Tongkat Ali Benefits for Men

Reviewed by medical experts

Published: April 26, 2025

Curious about the benefits of Tongkat Ali for men? You’ve come to the right place.

Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) is a shrub-like tree native to Southeast Asia. Various parts of the plant have traditionally been used for different ailments. The root of Tongkat Ali has been used as an antibiotic, appetite suppressant, and aphrodisiac. More recently, this herbal remedy has become known for its ability to boost testosterone levels and prevent sexual dysfunction.

But what does the research actually say?

Keep reading 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 Tongkat Ali through blogs or podcasts about men’s fitness. But Tongkat Ali has been around much longer than any fitness influencer.

Originating from countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia, Tongkat Ali is a flowering plant from the Simaroubaceae family. It contains various bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, alkaloids, and quassinoids like eurycomanone, which act as antioxidants. Antioxidants combat cellular damage caused by molecules called free radicals.

Tongkat Ali can be taken as a powder or capsule and is sometimes mixed with coffee to enhance wellbeing. A typical dosage ranges from 50–200 mg, though product labels may offer different guidelines.

What Does Tongkat Ali Do?

Tongkat Ali root extract has a long history in Southeast Asian traditional medicine. It’s been used for issues related to aging, mental health, sexual health, fertility, and more.

Some health conditions traditionally treated with Tongkat Ali include:

• Fever
• Malaria
• Diarrhea
• Dysentery
• Itching
• Pain
• Constipation
• Diabetes
• Sexual dysfunction
• Post-workout recovery
• Weakness
• Bacterial infections
• Low energy
• Osteoporosis
• Swelling
• Syphilis
• Stress

Tongkat Ali Benefits for Men

Although some studies indicate Tongkat Ali may help with men’s health issues like low testosterone, erectile dysfunction, infertility, and low libido, research is limited and largely animal-based. We’ll outline several potential health benefits below—but keep in mind that more rigorous clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety.

Increased Testosterone Levels

Low testosterone can result from various factors, including medications, chemotherapy, or simply aging. Common consequences include low libido and erectile dysfunction.

Does Tongkat Ali support testosterone production? Possibly.

Multiple clinical trials have investigated Tongkat Ali’s effects in men with low hormone levels.

One 2012 study found that of 320 patients with symptoms of low testosterone, 76 received 200 mg Tongkat Ali daily for a month. By the end, those with normal testosterone increased from 35.5% to 90.8%.

Animal research shows quassinoids like eurycomanone may act as testosterone boosters by preventing its conversion to estrogen. This may also enhance male fertility by improving sperm production.

While promising, more extensive studies are needed to understand whether Tongkat Ali can effectively treat low testosterone in men. Until then, rely on proven testosterone therapies recommended by healthcare providers.

Increased Muscle Strength

Remember, testosterone plays a key role in muscle mass. If Tongkat Ali raises testosterone, it may also boost strength.

In addition to its hormonal effects, Tongkat Ali supplementation may act as an ergogenic aid—enhancing energy utilization, production, and efficiency to support athletic performance and endurance.

A five-week, placebo-controlled trial in older adults found that 400 mg of Tongkat Ali extract daily significantly increased muscle strength, along with free and total testosterone levels.

Reduced Stress Levels

Tongkat Ali may lower stress hormones, reduce anxiety, and improve mood—factors that could enhance sexual performance, blood pressure, and overall wellbeing.

In a one-month study involving 63 moderately stressed individuals, 200 mg of Tongkat Ali extract daily lowered salivary cortisol (a stress hormone) by 16%.

Participants also reported significantly reduced stress, anger, and tension.

In another 2012 study of 109 men, a daily 300 mg Tongkat Ali health supplement for 12 weeks improved vitality, mental health, emotional health, cognitive function, and testosterone levels. However, the supplement was taken alongside a multivitamin, making it unclear how much of the effect was from the herb alone. Also, one of the study authors was employed by a company that manufactured Tongkat Ali supplements, posing potential conflicts of interest.

Improved Erectile Dysfunction

In search of treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED), herbal extracts like Tongkat Ali are frequently explored.

Could the potential benefits of Tongkat Ali include treating ED?

Supplements with Tongkat Ali may improve ED, according to a 2015 review of multiple clinical trials. However, effects were more noticeable in severe cases and not always statistically significant.

A more promising 2017 systematic review reported a “remarkable” correlation between Tongkat Ali use and improved erectile function. Authors noted enhancements in penile erections, erection firmness, penetration ease, and overall sexual performance. They also reported improvements in male infertility—including semen volume, sperm concentration, morphology, and motility—along with libido and sexual satisfaction.

While encouraging, more evidence-based, human research is needed to understand exactly how this herbal supplement helps.

Is Tongkat Ali Safe?

