Tongkat Ali for Low Testosterone (Male Hypogonadism)

Tongkat ali may raise testosterone in men with low baseline levels or high stress, but trials are small and often industry-linked.

Overview

Tongkat ali may raise testosterone in men with low baseline levels or high stress, but trials are small and often industry-linked.

Verdict

Mixed evidence

How It Works

Eurycomanone appears to inhibit aromatase and phosphodiesterase and to reduce cortisol, shifting the cortisol-to-testosterone ratio and increasing free testosterone.

Dosing & Protocol

Typical dose

Recommended dose: 200-400mg standardized extract daily
Expected timeframe: 8-12 weeks

Protocol

form: Standardised water-extracted root - the trials used specific standardised extracts, and adulteration and heavy-metal contamination are documented in this category
duration: 12 weeks, with morning total and free testosterone at baseline and end
co factor: Take with breakfast, consistently. Evidence is mixed: trials in men with late-onset hypogonadism and in stressed adults report increased testosterone and improved symptom scores at 200 mg/day, but several trials in eugonadal and athletic men found no change, so the effect appears limited to those with low or stress-suppressed baseline levels.
titration: 200-400 mg/day is the studied range; there is no support for higher
starting dose: 200 mg/day of a water-based Eurycoma longifolia root extract (typically standardised to eurycomanone), taken in the morning with food

Evidence

What the studies say

Trials in hypogonadal and stressed men report increased total and free testosterone with 200-400 mg/day of standardised extract over four weeks. Studies in eugonadal athletes show little or no change, and independent replication is limited.

Eurycoma longifolia (Jack) Improves Serum Total Testosterone in Men: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials

Score: 6/10

2022

meta_analysis

Leitao AE, Vieira MCS, Pelegrini A

Eurycoma longifolia supplementation significantly increased serum total testosterone, particularly in men with baseline deficiency

View source

Standardised water-soluble extract of Eurycoma longifolia, Tongkat ali, as testosterone booster for managing men with late-onset hypogonadism?

Score: 4/10

2012

observational

n=76

Tambi MI, Imran MK, Henkel RR

Ageing Male Symptom scores improved and serum testosterone normalised in most participants

View source

Safety

Caveats

Confirm low testosterone with two morning blood tests before treating - symptoms are unreliable, and secondary hypogonadism from pituitary disease needs investigation rather than a supplement. Safety ceiling: above 400 mg/day is unstudied, and mercury contamination has been found in some products, so use third-party tested brands. Tongkat ali can cause insomnia, restlessness and irritability, and may raise blood pressure. Avoid in hormone-sensitive cancers including prostate cancer, in men on androgen deprivation therapy, and with immunosuppressants. Contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Athletes should note supplement contamination risk.

Less likely to help if

Men with normal baseline testosterone, and those with primary hypogonadism needing replacement therapy.

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any supplement regimen.

Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.