Tongkat Ali Supplement

Who might want to look elsewhere?

The 1-3 months it could take to see results from a potent tongkat ali supplement would likely be too long of a wait for certain individuals. Men with clinically significant hypogonadism who are experiencing immediate symptoms would do better to seek prescription interventions like TRT (after appropriate testing, of course).11

The same thing can be said for those experiencing more significant mental health issues, as tongkat ali may be able to help treat certain kinds of mild stress and irritation, but not more significant issues with anxiety and depression that may require more direct professional interventions.

Research into certain potential tongkat ali benefits is also far too immature to suggest it as a daily supplement for those purposes. For example, individuals predisposed to certain cancers from things like genetics or environment shouldn’t look to tongkat ali as a preventive or a cure. A recent overview of tongkat ali’s potential in common cancers reinforces this perspective.12

Nootropics Depot pricing and returns

Nootropics Depot doesn’t offer subscriptions on either of its tongkat ali supplements, but you can buy a higher-count bottle to save money per dose. Here’s how it works out for each concentration:

Since we’ve come to put a fair amount of stock in eurycomanone concentration, we’d recommend the 10% formulation to anyone with the capital to invest in it. The fact that you get free shipping at the 120-capsule level is rather important here, as Nootropics Depot has the highest shipping costs in our guide. Its lowest rate is $10.20, which is high enough to take the 60-count 10% option from $39.99 to $50.19, for a per-dose price increase from $0.67 up to $0.84.

Unfortunately for anyone who’s unsure tongkat ali will work for them, Nootropics Depot doesn’t offer any kind of money-back guarantee, and it doesn’t accept returns on opened products. That’s in pretty stark contrast to Innerbody and Bulk Supplements, both of which let you try a product for 30 days. We’ve seen some evidence that longjack can have an effect in as little as four weeks, so that 30-day mark may be enough to know whether it works for you.16

Best patented extract

Photo by Innerbody Research

Even in our first round of research review, we noticed the frequency with which Physta was specified as the type of tongkat ali used in numerous studies. This is something that undeniably sets it apart from other tongkat ali supplements, and it should put Physta at the top of the list for anyone who needs to see a brand name in the scientific research before reaching for a given supplement. We’ve been impressed by the research that Physta has been subjected to over the years (26 studies over two decades), though we aren’t wholly convinced that its standardization process puts it head and shoulders above similar products.

That standardization provides a 1.5% eurycomanone concentration, 0.5% less concentrated than Nootropics Depot’s 2% option and 8.5% less than the 10% option. Much of the research into tongkat ali assumes that eurycomanone is the primary driver of its beneficial effects, but Akarali goes a little further in its standardization efforts. It creates a consistent delivery of both eurycomanone and the plant’s other constituent parts, which, according to its website, are glycosaponins (48%), proteins (22%), and polysaccharides (30%).

For those of you with calculators at home, you might notice that 48, 22, 30, and 1.5 add up to 101.5%, so there’s clearly some wiggle room in this formula. We got clarification from Akarali on the issue, and here are the actual numbers:

Akarali deploys its Physta in a few ways. Its capsules are the most straightforward option. They each contain 200mg of Physta, a pretty standard dose compared to what we’ve seen in the research. There’s also a version marketed toward women that contains only 50mg per capsule, but we’ve seen no evidence that women would need a smaller dose than men.

In fact, many of the studies we’ve read that explicitly used Physta administered the same 100-300mg dose to men and women alike. And of the studies that used a 50mg dose, the one that was most successful combined its tongkat ali with 200mg of Labisia pumila, a similar herbal remedy with purported antioxidant properties,18 so we don’t recommend the 50mg women’s dose at this time.19

You can also get the plain tongkat ali powder, an instant coffee infused with tongkat ali, or a fizzy tongkat ali energy drink. The powder’s dose is pretty flexible, but the other two products deliver 70mg and 50mg per dose, respectively.

Photo by Innerbody Research

Longjack coffee is very popular in Southeast Asia, so we ordered some of it for ourselves to try out. Now, in the U.S., instant coffee isn’t well-regarded, at least not since the Starbucks revolution of the 1990s and the Keurig revolution of the late 2000s. But our testers have still had their fair share of instant coffee through the years (including some from Starbucks), and we wanted to see how Akarali’s stacked up. We were pleasantly surprised.

