Tongkat Ali Benefits: What the Research Actually Shows

Last updated: 2026-09-24

Quick answer

Human studies suggest standardised Tongkat Ali extract may support healthy testosterone levels in men with low levels, lower stress hormones, and improve mood and energy. Results are modest, take several weeks, and depend on using a standardised extract at studied doses.

What is Tongkat Ali?

Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) is a shrub native to Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. Its root has been used in traditional Malay medicine for generations. Modern supplements use a water extract of the root, usually standardised to its marker compound, eurycomanone.

Benefits supported by human studies

Most research uses 200 to 400 mg per day of a standardised water extract, taken for 4 to 12 weeks.

  • Testosterone in men with low levels: a 2012 study in men with late-onset hypogonadism reported improved testosterone after one month.
  • Stress: a 2013 study reported lower cortisol and better mood scores in moderately stressed adults after four weeks.
  • Strength and energy in older adults: a 2014 study in active seniors reported improvements in muscle strength over five weeks.
  • Overall male health: recent systematic reviews conclude the evidence is promising but more large, high-quality trials are needed.

What the evidence does not show

Tongkat Ali is not a cure for any disease and it does not work instantly. Studies are mostly small. Men with normal testosterone may notice smaller changes. Anyone with a medical condition or on medication should speak to a doctor first.

How to choose a Tongkat Ali product in Malaysia

Look for a KKM (NPRA) registration number starting with MAL, which you can check on the NPRA website, a Halal certificate if that matters to you, and a stated eurycomanone standard. Nuviton is registered as MAL24066122T and uses Tongkat Ali standardised to 1% eurycomanone.

Sources

  1. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses on Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali) in men, PubMed.
  2. Tambi MI et al. (2012). Standardised water-soluble extract of Eurycoma longifolia in men with late-onset hypogonadism. Andrologia.
  3. Talbott SM et al. (2013). Effect of Tongkat Ali on stress hormones and psychological mood state. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.
  4. Henkel RR et al. (2014). Tongkat Ali as a potential herbal supplement for physically active male and female seniors. Phytotherapy Research.
  5. NPRA Malaysia: Product registration search (QUEST3+)

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