Tongkat Ali, Sexual Performance, Immune Function

Q:

"A local provider is selling Tongkat Ali of LJ100, a Malaysian herb. Some kidney transplant patients have expressed interest in using this herb to enhance sexual performance as well as a muscle builder.

I question the use of this in an immunosuppressed individual, but I can find no real scientific information. I know that St. John Wort, for instance, can cause renal rejection. Do you have any experience with this substance?"

-- Clint

A:

Dear Clint,

You are right in questioning the use of Tongkat Ali in an immunosuppressed individual. But let me first give a brief background on Tongkat Ali for our readers who don't know what it is.

Tongkat Ali is a Malaysian herb that was called the "Asian Viagra" in a May 1999 report in the New Sunday Times. It's been used in Malaysia for many years by men to increase sexual desire, libido, sexual performance and to treat erectile dysfunction.

The problem is that Tongkat Ali increases testosterone levels. A study published in the November 15, 2004 issue of the Journal of Immunology found that increased testosterone impedes the immune system.

Specifically, testosterone slows or weakens the response of T-lymphocytes, white blood cells that are instrumental in defending the body against infections and tumor cells.

After a kidney transplant, there is a risk that the body will identify the new kidney as foreign and try to reject it. Very powerful drugs, called immunosuppressants, are given to try to prevent organ rejection.

If these people, who are already immunosuppressed, experience a further weakening of the immune system after taking Tongkat Ali, their risk of developing serious infections such as pneumonia or even cancer may be even greater.

Cathy Wong, ND





All material provided on the About.com Alternative Medicine Web site is provided for informational or educational purposes only. Consult a physician regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations with respect to your symptoms or medical condition.

Tongkat ali: Sexual Treasure Of Southeast Asia

Let's Live Magazine, March 2004

It is a plant that enjoys two folk names. One is Tongkat ali, which means Ali’s walking stick. The other is longjack. By any name, Tongkat ali (Eurycoma longifolia) is a sex-boosting dynamo of a plant that has proven its sexual benefits in both animal and human studies.

Tongkat ali is a slender tree native to Malaysia, lower Burma, Thailand, and Indonesia. The root is employed as a traditional remedy for the treatment of malaria, high blood pressure, fevers, fatigue, loss of sexual desire, and impotence. In Malaysia, Tongkat ali is the object of a sexual potency craze, an ingredient found in over three hundred products, from herbal syrups to capsules to popular soft drinks. Tongkat ali is everywhere, driving the lusty engine of steamy, equatorial Southeast Asia.

I will travel pretty much anywhere to research a valuable medicinal plant, especially a bona fide aphrodisiac plant. In the instance of Tongkat ali, the trail led me to the Malaysian peninsula, in a spectacular rainforest one million years old, to witness the harvesting of a root that is legendary among the peoples of Southeast Asia. Nobody knows how long Tongkat ali has been employed for medicinal purposes, but its documented use dates back to the 1700’s. In the steaming hot rainforest, I watched four aboriginal Orang Asli natives hack a large Tongkat ali root from the ground, using only simple hand tools. I marvelled at the hard labor often involved in harvesting plants for the herbal market.

The Big Testosterone Builder

Tongkat ali root contains a plethora of beneficial compounds, including potent protective antioxidants which inhibit cellular aging. Other phytochemicals in Tongkat ali demonstrate anti-viral, anti-malarial, and anti-cancer activity. Others combat high blood pressure, and quell dysentery. The root is a natural medicine chest. But what excites most people about Tongkat ali is that the root significantly boosts sex drive and function, in both men and women, by building testosterone. Agents identified as glycoproteins are believed to be the sex-promoting ingredients in the plant.

The foundation studies conducted on Tongkat ali have been undertaken by former University Of Malaysia Professor Dr. Johari Saad PhD, who is called by many the King Of Tongkat ali. Dr Johari found that when given a standardized Tongkat ali extract containing 22% glycoproteins, animals copulate three to four times more frequently than normal. This is because testosterone levels in animals given Tongkat ali increase three to four times on average, an astounding increase in the sex hormone most closely associated with libido.

