botanical Botanicals Oral

Tongkat Ali

A traditional botanical from Southeast Asia, commonly used to support energy, libido, and male hormonal health.

Sci.Eurycoma longifolia Longjack Pasak Bumi Malaysian Ginseng
3 forms
Oral

About Tongkat Ali

Tongkat Ali refers to a group of plants from the genus Eurycoma, primarily Eurycoma longifolia, native to Southeast Asia. Traditionally used as an adaptogen and aphrodisiac, it is commonly consumed as an aqueous extract. Modern research focuses on its potential effects on testosterone levels, sexual function, stress reduction, and athletic performance, though evidence quality varies and more robust clinical trials are needed.

Official resources

Fact sheets from the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements related to this ingredient group.

At a glance

Approval status

supplement

Compare All Forms

3 forms

Compare supplement forms of Tongkat Ali by absorption quality and what your body actually gets from each:

High Moderate Low
Form Absorption Steps to absorb Notes Action
Aqueous extract
  • Label category: natural
 — — — View →
Standardized Aqueous Root Extract

Standardized water-based extract of plant roots.

  • Label category: natural
 — — — View →
Tongkat Ali Powder (Root)

Traditional adaptogen used for energy, vitality, and male he...

  • CAS: 84929-43-1
  • Label category: natural
 — — — View →

Also appears on labels as

Additional names seen on supplement labels for forms of this ingredient (beyond the main aliases above).

Aqueous root extract, Eurycoma longifolia root extract, Standardized root water extract, Water-based root extract

Type: Botanicals

Category for Botanicals ingredients

Watch out for

Possible interactions or cautions — talk to a healthcare provider if unsure.

  • Potential interaction with medications metabolized by CYP450 enzymes
  • Theoretical interaction with hormone therapies or medications affecting testosterone

Potential Benefits

Benefits associated with Tongkat Ali forms:

Adaptogenic properties Aphrodisiac effects Stress Reduction Testosterone Support Libido Enhancement Libido and Sexual Function Support

And 6 more benefits...

Potential Side Effects

Side effects associated with Tongkat Ali forms:

Gastrointestinal Discomfort How serious: low Restlessness How serious: Mild Increased Body Temperature How serious: Mild Digestive Discomfort How serious: low Insomnia and Restlessness How serious: low Hormonal Imbalance How serious: medium

And 2 more side effects...

What does the research say?

Aqueous extracts have been studied for their potential health benefits, including adaptogenic properties, aphrodisiac effects, and impacts on stress hormones and mood. Various clinical trials and reviews have highlighted these effects.