Tongkat Ali – The National Treasure of Malaysia

Tongkat Ali (scientific name: Eurycoma Longifolia Jack) is the root of a shrub that grows exclusively in the tropical rainforests of Malaysia. Despite its slender appearance, Tongkat Ali is often called the "Earth's Foundation" due to its sturdy and extensive root system, which penetrates deep into the earth like powerful tendrils. In Malay, "Tongkat Ali" translates to "Ali’s Walking Stick," a term that subtly hints at its effects on male sexual health, earning it the nickname "Asian Viagra."

In Southeast Asia, Tongkat Ali is a versatile herb widely used for its medicinal properties. The root, which is yellowish-white and intensely bitter, is known for treating various ailments and enhancing sexual desire and function. It is reputed to restore health, and its natural extracts are sometimes referred to as a "natural aphrodisiac" or "natural Viagra."

Clinically Proven Benefits of Tongkat Ali

Apart from Yohimbe from Africa, Tongkat Ali is the only herb scientifically proven to have aphrodisiac effects. Clinical trials at Malaysian universities have demonstrated multiple benefits of its extract, including increased stamina, reduced fatigue, anti-malarial effects, antibacterial properties, anti-ulcer effects, treatment of chronic fevers, and fever reduction. It also shows potential in improving conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, skin disorders, and wound healing. Additionally, Tongkat Ali is rich in fiber, making it beneficial for heart disease prevention according to herbal medicine.

Studies from Malaysian universities confirm that Tongkat Ali enhances male libido, with tests showing a significant increase in testosterone levels by up to 480%. Clinical trials have indicated that animals consuming Tongkat Ali showed an increase in sexual activity within just one week of treatment. Due to its wide range of uses, Tongkat Ali is often compared to ginseng, though its ability to raise testosterone levels far surpasses that of ginseng, which cannot achieve similar effects.

Dr. Mohamad Ismail, Director General of Malaysia's National Population and Family Development Board, describes that while Viagra only addresses male sexual issues, Tongkat Ali, often referred to as "Malaysian Ginseng," offers a broader range of health benefits for both men and women. With regular use, it can enhance fatigue relief, vitality, physical strength, health maintenance, blood circulation, and recovery.

Key Benefits of Tongkat Ali

1. Increases Testosterone Production: Testosterone plays a crucial role in enhancing and maintaining male libido. Studies have shown that Tongkat Ali extract can increase sperm production by up to 4.4 times.
2. Rich in Antioxidants: Research by the Malaysian Forest Research Institute and the Faculty of Biosciences at the National University of Malaysia found that Tongkat Ali is rich in superoxide dismutase (SOD), an antioxidant enzyme. This study also showed that Tongkat Ali could inhibit the harmful chain reactions caused by free radicals.
3. Enhances the Immune System and Inhibits Cancer Cells: American and Japanese researchers have proven that Tongkat Ali contains quassinoids and alkaloids, which can effectively inhibit cancer cells, particularly breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and leukemia cells.
4. Anti-Malarial Effects: Biological research reports from the 1980s show that Tongkat Ali contains two chemicals that can eliminate malaria parasites.
5. Fever Reduction: A 1995 study showed that Tongkat Ali extract contains quassinoids, which have fever-reducing properties. The study also demonstrated that the effect of quassinoids is twice as strong as aspirin.
6. Boosts Energy, Endurance, and Physical Performance: Tongkat Ali drinks can elevate testosterone levels in the body, which helps accelerate muscle growth, increase red blood cell formation, and speed up recovery from illness or injury.
7. Aphrodisiac Effects: Since 1994, various authoritative institutions have conducted tests proving Tongkat Ali’s aphrodisiac properties. Scientists from Malaysian universities have confirmed the following effects of Tongkat Ali extract:
   • Tests on animals show a significant change in male-to-female ratios after consuming Tongkat Ali, with a ratio of 3:1 compared to 1:1 in those not consuming the herb.
   • The extract also increases sperm concentration and motility, along with testosterone quality and quantity.

The effects of Tongkat Ali take time to fully manifest. For optimal results, it is recommended to use it continuously for a week. As testosterone levels increase, overall health and vitality improve. However, the effectiveness of its aphrodisiac properties may vary depending on individual lifestyle, physical, and psychological conditions.

Tests show that the dosage of Tongkat Ali depends on the desired results. For fatigue and general health issues, boiling 25 grams of root slices (equivalent to 500 milligrams of a 1:50 extract) into a drink is effective. To enhance libido and sexual function, the dosage should be doubled or tripled. For bodybuilders seeking sustained high testosterone levels, a higher dosage is recommended (4 grams of 1:50 Tongkat Ali extract daily, or 200 grams of root slices brewed into tea).

A Legally Protected Plant

Tongkat Ali contains various alkaloids and is traditionally used by indigenous peoples and local Malaysians to treat malaria, allergies, fever, ulcers, and as an aphrodisiac. In Indonesia, the plant is known as "Pasak Bumi," and its root is used to treat dysentery and malaria. In Vietnam, it is called "Cay Ba Binh," and it is used to treat hundreds of diseases. The indigenous people and locals in Malaysia commonly add Tongkat Ali shavings or powder to their coffee or tea. It benefits both men and women without side effects.

Due to its remarkable and diverse effects, Tongkat Ali is popular among tourists from Japan, the United States, and other countries. However, the discovery of its aphrodisiac properties led to uncontrolled harvesting, particularly in recent years, increasing by tenfold and resulting in the extinction of Tongkat Ali in the forests of Kedah and Langkawi. To address this situation, the Malaysian Forest Research Institute encourages private companies to cultivate Tongkat Ali. Due to its scarcity, Tongkat Ali is now a legally protected plant in Malaysia.