I find that testosterone deficiency or sub-optimal testosterone levels are common in both men and women. If your testosterone levels are low, then you may experience:
There are several reasons as to why men and women develop low testosterone (which I will cover in future articles). However, most doctors are unaware of herbal and nutritional supplements that can boost testosterone production and activity in a safe and effective manner.
In this article, I will review Eurycoma Longifolia, an herbal testosterone booster for men and women. Also known as Tongkat Ali, it is recognized in countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia as herbal medicine to support male sexual disorders and infertility. The roots of this plant are often referred to as “Malaysian ginseng.” The Government of Malaysia has invested in the scientific research of Eurycoma Longifolia and has a patient along with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for a well-studied water extract from the root. This extract is available as a dietary supplement in the United States.
Eurycoma Longifolia has been shown to increase both total testosterone (bound form in the blood) and free testosterone (unbound form). In a study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, researchers looked at the effects of 200 mg of Eurycoma Longifolia extract on people who were “moderately stressed.” Compared to placebo, those taking the extract had a significant increase in testosterone (37%) and a significant decrease in cortisol (16%). As well, those taking the extract had significant improvement in tension, anger, and confusion.
In a 5-week study of physically active male and female seniors (ages 57-72), supplementation with Eurycoma Longifolia extract (400 mg daily) was shown to significantly increase total and free testosterone concentrations and muscular force in men and women. Handgrip strength measures improved as a reflection of an increase in muscle force. No side effects were noted for those supplementing Eurycoma Longifolia extract.
Eurycoma Longifolia has been shown in a review of studies to be safe based on no significant changes in liver or kidney function tests.
The recommended dose is 200 to 400 mg daily of an extract.
Dr. Mark Stengler NMD, MS, is a bestselling author in private practice in Encinitas, California, at the Stengler Center for Integrative Medicine. His newsletter, Dr. Stengler’s Health Breakthroughs, is available at www.markstengler.com and his product line at www.drstengler.com
Henkel, Ralf R., Ruxiang Wang, Susan H. Bassett, Tao Chen, Na Liu, Ying Zhu, and Mohd Ismail Tambi. "Tongkat Ali As A Potential Herbal Supplement For Physically Active Male And Female Seniors-A Pilot Study". Phytotherapy Research 28, no. 4 (2013): 544-550. doi:10.1002/ptr.5017.Talbott, Shawn M, Julie A Talbott, Annie George, and Mike Pugh. "Effect Of Tongkat Ali On Stress Hormones And Psychological Mood State In Moderately Stressed Subjects". Journal Of The International Society Of Sports Nutrition 10, no. 1 (2013). doi:10.1186/1550-2783-10-28.Thu, Hnin Ei, Isa Naina Mohamed, Zahid Hussain, Putri Ayu Jayusman, and Ahmad Nazrun Shuid. "Eurycoma Longifolia As A Potential Adoptogen Of Male Sexual Health: A Systematic Review On Clinical Studies". Chinese Journal Of Natural Medicines 15, no. 1 (2017): 71-80. doi:10.1016/s1875-5364(17)30010-9.
