Skip to main content
Download PDF
Download ePub

Effect of Tongkat Ali on stress hormones and psychological mood state in moderately stressed subjects

Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition volume 10, Article number: 28 (2013) Cite this article

Abstract

Background

Eurycoma longifolia is a medicinal plant commonly called tongkat ali (TA) and “Malaysian ginseng.” TA roots are a traditional “anti-aging” remedy and modern supplements are intended to improve libido, energy, sports performance and weight loss. Previous studies have shown properly-standardized TA to stimulate release of free testosterone, improve sex drive, reduce fatigue, and improve well-being.

Methods

We assessed stress hormones and mood state in 63 subjects (32 men and 31 women) screened for moderate stress and supplemented with a standardized hot-water extract of TA root (TA) or Placebo (PL) for 4 weeks. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) with significance set at p < 0.05 was used to determine differences between groups.

Results

Significant improvements were found in the TA group for Tension (−11%), Anger (−12%), and Confusion (−15%). Stress hormone profile (salivary cortisol and testosterone) was significantly improved by TA supplementation, with reduced cortisol exposure (−16%) and increased testosterone status (+37%).

Conclusion

These results indicate that daily supplementation with tongkat ali root extract improves stress hormone profile and certain mood state parameters, suggesting that this “ancient” remedy may be an effective approach to shielding the body from the detrimental effects of “modern” chronic stress, which may include general day-to-day stress, as well as the stress of dieting, sleep deprivation, and exercise training.

Background

Eurycoma longifolia is an herbal medicinal plant found in South East Asia (Malaysia, Vietnam, Java, Sumatra, Thailand). In Malaysia, it is commonly called tongkat ali and has a range of medicinal properties as a general health tonic, including improvement in physical and mental energy levels and overall quality of life [1, 2]. The roots of tongkat ali, often called “Malaysian ginseng”, are used as an adaptogen and as a traditional “anti-aging” remedy to help older individuals adapt to the reduced energy, mood, and libido that often comes with age [3–7]. In modern dietary supplements, tongkat ali can be found in a variety of products intended to improve libido and energy, restore hormonal balance (cortisol/testosterone levels) and enhance both sports performance and weight loss. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of tongkat ali extract on stress hormone balance (cortisol/testosterone) and psychological mood state in moderately stressed subjects.

In both men and women, testosterone levels peak between 25 to 30 years of age - and thereafter drop approximately 1-2% annually [8, 9]. At the age of 60, testosterone levels are typically only 40-50% of youthful levels and may be lower due to stress and related lifestyle issues such as diet, exercise, and sleep patterns [10, 11]. The benefits of maintaining a youthful testosterone levels are many, including increased muscle mass and reduced body fat, high psychological vigor (mental/physical energy), and improved general well-being [12, 13].

Eurycoma contains a group of small peptides referred to as “eurypeptides” that are known to have effects in improving energy status and sex drive in studies of rodents [14–16]. The effects of tongkat ali in restoring normal testosterone levels appears to be less due to actually “stimulating” testosterone synthesis, but rather by increasing the release rate of “free” testosterone from its binding hormone, sex-hormone-binding-globulin (SHBG) [17, 18]. In this way, eurycoma may be considered not so much a testosterone “booster” (such as an anabolic steroid), but rather a “maintainer” of normal testosterone levels and a “restorer” of normal testosterone levels (from “low” back “up” to normal ranges) [19]. This would make eurycoma particularly beneficial for individuals with sub-normal testosterone levels, including those who are dieting for weight loss, middle-aged individuals suffering with fatigue or depression, and intensely training athletes who may be at risk for overtraining [20, 21].

Traditional use

Decoctions of tongkat ali roots have been used for centuries in Malaysia and Southeast Asia as an aphrodisiac for loss of sexual desire and impotence, as well as to treat a range of ailments including post-partum depression, malaria, high blood pressure, and fatigue [22].

Tongkat ali has been referred to as Malaysia’s “home-grown Viagra” [4] with the Malaysian government investing considerable effort to license, develop, and sustain research into the potential health benefits of Eurycoma longifolia through a variety of governmental organizations, including the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FIRM) [22].

