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ReviewsTongkat Ali

The 6 Best Tongkat Ali Supplements (2023)

Tongkat ali, or Eurycoma longifolia, is a flowering plant native to Southeast Asia. Also known as Malaysian ginseng, tongkat ali has a long history of use in traditional medicine. Today, tongkat ali supplements are growing in popularity thanks to the plant’s reputation for boosting energy, improving athletic performance, enhancing libido, and supporting male health.

With the rising demand for tongkat ali, more and more supplement brands are coming out with tongkat ali products. But not all tongkat ali supplements are created equal when it comes to quality and effectiveness. We’ve taken a close look at the market and identified the top tongkat ali supplements available today based on key factors like purity, potency, and overall value.

In this comprehensive guide, we detail our rankings of the best tongkat ali supplements you can buy. We’ll explain what makes each product stand out, including the dosage, sourcing, and any third-party testing for quality assurance. We’ll also discuss how to choose a high-quality tongkat ali supplement and the safety considerations for using it. Read on to discover the tongkat ali supplements that are worth your attention and investment to support male health and vitality.

Our Top 3 Picks

If you’re looking for a quick recommendation, here’s what to buy:

The Best Tongkat Ali Supplements Available

Best Tongkat Ali Supplement

Double Wood Supplements Tongkat Ali Complex

Double Wood Tongkat Ali Extract provides 1000 mg of tongkat ali per serving. Double Wood added 20 mg of Tribulus terrestris to enhance muscle strength and improve body composition, making this a great supplement for athletes. You will only need to take 1 capsule a day to see results.

Reviewers report their body composition changing faster when administering this supplement. Due to the potency of this supplement, reviewers suffering from erectile dysfunction report much stronger erections.


Best Longjack Powder

BulkSupplements Longjack Extract Powder

Bulk Supplements Longjack Powder contains pure ground E. longifolia. Following the studies discussed in this review, we recommend starting with 200 mg per day. You will need an accurate scale to measure this.

Tongkat ali contains quassinoids which give the powder an unpleasant, bitter taste. You can either mix the powder in a shake or put the powder in capsules to hide the taste.


Best Tongkat Ali Tablets

Nootropics Depot Tongkat Ali Extract Tablets

Nootropics Depot is well known for its purity and testing standards. Each of its Tongkat Ali Extract Tablets contains 100 mg of Tongkat Ali with a concentration of 10% Eurycomanone.

Nootropics Depot also provides this product’s specification sheet for you to see its lab results clearly.

It’s recommended to take one tablet daily.


Most Potent Powder

Nootropics Depot Tongkat Ali Extract Powder

Nootropics Depot also offers Tongkat Ali in powder form. Each 200 mg serving has a concentration of 2% Eurycomanone, and you can choose to purchase a 15 g or 30 g jar.

It’s recommended to take 200 mg once per day.


Another Great Option For Tongkat Ali Tablets

Source Naturals Tongkat Ali

Source Natural’s tongkat ali tablets each contain 80 mg of LJ100 Eurycoma longifolia extract that’s standardized to 40% glycosaponins and 22% eurypeptides. Each bottle contains 30 tablets.


Best Tongkat Ali Capsules For Beginners

Solaray Tongkat Ali

Solaray offers 400 mg tongkat ali capsules, which is a great starting dose for beginners. Solaray uses veggie capsules derived from cellulose and rice bran, making this product usable by vegetarians and vegans. One bottle contains 60 capsules.

Because of how many sketchy companies are in the workout / testosterone marketplace, some of which don’t even sell what they say they’re selling, shopping for the best tongkat ali brand can be confusing, and feel risky. The best tongkat ali uses authentic ingredients (i.e. is 3rd party lab tested), is of sufficient dosage to actually have an effect, and comes from a company reputable in the bodybuilding supplement space. This review provides straightforward recommendations for tongkat ali supplements that fit this profile. Overall, our research consistently suggested that Doublewood Supplements has the best Tongkat ali (buy it here); it’s 3rd-party lab tested and processed in a GMP-compliant facility, it comes in 1000 mg capsules, and it’s a well-established brand in the space. However, there are several other tongkat ali brands worth considering in your search—more on those below.

