BulkSupplements Longjack (Tongkat Ali) review: does it raise testosterone?

Tongkat ali, also called longjack (Eurycoma longifolia), is a root from Southeast Asia that has long been used in traditional medicine for men's vitality. Of all the herbs sold as testosterone boosters, it has some of the better research behind it. This review looks at what that research shows and whether this BulkSupplements capsule is a sensible way to try it.

What is in this product

According to the Amazon listing, the ingredients are longjack root extract, maltodextrin and a hypromellose (plant-based) capsule. The brand says two capsules give 1,000 mg of extract, and the bottle holds 120 capsules.

The listing doesn't say how concentrated the extract is or whether it's standardised for its active compounds. That matters, because the trials used specific, standardised water extracts. This product may or may not work the same way.

What the studies found

In a 2012 study by Tambi and colleagues, men with low testosterone took a standardised tongkat ali extract for a month, and many of them reached normal testosterone levels. The study had no placebo group.

In a 2013 placebo-controlled trial, Talbott and colleagues gave tongkat ali to moderately stressed adults. They found lower cortisol, higher testosterone and better mood than with placebo.

In a 2014 pilot study in physically active older men and women, Henkel and colleagues found higher testosterone and better grip strength after five weeks.

A 2021 review and meta-analysis by Leitão and colleagues combined these kinds of trials. It found that tongkat ali may raise testosterone, mainly in men who start with low levels. The authors said the studies were small and varied.

Who it may suit

• Men over 40 or under ongoing stress who have already sorted out sleep, training and diet
• Men curious to try a well-studied herb, who accept it may not work for them

Who should be careful

Long-term safety hasn't been studied well. Some tongkat ali products sold in Asia have been found to contain heavy metals, so buy from brands that test their batches. Don't take it if you have a hormone-sensitive condition, heart disease, or take regular medicine, unless a doctor approves.

Bottom line

Tongkat ali is one of the more promising herbs for men with low testosterone, but the evidence is still early. This product is cheap and has simple ingredients. Because the listing doesn't say how strong the extract is, don't expect the results from the studies. Zinc, vitamin D, magnesium and good sleep are better first steps.