Modern extracts

Numerous commercial tongkat ali supplements claim “extract ratios” from 1:20 to 1:200 without any information about bioactive constituents, extraction methodology (e.g. ethanol versus water), or extract purity. Alcohol extracts of eurycoma have been studied in mice for antimalarial effects of concentrated eurycomalactone [23] but also exhibit toxic effects at high doses (LD50 at 2.6 g/kg), which would preclude safe use in humans as a long-term dietary supplement [24, 25]. In contrast, hot-water root extracts standardized for known bioactive components (1% eurycomanone, 22% protein, 30% polysaccharides, 35% glycosaponin) have been demonstrated to be extremely safe at high doses and for long-term consumption [26–28].

Properly standardized hot-water extracts [2, 26, 29] have a distinctly bitter taste due to the presence of quassinoids, which are recognized as some of the bitterest compounds in nature [30, 31]. Tongkat ali extracts that do not taste bitter are either not true Eurycoma longifolia root (there are many commercial examples of “fake” tongkat ali extracts) or are sub-potent in terms of bioactive constituents, and thus would also be expected to have low efficacy. Because of tongkat ali’s reputation for libido benefits, there are several examples of dietary supplements labeled as Eurycoma longifolia, but containing none of the actual root, and instead being “spiked” with prescription erectile dysfunction drugs including tadalafil/Cialis, sildenafil/Viagra, and vardenafil/Levitra [4, personal communication].

Laboratory and animal research

Bhat and Karim [1] conducted an ethnobotanical and pharmacological review on tongkat ali, noting that laboratory research such as cell assay studies offer possible mechanistic support for the myriad traditional uses of tongkat ali, including aphrodisiac [32], antimalarial [33], antimicrobial [34], anti-cancer [35], and anti-diabetic effects [36].

Numerous rodent studies exist demonstrating reduced anxiety and improved sexual performance following tongkat ali feeding [37–40], with such effects thought to be due to a restoration of normal testosterone levels. Eurycoma’s anxiolytic effects have been demonstrated in a variety of behavioral tests, including elevated plus-maze, open field, and anti-fighting, suggesting an equivalent anti-anxiety effect to diazepam as a positive control [37].

Animal studies have shown that many of the effects of the extract are mediated by its glycoprotein components [14]. The mechanism of action of the bioactive complex polypeptides (“eurypeptides” with 36 amino acids) has been shown to activate the CYP17 enzyme (17 alpha-hydroxylase and 17,20 lyase) to enhance the metabolism of pregnenolone and progesterone to yield more DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) and androstenedione, respectively [29]. This glycoprotein water-soluble extract of Eurycoma longifolia has been shown to deliver anti-aging and anti-stress benefits subsequent to its testosterone-balancing effects [41, 42].

Oral toxicity studies (Wistar rats) have determined the LD50 of tongkat ali root extract as 2,000 mg/kg body weight (acute) and the NOAEL (no observed adverse effect level) as greater than 1,000 mg/kg body weight (28-day sub-acute feeding), resulting in a classification as Category 5 (extremely safe) according to the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS).

In addition to the very high safety profile demonstrated in the rodent toxicity studies, there are no reported adverse side effects in human studies of tali supplementation. For example, one 2-month human supplementation trial [27] of twenty healthy males (age range 38–58), found high doses of Eurycoma longifolia extract (600 mg/day) to have no influence on blood profiles (hemoglobin, RBC, WBC, etc.) or any deleterious effects on measures of liver or renal function. Typical dosage recommendations, based on traditional use and on the available scientific evidence in humans, including dieters and athletes, call for 50-200 mg/day of a water-extracted tongkat ali root standardized to 22% eurypeptides.

Human supplementation trials

Based on a long history of traditional use and confirmation of biological activity via cell culture and animal feeding studies, several human supplementation studies have been conducted to evaluate the potential benefits of tongkat ali for sexual function, exercise performance, weight loss, and vigor (mental/physical energy).

