Eurycoma Longifolia extract supplement side effects benefits

Eurycoma Longifolia extract supplement side effects, benefit, dosage, review of human studies, does it influence testosterone?
Aphrodisiac benefit, is it safe
Dosage of extract in 25 mg, 50, 70, 100 mg. Full spectrum powder 200 mg, top quality product
November 22 2018 by Ray Sahelian, M.D.

Traditional uses
Eurycoma longifolia jack is a small tree found in the jungles throughout Malaysia and Southeast Asia. It is commonly known as Tongkat Ali in Malaysia and Singapore, Piak or Tung Saw in Thailand, and Pasak Bumi in Indonesia. The tree can grow up to about 12 meters in height. Natives consider every part of the tree as medicine. Traditionally eurycoma is used as a tonic, to treat malaria, and as an aphrodisiac.

Availability in stores and online, dosage and dose, where to buy
Eurycoma longifolia is sold as a powder and in capsules, sometimes mixed with other herbs. There are a number of eurycoma longifolia extracts and full spectrum powders available in various potencies, and since each company will have a different way of extracting, it is difficult to give dosage recommendations that would be consistently effective. We are able to provide more accurate dosage guidelines for the two products listed below.

Eurycoma root powder 200 mg per capsule dosage, high quality product
buy Eurycoma longifolia extract LJ100, 25 mg - high quality and standardized. It is used for improving energy, increasing stamina, physical endurance, and sensual performance.
Passion Rx potent aphrodisiac formula, developed by Dr. Ray Sahelian, M.D.

Eurycoma longifolia grows wild in the rainforests of the Southeast Asia. In Indo-China. In Malaysia, it is known for its energy, tonic, and sensual vitality properties. Traditionally this root is used to improve energy, reduce fatigue and enhance overall physical and sensual performance. This product is pure raw material directly from Malaysia. The medicinal benefits of eurycoma are found primarily in the root. Physician Formulas eurycoma powder uses only the highest quality Malaysian root aged seven years or more. All root is wild crafted and sterilized.

Buy Eurycoma longifolia extract supplement, Passion Rx with Yohimbe sexual enhancing formula or other sex improving herbs

An aphrodisiac formula that works in men and women
The potent herbal extracts in Passion Rx formula include ashwagandha, catuaba, cnidium, damiana, eurycoma longifolia extract, horny goat weed, maca, mucuna pruriens, muira puama, passion flower, rehmannia, rhodiola, Tribulus herb, and Yohimbe extract. This aphrodisiac formula does not have ginseng or ginkgo biloba.

Note: Passion Rx and eurycoma longifolia extract supplements are best taken on separate days since taking them together may cause overstimulation and insomnia. Many people alternate their use with great results.

Suggested Use, dosage, what is the right dose: As a dietary supplement, take a 200 mg eurycoma supplement capsule in the morning before breakfast or as recommended by your health care provider. For long term use, take 2 days on, 2 or more days off or take every other day or every third day. Results may vary depending on age and metabolism. Some may require half a capsule while others may do better with two. It may be preferable to take lower doses of eurycoma supplements and have it work slowly in order to avoid the side effects mentioned below. The effects from this bark extract can sometimes last into the next day or even the third day.

Eurycoma longifolia side effects, danger, safety, risk, adverse reactions, how to avoid the negative effects
I have read articles in health magazines that eurycoma supplements provide wonderful sexual benefits with no side effects. This has not been my personal experience. Even though it is of benefit as an herbal aphrodisiac, it does have shortcomings. One of the side effects of high dose eurycoma root is that it can cause insomnia. Lack of adequate sleep, when repeated over many days, can lower sex drive. So, it's better to take smaller amounts over several days rather than a very high amount for one or two days.
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 with eurycoma supplements. 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 eurycoma pills if you expect to be driving in heavy traffic. So, be patient and take lower doses.

Bodybuilding, athletics
I don't think this herb is useful for bodybuilding purposes or to increase muscle mass, I prefer creatine monohydrate for muscle building purposes.

