Are you in the UK and curious about Tongkat Ali? This herbal supplement may have numerous health benefits, such as testosterone and stress support. Our comprehensive guide demystifies Tongkat Ali, revealing how to find top-quality sources and ensuring you’re well aware of UK regulations before making a purchase.
Key Takeaways
- Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) is valued in Southeast Asian medicine for its potential to boost testosterone, reduce stress, and enhance athletic performance, with benefits derived from compounds such as quassinoids.
- Available in the UK without restrictive regulations, consumers should focus on product quality and lab testing for safe use, and be aware of potential interactions with medications.
What is Tongkat Ali?
Tongkat Ali, bearing the scientific name Eurycoma longifolia, is an age-old herbal remedy with a rich history in Southeast Asian medicine. Native to Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and other Southeast Asian regions, it’s commonly known as Malaysian ginseng and is consumed extensively as a Tongkat Ali supplement.
The potential health benefits of Tongkat Ali are vast and impressive. It has been known to boost testosterone, reduce stress, and improve athletic performance, potentially leading to an increase in lean body mass.
However, more research is needed to definitively substantiate these benefits.
Its main constituents that provide these potential health benefits are quassinoid compounds such as eurycomanone and eurycomanol, eurycolactones, canthin-6-one metabolites, and triterpenes.
Historical Uses of Tongkat Ali
Stepping back in time, Tongkat Ali was revered for its wide range of therapeutic attributes.
It has been employed historically for the treatment of a variety of conditions, including sexual issues like loss of desire and impotence, as well as ailments like post-partum depression, malaria, high blood pressure, and fatigue.
This versatile herb holds a significant place in the traditional medicine of Southeast Asia, with its utilization dating back to the 1100s.
Indigenous people in Malaysia, referred to as Orang Asli, have made use of Tongkat Ali for centuries, appreciating its diverse therapeutic attributes.
In traditional practices, the roots of the Eurycoma longifolia Jack plant were used to prepare Tongkat Ali, harnessing its beneficial properties.
Tongkat Ali in the UK: Availability and Regulations
Tongkat Ali is now available in the UK through online retailers and health stores. However, it’s imperative to understand the regulatory guidelines that oversee its sale and usage.
It’s important to ensure the quality of the product you buy, with certifications such as ISO and lab testing for contaminants.
At BROWN’S HEALTH, all of our products are produced in an ISO-certified clean room and lab tested.
Where to buy
When purchasing Tongkat Ali, selecting a reliable company is paramount. It’s crucial to ponder the herb’s source, as many trustworthy products are cultivated in Malaysia, Indonesia, or China.
Reliable companies should provide genuine Tongkat Ali extract of superior quality and adhere to the Malaysia Standard.
When purchasing Tongkat Ali online, it’s crucial to consider the concentration ratio, purity, and authenticity of the product.
Regulatory guidelines
Tongkat Ali is not prohibited in the UK, and it does not necessitate a prescription for use in the UK, making it easily accessible for those who wish to reap its benefits.
While there isn’t a precise manufacturing standard for Tongkat Ali products, food supplements, including herbal supplements like Tongkat Ali, are required to adhere to the general food law regulations in the UK. This ensures safety and consistency in the product you receive.
Quality considerations
The identification of high-quality, standardised Tongkat Ali extract is key.
Standardised extract assures a consistent concentration of active ingredients and a reliable extraction process. Our tongkat ali extract is standardised to 2% (200:1) Eurycomanone and produced to the highest standards.
Best practices in manufacturing processes, from harvesting to packaging, contribute to the quality of Tongkat Ali.
To prevent the presence of contaminants such as heavy metals, it is advisable to obtain the product from plants cultivated in unpolluted regions and verify that the product has been tested for heavy metal contamination.
The Science Behind Tongkat Ali’s Health Benefits
Scientific research has shone a light on the potential benefits of Tongkat Ali, providing a strong foundation for its traditional uses. Studies suggest that it may boost testosterone levels, reduce stress, and enhance athletic performance, making it a potent ally in achieving overall health and well-being.
Potential Side Effects and Precautions
Although Tongkat Ali provides numerous benefits, awareness of potential side effects and precautions is necessary.
Side effects reported in humans encompass upset stomach and itching, and the overall safety profile, especially for extended use, remains to be thoroughly established. Adherence to the suggested dosages can help reduce the risk of unwanted effects.
