Tongkat Ali and Testosterone: What the Studies Show (and What They Don't)
If you have read my guide on whether testosterone boosters work, you know most ingredients in these products have no good human data. Tongkat ali is the exception worth a closer look. I'm not a doctor, so treat this as a summary of the research, not advice.
What is tongkat ali?
Tongkat ali, also sold as "longjack", is a shrub native to Southeast Asia. Supplements use extracts of its root. It has a long history in traditional medicine there, and it now shows up in capsules, powders and many testosterone-booster blends.
What do the studies show?
A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials concluded that Eurycoma longifolia improves serum total testosterone in men (Leisegang et al., Medicina, 2022). A meta-analysis pools several trials, which makes it stronger than any single study.
One of the trials is worth knowing in detail. In a 2012 study, 76 men with symptoms of late-onset hypogonadism took 200 mg a day of a standardized water-soluble extract for one month. Their serum testosterone and their symptom scores both improved (Tambi et al., Andrologia, 2012). As the abstract describes it, this was a single treated group with no placebo comparison. That makes it early evidence, not proof.
Does a higher testosterone number mean I'll feel better?
Not automatically. A lab value can rise without any change in energy, mood or drive. And when symptoms improve in a study with no placebo group, you can't separate the effect of the ingredient from the effect of expecting to feel better.
Also check who the men were. The 2012 study enrolled men who already had symptoms of late-onset hypogonadism. It tells us little about men whose levels are normal.
What dose and form did the studies use?
The study above used 200 mg a day of a standardized water-soluble root extract. That detail matters. Plain root powder and a standardized extract are not the same thing, and a label that only says "tongkat ali blend" tells you nothing about how much you are getting. When you compare products, look for the extract type and the amount per serving.
Is tongkat ali safe?
The sources I used here focus on testosterone, not on long-term safety, so I can't tell you what happens after years of use. A few common-sense points:
- Supplements are not checked for quality or effectiveness before sale. Choose brands with third-party testing and a full label.
- If you take prescription medication or have a hormone-sensitive condition, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you start.
- Test first. If your symptoms come from poor sleep, stress or another condition, a root extract won't fix them.
For other ingredients and who should ask a doctor first, see testosterone booster side effects.
What should I look for on a tongkat ali label?
- The extract type and the milligrams per serving, not just "proprietary blend".
- A dose in the range the studies used (200 mg of a standardized extract).
- The full supplement facts panel and a named manufacturer.
- Third-party testing, and no vitamin or mineral megadoses.
I'll score the products I review against this same list. For the full checklist, see the pillar guide, and for how blends hide doses, my guide to reading a supplement label.
Frequently asked questions
Does tongkat ali raise testosterone?
A 2022 meta-analysis of clinical trials found it improves total testosterone in men. The trials were small and short, so the effect is best described as modest and still being studied.
Is tongkat ali the same as longjack?
Yes. "Longjack" is another common name for Eurycoma longifolia, the same plant.
How long did the studies run?
The study I described ran for one month. We know little about long-term effects or long-term safety.
Can tongkat ali replace testosterone therapy?
No. Testosterone therapy is a prescription treatment for a diagnosed deficiency and is monitored by a doctor. A supplement is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment.
Sources
- Leisegang K, et al. Eurycoma longifolia (Jack) improves serum total testosterone in men: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. Medicina. 2022;58(8):1047. doi:10.3390/medicina58081047
- Tambi MIBM, Imran MK, Henkel RR. Standardised water-soluble extract of Eurycoma longifolia, Tongkat ali, as testosterone booster for managing men with late-onset hypogonadism? Andrologia. 2012. doi:10.1111/j.1439-0272.2011.01168.x
Marcus Hale
Writer at The Male Ledger. Not a doctor.
I write about testosterone, energy and vitality after 40, and I link to the studies so you can check my work. Marcus Hale is a pen name; here is why.