Testosterone is the most important of the male sex hormones, which are known as androgens, and are produced in the gonads. In men, testosterone plays a key role in the development and maturity of male sex organs, the appearance of facial hair, deepening of voice, sexual desire and sexual behavior. In women, testosterone is the key to proactove sex drive, and is essential to pleasure. Testosterone produces erotic sensitivity of the clitoris, breasts and nipples, flipping the pleasure switch on a woman’s erogenous zones. For both men and women, testosterone is the bingo chemical for sexual drive and desire.

The Sex Doctor

At the Human Reproduction Specialist Center in Kuala Lumpur, I met with Dr Ismail Tambi MD, one of the foremost experts on reproductive and sexual health in all of Southeast Asia. He is also the leading medical expert on the effects of standardized Tongkat ali root extract on human subjects. In his work with men, Dr Tamby has found that use of Tongkat ali extract significantly increases testosterone production. “In our work with men, we found that Tongkat ali extract increased the serum level of testosterone considerably.” I asked Dr Tamby if the men experienced renewed sexual vitality, or heightened sexual desire. “Oh, yes, most definitely. The men found that Tongkat ali boosted their sex drive quite a lot. I think that for low libido, Tongkat ali extract is very valuable. I have seen this result for myself, and can say that this plant really works.” I asked Dr Tamby if the same would apply to women. “Yes, certainly it would boost libido in women as well, as testosterone is essential to a woman’s sexual desire.”

Dr. Tamby conducted a study of thirty adult males of various ages, assessed their testosterone levels, and then gave them 100 mg of standardized tongkat ali extract daily. The testosterone levels of all the subjects rose, from somewhat to a lot, depending on age. Dr Tamby’s study resulted in a 91% improvement in libido, a reported 73% improvement in sexual function, and an 82% psychological improvement relative to sex among the men who participated in the study. His work shows that Tongkat ali can re-elevate the level of this important sex hormone. In this regard, Tongkat ali proves a true sexual fountain of youth.

Using The Root

Tongkat ali significantly boosts sex drive in men and women, and has a long history of use enhancing sexual function in men. The top Tongkat ali experts in Malaysia recommend that men consume about 100 - 200 mg of Tongkat ali extract daily, and women about 50 - 100 mg. Look for standardized Tongkat ali extract with a 20 – 22% glycoprotein level. This is a remarkably effective herb with a very bright future.

Written by Chris Kilham, March 2004 Let's Live

Tongkat Ali is the Greatest!

There is a new, powerful androgen in town, and it’s clinically proven in humans. It’s called Tongkat ali, which means “Ali’s walking stick.” The botanical name is Eurycoma longifolia. The plant is a slender rainforest tree found in Malaysia and other parts of southeast Asia.

The big news about Tongkat ali for athletes is that the root significantly boosts testosterone, due most likely to compounds identified as glycoproteins. This discovery was made by Malaysian biochemist Dr. Johari Saad PhD , who is called by many the King Of Tongkat ali.

Dr Johari found that when given Tongkat ali extract, testosterone levels in animals increase by a factor of three to four times. In laboratory tests on human testicular tissue, Tongkat ali extract increased the formation of testosterone fourfold. Testosterone is an androgen, and is produced in the gonads. Testosterone plays a key role in the development and maturity of male sex organs. Testosterone also stimulates metabolism, promotes lipogenesis, increases the formation of red blood cells, and accelerates muscle growth. Women also produce testosterone, about 5 – 10% the amount produced in men.

From age thirty or so, blood levels of the hormone decline at a rate of about 2% per year. As testosterone decreases in the body, muscle tone, energy and sex drive all begin to decline.

