+25 ng/dL vs −5
Testosterone rose over 12 weeks in men with low T
105 men aged 50–70 with testosterone under 300 ng/dL. Standardized extract (Physta®) at 200mg a day. Funded by the extract maker.
View study →Tongkat Ali
testosterone
Abstract
Tongkat ali (Eurycoma longifolia) is a Southeast Asian root used for centuries as a tonic for vitality and male sexual health. Placebo-controlled trials suggest it may raise testosterone in men whose levels start low; in men with normal testosterone, trials have not shown a change. It also appears to lower cortisol, based on preliminary research.
We use a 200:1 concentrated extract — meaning 200 parts of raw root produce 1 part of finished extract. Each serving reflects about 40g of raw root.
200mg (200:1 extract)
Per Serving
5 featured studies32 published studies
Growing Evidence
Evidence Rating
This ingredient is part of RBRN Vitality
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Tongkat Ali Benefits — What Studies Found
Most of your testosterone is locked up, bound to proteins your body can’t use. Tongkat ali may help free it.
91 in 100
Low-T men who reached normal testosterone
Normal at the start (35) Normal by the end (+56)
Men with late-onset low testosterone. 35 in 100 had normal levels at the start and 91 in 100 at the end. With no placebo group, part of the rise may not come from the supplement.
View study →+37% / −16%
Stress hormones moved in the right direction
63 moderately stressed adults (32 men, 31 women), 200mg a day for 4 weeks. Both hormones measured in saliva. Funded by the extract maker.
View study →Why a 200mg (200:1 extract) dose of Tongkat Ali
Dosing tongkat ali is complicated because extract ratios vary widely. Our 200mg of 200:1 extract is equivalent to 40g of raw root material. Clinical studies showing benefits typically use 100-400mg of concentrated extract.
- Mid-Range Clinical Dose 200mg of concentrated extract falls within the 100-400mg range used in positive human studies.
- 200:1 Concentration Equivalent to about 40g of raw root.
- Complements the Stack Adds a botanical studied separately from the stack’s other testosterone ingredients.
- Dose in the Studied Range 200mg a day is the higher dose in the best placebo-controlled trial, which used a different, standardized extract.
Important: Not all tongkat ali extracts are equal, and an extract ratio alone does not state how much eurycomanone, the main marker compound, a product contains.
Clinical Dose Range
200mg · RBRN Vitality
0mg
600mg
100–400mg studied
Clinical studies use 100–400mg of concentrated extract. Our 200mg of 200:1 extract delivers meaningful eurycomanone content.
Tongkat AliHormonal Balance & Vitality
Most of your testosterone is locked up, bound to proteins. Tongkat ali works to free it — so it actually reaches the receptor.
01
Testosterone in Aging Men
Tambi MI, et al. (2012). Andrologia.
Source
Testosterone in Aging Men
Tambi MI, et al. (2012). Andrologia. Source
90.8%of Low-T Men Reached Normal T (Open-Label)
71.7%of Men Reached Normal Aging Male Scale Scores (Open-Label)
In an open-label study (no placebo control) of late-onset hypogonadal men, tongkat ali supplementation brought testosterone to normal levels in 90.8% of participants (up from 35.5% at baseline) and normalized Aging Male Scale scores in 71.7% (up from 10.5%).
02
Testosterone in Men 50–70 with Low Testosterone
Chinnappan SM, et al. (2021). Food & Nutrition Research.
Source
Testosterone in Men 50–70 with Low Testosterone
Chinnappan SM, et al. (2021). Food & Nutrition Research. Source
+25Total T, ng/dL at 200mg (vs −5 Placebo)
12Weeks
In a 12-week randomized, double-blind trial, 105 men aged 50–70 whose testosterone was below 300 ng/dL took 100mg or 200mg a day of a standardized tongkat ali extract (Physta®) or placebo. At 200mg, total testosterone rose from 200.5 to 225.0 ng/dL while placebo went from 183.0 to 177.9 ng/dL (p < .001 for the week-12 levels; the groups started 17.5 ng/dL apart). Free testosterone and SHBG did not differ from placebo, and cortisol fell within the 200mg group but not versus placebo. The study was funded by the extract’s manufacturer, and the extract used is standardized to 0.8–1.5% eurycomanone.
