Tongkat Ali root powder 200 mg
LJ100 25 mg, a potent extract of the root
Passion Rx with Tongkat ali powder and extract
You have the option to take Tongkat Ali root powder 200 mg, LJ100 extract at 25 mg, or Passion Rx which is an effective combination of these two plus a dozen additional aphrodisiac herbs. It is difficult to predict in any one individual which product will work better. The surest way is to try them separately to see which one is most suitable to your own body chemistry. Passion Rx has a very high rate of reorder and is my favorite aphrodisiac formula.
   There are quite a number of sexual enhancing products on the market that have tongkat ali in various extract potencies. Before you purchase such a product make sure the company you are buying from is a legitimate and has an actual physical address in the United States.
 

Purchase Tongkat ali root powder, LJ100 extract, capsules of Passion Rx natural sex booster, Prostate Power Rx, other sex herbs such as horny goat weed, mucuna pruriens, tribulus terrestris, maca, catuaba, yohimbe

Note: Passion Rx and tongkat ali supplements are best taken on separate days since taking them together may cause overstimulation. It is preferable not to take them on days that you take herbs and supplements that have stimulant properties such as ginseng or SAM-e. I suggest you have at least 2 or 3 days a week when you do not take any herbal aphrodisiacs since daily use can cause insomnia or shallow sleep and cause too much stimulation.

Suggested Use: For libido enhancement, take one LJ100 capsule or one tongkat ali root powder capsule every other day or every third day. 

The different options available to the consumer, be careful and don't get fooled
Buy from a company based in the USA. If you purchase from a company based in a foreign country, they could be adding dangerous hormones or pharmaceutical medications to their products. If they are a reliable company doing business in the United States, they should have a physical office in this country.

Tongkat Ali root is sold as a powder in capsules by itself such as the one mentioned above at 200 mg per capsule, and it is also combined with other herbs in libido products. There are also concentrated forms which I will refer to as extracts. One well known and potent tongkat ali extract is LJ100 which is standardized to contain 40% glycosaponins and 22% eurypeptides. You can find tongkat ali promoted as 4:1, 5:1, 10 to 1, 20:1, 50:1, 100:1 and 200:1 extract concentrations. These can be quite misleading since there are no accepted scientific standards of what constitutes a 4:1 versus a 200 to1. In fact, be very skeptical of products that claim to be 20 to 1, 50 to 1, 100 to 1 or 200 to 1. There are no standards that say a 40% glycosaponin content constitutes a particular extract concentration. Any company who claims they are selling a product that is 200 times as potent as the regular powder is misleading you.
   To make things a little more complicated, each raw material supplier and manufacturer has a different way of preparing and extracting the active ingredients, and has a different raw material source. This means that, let's say, a 4:1 extract sold by one company may have a different effect than a 4:1 extract from another company. It is difficult to give a dosage recommendation that would apply to all the products on the market.
   After years of getting feedback from users of sexual enhancing herbs I have created a formula called Passion Rx which works very well as a sex booster in men and women with a low rate of side effects. You have the option of taking tongkat ali powder in capsules by itself, LJ100 by itself, or a libido enhancing formula. I prefer combinations since one can take advantage of different herbs which work in different ways to enhance the overall sexual experience, including sex drive, sensation, stamina, erectile function, orgasms, and lubrication.

Tongkat Ali side effects, caution, safety, toxicity, and adverse events
I have read articles in health magazines that it has wonderful benefits with absolutely no side effects. This has not been my personal or professional experience. Even though this herbal aphrodisiac is potent and effective, it does have shortcomings. One of the side effects of high dose tongkat ali herb use is insomnia. Lack of adequate sleep, when repeated over many days, can lower sex drive and cause fatigue, tiredness. So it's better to take smaller amounts over several days than a very high amount in one day.
   I have personally tested various extracts in different doses and realized that it has additional side effects not often mentioned in articles or in research papers. Many of my friends and patients have given me feedback regarding their personal experiences. I am convinced that high doses can cause increased body temperature, which is not a good thing during hot and steamy days without air conditioning, but a good thing if you live in Alaska or enjoy taking a walk outside in cool weather. Some people find that when they take a high dose, they become restless and impatient, perhaps easily angered. Therefore, you don't want to swallow several capsules of tongkat ali if you expect to be driving in heavy traffic. You may get road rage. Being patient and taking lower doses is the preferred option. There could also be heart related side effects. High doses can increase heart rate which is not acceptable to those who have heart disease.

Some of the potent herbal extracts in this formula include ashwagandha, Catuaba, Herba Cistanches, Horny goat weed, Maca, Muira puama, Passion flower, Tongkat Ali herb and LJ100, Tribulus and yohimbe. I do not suggest taking full capsules of these natural aphrodisiacs together the same day. For instance, when high doses of tongkat ali are taken with other herbs that have stimulating properties, such as ginseng or other adaptogens, there is the potential for restlessness, irritability, rapid heart beat, elevated body temperature, and insomnia.

