower blood pressure slightly; monitor.
Common questions
What is the right tongkat ali dosage?
200 to 400 mg daily of a standardized extract, in the morning with food. 400 mg is the ceiling.
Does tongkat ali raise testosterone?
The evidence is emerging for modest modulation, not a dramatic rise, and the best data isn't in healthy young men. Honest expectations matter here.
Tongkat ali or maca?
Different jobs: tongkat ali for the testosterone-adjacent experiment, maca for libido without hormonal change. The comparison sorts it out.