Review article
Molecules. 2016. Review on a Traditional Herbal Medicine, Eurycoma longifolia Jack: Its Traditional Uses, Chemistry, Evidence-Based Pharmacology and Toxicology. Rehman SU1, Choe K2, Yoo HH3. Author information Abstract Eurycoma longifolia Jack (known as tongkat ali), a popular traditional herbal medicine, is a flowering plant of the family Simaroubaceae, native to Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and also Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos and Thailand. E. longifolia, is one of the well-known folk medicines for aphrodisiac effects as well as intermittent fever (malaria) in Asia. Decoctions of E. longifolia leaves are used for washing itches, while its fruits are used in curing dysentery. Its bark is mostly used as a vermifuge, while the taproots are used to treat high blood pressure, and the root bark is used for the treatment of diarrhea and fever. Mostly, the roots extract of E. longifolia are used as folk medicine for sexual dysfunction, aging, malaria, cancer, diabetes, anxiety, aches, constipation, exercise recovery, fever, increased energy, increased strength, leukemia, osteoporosis, stress, syphilis and glandular swelling. The roots are also used as an aphrodisiac, antibiotic, appetite stimulant and health supplement. Among these phytoconstituents, quassinoids account for a major portion of the E. longifolia root phytochemicals.

Eurycoma research as an aphrodisiac, sexual enhancer, human studies
Chin J Nat Med. 2017. Eurycoma Longifolia as a potential adoptogen of male sexual health: a systematic review on clinical studies. Eurycoma longifolia has been well recognized as a booster of male sexual health. Over the past few decades, numerous in vivo animal studies and human clinical trials have been conducted across the globe to explore its promising role in managing various male sexual disorders, which include erectile dysfunction, male infertility, low libido, and downregulated testosterone levels. The aim of the present review is to analyze and summarize the literature on human clinical trials which revealed the clinical significance and therapeutic feasibility of EL in improving male sexual health. This systematic review is focused on the following databases: Medline, Wiley Online Library, BioMed Central, Hindawi, Web of Knowledge, PubMed Central and Google Scholar, using search terms such as "Eurycoma longifolia", "EL", "Tongkat Ali", "male sexual health", "sexual infertility", "erectile dysfunction", "male libido", and "testosterone levels". Out of 150 articles, 11 met the inclusion criteria. The majority of articles included were randomized placebo-controlled trials, multiple cohort studies, or pilot trials. All these studies demonstrated considerable effects of EL on male sexual health disorders. Among them, 7 studies revealed remarkable association between the use of EL and the efficacy in the treatment of male sexual disorders, and remaining 4 studies failed to demonstrate sufficient effects on male sexual health. In summary, there is convincing evidence for the prominence of eurycoma in improving male sexual health.

Complement Ther Med. 2015. Efficacy of Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) on erectile function improvement: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. To determine the efficacy of Eurycoma longifolia herbal extract on erectile function improvement. Comprehensive electronic databases were searched from inception through October 2014. Randomized controlled trials investigating Tongkat Ali compared to placebo were included. Outcome of interest was the improvement of erectile dysfunction. The difference of changes from baseline of the outcome between Tongkat Ali and placebo was pooled using weighted mean difference (WMD). Methodological quality of included studies was assessed using Jadad's quality scale and Cochrane's risk of bias. Of the 342 articles identified, 2 studies involving a total of 139 participants were analyzed. No significance between group difference was found in the mean WMD of the change in the 5- item version of the international index of erectile function (IIEF-5) at week-12. Based on current evidence, the herbal extract of Eurycoma longifolia may have clinical effect on erectile function. However, more efficacy trials are warranted to further support current evidence.

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2014. Effects of a Proprietary Freeze-Dried Water Extract of Eurycoma longifolia Physta and Polygonum minus on Sexual Performance and Well-Being in Men: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Physta is a proprietary product containing a freeze-dried water extract of Eurycoma longifolia which is traditionally used as an energy enhancer and aphrodisiac. We aim to evaluate a 300 mg combination of Physta and Polygonum minus, an antioxidant, with regard to sexual performance and well-being in men. Men aged 40-65 years were screened for this 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study. Outcome measures included validated questionnaires that aimed to evaluate erectile function, satisfaction with intervention, sexual intercourse performance, erectile hardness, mood, and overall quality of life. Significant improvements were noted in scores for the Sexual Intercourse Attempt diary, Erection Hardness Scale, Sexual Health Inventory of Men, and Aging Male Symptom scale. Laboratory evaluations, including liver and kidney function testing, showed no clinically significant abnormality. Supplementation for twelve weeks with Polygonum minus and the proprietary Eurycoma longifolia extract, Physta, was well tolerated and more effective than placebo in enhancing sexual performance in healthy volunteers.

