Talbott S, Talbott J, Negrete J, Jones M, Nichols M, and Roza J.
Background
Eurycoma longifolia, commonly known as “Tongkat Ali” or “Longjack,” is often touted
as a testosterone “booster” and marketed to athletes as a training aid and performance
enhancer. Rodent studies have shown oral delivery of Eurycoma extract to improve
sexual performance and increase serum testosterone levels. Open-label human trials
have suggested that Eurycoma extract may help prevent age-associated androgen
deficiency, improve sexual function, and increase psychological parameters such as
mood, energy, and sense of well-being.
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of Eurycoma longifolia on
testosterone and cortisol levels during intense endurance exercise.
Methods
We used a water-soluble extract of Eurycoma longifolia (E) standardized to 22%
eurypeptides and 40% glycosaponins. Male subjects (N=30) were recruited from a 24-
hour mountain biking event and asked to provide a saliva sample before and after each
lap for measurement of cortisol and testosterone by enzyme immunoassay
(Salimetrics, State College, PA). Subjects completed 4 laps (14.91 miles/lap) and
provided 8 saliva samples over a 24h period. Subjects consumed 100mg of E (N = 15)
or a look-alike placebo (P, N = 15) approximately 30 minutes prior to endurance
exercise.
Results
Cortisol levels were 32.3% lower in E compared to P (0.552+0.665 versus 0.816+0.775
ug/dL, P < 0.05). Testosterone levels were 16.4% higher in E compared to P
(86.72+40.90 versus 72.47+33.77 pg/mL, P < 0.05).
Conclusions
These results suggest that Eurycoma longifolia extract may help to maintain normal
levels of cortisol (low) and testosterone (high) and thus promote an overall “anabolic”
hormonal state (versus a “catabolic” state characterized by elevated cortisol and
suppressed testosterone) during intense endurance exercise.
References:
Ahmad N, Teh BP, Halim SZ, Zolkifli NA, Ramli N, Muhammad H. (2020),
Eurycoma longifolia-Infused Coffee-An Oral Toxicity Study Nutrients, Volume 12(10), Pages 3125. doi: 10.3390/nu12103125.
Bhat, Rajeev; Karim, A.A. (2010), Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia Jack): A review on its ethnobotany and pharmacological importance, Fitoterapia,
Volume 81, Issue 7, Pages 669-679
Bucci LR. (2000), Selected herbals and human exercise performance, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol 72(2 Suppl) Pages 624S–36S
Hamzah, S. & Yusof, A. (2003), The ergogenic effects of Eurycoma longifolia Jack: a pilot study, British Journal of Sports Medicine, Volume 37: 464-470.
Henkel, Ralf R.; Wang, Ruxiang; Bassett, Susan H.; Chen, Tao; Liu, Na; Zhu,Ying ; Tambi, Mohd Ismail (2013), Tongkat Ali as a Potential Herbal Supplement for Physically Active Male and Female Seniors—A Pilot Study, Phytotherapy Research,Volume 28, Issue 4, Pages 544-550
Mohammad NA, Razaly NI, Rani MDM, Aris MSM, Effendy NM. (2018), An Evidence-Based Review: The Effects of Malaysian Traditional Herbs on Osteoporotic Rat Models, Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences Volume 25(4) Pages 6-30. doi: 10.21315/mjms2018.25.4.2.
Woodhouse, L. J., Gupta, N., Bhasin, M., Singh, A. B., Ross, R. et al. (2004), Dose-dependent effects of testosterone on regional adipose tissue distribution in healthy young men, Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Volume 89, Pages 718-26.
Available on Amazon:
Tongkat Ali, Indonesian Root Grade A 1:200 Extract
60 Capsules @ 300 mg
70 Capsules @ 300 mg
120 Capsules @ 300 mg
170 Capsules @ 300 mg
Tongkat Ali, Indonesian Root and Leaves 1:200 Extract
30 Capsules @ 400 mg
65 Capsules @ 400 mg
70 Capsules @ 400 mg
https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B094QKZFHX
Product details
https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B094QHZLS1
Product details
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B09CZ3KVYM
Product details
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B095H9X2WM
Product details
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B095H959L8
Product details
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08RW9G9YV
Product details
https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B09LT5GS9G
Product details
https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B09LT52LZV
Product details
https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B094QKKND6
Product details
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B09PTTYSBD
Product details