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My introduction to Tongkat Ali wasn’t in some mystical herbal shop or from a friend’s recommendation. No, it was while I was lounging on my couch, listening to Andrew Huberman on Joe Rogan’s podcast. I mean, where else can you hear about this stuff?
Now, I’ve been on the caffeine train for a while. Morning coffee, afternoon pick-me-up, and all that jazz. But let’s be real, caffeine’s energy jolt is more of a ‘flash in the pan’. It’s like riding a roller coaster: there’s that thrilling rise, but man, the fall afterward? Drains you out.
So, when Huberman pitched Tongkat Ali as this awesome natural remedy that boosts testosterone and keeps your energy consistent, I was all ears. It sounded like the gentle hill ride I needed, instead of my usual caffeine-induced roller coaster.
As I looked at numerous Tongkat Ali supplements, the array of options was overwhelming. But amidst the premium-priced, beautifully-packaged options, Solaray’s version caught my eye. Why? Simply put, it was the most affordable.
I Still Did My Own Due Diligence
I’m a bit of a skeptic, so even though the advice might come from an expert, I still like to do my own digging around— and ensure there’s no controversial evidence behind it— as it happens with a few things on Joe’s podcast.
So, when it came to Tongkat Ali, I still felt the need to explore its potential narratives to confirm whether or not the narrative was true.
For this particular purpose, I often rely on Examine, because it allows non-experts like myself to gauge the effectiveness of certain ingredients. If you’re ever in doubt, it’s a resource that I definitely recommend.
The Evidence Behind Tongkat Ali
Tongkat Ali, which also goes by several different names, appears to have been used throughout history, particularly in Southeast Asia, to enhance testosterone levels, but it’s also been purported to reduce blood pressure, fever, and fatigue.
Unfortunately, there’s not much evidence to support these effects, which you can see in this 2010 review. So, why is it that Tongkat Ali is claimed to have all these benefits even though it’s not been proven? Well, it’s the nature of the internet and greediness in being able to sell Tongkat Ali and other similar herbs.
Tongkat ali has primarily been researched for its potential aphrodisiac properties. Yet, the ways in which Tongkat Ali might boost libido remain unclear, with most studies having been carried out on animals. Much of this belief appears to stem from folklore and tradition rather than concrete data.
Actual Studies on Testosterone Levels
Alas, the main goal here is to understand whether or not Tongkat Ali can actually increase testosterone levels, cuz it leads to more energy.
If we go by recent evidence, a systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2022 included a total of 9 studies that looked at the effects of tongkat ali supplementation on testosterone compared with a placebo. A total of 5 studies with 232 participants were analyzed.
A significant increase in testosterone was observed for Tongkat Ali (with a large effect size) when supplemented at a dose of 100–600 mg for a duration of between 2 weeks and 12 weeks (though one study lasted 6 months).
However, significant publication bias was noted, mostly due to participants deviating from their assigned interventions or issues with the randomization process, unfortunately.
When examining the effect of Tongkat Ali on men’s testosterone levels, participants were categorized based on their testosterone levels: those with levels above 300 ng/dL and those below 300 ng/dL, termed as hypogonadal men. Notably, the significant impact of Tongkat Ali was predominantly seen in the hypogonadal group.
This group showed an average increase in testosterone of 1.9, while the group with normal testosterone levels had a less pronounced effect of 0.8, which was not deemed significant.
Let’s delve deeper into individual studies for a more detailed perspective:
- A dosage of 200 mg/day over 6 months resulted in an elevation of total testosterone levels from 278 to 400 ng/dL.
- 100 mg/day for 12 weeks saw an increase from 187 to 203 ng/dL.
- 200 mg/day for 12 weeks boosted levels from 200 to 225 ng/dL.
- A high dose of 600 mg/day over 2 weeks led to an increase from 871 to 969 ng/dL.
However, certain studies—specifically those that administered 600 mg/day for 2 weeks, 200 mg/day for 6 months, 600 mg/day for 8 weeks, and 300 mg/day for 12 weeks—found no distinguishable difference between the effects of Tongkat Ali and a placebo.
To keep it short, Tongkat Ali appears to primarily elevate testosterone levels in men who initially have low testosterone. It does not consistently benefit men who start with normal or above-average testosterone levels.
Sadly, however, many of the studies investigating Tongkat Ali’s influence on testosterone have been financially supported by Biotropics Malaysia Berhad.
This pharmaceutical company produces and markets Physta, the specific tongkat ali supplement used in these research studies. Furthermore, some researchers involved in these studies are affiliated with the company as employees.
What Was My Experience with Solaray’s Tongkat Ali?
When I first uncapped the bottle of Solaray’s Tongkat Ali, the distinct herbal aroma filled my senses — a nod to its rich Southeast Asian heritage.
With all the buzz surrounding this herb, I anticipated some kind of energy surge or vitality kick during my two-week trial.
The reality, however, was different.
I noticed no discernible surge in energy levels. My days maintained their usual tempo, and while I wasn’t expecting to suddenly be able to run marathons, a modest boost would have been welcome. Instead, my energy graph remained flat.
Yet, there was a silver lining.
Amidst my normal routines, I sensed an unexpected, subtle shift in my mood. A calm, perhaps? A groundedness? This unexpected mood enhancement was a pleasant surprise, and it’s something I associate with my Tongkat Ali intake.
It wasn’t a euphoria or some overwhelming feeling, but rather a gentle stabilizing effect on my emotions.
Importantly, even as I stayed true to the recommended dosage throughout the fortnight, I encountered no adverse side effects. Given the myriad of reactions some supplements can induce, this was reassuring.
Looking back at the research, it’s evident that the significant impacts of Tongkat Ali were predominantly noted in individuals with lower testosterone levels.
Given that I’ve always maintained a consistent libido (an indirect indicator of decent testosterone levels), it stands to reason that I might not be the target demographic for the pronounced energy-enhancing effects of this supplement.
It’s a revelation that’s made me ponder: perhaps Tongkat Ali shines brightest for those who truly need it.
Now, after listening to Andrew Huberman’s recommendation, I’m considering pairing Tongkat Ali with fenugreek (fedogia agrestis) on my next trial. Alone, Tongkat Ali might not have been the energetic catalyst I had hoped for, but combined with another supplement? That’s a synergy I’m keen to explore.
In sum, my dalliance with Solaray’s Tongkat Ali was a journey of tempered expectations. While it wasn’t the energetic elixir I had envisioned, the mild mood modulation was a welcome curveball.
Would I recommend it universally? Maybe not. But for someone with low testosterone or those curious about subtle mood enhancements, it might be worth a shot.
If you still want to try out this supplement, I recommend getting it from iHerb.
Editor’s note: The content on this website is meant to be informative, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The content of our articles is not intended for use in the diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always best to speak with your doctor or a certified medical professional before making any changes to your lifestyle, diet, exercise routine, or trying a new supplement.
