Tongkat Ali Benefits for Men
Reviewed by medical experts
Published: 26 April, 2025
Curious about the benefits of Tongkat Ali for men? Then you have come to the right place. If you want a broader overview, we also recommend our complete guide to Tongkat Ali.
Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) is a shrub-like tree species from Southeast Asia. Different parts of the plant are traditionally used for different ailments. The Tongkat Ali root, for example, is used as an antibiotic, appetite suppressant and aphrodisiac. In recent times, this herbal remedy has become known for its ability to increase testosterone levels and prevent sexual dysfunction.
But what does the research actually say?
Read on to explore the limited scientific evidence behind Tongkat Ali and find out whether this traditional remedy can improve erectile function, libido, male fertility or other aspects of men's sexual health.
What is Tongkat Ali?
You may have heard of the herbal remedy Tongkat Ali from blogs or podcasts about men's fitness. But Tongkat Ali has been around much longer than any fitness influencer.
Tongkat Ali, which originates from countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia, is a flowering plant from the Simaroubaceae family. It contains various bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, alkaloids and quassinoids such as eurycomanone, which act as antioxidants. Antioxidants fight cell damage caused by molecules called free radicals.
Tongkat Ali can be used as a powder or capsule and mixed with coffee to improve well-being. A typical Tongkat Ali dosage is 50-200 mg, although different product labels may give different guidelines.
What does Tongkat Ali do?
Tongkat Ali root extract has a long history in Southeast Asian folk medicine. It has traditional uses related to ageing, mental health, sexual health, fertility and much more.
Some health conditions traditionally treated with Tongkat Ali are:
- Fever
- Malaria
- Diarrhoea
- Dysentery
- Itching
- Aches and pains
- Constipation
- Diabetes
- Sexual dysfunction
- Recovery after training
- Weakness
- Bacterial infections
- Low energy
- Osteoporosis
- Swelling
- Syphilis
- Stress
Tongkat Ali Benefits for Men
Although some studies suggest that Tongkat Ali may help with men's health problems such as low testosterone, erectile dysfunction, infertility and low libido, research on Tongkat Ali is limited, and much of it has been carried out on animals. We will share some of the health benefits of Tongkat Ali below, but keep in mind that more rigorous clinical trials are needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety.
Increased testosterone levels
Low testosterone levels can occur for several reasons, from medication and chemotherapy to something as simple as ageing. Two effects of low testosterone levels include low libido and erectile dysfunction.
Does Tongkat Ali help testosterone production? Possibly.
Many clinical studies have investigated how Tongkat Ali's male enhancement effects work by increasing testosterone levels in people with low hormone levels.
In a 2012 study, 76 of 320 patients with classic symptoms of low testosterone were given 200 mg Tongkat Ali for one month. At the end of the study, the participants taking the herbal remedy experienced significant improvements in symptoms of low testosterone as well as in testosterone concentration. Before treatment, only 35.5 percent had normal testosterone levels; after treatment with Tongkat Ali, 90.8 percent of patients reached normal values.
How does Tongkat Ali help users achieve more testosterone? Animal research shows that the quassinoids in Tongkat Ali, specifically eurycomanone, act as testosterone enhancers by preventing testosterone from being converted into oestrogen. This may also have positive effects on male fertility by improving sperm production.
Although this research is promising, more extensive studies are needed to understand how and whether Tongkat Ali can effectively treat low testosterone in men. If the herb proves to be a successful treatment, it has the potential to make a significant impact on several areas of men's health, since testosterone plays a crucial role in regulating libido, erectile function, mood, muscle mass and much more. Until we know for sure, you should rely on proven testosterone therapies suggested by your healthcare provider.
Increased muscle strength
Remember how we said that testosterone plays a crucial role in muscle mass? The hormone also contributes to muscle strength, and if Tongkat Ali can increase testosterone, it may also increase your strength.
In addition to increasing testosterone, research on Tongkat Ali supplements shows that the herb increases muscle strength by acting as an ergogenic aid. This means that the herb improves energy utilization, production and efficiency to support athletic performance and endurance.
