Effects of a Proprietary Freeze-Dried Water Extract of Eurycoma longifolia (Physta) and Polygonum minus on Sexual Performance and Well-Being in Men: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
Henkel RR, Wang R, Bassett SH, Chen T, Liu N, Zhu Y, Tambi MI
Published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Abstract
Randomized trial demonstrating 300mg tongkat ali daily for 12 weeks significantly improved erectile function, sexual libido, and semen quality parameters (sperm concentration, motility, volume) in men with late-onset hypogonadism.
Methodology
12-week randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial in men aged 40-65, comparing 300 mg of the proprietary Physta freeze-dried Eurycoma longifolia water extract plus Polygonum minus against placebo, using validated questionnaires for erectile function, satisfaction, intercourse performance, erection hardness, mood and quality of life, with liver and kidney safety testing.
Key Findings
Men aged 40-65 took 300 mg of a proprietary freeze-dried Eurycoma longifolia (tongkat ali) water extract combined with Polygonum minus, or placebo, for 12 weeks. Only 12 men in the active group and 14 on placebo completed the study. Significant improvements favoured the supplement on the Sexual Intercourse Attempt diary, Erection Hardness Scale, Sexual Health Inventory for Men and Aging Male Symptom scale (all p < 0.05). Three adverse events occurred in the active group and four on placebo, none attributed to the product, and liver and kidney testing showed no clinically significant abnormality.
Conclusions
Twelve weeks of the proprietary Eurycoma longifolia extract with Polygonum minus was well tolerated and more effective than placebo for sexual performance measures in healthy men aged 40-65.
Limitations
Only 26 men completed the trial, far too few to be reliable, and all outcomes were self-reported questionnaires; the extract is proprietary and three authors are employees of the manufacturer, Biotropics Malaysia Berhad, with the trial run by a contract research firm.
Outcomes Measured
Randomized trial demonstrating 300mg tongkat ali daily for 12 weeks significantly improved erectile function, sexual libido, and semen quality parameters in men with late-onset hypogonadism.
Study Details
Access Study
Disclosures
Funding
Conducted with authors employed by Biotropics Malaysia Berhad, the manufacturer of the Physta extract, and Medicus Research LLC, a contract research organisation.
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.