In both animals and humans, Tongkat ali extract increases muscle mass. In a Malaysian study of men, half of the subjects ingested Tongkat ali extract and half did not. In an eight week physical training program, the men who consumed Tongkat ali extract experienced greater gains in muscle mass and strength than those who did not. Due to this significant discovery, a growing number of Asian athletes and body builders now use Tongkat ali extract as an androgen, to improve muscle size and strength, and to enhance sports performance. With

Tongkat ali extract you can boost your testosterone back to a more youthful level.

Tongkat ali extract also inhibits Sex Hormone Binding Globulin. By inhibiting this agent, more free testosterone remains in the blood. This additionally stems the aging process, improving energy and sexual function, helping to reduce body fat, and reducing risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease.

Tongkat ali extract also greatly increases ATP production. ATP, or adenosine triphosphate, is the basic unit of energy in the body, responsible for keeping us alive and going. By increasing ATP, overall energy and vitality are increased. Most people want more energy, and Tongkat ali provides it, without hyperstimulation, jittery nerves, or insomnia. This is the holy grail of human energy production, and is a valuable enough health benefit by itself to make Tongkat ali an enduring superstar on the herbal stage.

Look for Tongkat ali extract supplements standardized to approximately 22% glycoproteins. For men, 100 milligrams per day or more will give results. The dose is half that for women. Looking into a crystal ball of market futures, I predict that Tongkat ali will become a monster in the sports field.

Written by: Chris Kilham Physical, Jan 2004

Malaysia’s True Aphrodisiac: Tongkat Ali

By Chris Kilham

In densely shaded greenery in the sweltering hot Malaysian rainforest, I watched three aboriginal men chop a mature Tongkat Ali root, one of the most powerful aphrodisiac plants on earth, out of dense soil. Researching sex-enhancing plants often puts me in marvelous and remote places. In this instance, the trail led me to Malaysia to research Tongkat Ali. For this I can thank Annie Eng of Herbal Powers, who first introduced me to this plant, and who accompanied me to Southeast Asia.

Tongkat Ali is a popular folk name for Eurycoma longifolia, a medium size slender tree reaching 10 metres in height. The name Tongkat Ali means “Ali’s walking stick.” Another folk name for the plant is Longjack. Tongkat Ali is native to Malaysia, lower Burma, Thailand, and Indonesia. The root is employed as a traditional remedy for the treatment of malaria, high blood pressure, fevers, fatigue, loss of sexual desire, and impotence. Tongkat Ali enjoys both a long history of traditional use, and a growing body of serious science corroborating its efficacy.

The difficulty of harvesting Tongkat Ali in the wild is one very good reason to cultivate the trees in plantations. Additionally, as this traditional plant remedy becomes more popular, supplies of Tongkat Ali in the wild will inevitably decrease. Over time, this tree could become endangered. To preserve the natural environment, and to protect remaining wild specimens of Tongkat Ali, Malaysia is currently establishing plantations of this tree. The Malaysian government is enthusiastic about the future of Tongkat Ali, and is providing economic support for its development. To every appearance, Tongkat Ali is a market volcano of Krakatoa proportions, ready to blow.

The Testosterone Builder

Tongkat Ali is a scientifically studied plant which holds up brilliantly under close scrutiny. The root contains a plethora of beneficial compounds, including potent protective antioxidants which inhibit cellular aging. Other phytochemicals in Tongkat Ali are anti-viral, anti-malarial, and anti-cancerous. Others combat high blood pressure, and quell dysentery. Quassinoids in the root prove twice as potent as aspirin against fevers.

Even with its other serious medical applications, what excites most people about Tongkat Ali is that the root significantly boosts sex drive and function in both men and women, by building testosterone. Agents identified as glycoproteins appear to be the sex-promoting ingredients in the plant. This discovery, and years of painstaking research, is the work of Dr. Johari Saad , who is called by many the King Of Tongkat Ali. Dr Johari has conducted the definitive animal research on Tongkat Ali, and developed a novel and proprietary method of extracting the beneficial compounds from the root. His extract, LJ100, has been used in both human and animal studies.