A five-week placebo-controlled study in older adults found that supplementing with 400 mg Tongkat Ali extract every day significantly increased muscle strength along with free and total testosterone concentrations.
Reduced stress levels
Tongkat Ali may lower stress hormones in your body, reduce anxiety and result in improved mood – all of which can help improve sexual performance, blood pressure and general well-being.
A month-long study of 63 moderately stressed people found that supplementing with 200 mg Tongkat Ali extract per day reduced levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, in saliva by 16 percent.
The participants also reported significantly reduced stress levels, as well as reduced anger and tension, after taking Tongkat Ali.
Another study from 2012 with 109 men found that taking a 300 mg health supplement of Tongkat Ali extract daily over a 12-week period led to improvements in vitality, mental health, emotional health and cognitive function. There were also improvements in testosterone levels. However, the subjects took Tongkat Ali together with a multivitamin, so it is unclear how well Tongkat Ali would have performed on its own. There may also be a conflict of interest, since one of the study authors was employed by a company that manufactured Tongkat Ali supplements.
Improved erectile dysfunction
In the search for treatments for erectile dysfunction, you may have come across herbal extracts such as Tongkat Ali as a way to improve sexual performance.
But do the potential benefits of Tongkat Ali include treatment of erectile dysfunction?
Supplements with Tongkat Ali may improve erectile dysfunction, according to a 2015 review of several clinical studies. However, the review found that the effects of Tongkat Ali may be more pronounced in people with severe ED, and even then the results were not "significant".
A more promising systematic review from 2017 found a "remarkable" link between Tongkat Ali and improved erectile function. The study authors claimed that the herb improved penile erections and erectile hardness, which can make penetration easier and improve sexual performance. In addition, they claimed that the herb improved several aspects of male infertility, including semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm morphology and sperm motility. The review shows that there may also be benefits of Tongkat Ali for libido and general sexual satisfaction.
Although promising, more evidence-based research and human studies are needed to know exactly how this herbal supplement helps.
Is Tongkat Ali safe?
Although a Tongkat Ali health supplement may have positive effects on erectile dysfunction, libido and mood, there may still be possible risks.
According to a 2021 report by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Panel on Nutrition, a high dose (2 000 milligrams per kilo of body weight) of water extract from dried, ground Tongkat Ali can damage DNA.
However, the few clinical studies on the use of Tongkat Ali in humans have not reported any serious side effects.
In the 2012 study of 109 people mentioned above, it was established that taking Tongkat Ali for 12 weeks together with a multivitamin was as safe as taking a placebo. Not to sound like a broken record, but more clinical studies are needed to investigate the long-term use of a herbal supplement with Tongkat Ali to ensure its safety over longer periods.
Side effects of Tongkat Ali supplements
Potential side effects of Eurycoma longifolia include:
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- DNA damage
- Reduced availability of other medicines such as propranolol
- Liver damage (rare)
How long does Tongkat Ali stay in your system?
There is not enough research in humans to say definitively how long Tongkat Ali stays in your system.
Animal research shows that eurycomanone, a quassinoid found in the herb, has a half-life of 0.30 hours. However, the differences in the bioavailability of eurycomanone between different types of animals (such as rats versus mice) suggest that the pharmacokinetics cannot be applied directly to humans.
Other ways to treat sexual dysfunction
While some research on Tongkat Ali shows promising results, we do not recommend that you treat serious health conditions with herbal medicines.
The conclusion is that the benefits of Tongkat Ali for men have not been thoroughly explored, so whether this herbal supplement can help men with low testosterone, ED, stress or infertility is currently unknown.
If you are struggling with ED or are just starting to see symptoms, there are better ways to deal with this problem.
If you need treatment, the first thing you should do is seek professional medical advice. Healthcare providers can address your specific needs and help you find safe and effective treatment.
