howtosupplement
Hormonal/Mood/Performance

Tongkat Ali

Southeast Asian root extract that may raise testosterone and lower stress in men with low-normal levels or stress-related sexual symptoms.

Tongkat Ali

Tongkat Ali

52
score
C
evidence
Caution
risk
Use with caution

This supplement may interact with medications, medical conditions or sensitive populations. Review safety before use.

Quick Take

Best for stressed men with low libido or low-normal testosterone; expect modest effects, not TRT-level changes.

Tongkat ali is a root extract from Eurycoma longifolia, a Southeast Asian medicinal shrub; there is no meaningful food source. Its quassinoids, especially eurycomanone, may support testicular steroidogenesis, reduce SHBG-bound testosterone, and blunt stress-related cortisol output. Human studies suggest modest benefits for testosterone in men with low baseline levels, stress/mood, and sexual function, with weaker evidence for semen quality, fatigue, and body composition. It fits best middle-aged men with low libido, high stress, or low-normal testosterone symptoms.

Proven Benefits

01
Improves testosterone in low-T men
02
Reduces stress and cortisol
03
May improve sexual function
04
May support semen quality
05
May reduce fatigue
06
May support lean mass

Protocol

Amount
200-400 mg
Frequency
Once daily
When
Morning or early afternoon with food; avoid late evening if it makes you restless.

Onset Time

2-4 weeks for stress/libido; 6-12 weeks for hormone changes.

Who Should Consider

Men with low-normal testosterone symptoms
Middle-aged men with reduced libido
Adults under chronic psychological stress
Men with fatigue plus sexual symptoms

How It Works

Tongkat ali contains quassinoids such as eurycomanone that may support Leydig-cell testosterone production and shift more testosterone into the free, unbound fraction by affecting SHBG. It may also influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which can modestly reduce cortisol responses to stress in some users.

Updated 5/19/2026