Akarali’s tongkat ali-infused coffee is immediately sweet on the tongue despite not containing any natural or artificial sweeteners or flavorings. That sweetness very quickly gives way to an intensely strong, bitter coffee flavor, but one that’s not unwelcome after the initial sweetness and that more closely resembles the bitterness of Campari or a similar liqueur. The whole thing is pretty well-balanced.

Does tongkat ali damage DNA?

A very small amount of research looking into tongkat ali’s potential risk factors identified a possible effect on DNA in the GI tract. But that research established an oblique correlation, far from any evidence of causation.3 Much more research is needed to clarify the issue, but it’s worth noting that the doses used in that research far exceed typical doses used in nutritional supplements.

Pure Indonesian Tongkat Ali Extract Supplement - 400mg and 600mg

Our best-selling supplement of all time. Whole herb, mature (guaranteed to be at least 10 years old), Indonesian Tongkat Ali root extract at a ratio of 200:1. It is sourced from the roots of Eurycoma longifolia and is extracted by water and ethanol, which is removed during processing.

We are now offering Indonesian Tongkat Ali extract supplement 200:1 in either a 600mg capsule or 400mg capsule. Whilst neither is better value than the other we wanted to give our customers more options when purchasing this product.

We also offer a Tongkat Ali extract standardised to contain 3% Eurycomanone, which is stronger - HERE.

It's difficult to recommend a dose that will suit everybody but if you are slightly built or elderly, 1 capsule daily may be enough. If, on the other hand, you are a huge hulking bodybuilder you may need 2-4 daily. We recommend starting with 1 capsule daily increasing as required. For best results we suggest taking Tongkat Ali in cycles, for example a 7 days on 4 days off cycle, or a 10 days on 5 days off cycle, whatever is most convenient for you.

Why you should trust us

At Innerbody Research, we do everything we can to get reliable information about supplements, prescription treatments, and other products and services that you might want to incorporate into your regimen. Our efforts include poring over seemingly countless pages of scientific literature, talking to experts in related fields, and even trying products for ourselves.

In the case of tongkat ali, we reviewed more than 50 scholarly articles pertaining to the substance itself and the ailments it may be able to help treat. We scoured the marketplace to identify which products offered the best extracts for the best prices, and then we ordered and tried them for ourselves. Additionally, like all health-related content on this website, this guide was thoroughly vetted by one or more members of our Medical Review Board for accuracy and will continue to be monitored for updates by our editorial team.

Over the past two decades, Innerbody Research has helped tens of millions of readers make more informed decisions about staying healthy and living healthier lifestyles.

Can tongkat ali increase testosterone levels?

Supplementing with tongkat ali should be able to increase testosterone levels, at least in men whose T levels are low. Doses as low as 200mg daily have shown testosterone benefits in studies.1

Is tongkat ali the same as ginseng?

Tongkat ali is sometimes called Malaysian ginseng, but it’s not actually a part of the ginseng family. The respective effects of tongkat ali and ginseng, while purportedly similar in traditional medicine’s anecdotal reporting, are very different within the scientific literature.

Will tongkat ali show up on a sports doping test?

No. Tongkat ali doesn’t affect any of the parameters that would cause you to fail a sports doping test.8

Innerbody uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Rehman, S. U., Choe, K., & Yoo, H. H. (2016). Review on a traditional herbal medicine, Eurycoma longifolia Jack (Tongkat ali): Its traditional uses, chemistry, evidence-based pharmacology and toxicology. Molecules, 21(3), 331.

Low, B. S., Choi, S. B., Abdul Wahab, H., Das, P. K., & Chan, K. L. (2013). Eurycomanone, the major quassinoid in Eurycoma longifolia root extract increases spermatogenesis by inhibiting the activity of phosphodiesterase and aromatase in steroidogenesis. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 149(1), 201-207.