Importantly, all of the human trials have used the same water-extracted and standardized eurycoma root for which a patent has been issued jointly to the Government of Malaysia and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (United States Patent #7,132,117) [29]. The patent discloses a process whereby Eurycoma longifolia roots undergo an aqueous extraction combined with HPLC and size-exclusion chromatography to yield a bioactive peptide fraction (a 4300 dalton glycopeptide with 36 amino acids) that is responsible for its effects in maintaining testosterone levels. The bioactive fraction of Eurycoma longifolia root delivers a demonstrated ability to improve testosterone levels [41], increase muscle size and strength [43, 44], improve overall well-being [45, 46], accelerate recovery from exercise [47] enhance weight loss [48, 49], reduce stress [50], and reduce symptoms of fatigue [51–53].

Based on it’s long history of traditional medicinal use as an “anti-aging” remedy and the series of animal and human supplementation studies investigating it’s use as a physical and mental performance aid, we undertook a study of the effects of tongkat ali root extract supplementation in moderately stressed subjects. Our hypothesis was that tongkat ali supplementation may influence anabolic/catabolic stress hormone balance and mood state parameters in a group of volunteers with moderate stress levels.

Methods

All procedures, measurements, and informed consent processes were reviewed and approved by an external third-party review board (Aspire IRB; Santee, CA).

Subjects were recruited in and around Salt Lake City, Utah via flyers asking for volunteers with “moderate stress levels”. We screened approximately 75 subjects for moderate levels of psychological stress. Our intention was to complete the study with 60 subjects (30 subjects per treatment group). We used a screening survey that we have used in past studies of stress/mood to identify individuals with moderately elevated levels of perceived stress [19, 21, 47–50]. Subjects scoring 6 or greater on this screening survey indicated eligibility for enrollment into the supplementation study (a score of 6–10 indicates moderate stress).

Sixty-four (64) subjects (32 men and 32 women) were randomized to receive tongkat ali (TA; 200 mg/day of Physta™, Biotropics Malaysia Berhad; 32 subjects) or look-alike placebo (PL; 32 subjects) for 4 weeks. The 4-week duration was selected as more representative of persistent changes in mood state that may result from superior hormone balance, as opposed to short-term changes in emotions that may be more closely linked with stressors of daily living.

At Baseline (week 0) and Post-supplementation (week 4), we assessed Mood State and Hormone Profile as our primary outcome measurements. Secondary measurements were made of liver enzymes (ALT; alanine aminotransferase and AST; aspartate aminotransferase; Alere Cholestech, Waltham, MA), body weight, and body fat percentage (Tanita; TBF-300A, Arlington Heights, IL).

Mood State (Vigor, Depression, Anger, Confusion, Fatigue, and Anxiety) was assessed using the validated Profile of Mood States (POMS) survey. Hormone profile (cortisol and testosterone) was assessed in saliva samples collected at three time points during each collection day (morning, afternoon, and evening). Saliva samples were analyzed for free cortisol and free testosterone by enzyme immunoassay (Salimetrics; State College, PA).

Results were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with significance set at p < 0.05.

Sixty-three subjects (32 men and 31 women) completed the study, with one woman in the supplement group lost to follow up (did not return final samples).

Results

Three subjects reported feeling unusually fatigued during the first two weeks of the study (two subjects in the TA group and 1 subject in the placebo group). There were no other adverse events or side effects reported.

Over the course of the supplementation period, there were no significant changes in markers of liver function (AST/ALT), body weight or body fat percentage.

Mood state parameters showed mixed results (Figure 1), with no effect observed between supplementation groups for indices of Depression, Vigor, or Fatigue, whereas significant improvements were found in the TA group for Tension (−11%), Anger (−12%), and Confusion (−15%) compared to placebo. A non-significant trend (p = .083) was found for an improvement in overall well-being in the TA group (+3% in Global Mood State).

Figure 1
figure 1

Profile of Mood States (POMS). Daily supplementation (200 mg/day for 4 weeks) with tongkat ali (TA) resulted in significant improvements compared to placebo (PL) for indices of Tension (−11%), Anger (−12%), and Confusion (−15%) in moderately stressed adults (N = 63). * = p < 0.05 by ANOVA.

Full size image

Hormone profile (salivary cortisol and testosterone) was significantly improved by TA supplementation, with reduced cortisol exposure (−16%, Figure 2), increased testosterone status (+37%, Figure 3) and overall improved cortisol:testosterone ratio (−36%) in the TA group compared to placebo.