“In our studies, we looked at what was happening with animals when we gave them a specially made water soluble extract of Tongkat Ali.” Joe explained to me. “It basically came down to four categories, increased testosterone, increased energy, inhibition of SHBG, and increased muscle mass.” Joe explained that when given Tongkat ali extract, animals copulate three to four times more frequently than normal. This is due, as it turns out, to a significant increase in testosterone. In fact, testosterone levels in animals given Tongkat Ali increase an unprecedented three to four times on average. While animal results do not always guarantee similar activity in people, the same testosterone-boosting effect does occur in human studies. In laboratory tests on human testicular tissue, Tongkat Ali extract increased the formation of testosterone fourfold.

Increasing testosterone is the big objective from a sex drive standpoint. Testosterone is the most important of the male sex hormones, which are known as androgens, and are produced in the gonads. Testosterone plays a key role in the development and maturity of male sex organs. The hormone promotes secondary sex characteristics including the appearance of facial hair, enlargement of the larynx (producing a deeper voice), sexual desire and sexual behavior. But testosterone is not just a sex booster for men. Women also produce testosterone, about 5 – 10% the amount produced in men. In women, this vital hormone also fans the flames of ardor, and increases sensitivity in the erogenous zones. In both sexes, testosterone stimulates metabolism, promotes lipogenesis (burning of fat), increases the formation of red blood cells, and accelerates muscle growth.

From age thirty or so, blood levels of the hormone decline at a rate of about 2% per year. The level will vary from one person to another. Regular exercise helps to keep a somewhat higher level of testosterone. Those who smoke or drink heavily will lose more of this hormone more quickly. As testosterone decreases in the body, muscle tone, energy and sex drive all begin to decline. In both sexes, sex drive, function, fat metabolism and energy decline into middle age, as blood testosterone drops.

With Tongkat Ali extract you can boost your testosterone levels back up to more youthful levels. Dr Johari also found that Tongkat Ali extract inhibits Sex Hormone Binding Globulin. By inhibiting this agent, more free testosterone remains in the blood. This additionally stems the aging process, improving energy and sexual function, helping to reduce body fat, and reducing risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease.

In both men and women, pharmaceutical testosterone has been successfully used as a therapeutic aid in cases of low sex drive. The hormone has also been used to treat some cases of erectile dysfunction in men. In the case of Tongkat Ali, we have a safe, natural plant agent which causes the body to produce its own testosterone, thereby boosting sexual desire and function. Tongkat Ali gets to the absolute essence of human sex drive, and improves it.

An Athletic Edge

As if increasing testosterone weren’t enough, Tongkat Ali extract also greatly increases ATP production. ATP, or adenosine triphosphate, is the basic unit of energy in the body, responsible for keeping us alive and going. By increasing ATP, overall energy and vitality are increased. Most people want more energy, and Tongkat Ali provides it, without hyperstimulation, jittery nerves, or insomnia. This is the holy grail of human energy production, and is a valuable enough health benefit by itself to make Tongkat Ali an enduring superstar on the medicinal plant stage.

Athletes and body builders will employ any agent which boosts performance or muscle mass. In both animals and humans, Tongkat Ali extract increases muscle mass. In a study of men, half of the subjects ingested Tongkat Ali extract and half did not. In an eight week physical training program, the men who consumed Tongkat Ali extract experienced greater gains in muscle mass and strength than those who did not. This demonstrates the powerful anabolic properties of Tongkat Ali. Thanks to this significant discovery, a growing number of Asian athletes and body builders now use Tongkat Ali extract as an androgen, to improve muscle size and strength, and to enhance sports performance.

