Tongkat Ali Raw Powder-Siddha Powder

Tongkat ali is a traditional remedy for male sexual performance. It is typically safe for use but may cause side effects in people with certain cancers, heart disease, and those taking blood glucose medications.

Health Benefits

Tongkat ali is one of the most popular herbal remedies in traditional folk medicine because of its purported benefits for sexual health.2 It’s touted as a remedy for erectile dysfunction (ED), low sex drive, and male infertility. The herbal supplement is also said to improve physical fitness, boost mood, and promote bone health.

Erectile Dysfunction and Libido

Tongkat ali is one of the primary ingredients in many herbal supplements for erectile dysfunction.3 Early research shows that the traditional remedy might help.

A 2021 double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial published in Maturitas found improvements in erectile function in older men with erectile dysfunction and low testosterone when they combined regular workouts (60 minutes of progressive training three days a week) with a tongkat ali (Eurycoma longifolia) supplement.4 These men also had an increase in testosterone levels.

A 2014 study found similar results in a group of men taking a supplement containing a proprietary freeze-dried water extract of Eurycoma longifolia and Polygonum minus (an antioxidant).5 In this study, the healthy men taking the supplement reported enhanced sexual performance and erectile function.

Though promising, more clinical evidence is needed to better understand the potential benefits and how it may be used.6

Male Infertility

Male infertility is common and many may turn to dietary supplements for help. Tongkat ali may benefit male sexual health, including infertility, because of its affects on testosterone levels. 

A 2017 systematic review on clinical studies published in the Chinese Journal of Natural Medicine looked at 11 studies evaluating the effectiveness of tongkat ali on sexual health in men, including how it affected male infertility.7 The authors of this review found evidence that the herbal remedy may male infertility by increasing semen volume and enhancing sperm health. 

Physical Fitness

Tongkat ali is also marketed to athletes as an ergogenic supplement that increases muscle mass and strength, and improves endurance due to its testosterone boosting effects.2 The evidence to support these claims is mixed.

A 2021 randomized controlled trial published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice found that Eurycoma longifolia supplementation improved muscle strength and cardiorespiratory fitness in a group of men with low testosterone.8

However, a 2021 longitudinal study published in Clinical Interventions in Aging concluded that dietary supplements like tongkat ali, aren't associated with improvements in physical fitness.9

Reduce Stress and Boost Mood

Some people supplement with tongkat ali to reduce stress and boost mood. In a 2013 study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Medicine, researchers found that supplementing with a tongkat ali root extract restored stress hormone balance and improved mood in a small group of people (63 participants).10

Bone Health

Tongkat ali is also used to improve bone health and protect against osteoporosis, a condition that makes bones more vulnerable to fractures. Though there is some evidence that this herbal supplement may protect bone health in men by increasing testosterone levels, more clinical trials are needed before recommendations are made.2