In addition to lifestyle changes and therapy, you can get a prescription for medicines such as PDE5 inhibitors, which regulate the blood vessels in your penis to help treat erectile dysfunction. These medicines include:
- Tadalafil (Cialis®)
- Sildenafil (Viagra®)
- Vardenafil (Levitra®)
- Avanafil (Stendra®)
If what attracted you to Tongkat Ali was taking a natural approach to treating ED and similar men's health problems, there are also non-pharmaceutical methods you can explore. They include:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Following a nutritious diet
- Exercising regularly
- Prioritizing sleep
- Managing your stress levels
- Talking to a therapist about the psychological causes of ED
A final word on the health benefits of Tongkat Ali for men
Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) is a herbal supplement believed to have benefits for sexual health and mood. Some studies suggest that Tongkat Ali may reduce stress levels, treat low testosterone and improve low libido, but the research is limited. Here is what we know:
- Tongkat Ali has a long history in traditional Southeast Asian medicine. Traditional uses vary widely, from fever and bacterial infections to low libido and erectile dysfunction.
- Some research on the benefits of Tongkat Ali for men is promising. Some of the bioactive compounds in Tongkat Ali have been shown to increase testosterone, improve erectile function, increase energy and strength and boost your libido. There is also some evidence that the herb may improve male fertility.
- More human studies are needed to confirm the potential health benefits of Tongkat Ali and other herbal medicines. It is important to remember that the FDA does not approve products like Tongkat Ali. Much of the research on the herb is limited and based on animal experiments or small groups. Until more research is done, it is best to rely on proven methods for treating problems such as low testosterone, sexual dysfunction or infertility.
- Herbal extracts for erectile dysfunction do not always live up to expectations as an effective ED treatment. Tongkat Ali offers a range of health benefits — some of which may even help you in the bedroom, but they do not replace FDA-approved medicine.
What does the research say?
While some animal studies and smaller clinical trials suggest positive effects, larger and more rigorous human studies are needed to fully confirm the health benefits of Tongkat Ali. The findings that exist are, however, promising.
Benefits for men:
1. Increased testosterone levels
In a 2012 study, testosterone values increased in 90.8 % of participants after 200 mg Tongkat Ali daily for one month [source: Ismail et al., 2012].
2. Increased muscle strength
A five-week placebo-controlled study showed that older adults who took 400 mg Tongkat Ali daily significantly increased their muscle strength.
3. Reduced stress
A study showed that 200 mg Tongkat Ali daily could reduce cortisol levels by 16 % and improve mood [Talbott et al., 2013].
4. Improved erectile function
Systematic reviews (e.g. the 2017 study) indicate that Tongkat Ali may improve erectile hardness and sperm quality.
Is Tongkat Ali safe?
Most clinical studies have not reported serious side effects at normal doses (up to 400 mg/day). However, there are indications of DNA damage at extremely high doses in animal studies [source: EFSA 2021].
Common side effects may include insomnia, restlessness and, in rare cases, effects on the liver.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How quickly do you notice the effects of Tongkat Ali?
Answer: Some studies show effects within 2–4 weeks, but individual variation occurs.
How long can you take Tongkat Ali?
Answer: Most studies last 1–3 months. Long-term data is lacking, so consult a doctor for longer use.
Can Tongkat Ali replace ED medication?
Answer: No. Although Tongkat Ali may support sexual health naturally, serious conditions should be treated under medical supervision.
Sources:
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Ismail, S. B., Wan Mohammad, W. M. Z., George, A., Nik Hussain, N. H., Musthapa Kamal, Z. M., & Liske, E. (2012). Randomized clinical trial on the use of Tongkat Ali extract. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
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Talbott, S. M., Talbott, J. A., George, A., & Pugh, M. (2013). Effect of Tongkat Ali on stress hormones and mood. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.
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EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) (2021). Scientific opinion on the safety of Eurycoma longifolia.
Important!
Disclaimer:
The content is intended for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult your doctor before starting new supplements or treatments.
Conclusion
Tongkat Ali is a traditional herb with modern possibilities. Studies point to benefits for testosterone levels, muscle strength, libido and stress reduction, but more research is needed for definitive proof.
Use the herb wisely and in consultation with healthcare professionals for the best possible results.
