Written by on January 7, 2010

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Like all alternative medicines and therapies, there are various factual and untrue statements about the validity of this increasingly popular herbal remedy.  Generally, herbal medicines are all-natural products that are non-habit forming and produce minimal side effects.

Tongkat Ali is no exception.

One claim indicates that Tongkat Ali root powder is effective for improving overall health, increasing libido and enhancing sexual performance. That the root powder works just as well as the root extract.

This is quite simply untrue. From the researchers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT):

“The yield of the bioactive constituents is extremely low at less than 0.005%. Hence, they are not easily available for further studies and for commercial preparations. The plant also requires a longer time to produce the secondary bio-active metabolites and their biological activities may be derived from more than one of the constituents.”

Also all anecdotal evidences and experiences from users suggest that the root extract is much more effective than root power.

Another often misunderstood idea maintains that powder can be supplemented by other herbs.  While products containing a mix of and other herbs can indeed be more potent, many supplement manufacturers abuse this and put too little into their formulation.

For Tongkat Ali extract to work effectively, I recommend at least 300 mg of the extract.

There are various extract strengths available in the market. Typically its 1:50, 1:100 and 1:200 with 1:200 extract strength being the most potent and also the more expensive one.

The actual mechanism in which the Tongkat Ali extract works in our body has not been identified and documented. Various studies, reports and reviews suggest that the active ingredients within extract increases the amount of free testosterone in our body.

In a test result released in May 2005 by by ZRT Laboratory, the lab reported the testosterone level of a 72-year old male who’s increased by 224 percent.

Also the British Journal of Sports Medicine reported on clinical trials conducted on Tongkat Ali extract and the editor concluded:

“The results suggest that water soluble extract of Eurycoma longifolia Jack increased fat free mass, reduced body fat, and increased muscle strength and size, and thus may have an ergogenic effect.”

(Eurycoma longifolia Jack is the scientific name for Tongkat Ali)

The effects reported by users of Tongkat Ali extract includes increase in sex drive and libido, harder and longer-lasting erection, muscle gain, weight loss, along with an overall increase in energy and feeling more ‘positive about life’. Other effects also include aggression.

All these effects points to an increase in overall and possibly free testosterone level.

Irregardless of the actual mechanism though, Tongkat Ali extract at appropriate extract strength and dosage does indeed live up to its reputation as a powerful aphrodisiac.

As a user, our primary concern is Tongkat Ali’s safety over a long period of use. LD50 tests done demonstrate that the extract is non-toxic in nature and extremely safe for long-term consumption.

To round up my summation, I like to give you a final thought that will save you some money.  Forget about Tongkat Ali coffee. It’s a complete waste of money and chances are, you’ll be disappointed that it does nothing for you except to give a little caffeine boost.

Tongkat Ali extract is way too bitter in taste to be mixed into any food and still be edible. These products are nothing but marketing gimmicks designed to ride on the increasing popularity of this herb.

Don’t believe me? When you get hold of some Tongkat Ali extract capsules, break it open and taste it for yourself. Just be sure to have a big glass of water ready.