Tongkat ali or eurycoma longifolia jack is a tree native to South East Asian jungles and particularly in Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. It is also known as the Malaysian ginseng. The root of eurycoma longifolia is known as a natural aphrodisiac. It is used as a remedy to treat male infertility and erective dysfunction and to enhance sexual performance and increase stamina.
Several research were carried out in Malaysia and are still ongoing including in Thailand and Indonesia to record the behavior and determine the aphrodisiac property and effects of eurycoma on treated male rats. Controlled studies were also done on male partners of sub-fertile couples to analyze sperm count and quality. The results of the research and studies showed increased in testosterone levels and improvement in semen volumes and sperm concentrations.
But there are more benefits of eurycoma longifolia than just for male virility. For centuries dating back to the 1700s, the root, bark and even leaves of eurycoma longifolia were used to treat various diseases and conditions. In Indonesia, eurycoma longifolia jack is called pasak bumi and has been used in the treatment of dysentery, fever, intestinal worms, malaria and mouth ulcers. A study done in Thailand in 2008 found that tongkat ali extract was able to fight against plasmodium falciparum which is a parasite that causes malaria and it confirmed the medicinal value of eurycoma.
A cytotoxic compound called eurycomanone is present in eurycoma longifolia jack. Studies found that this compound is toxic to cancer cells and able to kill them without damaging healthy cells. Further research and studies are being done to determine if eurycomanone would be effective as an anti cancer remedy.
Another benefit of eurycoma root is its ability to overcome fatigue, increase athletic performance, endurance and increase muscle strength and size. The root extract is one of the ingredients used in some body building supplements because it is known as a testosterone booster and produces an ergogenic effect.
South East Asians have also used eurycoma longifolia as a home remedy for bleeding gums, cough, headache and stomach problems such as diarrhea.
Eurycoma longifolia jack extract is available in capsules, tablets, liquid extract, powdered and dried chipped roots. It is also sold as tongkat ali coffee but the strength and concentration isn't sufficient to produce the desired effect. When the extract strength is higher, it produces a more potent effect.
To get the benefits of eurycoma longifolia jack and for best results, it is better to opt for the dried root or in the powdered form. If you wish to take the liquid extract, tablets or capsules, choose one with at least 1:50 strength. Eurycoma longifolia jack strength of 1:200 is better and more potent. What the ratio means is 50 grams or 200 grams of aged tongkat ali roots were used to produce 1 gram of extract.