While standard dosing (up to 400 mg/day) in clinical trials shows few side effects, a 2021 EFSA report warns that extremely high doses (2,000 mg/kg body weight) of a water extract from dried Tongkat Ali may cause DNA damage in animals.

Side Effects of Tongkat Ali Supplementation

• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Restlessness
• Potential DNA damage (at high doses)
• Reduced effectiveness of other medicines (e.g., propranolol)
• Rare liver toxicity

How Long Does Tongkat Ali Stay in Your System?

There is insufficient human research to definitively state how long Tongkat Ali remains in your system.

Animal studies show that eurycomanone—one of its active compounds—has a half-life of around 0.30 hours. However, differences in bioavailability between different species (e.g., rats vs. mice) indicate that these findings cannot be directly applied to humans.

Other Ways to Treat Sexual Dysfunction

While some research into Tongkat Ali looks promising, we don’t recommend treating serious health conditions solely with herbal remedies.

The bottom line: the benefits of Tongkat Ali for men are not yet thoroughly proven, so whether it can help with low testosterone, ED, stress, or infertility remains unknown.

If you struggle with ED or notice symptoms, there are better treatment routes.

If you require treatment, the first step is professional medical advice. Healthcare providers can tailor safe and effective treatment options to your needs.

In addition to lifestyle changes and counseling, you may be prescribed PDE5 inhibitors—which regulate blood flow to the penis to treat ED. These include:

• Tadalafil (Cialis®)
• Sildenafil (Viagra®)
• Vardenafil (Levitra®)
• Avanafil (Stendra®)

If you're drawn to Tongkat Ali as a natural approach to addressing ED and related men’s health issues, there are non-pharmaceutical strategies worth exploring, including:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Following a nutritious diet
• Regular exercise
• Prioritizing sleep
• Managing stress
• Speaking with a therapist about psychological causes of ED

A Final Word on Tongkat Ali’s Health Benefits for Men

Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) is an herbal supplement believed to offer benefits for sexual health and mood. Some studies suggest it may reduce stress, treat low testosterone, and improve libido—but research is limited. Here's what we know:

• Tongkat Ali has long been used in traditional Southeast Asian medicine for many purposes—from fever and bacterial infections to low libido and erectile dysfunction.
• Some research on its benefits for men is promising. Several of its bioactive compounds have shown potential to increase testosterone, improve erectile function, boost energy and strength, and increase libido. There's also some evidence it may enhance male fertility.
• More human clinical studies are needed to confirm these potential benefits. FDA does not regulate or approve Tongkat Ali. Most research is preliminary—animal studies or small-scale trials. Until more data emerges, rely on proven methods to treat low testosterone, sexual dysfunction, or infertility.
• Herbal extracts for ED do not always live up to expectations as effective treatments. Tongkat Ali offers multiple health benefits—including possible support in the bedroom—but it does not replace FDA-approved medication.

What Does the Research Say?

While animal studies and smaller clinical trials suggest positive effects, larger and more rigorous human studies are needed to fully confirm Tongkat Ali’s health benefits. The current findings are encouraging, however.

Benefits for Men:

1. Increased Testosterone Levels

In a 2012 study, 90.8% of participants saw increased testosterone after taking 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 experienced significant strength gains.

3. Reduced Stress

A study found that those who took 200 mg Tongkat Ali daily saw a 16% reduction in cortisol levels and improved mood [Talbott et al., 2013].

4. Improved Erectile Function

Systematic reviews (such as the 2017 study) suggest Tongkat Ali may enhance erection firmness and sperm quality.

Is Tongkat Ali Safe?

Most clinical trials at normal doses (up to 400 mg/day) have not reported serious side effects. However, animal studies at extremely high doses suggest potential DNA damage [EFSA 2021]. Common side effects include insomnia, restlessness, and rare liver effects.

FAQ

How quickly do effects appear?
Some studies report results within 2–4 weeks, but individual responses vary.

How long can one use Tongkat Ali?
Most studies last 1–3 months. There’s no long-term data—consult a doctor for extended use.

Can Tongkat Ali replace ED medications?
No. Although it may support sexual health naturally, serious conditions require medical supervision.

Sources:

• Ismail, S. B. et al. (2012). Randomized clinical trial on Tongkat Ali. *Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine*.
• Talbott, S. M. et al. (2013). Effect on stress hormones and mood. *Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition*.
• EFSA Panel (2021). Scientific opinion on safety of Eurycoma longifolia.

Important!

Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your doctor before starting new supplements or treatments.

Conclusion

Tongkat Ali is a traditional herb with potential modern applications. Studies indicate benefits for testosterone, muscle strength, libido, and stress reduction, yet more research is needed for definitive proof.
Use the herb carefully and under professional guidance for the best possible outcome.