Is it safe to take Tongkat Ali everyday? This powerful herbal supplement, derived from the roots of the Eurycoma longifolia tree, is widely known for its potential health benefits, including boosting testosterone levels, enhancing athletic performance, and reducing stress. But before incorporating it into your daily routine, it’s essential to understand its effects, proper dosage, and potential risks.
In this article, we’ll explore whether it’s safe to take Tongkat Ali every day, its benefits, side effects, and how to use it effectively.
What is Tongkat Ali?
Tongkat Ali is an herbal remedy that has been used in Southeast Asian traditional medicine for centuries. Known for its ability to address various health concerns such as low libido, male infertility, and energy depletion, this plant has gained global popularity. However, an important question remains: is it safe to take Tongkat Ali everyday?
Packed with antioxidants like flavonoids and quassinoids, Tongkat Ali is believed to combat oxidative stress and support overall well-being. It is commonly consumed in supplement form, available as capsules, extracts, and teas.
Benefits of Taking Tongkat Ali Daily
Many Tongkat Ali Benefits are yet to be researched. Some studies suggest that it may treat infertility, increase muscle mass, and improve mood.
1. Boosts Testosterone Levels and Libido
Tongkat Ali can increase testosterone levels in men with low testosterone levels. That is also known as the primary sex hormone, and it is well-documented in all kinds of studies. High levels of testosterone hormone can make you a great athlete. Low levels of testosterone can result from chemotherapy, aging, radiation treatments, injury, specific diseases, or testicle infections. Also, obstructive sleep apnea and chronic alcoholism can cause low levels of testosterone.
A study has researched low testosterone in 76 older men who were taking 200 mg of Tongkat Ali extract each day. Later, they found out the levels of testosterone have increased significantly for the 90% of the participants. So both humans and animals will have sexual arousal and improve their erectile dysfunction after taking Tongkat Ali.
In another study where 108 men aged around 30 to 35 took 300 mg Tongkat Ali for 12 weeks, which increased their sperm volume, and its motility was enhanced from 18% to 44% on average.
2. Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Has shown promising effects in reducing stress hormones within the body, offering potential relief from the detrimental impacts of stress. As stress is often triggered by hormonal imbalances, Tongkat Ali’s natural properties help regulate these hormones, leading to a decrease in stress levels. Moreover, this powerful herb has also demonstrated the ability to improve anxiety and mood.
In a pioneering study conducted in 1999, researchers highlighted the potential of Tongkat Ali extracts in treating mood disorders, showcasing its comparability to conventional anti-anxiety medications available at the time. Although research in this area is limited, the anti-anxiety effects of Tongkat Ali have proven to be remarkable.
In a separate study involving 63 adults with stress-related issues, supplementation with 200 mg daily for one month resulted in a significant 16 percent reduction in the stress hormone cortisol, as measured in saliva samples. While these preliminary findings are highly promising, further studies involving human participants are necessary to fully explore and validate the extensive potential of Tongkat Ali.
3. Improves Muscle Strength and Athletic Performance
It offers potential benefits in terms of enhancing athletic performance and promoting muscle mass development. This is attributed to the presence of certain compounds called quassinoids, including eurycolactone, eurycomaoside, and eurycomanone. These compounds play a role in improving energy utilization, reducing fatigue, and boosting endurance levels.
By acting as an ergogenic aid, aids in enhancing physical performance and optimizing body composition. In a 5-week study involving 25 adults who were administered a daily dose of 400 mg of Tongkat Ali, significant improvements in muscular strength were observed compared to those who received a placebo.
While these studies indicate the potential ergogenic effects, the specific outcomes may vary depending on the dosage and duration of treatment. However, it is crucial to note that further research is still required to fully understand the extent of these benefits.
4. Supports Overall Well-Being
Taking Tongkat Ali regularly may also contribute to:
- Better metabolic health
- Enhanced immune response
- Improved energy levels throughout the day
Potential Side Effects of Taking Tongkat Ali Everyday
Some studies in humans did not report any kind of side effects at all. The daily dosage of 300 mg is as safe as a placebo. Studies have found taking 1.2 grams of Tongkat Ali extract each day to be safe for adults. Contrarily, no studies can examine its long-term use, which makes it unclear if Tongkat Ali is safe as a supplement or not.
One study testing the mercury content of 100 Tongkat Ali supplements from Malaysia had 26% levels of mercury, which was more than the recommended limit. Eating too much mercury can result in poisoning and also memory problems, mood changes, or skill issues. Keep in mind that the side effects of Tongkat Ali in pregnant or children have not been researched yet.
Dosage: How Much Tongkat Ali Should You Take?
If you’re wondering is it safe to take Tongkat Ali everyday, it’s crucial to follow recommended dosages to avoid any adverse effects. Based on research, safe daily doses include:
- 200-400 mg daily: For general wellness and stress relief
- 300-600 mg daily: For testosterone support and athletic performance
- Up to 1.2 grams daily: Considered safe for short-term use in some studies
To ensure the best results, start with a lower dose and gradually increase as needed while monitoring your body’s response.
How to Safely Take Tongkat Ali Everyday
If you decide to include Tongkat Ali in your daily routine, consider these tips for safe and effective use:
- Choose High-Quality Supplements: Opt for third-party tested products to ensure purity and potency.
- Follow Recommended Dosages: Avoid exceeding the suggested daily intake.
- Cycle Your Usage: Consider taking breaks to prevent the body from developing tolerance.
- Monitor Your Health: Keep track of any changes in mood, energy, or physical performance.
- Stay Hydrated: Support your body’s natural detoxification process.
Should You Take It?
Tongkat Ali can decrease anxiety and improve body composition, but research regarding it is still limited. As mentioned above, it can cure low testosterone, bad libido, and male infertility. Tongkat Ali does not have any blatant side effects; about 400 mg daily can be used for short-term usage without any worries.
It is not yet confirmed if it is beneficial for long-term use. Keep in mind that supplements can be contaminated with mercury. Also, they are not well balanced and can have more or less Tongkat Ali than its label. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not consume Tongkat Ali because of limited research in this area.
Final Thoughts: Is It Safe to Take Tongkat Ali Everyday?
In summary, is it safe to take Tongkat Ali everyday? The answer depends on your health goals, dosage, and individual tolerance. For most healthy adults, taking 200-400 mg daily appears to be safe and beneficial, offering improved energy, reduced stress, and enhanced physical performance.
However, it’s important to source high-quality supplements, follow recommended dosages, and monitor any side effects. Always consult a healthcare professional before making Tongkat Ali a part of your daily routine, especially for long-term use.