Figure 2
figure 2

Salivary cortisol. Salivary cortisol levels were significantly lower (−16% compared to placebo, PL) following tongkat ali (TA) supplementation (200 mg/day for 4 weeks). * = p < 0.05 by ANOVA.

Full size image
Figure 3
figure 3

Salivary testosterone. Salivary testosterone levels were significantly higher (+37% compared to placebo, PL) following tongkat ali (TA) supplementation (200 mg/day for 4 weeks). * = p < 0.05 by ANOVA.

Full size image

Discussion

The current study found that daily supplementation with tongkat ali root extract (200 mg/day) improves stress hormone profile (lower cortisol; higher testosterone) and certain mood state parameters (lower tension, anger, and confusion). These findings are in agreement with several recent supplementation trials in humans, suggesting that tongkat ali may be an effective approach to shielding the body from the detrimental effects of chronic stress from daily stressors, dieting for weight loss, sleep deprivation, and intense exercise training.

Previous studies have determined that Eurycoma longifolia contains a group of small peptides referred to as “eurypeptides” that are known to have effects in improving energy status and sex drive in studies of rodents [14–16]. The precise mechanism by which eurypeptides or tongkat ali root extract restores normal testosterone levels is unknown, but has been suggested as influencing the release rate of “free” testosterone from its binding hormone, sex-hormone-binding-globulin (SHBG) [17, 18].

In two recent studies of young men undergoing a weight-training regimen [43, 44] tongkat ali supplementation (100 mg/day) improved lean body mass, 1-RM strength, and arm circumference to a significantly greater degree compared to a placebo group.

In a recent 12-week trial [46] of Eurycoma longifolia supplementation (300 mg/day), men (30–55 years of age) showed significant improved compared to placebo in the Physical Functioning domain of the SF-36 quality of life survey. In addition, sexual libido was increased by 11% (week 6) and 14% (week 12) and abdominal fat mass was significantly reduced in subjects with BMI > 25 kg/m2.

In men with low testosterone levels (average age 51 years), one month of daily supplementation with tongkat ali extract (200 mg/day) resulted in a significant improvement in serum testosterone levels and quality-of-life parameters [41], suggesting a role for tongkat ali as an “adaptogen” against aging-related stress. Another study of healthy adult males (average age 25 years), 100 mg/day of tongkat ali extract added to an intensive strength training program (every other day for 8 weeks) resulted in significant improvements in fat-free mass, fat mass, maximal strength (1-RM) and arm circumference compared to a placebo group [43]. These results indicate that tongkat ali extract is able to enhance muscle mass and strength gains, while accelerating fat loss, in healthy exercisers, and thus, may be considered a natural ergogenic aid for athletes and dieters alike.

One study of middle-aged women (aged 45–59 years) found that twice-weekly strength training plus 100 mg/day of Eurycoma longifolia extract for 12 weeks enhanced fat free mass to a greater degree compared to women adhering to the same strength training program and taking a placebo [44]. Additional studies in dieters [48–50] and athletes [47] have shown 50-100 mg/day of tongkat ali extract to help restore normal testosterone levels in supplemented dieters (compared to a typical drop in testosterone among non-supplemented dieters) and supplemented athletes (compared to a typical drop in non-supplemented athletes). In one trial of endurance cyclists [47] cortisol levels were 32% lower and testosterone levels were 16% higher in supplemented subjects compared to placebo, indicating a more favorable biochemical profile for promoting an “anabolic” hormone state.

For a dieter, it would be expected for cortisol to rise and testosterone to fall following several weeks of dieting [54]. This change in hormone balance (elevated cortisol and suppressed testosterone) is an important factor leading to the familiar “plateau” that many dieters hit (when weight loss slows/stops) after 6–8 weeks on a weight loss regimen. By maintaining normal testosterone levels, a dieter could expect to also maintain their muscle mass and metabolic rate (versus a drop in both subsequent to lower testosterone levels) – and thus continue to lose weight without plateauing.

