What Is Eurycoma Longifolia? Other Names: Akar Pasak Bumi, Ali’s Umbrella, Tongkat Ali

What is Eurycoma Longifolia?

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Eurycoma longifolia, commonly known as Tongkat Ali, is a medicinal herb native to Southeast Asia. It has been traditionally used for its purported health benefits, particularly in enhancing male sexual health and overall vitality. Recent scientific studies have explored its effects on various health parameters, including hormonal balance, immune function, and quality of life. Other names include: Akar Pasak Bumi, Ali’s Umbrella, Ali’s Walking Stick, Batang Pasak Bumi, Bedara Pahit, Canne d’Ali, Cay ba binh, Eurycoma, Eurycoma Longifolia Jack, Ginseng de Malaisie, Ian-don, Jelaih, Kayu Dali, Local Ginseng, Long Jack, Longjack, Malaysian Ginseng, Natural Viagra, Pasak Bumi, Payung Ali, Penawar Pahit, Pokok Jelas, Pokok Syurga, Sengkayap, Setunjang Bumi, Tho Nan, Tongkat Ali, Tongkat Baginda, Tung Saw, Umpudumaidu, Wonod Mondou.

Effects on Male Health

Eurycoma longifolia is widely recognized for its potential benefits in male sexual health. It has been shown to improve erectile function and increase testosterone levels in men with androgen deficiency of aging males (ADAM) when combined with concurrent training1 4. Additionally, it is reputed as an aphrodisiac and has been demonstrated to enhance sexual well-being and quality of life in men6.

Effects on Female Health

While most studies focus on male health, Eurycoma longifolia also shows promise for women, particularly in managing menopausal symptoms. A study on perimenopausal and postmenopausal women indicated that the standardized water extract of Eurycoma longifolia, known as Physta, could improve quality of life by addressing mood, fatigue, and sexual function2. Another study using an ovariectomized rat model suggested potential benefits in managing hormonal imbalances and bone health7.

Immunomodulatory Effects

Eurycoma longifolia has been investigated for its immunomodulatory properties. A study involving middle-aged Japanese participants found that the standardized root water extract of Eurycoma longifolia, Physta, significantly enhanced immune parameters, including the number of CD4+ T cells, suggesting its role in boosting immunity3.

Bone Health and Osteoporosis

Research has also explored the effects of Eurycoma longifolia on bone health. In a testosterone-deficient rat model, a quassinoid-rich extract of Eurycoma longifolia was found to protect against bone loss, improving bone mineral density and biomechanical properties, which are crucial for preventing osteoporosis9.

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Uses of Eurycoma Longifolia

Enhancement of Male Sexual Health: Eurycoma longifolia is widely recognized for its aphrodisiac properties, improving erectile function, libido, and sperm quality in men. Studies have shown significant improvements in erectile function and testosterone levels, particularly in men with androgen deficiency and aging males1 3 4 7 10.

Hormonal Balance: The herb has been shown to increase testosterone levels by activating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal and adrenal axes, which may benefit muscle and strength gain in young adults4 10. It also helps in regulating reproductive hormones in both males and females, potentially aiding in managing symptoms associated with menopause and hormonal imbalances8 9.

Improvement of Quality of Life and Well-Being: Eurycoma longifolia has been used to enhance quality of life by improving mood, reducing stress, and increasing vitality. It has shown benefits in both men and women, including perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, by alleviating symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, and sleep disturbances2 5.

Physical Performance and Fitness: When combined with exercise, Eurycoma longifolia supplementation has been found to improve muscle strength and cardiorespiratory fitness, particularly in men with androgen deficiency6.

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Adverse Effects of Eurycoma Longifolia

Adverse Effects on Prostate

Prostate Changes: High doses of Eurycoma longifolia extract can lead to significant increases in prostate size and weight in rats. Histopathological changes include abnormal cell proliferation in the prostatic epithelium, which can lead to low-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, a precursor to prostate cancer. These effects are dose-dependent, with higher doses causing more pronounced changes1 2.

Liver Effects

Liver Damage in Pregnant Mice: Administration of Eurycoma longifolia extract in pregnant mice showed increased levels of liver enzymes (ALT and AST), indicating potential liver damage. Histopathological changes such as karyomegaly and fatty changes in hepatocytes were observed, suggesting decreased liver function3.

Hepatoprotective Effects: Conversely, another study found that a methanolic extract of Eurycoma longifolia roots provided protective effects against chemically induced liver damage in rats, suggesting that the extract’s effects may vary based on the context and dosage7.

Effects on Other Organs and Systems

No Significant Effects on Liver and Renal Functions in Humans: In a study involving male recreational athletes, supplementation with Eurycoma longifolia did not significantly affect liver and renal functions, suggesting that at certain dosages, it may be safe for these organs4.

No Negative Effects on Blood Sugar, Cholesterol, and Uric Acid: In goats, Eurycoma longifolia did not cause significant changes in blood sugar, cholesterol, or uric acid levels, indicating no adverse metabolic effects in this context6.

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How has Eurycoma Longifolia Improved Patient Outcomes?

Improvements in Quality of Life and Well-being

Menopausal Women: Eurycoma longifolia (EL) has been studied for its effects on perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, showing potential in improving mood, quality of life, fatigue, sleep quality, and sexual function1.

Men: In men, EL has been associated with improvements in physical functioning, erectile function, and sexual libido. It also contributed to fat mass reduction in overweight individuals2.

Stress and Mood Enhancement

General Population: EL, when combined with multivitamins, has been shown to support quality of life, mood, and stress reduction in moderately stressed individuals. Improvements were noted in emotional well-being, social functioning, and vitality3.

Physical Fitness and Hormonal Balance

Androgen Deficiency in Men: EL supplementation, especially when combined with concurrent training, improved muscle strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, and reduced symptoms of androgen deficiency in aging males. It also enhanced erectile function and increased testosterone levels4 5.

Immune System Modulation

Middle-aged Individuals: EL has demonstrated immunomodulatory effects, enhancing immune parameters such as total, naïve, and CD4+ T cells, suggesting a boost in comprehensive immunity6.

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Eurycoma Longifolia Mechanisms of Action

Hormonal Regulation

Eurycoma longifolia is known to increase testosterone levels by activating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and/or the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This effect is more pronounced in older adults and those with hormonal deficiencies1. In young males, the increase in testosterone may be attributed to enhanced hormone production via the HPA axis rather than the HPG axis1.

In men with androgen deficiency, Eurycoma longifolia supplementation has been shown to improve testosterone levels, which correlates with increased muscle strength and improved erectile function when combined with concurrent training2 3.

Immunomodulation

Eurycoma longifolia has been found to enhance immune function, as evidenced by increased scores in immunological vigor and higher counts of T cells in middle-aged individuals4.

Bone Health

In testosterone-deficient models, Eurycoma longifolia has demonstrated protective effects against bone loss, improving bone mineral density and biomechanical properties, which are comparable to testosterone treatment6.

Reproductive Health

The herb has been traditionally used to boost male fertility, with studies showing increased sperm count in rats treated with Eurycoma longifolia extracts rich in quassinoids7.

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Common Complaints Associated with Eurycoma Longifolia Use

Study Insights

Efficacy: The study highlights that Eurycoma longifolia, when combined with concurrent training, significantly improved erectile function and increased testosterone levels in men with androgen deficiency of aging males (ADAM)1.

Study Design: The research was a well-structured, six-month, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, which adds credibility to its findings1.

Limitations

Lack of Isolated Data: The study did not include groups that used only Eurycoma longifolia without concurrent training, which limits the ability to isolate the effects of the supplement alone1.

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Disclaimer

The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

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