J Sex Med. 2011. 9-Hydroxycanthin-6-One Induces Penile Erection and Delays Ejaculation. National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan. Eurycoma longifolia Jack has the reputation as a male aphrodisiac because it is claimed to increase virility and sexual prowess. Nevertheless, whether or not E. longifolia regulates directly the muscle tone of corpus cavernosa and/or seminal vesicle (SV) remains unclear. Even until now, the compositions that could account for its aphrodisiac property are still unknown. 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. 9-HC-6-one relaxed significantly phenylephrine precontracted corpus cavernosim. Such response was not attenuated by endothelium disruption, suggesting that a nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine monophosphate-dependent pathway was precluded. 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 as well as seminal vesicle.

Sexual arousal in sexually sluggish old male rats after oral administration of eurycoma longifolia Jack.
J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol. 2004. Ang HH, Lee KL. School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University Science Malaysia, Minden, Penang, Malaysia.
Eurycoma longifolia Jack commonly known as Tongkat Ali in Malaysia, has been used in Malaysia to increase male virility and sexual prowess. The aphrodisiac effect was monitored by the act of yawning and stretching because yawning, either alone or associated with stretching, is considered an ancestral vestige surviving throughout evolution that promotes sexual arousal. The results showed that 800 mg/kg of eurycoma longifolia increased yawning and stretching,

Eurycoma longifolia Jack enhances sexual motivation in middle-aged male mice.
J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol. 2003. Ang HH, Lee KL. University Science Malaysia, Minden, Penang, Malaysia.
Each mouse received 500 mg/kg of one of 4 fractions of Eurycoma longifolia Jack, viz. chloroform, methanol, butanol, and water, whereas the mice in the control and yohimbine groups received 3 ml/kg of normal saline and 30 mg/kg of yohimbine daily respectively for 10 days. The results show a transient increase in the percentage of male mice responding to the right choice after chronic consumption of the fractions with 50 percent of the adult middle-aged male mice treated with eurycoma longifolia and yohimbine scoring the right choice after 8 and 5 days post-treatment respectively. This study has shown that eurycoma longifolia continues to enhance sexual motivation in adult, middle-aged male mice and in retired breeders.

Effects of Eurycoma longifolia Jack on sexual qualities in middle aged male rats.
Phytomedicine. 2003.
Our study shows that it enhanced the sexual qualities of the middle aged male rats, further supports the folk use of eurycoma longifolia as an aphrodisiac.

Effect of Eurycoma longifolia Jack on orientation activities in middle-aged male rats.
Fundam Clin Pharmacol. 2002.
Results showed that subjects treated with 800 mg/kg of eurcyoma longifolia Jack increased orientation activities towards the receptive females (anogenital sniffing, licking and mounting), increased genital grooming towards themselves and restricted movements to a particular area of the cage but decreased interest in the external environment (climbing, raring, exploration) as compared with the controls during the investigation period. In conclusion, this study gives further evidences that different fractions modified the orientation activities of the middle-aged male rats.

Effects of Eurycoma longifolia jack on laevator ani muscle in both uncastrated and testosterone-stimulated castrated intact male rats.
Arch Pharm Res. 2001. University Science Malaysia, Minden, Penang, Malaysia.
It has been reported that eurycoma longifolia commonly known as Tongkat Ali has gained notoriety as a symbol of man's ego and strength by the Malaysian men because it increases male virility and sexual prowess during sexual activities. As such, the effects of 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg of butanol, methanol, water and chloroform fractions were studied on the laevator ani muscle in both uncastrated and testosterone-stimulated castrated intact male rats after dosing them for 12 consecutive weeks. Results showed that 800 mg/kg of butanol, methanol, water and chloroform fractions of eurycoma longifolia significantly increased the leavator ani muscle when compared with the control (untreated) in the uncastrated intact male rats and when compared to control (untreated) in the testosterone-stimulated castrated intact male rats. Hence, the pro-androgenic effect as shown by this study further supported the traditional use of eurycoma longifolia as an aphrodisiac.