For an athlete, the same rise in cortisol and drop in testosterone is an early signal of “overtraining” – a syndrome characterized by reduced performance, increased injury rates, suppressed immune system activity, increased appetite, moodiness, and weight gain [55]. Maintenance of normal cortisol/testosterone levels in eurycoma-supplemented subjects may be able to prevent or reduce some of these overtraining symptoms as well as help the athlete to recover faster and more completely from daily training bouts.

These results indicate that daily supplementation with a properly standardized tongkat ali root extract improves stress hormone profile and certain mood state parameters, suggesting that this “ancient” remedy may be an effective approach to shielding the body from the detrimental effects of “modern” chronic stress, which may include general day-to-day stress, as well as the stress of dieting, sleep deprivation, and exercise training.

Conclusions

A wide range of investigations, from laboratory research, to animal feeding studies, to human supplementation trials, have confirmed the health benefits and traditional use of tongkat ali root extract. Laboratory evidence shows that eurycoma peptides stimulate release of free testosterone from its binding proteins and improve overall hormone profiles. More than a dozen rodent feeding studies have demonstrated improved sex drive, balanced hormonal profiles, and enhanced physical function. Human supplementation trials show a clear indication of reduced fatigue, heightened energy and mood, and greater sense of well-being in subjects consuming tongkat ali root extracts. It is important to note that the majority of these studies, and all of the human supplementation trials, have been conducted on specific hot-water-extracts of Eurycoma longifolia (which is the traditional Malaysian preparation) produced using a patented extraction process to isolate and concentrate the bioactive compounds.

In conclusion, tongkat ali, used for centuries in traditional medicine systems of Southeast Asia for treating lethargy, low libido, depression, and fatigue, appears to have significant potential for restoring hormone balance (cortisol/testosterone) and improving psychological mood state in humans exposed to various modern stressors, including aging, dieting, and exercise stress.

References

  1. Bhat R, Karim AA: Tongkat ali (Eurycoma longifolia Jack): a review on its ethnobotany and pharmacological importance. Fitoterapia. 2010, 10: 1-11.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Ali JM: Biochemical effect of Eurycoma longifolia jack on the sexual behavior, fertility, sex hormone, and glycolysis. 1993, Department of Biochemistry, University of Malaysia: PhD Dissertation

    Google Scholar 

  3. Adimoelja A: Phytochemicals and the breakthrough of traditional herbs in the management of sexual dysfunctions. Int J Androl. 2000, 23 (Suppl 2): 82-4.

    CAS  Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Cyranoski D: Malaysian researchers bet big on home-grown Viagra. Nat Med. 2005, 11 (9): 912-

    CAS  Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Joseph S, Sugumaran M, Kate L, Lee W: Herbs of Malaysia. An introduction to the medicinal, culinary, aromatic and cosmetic use of herbs. 2005, Sdn Berhad: Federal Publications

    Google Scholar 

  6. Wan Hassan WE: Healing Herbs of Malaysia. 2007, Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA)

    Google Scholar 

  7. Zhari I, Norhayati I, Jaafar L: Malaysian herbal monograph. Malaysian Monograph Committee 1999. 1999, 1: 67-70.

    Google Scholar 

  8. Araujo AB, Wittert GA: Endocrinology of the aging male. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2011, 25 (2): 303-19. 10.1016/j.beem.2010.11.004.

    PubMed Central  CAS  Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Traish AM, Miner MM, Morgentaler A, Zitzmann M: Testosterone deficiency. Am J Med. 2011, 124 (7): 578-87. 10.1016/j.amjmed.2010.12.027.

    CAS  Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Henning PC, Park BS, Kim JS: Physiological decrements during sustained military operational stress. Mil Med. 2011, 176 (9): 991-7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Gatti R, De Palo EF: An update: salivary hormones and physical exercise. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2011, 21 (2): 157-69. 10.1111/j.1600-0838.2010.01252.x.

    CAS  Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Miller KK: Androgen deficiency: effects on body composition. Pituitary. 2009, 12 (2): 116-24. 10.1007/s11102-008-0121-7.

    CAS  Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Grossmann M: Low testosterone in men with type 2 diabetes: significance and treatment. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2011, 96 (8): 2341-53. 10.1210/jc.2011-0118.

