Tongkat Ali (Longjack): What the Science Really Says

A deep dive into one of the most researched herbs for male vitality, stress resilience, and hormonal balance.

Tongkat Ali, also known as Longjack or Eurycoma longifolia, has exploded in popularity in recent years, especially in men’s health and performance formulas. But beyond the hype, Tongkat Ali is one of the few botanicals with meaningful clinical data behind it. This deep dive breaks down what the research actually shows, how Tongkat Ali works, who it can help, and what to expect.

What Is Tongkat Ali?

Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) is a medicinal root native to Southeast Asia, historically used for strength, virility, and recovery. Modern clinical research now supports many of these traditional uses, particularly around stress, energy, and hormonal balance.

Does Tongkat Ali Really Boost Testosterone?

Short answer: It can support healthy testosterone levels, especially in people under stress or those with borderline-low levels. But it’s not a steroid-like “testosterone booster”, it works by restoring balance, not forcing spikes.

Key Study Findings:

• A 2012 study found that 76% of men with low testosterone saw significant increases after supplementing Tongkat Ali for 1 month【1】.
• A 2013 clinical trial showed improvements in free testosterone and overall sexual well-being, especially in stressed individuals【2】.
• Athletes using Tongkat Ali experienced enhanced muscle strength and anaerobic power in several sports science studies【3】.

Takeaway:

Tongkat Ali is most effective when testosterone is suppressed by stress, sleep disruption, or overtraining, not when levels are already optimal.

How Tongkat Ali Works (The Science)

Tongkat Ali has several mechanisms of action that make it unique among adaptogenic herbs:

1. Lowers Cortisol (Stress Hormone)

One of the strongest findings across studies: Tongkat Ali helps reduce cortisol, the hormone that suppresses testosterone under stress. A randomized trial found that Tongkat Ali reduced cortisol by up to 16% while improving mood and tension scores【2】.

2. Increases Free Testosterone

It may decrease SHBG (Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin) or modulate enzymes involved in testosterone metabolism, leaving more testosterone available for use.

3. Supports Dopamine and Motivation

Compounds in Tongkat Ali (quassinoids) appear to influence dopaminergic pathways, contributing to improvements in:

• Motivation
• Mood
• Sexual desire
• Daily drive

4. Enhances Energy, Strength & Body Composition

Multiple sports studies show improvements in:

• Lean body mass
• Strength gains
• Anaerobic peak power
• Adaptation to training load

This makes it particularly valuable for active individuals.

Benefits of Tongkat Ali

1. Stress Reduction & Mood Support

Lower cortisol leads to improved resilience, calmer baseline, better mental clarity.

2. Libido and Sexual Well-Being

Several clinical studies consistently report increases in libido, erectile function, and satisfaction, likely through improved free testosterone and dopamine.

3. Energy & Motivation

Users frequently report enhanced drive and productivity, which aligns with Tongkat Ali’s dopaminergic effects.

4. Strength, Muscle, and Performance

Athletes supplementing with Tongkat Ali show improved strength and reduced fatigue markers.

5. Healthy Testosterone Levels

Again, this is about restoration, not unnatural elevation.

Who May Benefit Most?

Tongkat Ali appears especially effective for:

• Men experiencing chronic stress
• Individuals with symptoms of low drive, fatigue, or poor recovery
• Athletes with high training loads
• Men with borderline-low or depleted free testosterone
• Those with elevated cortisol from poor sleep or life stress

It’s not primarily a “bodybuilder testosterone booster”, it’s for baseline restoration and vitality.

How Long Does It Take to Work?

Most studies show benefits after 2–4 weeks, with deeper hormonal effects building over 6–12 weeks. Consistent use matters more than high doses.

Is Tongkat Ali Safe?

Clinical trials report that Tongkat Ali is safe and well-tolerated with minimal side effects in studied doses. 

The STRIV Labs Perspective

Tongkat Ali isn’t a magic solution, it’s a research-backed adaptogen that supports hormonal balance, stress resilience, and daily performance.

In our formulations, tongkat Ali works synergistically with other ingredients like ashwagandha (for cortisol modulation), panax ginseng (for energy & cognition) or black maca (for mood & stamina). 

This creates a more complete, sustainable foundation for men’s vitality than using Tongkat Ali alone.

Takeaway

Tongkat Ali is one of the rare herbs where tradition and modern science align. Its true strength isn’t in “boosting” testosterone artificially—it’s in restoring what stress and modern life suppress. When used consistently as part of a holistic routine, it can support energy, mood, drive, and overall resilience.

FAQ 

Does Tongkat Ali increase testosterone?

It can support healthy testosterone levels, especially when levels are suppressed by stress or poor sleep.

Can I combine Tongkat Ali with Ashwagandha?

Yes, both have complementary effects on cortisol, testosterone, and stress.

How long until I feel results?

Usually 2–4 weeks for mood/energy, and 4–8 weeks for hormonal effects.

Is Tongkat Ali good for performance?

Yes, it’s shown to improve strength, power, and training adaptation.

References

1. Tambi MI et al. Eurycoma longifolia Jack in managing idiopathic male infertility. Asian J Androl. 2012.
2. Talbott SM et al. Eurycoma longifolia improves stress hormone profile and mood state. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2013.
3. Hamzah S et al. Effects of Tongkat Ali on strength and body composition. Brit J Sports Med. 2012.