Tongkat ali (Eurycoma longifolia), also known as longjack or Malaysian ginseng, is an herb from Southeast Asia. The main bioactive components in tongkat ali are the quassinoid compounds (eurycomanone and eurycomanol), eurycolactones, canthin-6-one metabolites, eurylene and teurilene (derivatives of squalene) and eurypeptides. Supplementation may increase total testosterone in healthy and hypogonadal men, improve erectile function and alleviate symptoms of erectile dysfunction, increase fertility, and enhance sexual function and well-being. One study found evidence of an anxiolytic (anxiety and stress-reducing) effect of tongkat ali.
Tongkat ali’s effects on male sexual enhancement are primarily attributed to eurycomanone, which has steroidogenic activity. Eurycomanone has been shown to have anti-estrogenic effects. It inhibits the aromatase enzyme and prevents the conversion of testosterone to estrogen in the Leydig cells of the testes, the primary site of sperm production in men.
When given in a dose of 200-600 mg/day, Tongkat ali appears to increase free and total testosterone levels in men, although effects seem to be most noticeable in men with hypogonadism (testosterone levels <300 ng/mL).
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) according to the PRISMA guidelines was conducted. Relevant articles were retrieved from the databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, Ovid/Embase, and Google Scholar. After literature screening, a total of nine studies was included in the systematic review. Five RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. A significant improvement in total testosterone levels after E. longifolia treatment was mostly reported in both healthy volunteers and hypogonadal men. The random model effect revealed a significant increase (SMD = 1.352, 95% CI 0.565 to 2.138, p = 0.001) in the total testosterone levels in men receiving E. longifolia supplementation, which was confirmed in the hypogonadism subgroup. This systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature supports the possible use of E. longifolia supplementation for enhancing testosterone production.
Stress hormones and mood state in 63 subjects (32 men and 31 women) screened for moderate stress and supplemented with a standardized hot-water extract of TA root (TA) or Placebo (PL) for 4 weeks were assessed. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) with significance set at p < 0.05 was used to determine differences between groups. Significant improvements were found in the TA group for Tension (−11%), Anger (−12%), and Confusion (−15%). Stress hormone profile (salivary cortisol and testosterone) was significantly improved by TA supplementation, with reduced cortisol exposure (−16%) and increased testosterone status (+37%). These results indicate that daily supplementation with tongkat ali root extract improves stress hormone profile and certain mood state parameters, suggesting that this “ancient” remedy may be an effective approach to shielding the body from the detrimental effects of “modern” chronic stress, which may include general day-to-day stress, as well as the stress of dieting, sleep deprivation, and exercise training.
At higher doses, eurycomanone may inhibit phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity, resulting in an accumulation of cyclic AMP, an increase in cholesterol transport, and an increased production of pregnenolone, a precursor for testosterone biosynthesis. Of note, phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibition is the mechanism via which drugs like Sildenafil (Viagra), Tadalafil (Cialis), Vardenafi (Levitra) exert their pro erectile effects. Furthermore, activation of the CYP17a enzyme by eurycomanone increased production of testosterone precursors DHEA and androstenedione. Tongkat ali may enhance sperm production by increasing the production of the gonadotropins luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which elevate testosterone and sperm production in the testes, respectively.
Our supplement, Fire Rx Reloaded contains a solid 220 mg of Eurycoma Longifolia per serving, a dose which has been proven in numerous studies to boost testosterone, improve erection, enhance sexual function, improve sex hormone profile, decrease serum cortisol, relieve stress and decrease anxiety. Other ingredients contained in Fire Rx Reloaded include Honey, Royal Jelly, Maca, Ashwagandha, Pine Bark, Lycopene, Resveratrol, Asian Ginseng, Vitamin D from Lichen and Chelated forms of Magnesium, Zinc, Boron and Chromium. Thanks to its unique composition, Fire Rx Reloaded has antiaging, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It promotes cardiovascular and prostate health, muscle performance and increases energy levels.
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References
Leitão AE et al. “A 6-month, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial to evaluate the effect of Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali) and concurrent training on erectile function and testosterone levels in androgen deficiency of aging males (ADAM).”Maturitas, vol. 145 (2021): 78-85
Leitão AE et al. “Exercise associated or not to the intake of Eurycoma longifolia improves strength and cardiorespiratory fitness in men with androgen deficiency.” Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, vol. 42 (2021)
Thu HE, et al. Eurycoma Longifolia as a potential adoptogen of male sexual health: a systematic review on clinical studies.
Chin J Nat Med (2017-Jan)
Kotirum S, Ismail SB, Chaiyakunapruk N. Efficacy of Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) on erectile function improvement: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Complement Ther Med (2015-Oct)
Leisegang K, et al. (Jack) Improves Serum Total Testosterone in Men: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials.
Medicina (Kaunas) (2022-Aug-04)
Low BS, et al. Eurycomanone, the major quassinoid in Eurycoma longifolia root extract increases spermatogenesis by inhibiting the activity of phosphodiesterase and aromatase in steroidogenesis.
J Ethnopharmacol (2013-Aug-26)
Tambi. Nutrients and botanicals for optimizing men’s health. Examining the evidence for Eurycoma longifolia Jack, the Malaysian Ginseng in men’s health
Asian Journal of Andrology (2009-01-01)
Eurycoma longifolia (Jack) Improves Serum Total Testosterone in Men: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials – PubMedEffect of Tongkat Ali on stress hormones and psychological mood state in moderately stressed subjects | Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition | Full Text