    CAS  Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Asiah O, Nurhanan MY, Ilham MA: Determination of bioactive peptide (4.3kDa) as an aphrodisiac marker in six Malaysia plants. Journal of Tropical Forest Science. 2007, 19 (1): 61-63.

    Google Scholar 

  15. Zanoli P, Zavatti M, Montanari C, Baraldi M: Influence of Eurycoma longifolia on the copulatory activity of sexually sluggish and impotent male rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 2009, 126: 308-313. 10.1016/j.jep.2009.08.021.

    CAS  Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Ang HH, Ikeda S, Gan EK: Evaluation of the potency activity of aphrodisiac in Eurycoma longifolia Jack. Phytother Res. 2001, 15 (5): 435-6. 10.1002/ptr.968.

    CAS  Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Chaing HS, Merino-Chavez G, Yang LL, Wang FN, Hafez ES: Medicinal plants: conception/contraception. Adv Contracept Deliv Syst. 1994, 10 (3–4): 355-63.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Tambi MI: Water soluble extract of Eurycoma longifolia in enhancing testosterone in males. Proceedings of the SupplySide West International Trade Show and Conference. 2003, Virgo Publishing, Oct 1–3

    Google Scholar 

  19. Talbott S, Talbott J, Christopulos AM, Ekberg C, Larsen W, Jackson V: Ancient wisdom meets modern ailment – traditional Asian medicine improves psychological vigor in stressed subjects. Progress in Nutrition. 2010, 12 (1): 3-8.

    Google Scholar 

  20. Tambi MI: Eurycoma longifolia jack: a potent adaptogen in the form of water-soluble extract with the effects of maintaining men’s health. Asian J Androl. 2006, 8 (Suppl 1): 49-50.

    Google Scholar 

  21. Talbott S, Christopulos AM, Richards E: A Lifestyle Approach to Controlling Holiday Stress and Weight Gain [abstract]. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2006, 38 (5): 311-312.

    Google Scholar 

  22. Azmi MMI, Fauzi A, Norini H: Economic analysis of E. longifolia (Tongkat Ali) harvesting. 2004, in Penisular Malaysia: New Dimensions in Complementary Health Care, 91-99.

    Google Scholar 

  23. Satayavivad J, Soonthornchareonnon N, Somanabandhu A, Thebtaranonth Y: Toxicological and antimalarial activity of eurycomalactone and Eurycoma lingifolia Jack extracts in mice. Thai Journal of Phytopharmacy. 1998, 5 (2): 14-27.

    Google Scholar 

  24. Chan KL, Choo CY: The toxicity of some quassinoids from Eurycoma longifolia. Planta Med. 2002, 68 (7): 662-4. 10.1055/s-2002-32907.

    CAS  Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Le-Van-Thoi N-N-S: Constituents of Eurycoma longifolia Jack. J Org Chem. 1970, 35 (4): 1104-9. 10.1021/jo00829a053.

    CAS  Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Athimulam A, Kumaresan S, Foo DCY, Sarmidi MR, Aziz RA: Modeling and optimization of E. longifolia water extract production. Food and Bioproducts Processing. 2006, 84 (C2): 139-149.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Tambi MI, Kadir AA: Human toxicology and clinical observations of Eurycoma longifiola on men’s health. Int J Andrology. 2005, 28 (Suppl 1): 37-38.

    Google Scholar 

  28. Lin LC, Peng CY, Wang HS, Lee KWW: Reinvestigation of the chemical constituents of Eurycoma longifolia. Clin Pharm J. 2001, 53: 97-106.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Sambandan TG, Rha CK, Kadir AA, Aminudim N, Saad J, Mohammed M: Bioactive fraction of Eurycoma longifolia. United States Patent. 2006, 7132117 B2-

    Google Scholar 

  30. Bedir E, Abou-Gazar H, Ngwendson JN, Khan IA: Eurycomaoside: a new quassinoid-type glycoside from the roots of Eurycoma longifolia. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo). 2003, 51 (11): 1301-3. 10.1248/cpb.51.1301.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  31. Darise M, Kohda H, Mizutani K, Tanaka O: Eurycomanone and eurycomanol, quassinoids from the roots of Eurycoma longifolia. Phytochemistry. 1982, 21: 2091-2093. 10.1016/0031-9422(82)83050-1.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  32. Ang HH, Cheang HS, Yusof AP: Effects of Eurycoma longifolia Jack (Tongkat Ali) on the initiation of sexual performance of inexperienced castrated male rats. Exp Anim. 2000, 49 (1): 35-8. 10.1538/expanim.49.35.

