Eurycoma Longjack is a root that promotes male vitality. It has a beneficial effect on libido, fertility and vigor levels. It is one of those gifts of nature that, although originating in a distant tradition, still serve human health today.

• Eurycoma Longjack - what is it?
• Health properties of Eurycoma Longjack
• Strengthening and adaptogenic effects
• Eurycoma Longifolia dosage

Eurycoma Longjack - what is it?

Longjack is the colloquial term for the Eurycoma longifolia plant, also known as Malaysian ginseng. The name Tongkat Ali is also in circulation. In Asian folklore medicine, Longjack was used mainly as an aphrodisiac and an herb for malaria, but it also had many more uses. The most useful raw material is its root, which is still a popular supplement for health today, but all parts of the plant, including the leaves and fruit, were used to a greater or lesser extent, each with different uses.

It is a naturally occurring plant in areas of Southeast Asia: in Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos and Thailand. It has the form of a tall, slender, shrubby tree that grows on sandy soil. It belongs to the diarrhea family. Its branches can grow up to 1 meter long, and are covered with numerous, opposite leaves.

Longjack roots are a wealth of active substances. The most important group are quassinoids, including various types of eurycomanones (pasacbumin-A), eurycomanols, pasacbumin-B, eurycomalactones and others. In addition to these, β-carboline alkaloids, cantin-6-one alkaloids and squalene derivatives are also significant.

Health properties of Eurycoma Longjack

Reports from folk medicine show a history of use of Eurycoma Longjack root for sexual dysfunction, aging, malaria, cancer, diabetes, anxiety, pain, constipation, fever, leukemia, osteoporosis, stress, syphilis and swollen glands, and for recovery from physical exertion, increased energy and enhanced physical strength.

Today, the use of Longjack is not as widespread, but it is still very helpful in several things. Tongkat Ali is a typically male adaptogen, or at least that's its reputation.

Effects on sex life

Improving sexual desire is just one of the properties of Eurycoma Longjack, but is probably the most common reason for including this plant in supplementation. Longjack is considered one of the best natural aphrodisiacs.

As a result of supplementation, an increase is noticed not only in drive, but also in potency. Tongkat Ali supplementation can strengthen erections when there are problems with them, as confirmed by modern human studies.

The results of studies on the effects of Longjack on male fertility are interesting. Effects on improving various fertility-related parameters were first noted in preclinical studies on rats, and then in clinical studies on humans. The improvements mainly included higher semen volume and an increase in sperm count and motility. The improvement in spermatogenesis is due to effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal signaling axis, which controls testosterone and sperm production in testicular cells.

Studies also show benefits in the area of hormone metabolism. Observations included inhibition of the conversion of testosterone to estradiol and increased steroidogenesis in testicular cells.

Strengthening and adaptogenic effects

One of the most commonly reported effects of supplementation is an increase in overall vitality and vigor in life. Longjack root does not have a typically stimulating effect and does not have an ad hoc effect, but with regular supplementation it can reduce feelings of fatigue and add some motivation.

It is considered an adaptogen, although it is not one of the main representatives of this group. Most likely, it is through hormonal optimization that it makes men feel younger and stronger, and easier to adapt to prevailing conditions.

Several studies have noted a beneficial effect on the profile of the hormonal response to stress, emotional state and anxiety levels. This was observed in experiments on mice, but also in a study on humans who experienced moderate stress. Improvement was seen after 4 weeks of supplementation.

Some reports have indicated the benefits of Longjack in osteoporosis, especially that associated with androgen deficiency. This is another indication of a strengthening effect on the body by regulating male hormones.

Eurycoma Longifolia dosage

In dietary supplements, the most common are DER 200:1 root extracts. Sometimes there are also extracts standardized to 1% or 2% eurycomanones. Each of these types has a reputation for being effective.

Using the 200:1 extract as an example, it is usually used at a dose of 300 mg once or twice a day. However, it is worth bearing in mind that the use of twice a day has a larger number of supporters, as according to reports it gives faster and more pronounced effects. The supplement should be used daily for several weeks to feel the full spectrum of effects.

Sources:

• Rehman SU, Choe K, Yoo HH. Review on a Traditional Herbal Medicine, Eurycoma longifolia Jack (Tongkat Ali): Its Traditional Uses, Chemistry, Evidence-Based Pharmacology and Toxicology. Molecules. 2016 Mar 10;21(3):331. doi: 10.3390/molecules21030331. PMID: 26978330; PMCID: PMC6274257.