Dosage
The typical daily dosage of Tongkat Ali for healthy adults is between 150mg to 200mg. However, the recommended dosage may differ depending on the intended health objective.
Factors such as age, general health status, and the potency of the product being used can potentially influence the appropriate dosage of Tongkat Ali.
Drug interactions
Always consult with your doctor before starting any new supplement to determine if it is right for your needs.
Tongkat Ali has the potential to interact with hypoglycemic medications, including glipizide, metformin, and miglitol. It has the potential to enhance the effects of metformin, which could result in an increased risk of hypoglycemia due to pharmacodynamic synergism.
It’s also important to note that the effectiveness of hypertension medication, such as Inderal, is significantly reduced when consumed with Tongkat Ali. This is due to a decrease in the bioavailability of propranolol, the active ingredient in Inderal, due to reduced absorption.
Contraindications
Individuals with hormonal cancers such as breast cancer and prostate cancer are advised to avoid using Tongkat Ali. This is because it has the potential to elevate testosterone levels, which could exacerbate hormone-sensitive cancers.
Apart from hormonal cancers, medical conditions such as heart disease, kidney disease, and weakened immune systems may also contraindicate the use of Tongkat Ali.
It also has the potential to interact with certain medications, such as hypoglycemic drugs like glipizide, metformin, and miglitol, and it may reduce the levels and clinical effects of drugs like propranolol.
If in doubt, talk to your doctor for further information.
How to Incorporate Tongkat Ali into Your Routine
Inclusion of Tongkat Ali into your daily regimen is quite straightforward. It’s generally taken in the early morning, between 7am and 8am, after a light breakfast or with your morning beverage, before starting work.
The recommended daily dosage for healthy adults ranges from 150mg to 200mg.
It can also be combined with other dietary supplements, such as protein supplements and Ashwagandha, to augment benefits associated with stress relief, sexual health, energy levels, and cognitive function.
Combining with other supplements
Tongkat Ali can be combined with other supplements to enhance its effects. Commonly, it’s paired with supplements such as:
- Ginseng
- L-arginine
- Horny goat weed
- Tribulus
- Maca
- Muira puama
- Zinc
- Saw palmetto
Lifestyle factors
A well-balanced diet and regular physical exercise can further support the benefits of Tongkat Ali.
However, certain lifestyle habits may compromise the efficacy of Tongkat Ali, such as:
- smoking
- pre-existing elevated testosterone levels
- fatigue
- stress
- poor dietary choices
- eating disorders
Achieving an optimal balance entails taking into consideration individual needs and objectives, seeking tailored guidance from a healthcare professional.
Summary
Tongkat Ali, a gem in the heart of Southeast Asia, has a rich history of offering an array of health benefits.
As we’ve learned, it has the potential to boost testosterone levels, reduce stress, and enhance athletic performance. Its use in traditional medicine is backed by preliminary scientific research, although more research is needed for definitive proof.
Incorporating Tongkat Ali into your daily routine could potentially open doors to improved health and well-being.
Remember to follow the recommended dosage, check for quality and certifications when buying, and consult a healthcare professional if you have any medical conditions.
With a balanced lifestyle, the benefits of Tongkat Ali could be your stepping stone to enhanced vitality and wellness.
Other UK supplements that you may be interested in include:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Tongkat Ali do for a man?
Tongkat Ali may increase libido, muscle strength, and testosterone levels in men, as well as improve erectile function, fertility, and reduce stress. However, more research is needed to confirm these benefits.
Does Tongkat Ali have any side effects?
In excessive doses, Tongkat Ali may cause nausea, vomiting, and potential elevation of testosterone, leading to symptoms like hair loss and prostate enlargement, so individuals should be cautious of its side effects.
What is Tongkat Ali?
Tongkat Ali, scientifically known as Eurycoma longifolia, is an herbal remedy native to Southeast Asia. It’s known for its potential benefits in boosting testosterone, reducing stress, and improving athletic performance.
How can I incorporate Tongkat Ali into my daily routine?
Incorporate Tongkat Ali into your daily routine by taking it in the early morning, between 7am to 8am, following a light breakfast or with coffee/tea, with an appropriate daily dosage for adults being between 150mg to 200mg.