Mechanism of action, how it works
Little is known regarding the mechanisms of action of eurycoma longifolia. Recent studies indicate that the root contains several compounds including beta-carboline alkaloids and quassinoid-type glycosides. How these compounds and many others in eurycoma influence the human sexual response is not clearly understood. I have read promotional material by some vitamin companies regarding eurycoma that it enhances testosterone production, however I have not been able to definitively confirm this claim through a Medline search. Eurycomanone is the most abundant quassinoid.

Int J Prev Med. 2014. Supplementation of Eurycoma longifolia Jack Extract for 6 Weeks Does Not Affect Urinary Testosterone: Epitestosterone Ratio, Liver and Renal Functions in Male Recreational Athletes.

J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci. 2017. Isolation of new polyacetylenes from the roots of Eurycoma longifolia via high-speed counter-current chromatography. Pre-purified fraction (0.86g) of the crude extracts from the roots of E. longifolia, was subjected to preparative high-speed counter-current chromatography. Longifolione A and longifolione C, together with longifolione B were isolated in one run. The whole mobile and stationary phase was then blown out, concentrated in vacuo, and subjected to second purification. This fraction yielded two more new polyacetylenenes, longifolione D and longifolione E. All of these five compounds are new natural products and isolated from E. longifolia for the first time. The established protocol for large-scale isolation of these polyacetylenes from E. longifolia was simple, efficient, and economical.

J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol. 2018. Phenolic-rich extracts of Eurycoma longifolia and Cylicodiscus gabunensis inhibit enzymes responsible for the development of erectile dysfunction and are antioxidants.

Cancer influence
Eurycoma longifolia and cancer

Pharmacogn Mag. 2017. Quassinoids from the Root of Eurycoma longifolia and Their Antiproliferative Activity on Human Cancer Cell Lines.

Anticancer Res. 2005. Induction of apoptosis by Eurycoma longifolia jack extracts. Extracts of the plant eurycoma longifolia have been shown to possess cytotoxic, antimalarial, anti-ulcer, antipyretic and plant growth inhibition activities. The present study investigated the effects of extracts and their chromatographic fractions on the growth of a human breast cancer cell line, MCF-7. These results, therefore, suggest that eurycoma has antiproliferative effects on MCF-7 cells by inducing apoptosis through the modulation of Bcl-2 protein levels.

Obesity, weight loss
Phytother Res. 2018. Antiadipogenic effects of a standardized quassinoids-enriched fraction and eurycomanone from Eurycoma longifolia.

Osteoporosis
BMC Complement Altern Med. 2012. Eurycoma longifolia upregulates osteoprotegerin gene expression in androgen- deficient osteoporosis rat model. Supplementation with EL extract elevated the testosterone levels, reduced the bone resorption marker and upregulated OPG gene expression of the orchidectomised rats. These actions may be responsible for the protective effects of EL extract against bone resorption due to androgen deficiency.

Sperm production and fertility
The standardised extract of TA and its major quassinoids especially eurycomanone improved the rat spermatogenesis by affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and the potential efficacy may be worthy of further investigation. J Ethnopharmacol. 2013. Standardized quassinoid-rich Eurycoma longifolia extract improved spermatogenesis and fertility in male rats via the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.

Asian J Androl. 2010.Eurycoma longifolia Jack in managing idiopathic male 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. Of these 350 patients, 75 patients completed one full cycle of 3 months. Follow-up semen analyses in these patients showed significant improvement in all semen parameters. The proprietary extract of Eurycoma longifolia Jack significantly improved the sperm quality in these patients, allowing for 11 (14%) spontaneous pregnancies.