Turck, D., Bohn, T., Castenmiller, J., Henauw, S. D., Maciuk, A., Mangelsdorf, I., McArdle, H. J., Naska, A., Pelaez, C., Pentieva, K., Siani, A., Thies, F., Tsabouri, S., Vinceti, M., Cubadda, F., Frenzel, T., Heinonen, M., Maradona, M. P., Marchelli, R., . . . Knutsen, H. K. (2021). Safety of Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali) root extract as a novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. EFSA Journal, 19(12).

Chinnappan, S. M., George, A., Pandey, P., Narke, G., & Choudhary, Y. K. (2021). Effect of Eurycoma longifolia standardised aqueous root extract–Physta® on testosterone levels and quality of life in ageing male subjects: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicentre study. Food & Nutrition Research, 65.

Tambi, M. I., Imran, M. K., & Henkel, R. R. (2012). Standardised water-soluble extract of Eurycoma longifolia, Tongkat ali, as testosterone booster for managing men with late-onset hypogonadism?. Andrologia, 44 Suppl 1, 226-230.

George, A., & Henkel, R. (2014). Phytoandrogenic properties of Eurycoma longifolia as natural alternative to testosterone replacement therapy. Andrologia, 46(7), 708-721.

Henkel, R. R., Wang, R., Bassett, S. H., Chen, T., Liu, N., Zhu, Y., & Tambi, M. I. (2014). Tongkat ali as a potential herbal supplement for physically active male and female seniors — a pilot study. Phytotherapy Research : PTR, 28(4), 544-550.

Leisegang, K., Finelli, R., Sikka, S. C., & Panner Selvam, M. K. (2022). Eurycoma longifolia (Jack) improves serum total testosterone in men: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. Medicina, 58(8).

Ismail, S. B., Zahiruddin Wan Mohammad, W. M., George, A., Nik Hussain, N. H., Musthapa Kamal, Z. M., & Liske, E. (2012). Randomized clinical trial on the use of PHYSTA freeze-dried water extract of Eurycoma longifolia for the improvement of quality of life and sexual well-being in men. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine: ECAM.

Wahab, N. A., Mokhtar, N. M., A Halim, N. H., & Das, S. (2010). The effect of Eurycoma longifolia Jack on spermatogenesis in estrogen-treated rats. Clinics, 65(1), 93-98.

Kumar, P., Kumar, N., Thakur, D. S., & Patidar, A. (2010). Male hypogonadism: Symptoms and treatment. Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology & Research, 1(3), 297-301.

Jothi, S., Parumasivam, T., & Mohtar, N. (2023). Eurycoma longifolia: An overview on the pharmacological properties for the treatment of common cancer. Journal of Public Health in Africa, 14(Suppl 1).

Lopresti, A. L., Drummond, P. D., & Smith, S. J. (2019). A Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study examining the hormonal and vitality effects of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in aging, overweight males. American Journal of Men's Health, 13(2).

Lopresti, A. L., Smith, S. J., Malvi, H., & Kodgule, R. (2019). An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Medicine, 98(37).

Kamal, H. I., Patel, K., Brdak, A., Heffernan, J., & Ahmad, N. (2022). Ashwagandha as a unique cause of thyrotoxicosis presenting with supraventricular tachycardia. Cureus, 14(3).

George, A., Suzuki, N., Abas, A. B., Mohri, K., Utsuyama, M., Hirokawa, K., & Takara, T. (2016). Immunomodulation in middle-aged humans via the ingestion of Physta® standardized root water extract of Eurycoma longifolia Jack — a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study. Phytotherapy Research: PTR, 30(4), 627-635.

Ahmad, N., Teh, B. P., Halim, S. Z., Zolkifli, N. A., Ramli, N., & Muhammad, H. (2020). Eurycoma longifolia — infused coffee — an oral toxicity study. Nutrients, 12(10), 3125.

Chinnappan, S. M., George, A., Evans, M., & Anthony, J. (2020). Efficacy of Labisia pumila and Eurycoma longifolia standardised extracts on hot flushes, quality of life, hormone and lipid profile of peri-menopausal and menopausal women: A randomised, placebo-controlled study. Food & Nutrition Research, 64.

Chua, L. S., Lee, S. Y., Abdullah, N., & Sarmidi, M. R. (2012). Review on Labisia pumila (Kacip Fatimah): Bioactive phytochemicals and skin collagen synthesis promoting herb. Fitoterapia, 83(8), 1322-1335.

