The effect of Tongkat Ali on stress hormones and psychological mood state in moderately stressed subjects

Talbott SM, Talbott JA, George A, Pugh M

Published in Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition

Abstract

Double-blind placebo-controlled trial showing 200mg tongkat ali daily reduced cortisol (-16%), improved stress hormone profile, and significantly improved mood states (reduced tension, anger, confusion) in stressed adults.

Methodology

Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in moderately stressed adults; standardised water-soluble Eurycoma longifolia (tongkat ali) root extract 200 mg daily versus placebo for four weeks, with salivary cortisol, testosterone and Profile of Mood States assessment.

Key Findings

Tongkat ali reduced salivary cortisol by roughly 16% and raised salivary testosterone by about 37% versus placebo, alongside improvements in self-reported tension, anger and confusion. No serious adverse events were reported over four weeks.

Conclusions

A standardised tongkat ali extract produced modest improvements in stress hormone profile and mood in moderately stressed adults, though the trial is small, short and requires independent replication.

Limitations

Small sample of 63 participants, only four weeks of follow-up, salivary hormone surrogates and self-reported mood scales, and manufacturer involvement in a trial of a proprietary extract.

Supplements Studied

Tongkat Ali

Herb

Supplementation reduced salivary cortisol and improved tension, anger and confusion in moderately stressed adults

Outcomes Measured

Stress Resilience

Primary

Double-blind trial showing 200mg tongkat ali daily reduced cortisol (-16%), improved stress hormone profile, and significantly improved mood states in stressed adults.

Stress Hormone Regulation

Tongkat Ali supplementation reduced salivary cortisol in moderately stressed adults