Tongkat ali is an herbal medicine derived from the Southeast Asia shrub, Eurycoma longifolia. Due to its adaptogenic properties, Tongkat ali is also known as Malaysian ginseng. Tongkat ali helps the body respond to stress and promotes better well-being.

Traditionally, tongkat ali has uses ranging from the treatment of malaria to being used as an aphrodisiac. Today, tongkat ali is mainly used to reverse the aging process through its antioxidant properties and ability to boost testosterone, which naturally declines with age. Some researchers refer to tongkat ali as home-grown Viagra for its improvements in sex drive.

Because tongkat ali increases serum testosterone, athletes use this effect to their advantage for gaining muscle mass and improving endurance in order to enhance athletic performance.

What Is Tongkat Ali Used For?

The pharmacological profile of tongkat ali contains over 60 bioactive compounds, including alkaloids and flavonoids. Alkaloids counteract oxidative stress and may protect the body from cancer and osteoporosis. Similarly, flavonoids have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties that reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

During andropause, testosterone begins to decline in men, and subsequently, men suffer from side effects such as low sex drive and erectile dysfunction. Tongkat ali increases testosterone, but how is this reflected in andropause-associated symptoms? One study has shown that 200 mg of tongkat ali extract significantly reduced symptoms associated with this dip in testosterone, such as well-being and sexual satisfaction. 

Similarly, a study administered tongkat ali to aging males alongside training for 6 months and saw significant improvements in erectile dysfunctionーit is unclear, however, if this effect was due to tongkat ali or resistance training. Another study found less conclusive results and stated that more studies are needed before tongkat ali’s effect on erectile dysfunction can be confirmed clinically.

In a study exploring tongkat ali’s effect on stress, administration decreased the stress hormone cortisol, and stress symptoms like tension, anger, and confusion improved. Stress is also associated with erectile dysfunction, which may partly explain why tongkat ali is described as Viagra. 

Tongkat ali’s adaptogenic properties may also translate to athletic performance; helping the body respond to over-training can reduce burnout and injury rates in athletes. Furthermore, tongkat ali contains eurypeptides that help the body use energy more efficiently and improve endurance due to its testosterone-balancing effects.

Bodybuilders aim to build muscle mass to increase strength. Since tongkat ali increases serum testosterone, the resulting androgenic effect enhances muscle mass and strength. In active seniors who have lower testosterone levels, supplementation with 400 mg of tongkat ali for five weeks boosted muscular force in both men and women.

Toxicity studies recommend dosing tongkat ali at 200-400 mg. In terms of toxicity, tongkat ali is deemed non-toxic. However, if you’re suffering from prostate cancer, which is fed by testosterone, or you are elderly (a risk factor of prostate cancer), you should avoid taking tongkat ali.

What to Look For in a Quality Tongkat Ali Supplement

With the rising popularity of tongkat ali, the market has become flooded with many different brands and products. However, quality can vary widely among supplements. Here are the key factors to consider when shopping for tongkat ali:

  • Standardized, High-Potency Extract: The most important factor is the type of tongkat ali extract used. Look for a standardized extract, meaning it contains a guaranteed amount of the active compounds. Specifically, you want a high concentration of the bioactive phytonutrient eurycomanone. Tongkat ali extracts should be standardized to contain at least 1-2% eurycomanone, ideally 10:1 or even 100:1 extract strength. High quality extracts ensure you get optimal amounts of the essential compounds like eurycomanone that make tongkat ali effective.
  • Sufficient Daily Dosage: Check the supplement label for the amount of extract provided per daily serving. You want a dosage in the optimal range for results, which is 200-300mg per day. Avoid products that don’t list the dosage or use proprietary blends. Make sure each capsule or serving provides an adequate amount of tongkat ali extract, such as 200:1 tongkat ali root extract.
  • Quality Manufacturing Processes: Reputable supplement brands test raw materials for contaminants and purity. They also verify each batch for potency and content through third-party labs. This rigorous testing ensures the tongkat ali extract matches what’s on the label. Look for Tongkat ali supplements made in GMP-compliant facilities. These good manufacturing practices help avoid quality and safety issues. For further assurance, check for NSF certification, which verifies quality and content.
  • Positive Customer Reviews: Read tongkat ali supplement reviews online to see real customer experiences. This helps assess effectiveness and potential side effects. Look for consistent reviews praising boosted energy, libido, and improved workout recovery. But beware of products with mainly negative reviews.
  • Good Value Pricing: While price does not always correlate with quality, very cheap tongkat ali supplements likely use subpar ingredients. Aim for reasonably priced products from reputable brands like Dorado Nutrition that provide robust amounts of standardized extract. Sales and combo deals can offer cost savings on quality supplements containing ingredients like tongkat ali and fadogia agrestis.

