Who Should Not Take Tongkat Ali?

Tongkat Ali is an herbal supplement with a long history of use in traditional Asian medicine.

People currently use Tongkat Ali to boost testosterone and libido, improve male fertility, reduce stress, and improve muscle mass and body composition.

While it’s likely safe at reasonable doses for many people, who should not take Tongkat Ali? Some people should avoid it.

What Is Tongkat Ali?

Coming from an Asian plant, Tongkat Ali is somewhat new regarding mainstream supplement culture in America, but it’s not new in traditional medicine.

The herb has a long history of being used for conditions like fatigue, fever, infections, erectile dysfunction, and low libido.

Potential health benefits of supplements with Tongkat Ali include:

• Tongkat Ali is proven in studies to raise testosterone in men. For example, in one study that ran for a month looking at men with low testosterone, taking 200 mg of Tongkat Ali extract a day significantly increased testosterone levels. They rose to normal levels in more than 90% of participants in the study.
• Since Tongkat Ali can improve testosterone levels, it can also potentially improve erectile dysfunction in men and stimulate sexual arousal.
• The supplement can boost male fertility, with some research showing it improves sperm concentration and motility.
• In studies, Tongkat Ali reduces stress hormones, decreases anxiety, and helps to improve mood.
• There are compounds in this herb called quassinoids that may help the body use energy more efficiently, reducing fatigue and improving endurance. As a result of these compounds, Tongkat Ali is thought to improve body composition and physical performance. In a small study of men doing strength training, taking the supplement at 100 mg daily led to significantly greater lean body mass increases compared to placebo participants.

How Tongkat Ali May Raise Testosterone

Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) is a popular herbal remedy believed to enhance testosterone levels.

While the precise mechanisms are not fully understood, several factors suggest how Tongkat Ali may raise testosterone:

Stimulation of Leydig Cells: Tongkat Ali is thought to stimulate Leydig cells in the testes, the cells responsible for producing testosterone. This stimulation may lead to an increase in the production of testosterone.

Inhibition of Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG): Tongkat Ali may reduce the activity of SHBG, a protein that binds to testosterone, making it less available for the body to use. By inhibiting SHBG, Tongkat Ali can increase the amount of free, bioavailable testosterone.

Reduction in Cortisol Levels: Elevated cortisol, a stress hormone, can negatively impact testosterone levels. Some studies suggest that Tongkat Ali may help lower cortisol levels, indirectly promoting higher testosterone levels.

Aromatase Inhibition: Aromatase is an enzyme that converts testosterone into estrogen. Tongkat Ali may have aromatase-inhibiting properties, preventing this conversion and helping to maintain higher testosterone levels.

Positive Impact on Gonadotropin Release: Tongkat Ali might support the release of gonadotropins, hormones produced by the pituitary gland that signal the testes to produce testosterone.

It’s important to note that the effects of Tongkat Ali on testosterone levels can vary from person to person. While some individuals may experience a noticeable increase in testosterone, others may have a more modest response. The exact mechanisms by which Tongkat Ali works to raise testosterone are still an active area of research, and further studies are needed to fully understand the herbal remedy’s effects.

Is Tongkat Ali Safe?

Tongkat Ali is considered safe for most people as long as the right doses are used.

At very high doses, it can become toxic, increasing the risk of damaging the kidneys or liver. Studies have considered doses of 200-400 mg daily safe, but you shouldn’t take more than the recommended dose for any product.

There’s something important to note when discussing the safety of Tongkat Ali—be careful about using combination products. There are cases of liver toxicity associated with supplements containing Tongkat Ali, but there were several other ingredients as well.

In most cases, it’s best to use a single product rather than a combination of supplements. Combinations are less likely to be safe and more likely to cause side effects. If they do cause side effects, it’s hard to know which ingredient was the culprit.

In one 2020 animal study, research was done on beverages infused with caffeine and Tongkat Ali. Those beverages contained around 2.5 grams of the herb, so you have to be careful of exactly how much of any ingredient is in beverages, just like with combination supplements.

Most people experience mild, if any, side effects, including headache, nausea, and vomiting, but again, this is usually at high doses.

What Happens If a Woman Takes Tongkat Ali?

When women take Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia), they may experience various effects, although the herb is more commonly associated with benefits for men.

Here’s what may happen if a woman takes Tongkat Ali:

Improved Libido: Some women report an increase in libido when taking Tongkat Ali. The herb may enhance sexual desire and arousal.

Energy and Vitality: Tongkat Ali can promote overall vitality and energy. Women may feel more energized and alert.

Mood and Stress Reduction: Tongkat Ali may have mood-enhancing properties and help reduce stress and anxiety. This can lead to an improved sense of well-being.

Hormonal Balance: While Tongkat Ali is known for increasing testosterone in men, it doesn’t necessarily raise testosterone levels in women to the same extent. Instead, it may help promote hormonal balance and regulate various sex hormones, which can be beneficial for women’s health.

General Well-Being: Some women may experience an overall sense of well-being, including better mood, energy levels, and mental clarity.

Is Tongkat Ali Hard on the Liver?

In one study, participants were given 400 mg of Tongkat Ali daily, and there was no toxicity to liver or kidney function.

Again, it’s very important to stay within the safe dosage ranges based on the available research and not go beyond what the manufacturer advises for a dose if you take this supplement.

Who Should Not Take Tongkat Ali

Based on research that we could find, people who should not take Tongkat Ali include:

• Anyone with hormone-sensitive cancer like prostate cancer or breast cancer
• Someone with digestive issues or disorders
• People with liver or kidney disorders
• Anyone taking a hypoglycemic medicine
• People on blood pressure medicines
• Children
• Pregnant or nursing mothers
• Individuals with a suppressed immune system
• Someone with sleep apnea
• People with heart disease
• A person with heart disease

Final Thoughts

At doses of around 200 to 400 mg a day, Tongkat Ali is considered a fairly safe supplement and effective for increasing testosterone. You should always use caution with supplements, though.

Make sure you talk to your healthcare provider about any questions you have. Certain people should avoid this supplement, including individuals with hormone-sensitive cancers, liver or kidney disorders, suppressed immune systems, and other disorders.