Tongkat Ali is an aphrodisiac made from the bark of a tree (Eurycoma longifolia) that grows in Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. Tongkat Ali literally means the Cane of Ali or the Walking Stick of Ali. In studies on mice and rats, tongkat ali has consistently led to an increase in sexual behaviors. While rats are not men, this type of lab research is often used to evaluate aphrodisiacs and supports the idea that there is something in Eurycoma that boosts libido. Add this research with the traditional use of the plant, and there is a good case that tongkat ali has aphrodisiac properties.

Initial studies on tongkat ali revealed the presence of small amounts of harmala alkaloids, which have stimulating properties. These compounds can affect dopamine metabolism and could have an effect on libido. More recent studies from universities in Malaysia point to a more direct mode of aphrodisiac action: tongkat ali increases levels of free testosterone.

While humans produce sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen, they also produce a compound called Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG). This combines with testosterone and produces an innactive complex that is held in reserve. As people age, the levels of SHBG tends to rise, making testosterone less effective. Tongkat ali seems to reduce the ability of SHBG to bind with the hormones - there is more free testosterone and less bound, innactive hormone. Testosterone activity increases, even though the total amount of testosterone does not rise.

You don't have to go to Malaysia to buy Tongkat Ali. Several products are on the market in the US and Europe. I buy from Vitacost.com

My Experience and Side Effects

I have noticed a signifigant boost in libido after taking tongkat ali. I also experienced a particular side effect, which may not be widespread, but is worth mentioning.

I have anxiety disorder and panic disorder. The panic disorder had been under control, and I had gone several months without an attack. I had taken small amounts of tongkat ali previously with no ill effects. but after taking two capsules (the recommended dose for the brand I had), I was awoken in the middle of the night with a severe panic attack. While no panic attack is mild, this one was particularly hellish.

Panic and anxiety have also been reported as a side effect of yohimbine, which is derrived from the bark of an African tree, and which has seen some use in medical settings in the West. I suspect that tongkat ali (like yohimbine) has an effect on the adrenaline receptors, and may aggravate anxiety related conditions.

Curiously, there is some research that suggests that tongkat ali may be useful in reducing anxiety. In one lab study, the effect of Eurycoma extract on mice was similar to the effect of dizepam (valium). It may be that I had a unique reaction to tongkat ali, or that it would have eventually lowered anxiety if I took it for a long period and built up gradually. I can't be 100% sure that the tongkat ali caused the anxiety attack, but my feeling is that this herb was responsible.

Tongkat ali is bitter. Very bitter. Although I have a high threshold for various herbs, even I think it to be a bit much.

Update, a few months later...

Tried Tongkat Ali again - first two days were great, followed by a definite increase in anxiety. This herb is not for me.

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Selected Bibliography

1. Ang HH, Lee KL, Kiyoshi M.
Sexual arousal in sexually sluggish old male rats after oral administration of Eurycoma longifolia Jack. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol. 2004;15(3-4):303-9.
PMID: 15803965

2. Ang HH, Lee KL, Kiyoshi M.
Eurycoma longifolia Jack enhances sexual motivation in middle-aged male mice. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol. 2003;14(3):301-8.
PMID: 14964739

3. Ang HH, Ngai TH, Tan TH.
Effects of Eurycoma longifolia Jack on sexual qualities in middle aged male rats. Phytomedicine. 2003;10(6-7):590-3.
PMID: 13678248

4. Ang HH, Lee KL.
Effect of Eurycoma longifolia Jack on orientation activities in middle-aged male rats. Fundam Clin Pharmacol. 2002 Dec;16(6):479-83.
PMID: 12685506

5. Ang HH, Cheang HS, Yusof AP.
Effects of Eurycoma longifolia Jack (Tongkat Ali) on the initiation of sexual performance of inexperienced castrated male rats. Exp Anim. 2000 Jan;49(1):35-8.
PMID: 10803359

6. Ang HH, Sim MK.
Eurycoma longifolia increases sexual motivation in sexually naive male rats. Arch Pharm Res. 1998 Dec;21(6):779-81.
PMID: 9868556

7. Ang HH, Sim MK.
Eurycoma longifolia JACK and orientation activities in sexually experienced male rats. Biol Pharm Bull. 1998 Feb;21(2):153-5.
PMID: 9514610

8. Ang HH, Sim MK.
Eurycoma longifolia Jack enhances libido in sexually experienced male rats. Exp Anim. 1997 Oct;46(4):287-90.
PMID: 9353636