How to Take Tongkat Ali Supplements

Once you’ve selected a high-quality tongkat ali product, proper dosing is important. Here are some quick tips:

  • Take the dosage listed on your specific supplement, as potencies vary. The standard effective amount is 200-300mg. Start with a lower dosage and work up over a few weeks to assess tolerance.
  • Take tongkat ali capsules or supplements with food to minimize stomach upset.
  • Use the supplement daily for at least 4-8 weeks to allow it to build up in your system.
  • Drink plenty of water and limit caffeine when using tongkat ali, which can be energizing. Avoid taking it too late in the day if it causes sleeplessness. Morning is ideal for most people.
  • Also, it’s smart to cycle tongkat ali, using it for 8-12 weeks, then taking 1-2 weeks off before resuming. Cycling can help maintain optimal effects over the long term.
  • Speak to your healthcare professional when unsure about using new supplements like tongkat ali, which has been used for centuries in traditional Southeast Asian medicine.

Consider Stacking Tongkat Ali

Some people use tongkat ali in combination with other supplements, known as stacking. Potential options for stacking include:

  • Zinc – May further boost testosterone levels and sexual health.
  • Maca root – Provides a synergistic libido and fertility boost.
  • Ginseng – Adds more energy and stamina enhancement.
  • Ashwagandha – Helps counteract stress and cortisol levels.
  • DHEA – Hormone that declines with age and aids testosterone.

Always assess stacked supplement interactions for safety. More is not necessarily better. A simple stack focusing on one or two complementary ingredients is often most effective.

Safely Using Tongkat Ali Supplements

When used properly, most people can take tongkat ali supplements without any significant side effects. Minor issues like restlessness or insomnia are possible since it has energizing effects. To minimize risk:

  • Avoid excessive doses above the recommended amount.
  • Don’t use alongside stimulants like caffeine.
  • Reduce dosage if experiencing headaches, anxiety, or fever.
  • Stop using if nausea, irritability, or other unpleasant effects occur.

Tongkat ali is typically not recommended for women due to possible testosterone-boosting effects. As with any new natural supplement, consult your healthcare provider before using tongkat ali, especially if you take medication or have health conditions. While generally safe, tongkat ali does interact with some drugs and medical treatments.

Choosing an Effective Tongkat Ali Supplement

With a better understanding of this popular herbal supplement, you can confidently choose the right tongkat ali product to help restore vitality, energy, and performance. Look for a reputable brand that provides a substantial dosage of standardized, high-potency extract for the full benefits this natural supplement used for centuries has to offer.

Within weeks of taking the best tongkat ali supplement, you’re likely to notice boosted muscle strength, increased libido, improved mood and motivation, and other advantages. Be sure to select the highest quality product available, follow dosage guidelines, and drink plenty of water. Here’s to improved vitality in 2023 and beyond with the help of skilled supplementation.

Some key things to look for when choosing the best tongkat ali supplement:

  • Potent standardized extract with a high ratio (100:1, 200:1)
  • Enough per serving (around 300-500mg)
  • Positive reviews and a reputable brand
  • Third party lab tested for purity and potency
  • Reasonably priced for the quality
About the author

Holden Desalles is a journalist in the new wellness space, covering topics such as CBD, adaptogens, and nootropics. He was formerly a staff writer at the millennial lifestyle website Thought Catalog.

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