Tongkat Ali aphrodisiac research study review
Over the past few years, there have been quite a number of studies (particularly in rodents) that have tested it in relation to sexual effects. The results have been quite positive. There is some evidence that the use of this herb, at least in high dosages in rodents, increases levels of testosterone.

Randomized Clinical Trial on the Use of PHYSTA Freeze-Dried Water Extract of Eurycoma longifolia for the Improvement of Quality of Life and Sexual Well-Being in Men.
Evidence Based Complement Alternative Med. 2012. School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia. 
A randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled, parallel group study was carried out to investigate the clinical evidence of TA in men. The 12-week study in 109 men between 30 and 55 years of age consisted of either treatment of 300 mg of water extract of tongkat ali (Physta) or placebo. Primary endpoints were the Quality of Life questionnaire and Sexual Well-Being investigated by International Index of Erectile Function and Sexual Health Questionnaires ; Seminal Fluid Analysis (SFA), fat mass and safety profiles. The TA group showed higher scores in sexual libido and better sperm motility and semen volume. Subjects with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m(2) significantly improved in fat mass loss. All safety parameters were comparable to placebo.

The effects of this aphrodisiac herb were studied on libido of male rats after dosing them twice daily for 10 days. Tongkat ali produced a dose-dependent increase in mounting frequency; that is, the number of times the male rats tried to mount the female rats increased as the dose given to the rats increased. In addition, the rats displayed more frequent and vigorous licking and anogenital sniffing towards the receptive females. Furthermore, the rats dosed with the plant extract spent more time grooming their genitals compared to the rats who were not given the plant. Genital grooming may be interpreted as self-pleasuring since the rats were most likely enjoying the sensation of touching themselves. The researchers noticed another interesting finding: while the rats who had not received tongkat ali showed normal behavior within the cage such as exploration and climbing the cage wall, the rats given tongkat ali hung around the females instead of exploring the cage. In terms of human species, this may be interpreted as a man spending more time in the kitchen helping his wife dry the dishes than in the den half-asleep in a Lazyboy chair with the remote control in the left hand and a can of beer in the right while tuned to ESPN :)
   Several studies have tested tongkat ali in rodents and shown this plant to have aphrodisiac properties.

In this study we evaluated the influence of Eurycoma longifolia on sexual behavior (including both motivation and copulatory performance) of sexually sluggish and impotent male rats. Treatment with the root powder significantly reduced ejaculation latencies, increasing also the percentage of mounting and ejaculating animals. In impotent rats treatments increased the percentage of mounting and ejaculating rats. Testosterone serum levels were increased in rats treated in comparison with controls. Influence of Eurycoma longifolia on the copulatory activity of sexually sluggish and impotent male rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 2009. Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.

Availability online and in health food stores
Tongkat Ali is sold as a powder and in capsules, and it is often combined with other herbs in libido products. There are a number of extracts available in various potencies, and since each raw material supplier and manufacturer has a different way of preparation and extraction of the root material, and since there are no established standards, it is difficult to give dosage recommendations that would be consistently effective. In addition to tongkat ali being available as a raw powder, it is sold as a 4:1, 5:1, 20:1 and a 100:1 concentration although these could be misleading. At the higher concentrations it becomes difficult to dose appropriately since the margin of error in terms of effectiveness versus side effects becomes quite challenging.

Mechanism of action, how it works, effect on testosterone
More studies are required to determine the exact mechanisms of action. Recent studies indicate that the root contains several compounds including beta-carboline alkaloids and quassinoid-type glycosides, including eurycomaoside. How these compounds and many others in tongkat ali influence hormonal release or the human sexual response is not clearly understood (at least by me) at this time. I have read promotional material by some vitamin companies and articles in health magazines that tongkat ali enhances testosterone production or release. Apparently some human trials have been conducted in Malaysia that indicate tongkat ali influences testosterone and this herb in has shown to raise testosterone levels in rodent studies. I would not be surprised if compounds within it, such as glycoproteins, do influence blood, testes, or brain levels of testosterone.  Does this effect on testosterone continue with prolonged use? I would also not be surprised additional compounds within the plant influence sexuality in ways other than just testosterone or hormone effects.
   The plant parts have many compounds (such as eurycomaoside, eurycolactone, eurycomalactone, eurycomanone, and pasakbumin-B) among which the alkaloids and quassinoids form a major portion.

Patients suffering from late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) were given 200 mg of a standardised water-soluble extract of Tongkat ali for 1 month. The Ageing Males' Symptoms (AMS) according to the standardised rating scale and the serum testosterone concentration were taken. Results show that treatment of LOH patients improved the AMS score as well as the serum testosterone concentration. Andrologia. 2012. Standardised water-soluble extract of Eurycoma longifolia, Tongkat ali, as testosterone booster for managing men with late-onset hypogonadism? Wellmen Clinic, Damai Service Hospital, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

We examined the effect of 9-hydroxycanthin-6-one (9-HC-6-one), a β-carboline alkaloid isolated from E. longifolia, on penile erection and ejaculation, and further elucidated the mechanism of action. Results show 9-HC-6-one might be the active component that contributed to the aphrodisiac effect of E. longifolia by antagonizing the smooth muscle tone of corpus cavernosum through interfering with Ca2+ mobilization. J Sex Med. 2012. 13.9-hydroxycanthin-6-one induces penile erection and delays ejaculation. National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.