03
Stress Hormones and Mood
Talbott SM, et al. (2013). Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.
Source
Stress Hormones and Mood
Talbott SM, et al. (2013). Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. Source
+37%Salivary T (Men & Women)
-16%Cortisol vs Placebo
A study in moderately stressed adults (32 men, 31 women) found that tongkat ali supplementation significantly improved salivary testosterone (+37%) and cortisol (−16%) vs placebo over 4 weeks, along with improved mood state. Note: testosterone was measured via salivary assay (not serum) in a mixed-sex sample. The study was funded by the extract’s manufacturer (Biotropics Malaysia).
04
Sexual Function
Ismail SB, et al. (2012). Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Source
Sexual Function
Ismail SB, et al. (2012). Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Source
+14%Libido question, vs baseline (300mg/day)
A 12-week randomized, double-blind trial in 109 men aged 30–55 used 300mg a day of Physta®, a 20:1 freeze-dried water extract. That is a different extract from ours: RBRN uses 200mg of a 200:1 extract. In the tongkat group the erectile function score on the International Index of Erectile Function rose from 25.4 to 26.8 on average, more than on placebo (p < 0.001), within a range that already counts as no dysfunction. One libido question, interest in sex compared with the previous four weeks, rose 14% from baseline by week 12; the overall libido score did not differ from placebo. Total and free testosterone did not change compared with placebo in these men, whose testosterone was normal at the start. The trial was funded by the extract’s manufacturer.
05
Potential Anti-Estrogenic Effects
Thu HE, et al. (2017). Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines.
Source
Potential Anti-Estrogenic Effects
Thu HE, et al. (2017). Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines. Source
Some research suggests tongkat ali may have anti-estrogenic activity, potentially through competitive binding or enzyme modulation, though this requires further investigation.
Published Research
32 studiesEvery claim we make is grounded in peer-reviewed research. Tap any study to read the abstract.
Year
Title
Journal
Our Assessment: Tongkat Ali
Growing Evidence
Evidence Rating
Centuries of traditional use, with placebo-controlled trials showing higher testosterone in men whose levels start low. Trials in men with normal testosterone found no change, and cortisol results against placebo are mixed.
What’s Solid
- Traditional use spanning centuries supports safety at typical doses
- Multiple studies show improvements in testosterone parameters
- Sexual function improvements are observed in several studies
What Needs More Research
- Exact mechanisms aren’t fully established
- Study quality is variable—some lack rigor
- Optimal dosing and duration aren’t standardized
- Effects may be more pronounced in hypogonadal/stressed individuals
- Long-term studies are limited
How Tongkat Ali Fits the Formula
No ingredient works alone. Tongkat Ali was chosen because it amplifies — and is amplified by — specific formula partners.
Tongkat Ali
Ashwagandha
Both herbs show cortisol-lowering effects. The combination may provide reinforced support for stress adaptation and the hormonal environment where testosterone thrives.
Fenugreek
Tongkat ali may work through SHBG and HPG axis effects; fenugreek through aromatase inhibition. Different mechanisms provide complementary support for testosterone balance.
Zinc
Zinc is required for testosterone synthesis. Tongkat ali may help optimize how that testosterone is utilized (free vs. bound). Foundation plus optimization.
Safety and Precautions
Tongkat ali has generally shown good tolerability in studies, but some precautions apply:
Not for everyone
Those with hormone-sensitive conditions (prostate issues, breast cancer history) should avoid or consult a healthcare provider.
Blood pressure interaction
A case report documented an interaction between tongkat ali and propranolol (a beta-blocker). Those on blood pressure medications should consult their healthcare provider.
Sleep effects
Some people report increased energy that can affect sleep if taken late in the day.
Pregnancy/lactation
Not recommended due to insufficient safety data.
Quality matters significantly with tongkat ali. Low-quality products have been found to contain contaminants including lead and mercury. We source from verified suppliers with quality testing.
Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new dietary supplement, especially if you have an existing medical condition or take prescription medications.
