Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) is a shrub native to Malaysia, Indonesia and neighboring parts of Southeast Asia. Its root has been used in traditional practice for generations to support male vitality. Modern clinical trials have studied it for testosterone, stress, strength and sexual well-being in men. The research is promising but still developing, and results vary with the extract, the dose and the man taking it.
Key Takeaways
- Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) is a Southeast Asian botanical with a long traditional history and a growing body of clinical research on male health.
- A 2022 meta-analysis of clinical trials found that it improved total testosterone in men, with the clearest effects in men who started with low levels [1].
- Trials have also studied it for stress and mood, strength in older adults, and sexual well-being, with positive but early results.
- Ingredient research describes Tongkat Ali itself, not any finished product, and individual results vary.
- Buy from brands that name the extract and disclose the dose; tainted “sexual enhancement” supplements are a real risk.
What Is Tongkat Ali and Where Does It Come From?
Tongkat Ali is the common name for Eurycoma longifolia, a slender tree native to Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and neighboring parts of Southeast Asia. The root of the plant has been used in traditional wellness practices across the region for generations, typically in preparations intended to support male vitality, energy and general well-being.
The root contains a group of bioactive compounds, including quassinoids such as eurycomanone, that have drawn the attention of researchers. Modern research has moved beyond the traditional context to examine these compounds in controlled clinical trials. Andro400’s products use extracts of the root (radix) only.
What Are the Benefits of Tongkat Ali for Men?
The evidence is not equally strong in every area. Here is what clinical trials have found so far.
Testosterone
A 2022 review and meta-analysis of clinical trials found that Tongkat Ali improved total testosterone in men, with the clearest effects in men who started with low levels [1]. In one study of 76 men with age-related low testosterone, 200 mg a day for a month raised levels into the normal range for most participants [2].
Stress and Mood
In a four-week trial of moderately stressed adults taking 200 mg a day, tension, anger and confusion scores improved compared with placebo, and in the Tongkat Ali group cortisol fell 16% and testosterone rose 37% [3]. Cortisol has important jobs in the body, so the goal is a balanced stress response, not eliminating cortisol.
Strength in Older Adults
In a five-week pilot study of active adults aged 57 to 72, 400 mg a day raised total and free testosterone in the men and improved muscle strength [4].
Sexual Well-Being
In a 12-week trial of 109 men aged 30 to 55, 300 mg a day improved scores for erectile function and libido compared with placebo [5].
These studies used specific extracts and doses, often in small groups, so they describe the ingredient rather than any finished product.
Free Testosterone vs. Total Testosterone: Why the Distinction Matters
Total testosterone is all the testosterone in circulation, including the portion bound to proteins and unavailable for immediate use. Free testosterone is the unbound fraction that tissues can use directly.
As men age, shifts in protein binding can lower the proportion of free testosterone even when total levels stay in a broadly normal range. That is why researchers studying Tongkat Ali look at free testosterone and binding proteins such as sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), not just total testosterone. One proposed mechanism is that Tongkat Ali’s compounds affect SHBG, but this is not yet settled.
Is Tongkat Ali Safe?
In the clinical trials above, standardized water-based root extracts were generally well tolerated [1, 4]. If you take medication or have a health condition, talk with your doctor before starting.
Rare cases of liver injury have been reported in people taking Tongkat Ali, mostly bodybuilders [7, 8]. Stop taking it and see a doctor if you notice yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine or unusual tiredness.
The bigger risk is fake or tainted products. The FDA has warned about “sexual enhancement” supplements secretly spiked with prescription drugs such as sildenafil and tadalafil, which can interact dangerously with heart medications [6]. Buy from brands that name the extract, disclose the dose and offer a clear return policy.
How Andro400 Uses Tongkat Ali
Andro400 and Andro400 Max are built around a 100:1 Tongkat Ali root extract. UltraMax T uses a more concentrated 200:1 root extract with D-aspartic acid, acetyl-L-carnitine, ForsLean® and Garcinia cambogia. All come with a 90-day money-back guarantee.
For how to judge any testosterone supplement before you buy, see what men over 40 should look for in a testosterone booster, our guide to natural testosterone boosters, and what to expect from UltraMax T at 30, 60 and 90 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tongkat Ali?
Tongkat Ali is the common name for Eurycoma longifolia, a plant native to Southeast Asia. Its root has been used traditionally for male vitality, and modern trials have studied it for testosterone, stress, strength and sexual well-being. It is the primary ingredient in Andro400.
Does Tongkat Ali support testosterone?
A 2022 meta-analysis of clinical trials found that it improved total testosterone in men, especially men who started with low levels [1]. Results vary by extract, dose and the man taking it, and no outcome is guaranteed.
What does research say about Tongkat Ali and stress?
In one four-week trial of moderately stressed adults, Tongkat Ali improved mood scores and lowered cortisol compared with placebo [3]. The evidence is encouraging but comes from a small number of studies.
Is Tongkat Ali safe to take daily?
Standardized root extracts were generally well tolerated in clinical trials [1, 4]. Men with health conditions or who take regular medication should speak with their doctor before starting.
How is Tongkat Ali used in Andro400?
Andro400 and Andro400 Max use a 100:1 Tongkat Ali root extract as their core ingredient; UltraMax T uses a 200:1 root extract. Ingredient research explains why the formulas are built this way, but it does not guarantee a specific result for every man.
About the ANDRO400 Editorial Team
The ANDRO400 Editorial Team develops educational content focused on men’s health, healthy aging, natural testosterone support, energy, strength, and body composition. Our content draws on published research and established health information to provide clear, practical resources that help men better understand the changes that can occur with age and make more informed decisions about their health.
References
- Leisegang K, Finelli R, Sikka SC, Panner Selvam MK. Eurycoma longifolia (Jack) Improves Serum Total Testosterone in Men: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials. Medicina. 2022;58(8):1047. doi:10.3390/medicina58081047
- Tambi MI, Imran MK, Henkel RR. Standardised water-soluble extract of Eurycoma longifolia, Tongkat ali, as testosterone booster for managing men with late-onset hypogonadism? Andrologia. 2012;44 Suppl 1:226–230. doi:10.1111/j.1439-0272.2011.01168.x
- Talbott SM, Talbott JA, George A, Pugh M. Effect of Tongkat Ali on stress hormones and psychological mood state in moderately stressed subjects. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2013;10:28. doi:10.1186/1550-2783-10-28
- Henkel RR, Wang R, Bassett SH, et al. Tongkat Ali as a potential herbal supplement for physically active male and female seniors: a pilot study. Phytotherapy Research. 2014;28(4):544–550. doi:10.1002/ptr.5017
- Ismail SB, Wan Mohammad WMZ, George A, et al. Randomized clinical trial on the use of PHYSTA freeze-dried water extract of Eurycoma longifolia for the improvement of quality of life and sexual well-being in men. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2012;2012:429268. doi:10.1155/2012/429268
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Tainted Sexual Enhancement Products. fda.gov/drugs/medication-health-fraud/tainted-sexual-enhancement-products
- Tongkat Ali. LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; updated October 18, 2024. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK609015/
- Kaliounji A, Shadid G, Saba H, Ahlawat S. A rare case of Tongkat Ali-induced liver injury: a case report. Cureus. 2024;16(3):e56639. doi:10.7759/cureus.56639