Nat Prod Res. 2013. Plant proteins, minerals and trace elements of Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali). Metabolites Profiling Laboratory, Institute of Bioproduct Development, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM Skudai, Johor, Malaysia. A water extraction method has been used to extract plant proteins from the roots of TA harvested from Perak and Pahang, Malaysia. On the basis of the spectroscopic Bradford assay, Tongkat Ali Perak and Pahang contained 0.38 and 0.95 mg mL(-1) of crude protein, respectively. Isoleucine was present in the highest concentration. Both plant samples showed differences in the mineral and trace element profiles, but the minerals calcium, magnesium and potassium were present in the highest concentration. The highly concerned toxic metals such as arsenic and lead were not detected.

Long term side effects
Since long term human trials have not been published, it would be best to take breaks from use. One option is to take the herbal product every other day or 2 days on, 2 or more days off with a full week off each month. Each person is different and will find their own best schedule.
    It is somewhat difficult to find the right dose and extract of tongkat ali supplement that works without causing insomnia, and that's where an experienced herbalist who has wide knowledge with this plant is crucial in terms of formulating the right product with the right amount and extract potency of tongkat ali.

Athletic performance, body building, increase in energy
It is true that tongkat ali increases energy levels, and here again the right dose is crucial since too high a dose will give insomnia, leading to fatigue the next day. However, if you take the right amount which wears off by evening, then you'll be just fine and happy. it is thought that tongkat ali increases energy levels through its actions on ATP. This herb also has an influence on testosterone levels, at least in the short term.

I have read a lot of articles on tongkat and wanted your professional advice. I'm 50 years old and a professional tri-athlete. (swim, bike, run) I was looking into this herb as a supplement for recovery, mental being, and endurance enhancer. Could you please give me a honest opinion about the herb and any positive effects that are proven to help with athletic performance.
   Although this herb increases energy levels, it also increases body temperature which can be counterproductive to performance enhancement particularly if the activity is being done in warm weather. Perhaps this herb could help in situations where the outside temperature is very cold, or swimming in cold waters. However, there is also the risk for increased heart rate from the herb which may not be helpful. Overall, I don't think this herb is helpful for athletes except perhaps in situations where cold tolerance is a benefit. Much depends on the dosage used and this would be learned through trial and error.

Cancer
Beta-carboline alkaloids have demonstrated significant cytotoxicity against human lung cancer (A-549) and human breast cancer (MCF-7) cell lines. In plain English, this means that some compounds in tongkat ali can kill cancer cells. The practical significance of this finding in humans is not clear at this time.

Fatigue treatment?
The Dr Oz show was suggesting tongkat ali as a testosterone supplement to assist females with fatigue. Is this product and dosage primarily for men or would it also be safe for females (age 48 perimenopauseal)?
   We don't suggest its use as a treatment for fatigue. Although it can boost energy levels, it can also cause insomnia which can make fatigue worse. We are not sure if Dr. Oz is aware of its effects on sleep.

Use for infertility
This study investigated the effect of treatment with the proprietary standardized, water-soluble extract of the root of the Malaysian plant, Eurycoma longifolia Jack, which is thought to enhance male fertility with regard to higher semen volumes, sperm concentrations, the percentage of normal sperm morphology and sperm motility in male partners of sub-fertile couples with idiopathic infertility. A total of 350 patients were given 200 mg of the extract daily and follow-up semen analyses were performed every 3 months for 9 months. Follow-up semen analyses in these patients showed significant improvement in all semen parameters. The extract significantly improved the sperm quality in these patients, allowing for 11 (14%) spontaneous pregnancies. Eurycoma longifolia Jack in managing idiopathic male infertility. Asian J Andrology. 2010. Bin Mohd Tambi MI. Wellmen Clinic, Damai Service Hospital, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. School of Medical Sciences, University Sains Malaysia, Kbg Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Malaria treatment
Scientists have found that, in addition to its sex-enhancing effects, compounds within tongkat ali have anti-malarial properties. Some of these anti-malaria compounds are known as quassinoids.

Prostate health
We have not seen any studies regarding tongkat ali and prostate gland in humans, so we don't know whether it helps with BPH treatment or induces prostate gland enlargement. We also don't know how it influences prostate cancer, whether it helps prevent it or aggravates it.

Use with other dietary supplements
Fish oils at one to three softgels a day can be taken together. Try to avoid taking it with other potent herbs in their full dosage.

Interactions with medications
J Clin Pharm Ther. 2010. Modification of propranolol's bioavailability by Eurycoma longifolia water-based extract. Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Penang, Malaysia. The bioavailability of propranolol is significantly decreased when consumed together with E. longifolia. The interaction is due to a reduction in absorption, rather than an increase in propranolol's metabolism.