Testosterone influence
Int J Prev Med. 2014. Supplementation of Eurycoma longifolia Jack Extract for 6 Weeks Does Not Affect Urinary Testosterone: Epitestosterone Ratio, Liver and Renal Functions in Male Recreational Athletes. Eurycoma longifolia Jack (ElJ) has been shown to elevate serum testosterone and increased muscle strength in humans. This study investigated the effects of Physta(�) a standardized water extract of ElJ (400 mg/day for 6 weeks) on testosterone: epitestosterone (T:E) ratio, liver and renal functions in male recreational athletes.METHODS:A total of 13 healthy male recreational athletes were recruited in this double blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. The participants were required to consume either 400 mg of ElJ or placebo daily for 6 weeks in the first supplementation regimen. Following a 3 week wash-out period, the participants were requested to consume the other supplement for another 6 weeks. Mid-stream urine samples and blood samples were collected prior to and after 6 weeks of supplementation with either ElJ or placebo. The urine samples were subsequently analyzed for T:E ratio while the blood samples were analyzed for liver and renal functions. T:E ratio was not significantly different following 6 weeks supplementation of either ElJ or placebo compared with their respective baseline values. Similarly, there were no significant changes in both the liver and renal functions tests following the supplementation of ElJ. Supplementation of ElJ i.e. Physta(�) at a dosage of 400 mg/day for 6 weeks did not affect the urinary T:E ratio and hence will not breach any doping policies of the International Olympic Committee for administration of exogenous testosterone or its precursor.

Emails
Q. I've tried a eurycoma longifolia product I recently bought from a health food store and even though it helped with erections the next day, I couldn't sleep all night. Is there a way I can still get the pro-sexual benefits of this herb and not toss and turn all night.
   A. You don't mention the product you bought or the dosage, but a general suggestion would be next time to take a quarter of the capsule or pill, and then gradually increase the dose subsequent days till you find the amount that helps without causing the insomnia.

Q. Can eurycoma longifolia be combined with other herbs such as yohimbe or horny goat weed?
   A. I can only speak from my personal and professional experience. Thus far I have combined it with several herbs and have found that when high doses are taken with other herbs that have stimulating properties, such as ginseng or muira puama, there is the potential for insomnia.

Q. Does eurycoma longifolia give more energy?
   A. This plant is a powerful energy booster. I find that after 2 or 3 days of taking it, there is a general sense of enhanced energy that occurs. However, if I take a high dose of eurycoma longifolia, the resulting shallow sleep from the overstimulation can lower my energy levels. I also find that high doses of this herb make me feel restless. For instance, I find that I am less patient and more irritable, particularly if I have taken eurycoma longifolia supplement in the morning and I am stuck in traffic.

Q. Can I take eurycoma longifolia regularly for many months?
   A. As with most herbs, I recommend taking breaks from use. You could take it for 2 or 3 days and take a few days off.

Q. Would you say eurycoma supplement is the best sexual aphrodisiac?
A. Each herb has its benefits and side effects. I prefer an intelligent mix of several herbs in order to benefit from the various herbs that have affects on different parts of the human sexual response.

I am a 61 y.o. male Lupus patient for 39 yrs. and a 19 yr. kidney transplant recipient. My main anti-rejection is low dose prednisone and low dose Prograft. I have mild hypertension and on 2 low dose antihypertensives. I also have PAT and am on Inderal 80-LA once daily. I am in a good place and stable but would like to try to improve sexual function w/o resorting to surgery. I have not responded to prescribed meds or I suffered their horrible side effects. None were helpful. Do you think Passion Rx is worth a try? Eurycoma Longifolia is the main ingredient in Andro 400. Is it reasonable to use Andro 400 in my case?
A. I do not recommend these aphrodisiacs in those who have several medical conditions and are also on several medications. I do not have much experience with Andro 400 product.

Q. What is your opinion about eurycoma longifolia? My blood results indicate low testosterone, I started taking SHEER TEST by Sheer Strength labs. I feel better. Could you comment on Sheer Test as well.
A. I am not familiar with Sheer Test. This herb is not a reliable way to increase testosterone levels but it can improve sexuality, desire, and performance.

Other products
What is your opinion of EuryTest Male Enhancement Supplement - Longjack Tongkat Ali Extract 100:1, Sex Drive Enhancer & Libido Sexual Support, Highly Rated Natural Testosterone Booster Formula?
A. I am not familiar with EuryTest Males enhancement supplement.