What is Tongkat Ali & Fadogia Agrestis?
What is Tongkat Ali?
Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia), is a medicinal plant native to Southeast Asia, particularly in countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.
The root of the Tongkat Ali plant is the part that is primarily used for its medicinal properties, commonly known for its potential aphrodisiac and testosterone-boosting properties. Studies suggest that tongkat ali may boost male fertility, relieve stress, and improve body composition, though research in these areas is limited1,2,3. It is also often used to support:
- Testosterone levels
- Male sexual health
- Enhance libido
- Improve fertility
In a clinical trial involving 76 elderly men with low testosterone, the administration of 200 mg of tongkat ali extract per day for one month resulted in a significant elevation of testosterone levels to normal values in more than 90% of the participants, as a result of this supplementation4.
Furthermore, research conducted on both animal and human subjects has indicated that the consumption of tongkat ali can enhance sexual arousal5 and may help to boost male fertility6,7
In a study involving 75 male partners of couples facing infertility issues, the daily consumption of 200 mg of tongkat ali extract for a duration of 3 months resulted in a noteworthy improvement in sperm concentration and motility1.
Based on the available studies, tongkat ali has demonstrated promising efficacy in addressing low testosterone and infertility in certain men. However, further comprehensive research is necessary to establish its effectiveness more conclusively.
As discussed during the interview between Joe Rogan and Andrew Huberman on the Joe Rogan Experience (Episode #1683), Huberman claims that taking 400mg of Tongkat Ali daily can raise testosterone levels by up to 200 points.
What is Fadogia Agrestis?
Fadogia agrestis is a Nigerian plant known for its medicinal uses, primarily utilizing the stem. It is taken by individuals and claim this herb supports testosterone levels, enhances sexual drive, improve athletic performance, and support bodybuilding.
Fadogia agrestis is gaining popularity among athletes and bodybuilders as a potential alternative to anabolics. Advocates highlight animal studies suggesting that Fadogia agrestis may increase sexual behaviors and elevate testosterone levels. According to a study conducted on rodents8, it has been shown to elevate testosterone levels and enhance libido, making it a potentially powerful herb for promoting sexual drive. During the study, male rats were administered fadogia agrestis extract orally at doses of 18 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, and 100 mg/kg body weight, with a 24-hour interval between each dosage. The researchers closely monitored their sexual behavior parameters and serum testosterone concentration on days 1, 3, and 5 after the supplement administration.
The rats receiving the dose of 100mg/kg witnessed a substantial surge, with a 600% increase in serum testosterone levels. It was suggested that the saponins found in fadogia could potentially aid in stimulating the natural production of testosterone by increasing the levels of luteinizing hormone (LH). Luteinizing hormone is produced by the pituitary gland and plays a role in maintaining testosterone levels. Therefore, as the levels of luteinizing hormone rise, so does the production of testosterone.
As discussed during the interview between Joe Rogan and Andrew Huberman on the Joe Rogan Experience (Episode #1683), Huberman claims that taking 600mg of Fadogia Agrestis daily can raise testosterone levels by up to 400 points.
1. Tambi, M. I., & Imran, M. K. (2010). Eurycoma longifolia Jack in managing idiopathic male infertility. Asian journal of andrology, 12(3), 376–380. https://doi.org/10.1038/aja.2010.7
2. Talbott, S. M., Talbott, J. A., George, A., & Pugh, M. (2013). Effect of Tongkat Ali on stress hormones and psychological mood state in moderately stressed subjects. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 10(1), 28. https://doi.org/10.1186/1550-2783-10-28
3. Khanijo, T., & Jiraungkoorskul, W. (2016). Review Ergogenic Effect of Long Jack, Eurycoma Longifolia. Pharmacognosy reviews, 10(20), 139–142. https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-7847.194041
4. Tambi, M. I., Imran, M. K., & Henkel, R. R. (2012). Standardised water-soluble extract of Eurycoma longifolia, Tongkat ali, as testosterone booster for managing men with late-onset hypogonadism?. Andrologia, 44 Suppl 1, 226–230. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0272.2011.01168.x
5. Ang, H. H., Cheang, H. S., & Yusof, A. P. (2000). Effects of Eurycoma longifolia Jack (Tongkat Ali) on the initiation of sexual performance of inexperienced castrated male rats. Experimental animals, 49(1), 35–38. https://doi.org/10.1538/expanim.49.35
6. Tambi, M. I., & Imran, M. K. (2010). Eurycoma longifolia Jack in managing idiopathic male infertility. Asian journal of andrology, 12(3), 376–380. https://doi.org/10.1038/aja.2010.7
7. Ismail, S. B., Wan Mohammad, W. M., George, A., Nik Hussain, N. H., Musthapa Kamal, Z. M., & Liske, E. (2012). 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 complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2012, 429268. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/429268
8. Yakubu, M. T., Akanji, M. A., & Oladiji, A. T. (2005). Aphrodisiac potentials of the aqueous extract of Fadogia agrestis (Schweinf. Ex Hiern) stem in male albino rats. Asian journal of andrology, 7(4), 399–404. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-7262.2005.00052.x
