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File: Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia, Simaroubaceae)

Ergogenic Effects

HC 041746-577

Date: September 29, 2017

RE: Review of the Ergogenic Effects of Tongkat Ali

Khanijo T, Jiraungkoorskul W. Review ergogenic effect of long jack, Eurycoma longifolia.
Pharmacogn Rev. July-December 2016;10(20):139-142.
Tongkat ali (Eurycoma longifolia, Simaroubaceae), also known as long jack, is a
dioecious flowering shrub widely distributed in Southeast Asia and Indochina. An
aqueous decoction of its roots is used traditionally to promote sexual health and fertility,
and to counter the effects of aging. It is reported to have anti-inflammatory, antimalarial,
antimicrobial, and antioxidant activity. Other traditional uses include as an anxiolytic and
for its antiulcer and anticancer effects. Tongkat ali's composition includes alkaloids such
as -carboline and cathine-6-one, flavonoids, phenolics, saponins, tannins, propanoids
such as scopolin and propan, biphenylneolignans, and triterpenes such as tirucallane
and eurylene. It is rich in quassinoids, including eurycolactones A-F, eurycomalactone,
hydroxylongilactone, dehydroklaineanone, 15-O-acetyl-14-hydroxyklaineanone,
eurycomanol, eurycomanone, and eurycomaoside, all thought to contribute to its
salutary effects on muscle strength, endurance, and reduced anxiety and stress.
These latter effects fall within the realm of ergogenics. An ergogenic aid is defined as
any means of enhancing energy use, production, control, or efficiency. Besides
mechanical and psychological ergogenic aids, other types are physiological,
pharmacological, and nutritional. Pharmacological ergogenic aids might include
manufactured drugs as well as natural substances. Consumption of various herbs is a
common ergogenic practice, often intended to boost endurance and strength in sports.
The authors review evidence regarding the use of tongkat ali as an ergogenic aid.
The authors, without disclosing their search strategy, review available evidence
concerning ergogenic benefits of tongkat ali. Four human studies are discussed. A
randomized, double-blind study evaluated the effects of a Malaysian herbal drink
containing tongkat ali (0.1 mg/100 mL), cassia (Cinnamomum aromaticum syn. C.
cassia, Lauraceae; 2.0 mg), calcium (2.9 mg), sodium (1.1 mg), and potassium (0.9 mg).
Cyclists received 3 mL/kg body weight of the herbal drink or the same amount of
placebo (colored water) every 20 minutes during bouts of exercise. Cycling time before
exhaustion was longer for the active group, but not significantly so. Researchers
concluded that both the herbal drink and water acted ergogenically in this study. In
another study, 12 recreational athletes took two capsules (150 mg) of tongkat ali or
placebo daily for seven days. No difference was found between the groups in
 endurance, running performance, or physiological responses. Other researchers, with a
longer study time of five weeks and a dose of 100 mg per day, reported that tongkat ali
can increase fat-free mass, muscle strength, and muscle size. [Note: The review
incorrectly states 150 mg.] In addition, it is suggested that the aphrodisiac effects of
tongkat ali may be due to stimulation of androgen production. Androgen, the main male
sex hormone, is responsible for testosterone production; however, the use of
testosterone supplements in organized sports is forbidden. In another study, 13 male
recreational athletes took 400 mg of tongkat ali or placebo daily for six weeks and it was
reported that the urinary testosterone level of those in the active group remained below
the cutoff point of the International Olympic Committee Medical Commission and that
tongkat ali caused no adverse effects on subjects' liver and kidney functions. It is not
stated whether this study found any performance benefits for tongkat ali
supplementation.
Another clinical study evaluated the effects of tongkat ali supplementation (200 mg) vs.
placebo on stress hormones and mood in 63 subjects. At four weeks, the active group
showed significant improvements, with decreased tension, anger, and confusion, as well
as in stress marker profiles, with reduced cortisol and increased testosterone levels.
Tongkat ali's effects on endurance and energy use are more pronounced at higher
doses and with longer supplementation times. Future studies should examine its effects
on mood more closely to determine if the herb's ergogenic effects are mediated by
improvements in mood.
An appended table lists several other herbs studied or used for antifatigue, antistress,
and endurance-enhancing effects, but it is by no means exhaustive, and these herbs are
not discussed.

Mariann Garner-Wizard

Referenced article can be accessed at http://www.phcogrev.com/article.asp?issn=0973-

7847;year=2016;volume=10;issue=20;spage=139;epage=142;aulast=Khanijo.

The American Botanical Council provides this review as an educational service. By providing this service, ABC does not warrant
that the data is accurate and correct, nor does distribution of the article constitute any endorsement of the information contained or of
the views of the authors.

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