Tongkat Ali

Tongkat Ali is an herb extracted from a shrub that grows in Malaysia and other parts of Asia. It is traditionally used to treat malaria, high blood pressure, fevers, fatigue, and loss of sexual desire. In order to support the growing enthusiasm for the herb around the world, Malaysia is providing economic support for the development of plantations. While its exact mechanism of action is still a bit mysterious to Western scientists, Asian physicians are studying Tongkat Ali very closely.

Some scientists believe that Tongkat Ali stimulates the production of endogenous testosterone and reduces the levels of bound and inactive testosterone in the body. This may result in a boost in sexual function and endurance in men, and increase sensitivity in the female erogenous zones. Like Tribulus, another testosterone-freeing herb, Tongkat Ali may also impart increased feelings of well being, improved joint health, greater recovery from, improved mental focus, and reductions in body fat. It is also a potent source of antioxidants, which strengthen the immune system and have anti-cancer properties.

Tongkat Ali extract may also increase the production of ATP, or adenosine triphosphate, the basic unit of energy in the body. Because of this new theory, a growing number of Asian athletes and body builders now use the herb to increase muscle mass and enhance sports performance.

There is no doubt that gently increasing the body’s testosterone levels may yield considerable benefits, particularly as we get older. As testosterone decreases in middle age, muscle tone, energy and sex drive all begin to decline. That said, there have been a few studies on Tongkat Ali’s effectiveness as a fat-burner and libido booster, but unfortunately these yielded disappointing results. For those who are still interested in taking Tongkat Ali, it is generally considered safe, but some experts caution that it should not be taken for more than a month continuously.

• Fairly inexpensive
• Due to its growing popularity, it is increasingly easier to find

• Some physicians believe that it is not appropriate for long-term use
• Information on its effectiveness is limited
• Their customers do not like them at all and have negative things to say about their experiences. Click here to read a popular Tongkat Ali Blog.

In spite of the considerable enthusiasm for Tongkat Ali in Asia, to date no comprehensive study on the herb has been published in a peer-reviewed journal. This does not mean that there is no evidence of its effectiveness, but rather it has yet to be officially published through usual Western channels. Fortunately, there are a number of other high-quality herbal supplements that have excellent track records for producing similar results.

Those interested in trying Tongkat Ali may want to wait until more detailed reports are available, and in the meantime investigate Tribulus Terrestris, another herb that has been shown reliably increase testosterone levels.