The Sex Doctor

In the Malaysian capitol of Kuala Lumpur, I met with Dr Ismail Tambi, who runs the Human Reproduction Specialist Center. Dr. Tamby is one of the foremost experts on reproductive health in all of Southeast Asia, and is also the leading medical expert on the effects of Tongkat Ali root extract on human subjects. In his work with men, Dr Tamby has found that use of Tongkat ali extract significantly increases testosterone production. “In our studies, we found that Tongkat ali extract increased the serum level of testosterone considerably.” I asked Dr Tamby if the men in his study experienced renewed sexual vitality, or heightened sexual desire. “Oh, yes, most definitely. The men found that Tongkat Ali boosted their sex drive quite a lot. I think that for low libido, Tongkat Ali extract is very valuable. I have seen this result for myself, and can say that this plant really works.” I asked Dr Tamby if the same would apply to women, who secrete only about 5 – 10% as much testosterone as men. “Yes, it certainly should boost libido in women as well, as testosterone is essential to a woman’s sexual desire. Women have used Tongkat Ali for a very long time in this culture,” he added.

Dr. Tamby conducted the PADAM study, in which he investigated Partial Androgen Deficiency In Males. He selected thirty adult males of various ages, assessed their testosterone levels, and then gave them 100 mg of Tongkat Ali extract daily. The testosterone levels of all the subjects rose, resulting in a 91% improvement in libido, a reported 73% improvement in sexual function, and an 82% psychological improvement relative to sex among the men who participated in the study.

Using Tongkat Ali

Dr Johari and other experts involved with this plant recommend around 100 milligrams of concentrated Tongkat ali standardized to approximately 22% glycoproteins daily for men, and around 50 milligrams for women.

Tongkat Ali

What is Tongkat Ali

Other Names: Eurycoma longifolia, Longjack

Tongkat Ali is a tree native to Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. The part of the tree used medicinally is the root.

Why Do People Use Tongkat Ali?

Tongkat Ali was dubbed the "Asian Viagra" in a May 1999 report in the New Sunday Times.

It has been used in Malaysia for many years by men to increase sexual desire, libido, sexual performance and to treat erectile dysfunction.

Tongkat ali appears to work by increasing levels of the hormone testosterone. Testosterone is primarily responsible for the growth and development of male reproductive organs, including the penis, testicles, scrotum, prostate, and seminal vesicles. Normal testosterone levels maintain energy level, mood, fertility, and sexual desire.

Because of its testosterone-enhancing properties, tongkat ali is also used by bodybuilders to increase muscle mass and strength.

Safety

Reported side effects include insomnia, anxiety, and restlessness.

Tongkat ali should not be used by pregnant or nursing women or children.

Because tongkat ali increases testosterone levels it should not be used by men with breast cancer or prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, or sleep apnea.

Tongkat ali should not be used by people with weakened immune systems as some evidence suggests it may further weaken immune function.

Drug Interactions

Tongkat ali should not be used by people taking immunosuppressant drugs.

It is especially important to tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking insulin. Tongkat ali may decrease blood sugar levels.

Tongkat Ali - Uplifting News

Tongkat Ali, or Pasak Bumi as it's known in Indonesia, has become an extremely popular aphrodisiac. It has been scientifically proven to cause permanent penile enlargement.

Pasak Bumi has testosterone enhancing properties that directly cause enlargement of the penis and testicles. Due to its powerful ability to increase penis and testicular mass, plus boost libido, Pasak Bumi has been used in Indonesia for hundreds of years as a supplement for general well-being, and has an ancient reputation as a potent aphrodisiac with the ability to cure erectile dysfunction.

It's well known that young Japanese women prefer Indonesian men, particularly those from the magic island of Bali, to all other Asian males, due to the powerful effect of the Pasak Bumi root. Japanese women and other Asian females are not shy to discuss the physical attributes of males, especially penis size. Massive carved erect penises are not uncommon on the island of Bali, and in Japanese Shinto temples.

Viagra is also very effective in producing an erection of the penis, but unlike Pasak Bumi, Viagra is not designed to increase libido, support healthy sexual organs, stimulate mental alertness or enhance sexual activity. Viagra takes much longer to take effect, and many users suffer from side effects such as flushes, nasal congestion, nausea, headache, chest pain, and visual disturbances. Viagra provides a temporary erection but does not provide the maximum penis size possible, or a permanent increase in size.

