TONGKAT ALI
‘Tongkat ali’ is among the most searched-for supplements of 2024. utritionist Rob Hobson explains what it is and whether you should use it
Tongkat ali is a herbal remedy that has been a part of traditional Southeast Asian medicine for centuries.
It’s often used to treat a variety of ailments, including fevers, erectile dysfunction, and bacterial infections. Studies suggest that tongkat ali may boost male fertility, relieve stress, and improve sports performance but, crucially, research is limited.
What is it?
Often referred to as ‘Malaysian ginseng’, tongkat ali is a shrub plant native to Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. Traditionally, its roots are boiled and eaten for their health-promoting properties. It is seen as a potent aphrodisiac, used to treat male infertility and erectile dysfunction. It’s also used as a traditional treatment for malaria, infections and fevers.
What does it do?
Most of the alleged health benefits of tongkat ali are not well researched, but some studies suggest it may help with male infertility, improve mood, and increase muscle mass. Tongkat ali also contains flavonoids, alkaloids, and other compounds that act as antioxidants, which can help to promote good health.
Can it boost testosterone?
Much of the interest surrounding tongkat ali relates to its potential to boost testosterone levels. Studies have shown that it may help to increase testosterone levels, with one study highlighting that 200mg daily significantly normalised testosterone in over 90% of older men with low levels.
Additionally, tongkat ali has been found to stimulate sexual arousal and might improve erectile dysfunction, as well as enhance sperm quality, potentially improving male fertility. Research includes a study where daily supplementation with 200mg improved sperm parameters in infertile couples, resulting in pregnancies.
While these results suggest tongkat ali may be a promising treatment for low testosterone and related fertility issues, the studies are small and further research is needed to fully understand its effects.
Does it enhance physical performance?
Tongkat ali is touted for its potential to enhance athletic performance and muscle mass, attributed to compounds thought to make energy usage more efficient, fight fatigue, and boost endurance. These reasons are why this supplement is often positioned as an ergogenic aid that could improve physical performance and body composition.
In a small five-week study involving men undergoing strength training, those consuming 100mg tongkat ali on a daily basis had more significant gains in lean body mass and fat loss compared with a placebo group. Howeve