Guo, R., Wang, Q., Nair, R.P., Barnes, S.L., Smith, D.T., Dai, B., Robinson, T.J., Nair, S. (2018). Furosap, a novel fenugreek seed extract improves lean body mass and serum testosterone in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical investigation. Functional Foods in Health and Disease 2018; 8(11): 519-530.

Verma, N., Gupta, S. K., Tiwari, S., Mishra, A. K., Thakare, V., & Patil, S. (2023). Effect of ashwagandha root extract on serum testosterone and muscle recovery in strength training. International Journal of Medical and Pharmaceutical Research, 4(5), 371-381.

Gonzales, G. F., Córdova, A., Vega, K., Chung, A., Villena, A., Góñez, C., & Castillo, S. (2002). Effect of Lepidium meyenii (MACA) on sexual desire and its absent relationship with serum testosterone levels in adult healthy men. Andrologia, 34(6), 367-372.

Appling, D. R., & Chytil, F. (1981). Evidence of a role for retinoic acid (Vitamin A-acid) in the maintenance of testosterone production in male rats. Endocrinology, 108(6), 2120-2124.

Chin, K. Y., Ima-Nirwana, S., & Wan Ngah, W. Z. (2015). Vitamin D is significantly associated with total testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin in Malaysian men. The Aging Male: The Official Journal of the International Society for the Study of the Aging Male, 18(3), 175-179.

Masterjohn, C. (2007). Vitamin D toxicity redefined: Vitamin K and the molecular mechanism. Medical Hypotheses, 68(5), 1026-1034.

Hunt, C. D., Johnson, P. E., Herbel, J., & Mullen, L. K. (1992). Effects of dietary zinc depletion on seminal volume and zinc loss, serum testosterone concentrations, and sperm morphology in young men. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 56(1), 148-157.

Duncan A, Yacoubian C, Watson N, and Morrison, I. (2015). The risk of copper deficiency in patients prescribed zinc supplements. Journal of Clinical Pathology, 68, 723-725.

Oluboyo, A. O., Adijeh, R. U., Onyenekwe, C. C., Oluboyo, B. O., Mbaeri, T. C., Odiegwu, C. N., Chukwuma, G. O., & Onwuasoanya, U. F. (2012). Relationship between serum levels of testosterone, zinc and selenium in infertile males attending fertility clinic in Nnewi, south east Nigeria. African Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences, 41 Suppl, 51-54.

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Talbott, S. M., Talbott, J. A., George, A., & Pugh, M. (2013). Effect of tongkat ali on stress hormones and psychological mood state in moderately stressed subjects. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 10, 28.

Ang, H. H., & Cheang, H. S. (1999). Studies on the anxiolytic activity of Eurycoma longifolia Jack roots in mice. Japanese Journal of Pharmacology, 79(4), 497-500.

When used as directed, Tongkat Ali is generally safe. However, it's always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or are taking medication.

Innerbody pricing and returns

Innerbody provides a combination of bulk and subscription savings on its supplement, which works out like this:

Shipping is free on all Innerbody orders. The company doesn’t yet ship outside the U.S.

There’s a 30-day money-back guarantee on all purchases, which means you can try the product for up to a month and still get all of your money back if you aren’t satisfied. While many studies say tongkat ali takes up to 12 weeks to yield results, we’ve seen some studies state it bears fruit in as little as 28 days, so the 30-day guarantee is just long enough.

Summary of recommendations

Best Single-Ingredient

With an unparalleled 10% concentration of eurycomanone, this supplement option can deliver a potent dose in smaller capsules.

Nootropics Depot is available directly from the company’s website or from its storefront on Amazon. First-time buyers are better off buying direct from Nootropics Depot because you’ll only get the same low price from Amazon if you’re prepared to subscribe.

A majority of men seek tongkat ali to improve testosterone levels, sexual performance, and stress management. If that’s you, then this is your most powerful option.

This supplement contains relevant doses of several botanical extracts including tongkat ali, KSM-66 ashwagandha, fenugreek, and maca. It also has vitamins and minerals that many studies connect to healthy testosterone levels (including zinc and vitamin D).