Pasak Bumi (Tongkat Ali) improves testosterone production, physical and mental performance, blood circulation, hypertension, and diabetes. It enhances energy levels, endurance, and stamina, and reduces mental fatigue and exhaustion. It tones skin and muscles, and improves the immune system, rheumatism and arthritis.

Tongkat Ali increases energy and vitality without the side effects of hyper-stimulation, jittery nerves or insomnia. It is a tree native to Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, and is known as Asian Viagra or Herbal Viagra. The part of the tree used medicinally is the root. Indonesian and Malaysian men have used it for decades as an effective natural treatment for erectile dysfunction. It increases levels of the hormone testosterone, which is responsible for the growth and development of the penis, testicles, scrotum, prostate, and seminal vesicles.

Tongkat Ali increases the frequency and strength of erections by improving blood flow to the penis, which in fact, is the only natural way to get harder and longer erections. It combats fatigue, increases energy and stamina, generates blood circulation, and improves mood. It stimulates the body to produce more of its own testosterone. It is a traditional male libido tonic, and a natural, safe, convenient and effective herbal cure for erectile dysfunction.

Historically, Tongkat Ali (Pasak Bumi) has been used in its natural habitat as an herbal folk treatment for sexual dysfunction, including impotence, and it has also been readily used throughout time as a natural, herbal sexual enhancer. It is the ultimate natural herbal aphrodisiac.

Russ Cawara is a restaurateur, writer, artist, and purveyor of herbal remedies: http://www.balimojoworldwide.com

Fakta tentang Tongkat Ali

TONGKAT ALI

Nama Botani	Eurycoma longifolia Jack
Nama lain	Penawar pahit, bedara pahit, bedara putih, bedara merah, hempedu pahit, payung Ali, tongkat baginda, muntah bumi, petala bumi, akar jangat semang, tongkat rasul, setunjang bumi dan pasak bumi.
Famili	Simaroubaceae
Pengenalan	Tongkat ali adalah dari keluarga Simaroubaceae didapati tumbuh di hutan malar hijau di Asia Tenggara. Di Malaysia tongkat ali digunakan secara meluas dalam penyediaan ubatan tradisional dan dijual dalam bentuk kapsul, tablet serta tonik. Lebih kurang 30 produk ubatan tradisional di negara ini mengandungi tongkat ali sama ada secara tulen atau campuran dengan herba yang lain. Persediaan produk daripada tongkat ali meliputi 30% daripada nilai perdagangan herba tempatan yang bernilai RM30–40 juta. Tongkat Ali merupakan tanaman jenis saka yang tumbuh menegak tanpa cabang. Dalam keadaan semula jadinya di hutan, ia tumbuh dengan kadar yang perlahan, boleh mencapai ketinggian sehingga 15 m dengan garis pusat batang berukuran 20 cm. Daunnya berbentuk bujur (2–3 cm lebar, 8–10 cm panjang) tersusun secara berpasangan pada satu tangkai (panjang hingga 100 cm). Terdapat 20–30 pasang anak daun bagi setiap tangkai daun. Tangkai daun tersusun secara “spiral”, sama ada mengikut pusingan jam atau melawan pusingan pada paksi batang.
Khasiat dan Kegunaan	Tongkat ali terkenal kerana mempunyai kesan penggalak seks (‘aphrodisiac’). Secara tradisi ia digunakan untuk merawat beberapa jenis penyakit dan meningkatkan kesihatan. Antaranya, termasuk pening kepala, luka-luka, kurap, disentri, bengkak, kelenjar, antileukemik, antitumor, antiviral, antifidan, insektisidal, antiamebik, antimalaria dan antiradang.Kandungan kimia tongkat ali yang penting dalam industri ialah; eurikomanone, eurikomalaktone dan eurikomanol (quassinoids) yang banyak terdapat dalam akar. Maklumat lebih terperinci mengenai hal ini sedang diselidiki. Penyelidikan menunjukkan bahawa bahan kimia (fitokimia) yang terdapat dalam tongkat ali boleh meningkatkan paras testosterone (hormon yang diperlukan untuk fungsi kelelakian).