    CAS  Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Kuo PC, Shi LS, Damu AG, Su CR, Huang CH, Ke CH, Wu JB, Lin AJ, Bastow KF, Lee KH: Cytotoxic and antimalarial beta‒carboline alkaloids from the roots of Eurycoma longifolia. Journal Nat Prod. 2003, 66 (10): 1324-1327. 10.1021/np030277n.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  34. Farouk AE, Benafri A: Antibacterial activity of Eurycoma longifolia Jack. A Malaysian medicinal plant. Saudi Med J. 2007, 28 (9): 1422-4.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Nurhanan MY, Azimahtol HLP, Ilham MA, Shukri MMA: Cytotoxic effects of the root extracts of Eurycoma longifolia Jack. Phytotherapy Research. 2005, 19 (11): 994-6. 10.1002/ptr.1759.

    CAS  Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Husen R, Pihie AH, Nallappan M: Screening for antihyperglycaemic activity in several local herbs of Malaysia. Journal Ethnopharmacology. 2004, 95: 205-208. 10.1016/j.jep.2004.07.004.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Ang HH, Cheang HS: Studies on the anxiolytic activity of Eurycoma longifolia Jack roots in mice. Jpn J Pharmacol. 1999, 79 (4): 497-500. 10.1254/jjp.79.497.

    CAS  Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Ang HH, Ngai TH, Tan TH: Effects of Eurycoma longifolia Jack on sexual qualities in middle aged male rats. Phytomedicine. 2003, 10 (6–7): 590-3.

    CAS  Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Ang HH, Lee KL: Effect of Eurycoma longifolia Jack on libido in middle-aged male rats. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol. 2002, 13 (3): 249-54.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Ang HH, Ngai TH: Aphrodisiac evaluation in non-copulator male rats after chronic administration of Eurycoma longifolia Jack. Fundam Clin Pharmacol. 2001, 15 (4): 265-8. 10.1046/j.1472-8206.2001.00038.x.

    CAS  Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Tambi MI, Imran MK, Henkel RR: Standardised water-soluble extract of Eurycoma longifolia, Tongkat ali, as testosterone booster for managing men with late-onset hypogonadism. Andrologia. 2012, 44 (Suppl 1): 226-30.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Tambi MI, Imran MK: Eurycoma longifolia Jack in managing idiopathic male infertility. Asian J Androl. 2010, 12 (3): 376-80. 10.1038/aja.2010.7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Hamzah S, Yusof A: The ergogenic effects of Tongkat ali (Eurycoma longifolia): A pilot study. British J Sports Med. 2003, 37: 464-470.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  44. Sarina MY, Zaiton Z, Aminudin AHK, Nor AK, Azizol AK: Effects of resistance training and Eurycoma longifolia on muscle strength, lipid profile, blood glucose, and hormone level in middle-aged women. 4th Asia-Pacific Conference on Exercise and Sport Science & 8th International Sports Science Conference. 2009, Academy of Medicine of Malaysia

    Google Scholar 

  45. Udani JK, George A, Mufiza M, Abas A, Gruenwald J, Miller M: Effects of a proprietary freeze-dried water extract of Eurycoma longifolia on sexual performance and well-being in men with reduced sexual potency: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Scripps Natural Supplements Conference. 2011, Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine

    Google Scholar 

  46. Ismail SB, Wan Mohammad WM, George A, Nik Hussain NH, Musthapa Kamal ZM, Liske ZM: 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. 2012, Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 10.1155/2012/429268.

    Google Scholar 

  47. Talbott S, Talbott J, Negrete J, Jones M, Nichols M, Roza J: Effect of eurycoma longifolia extract on anabolic balance during endurance exercise [abstract]. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2006, 3 (1): S32-

    Google Scholar 

  48. Talbott S, Christopulos AM, Ekberg C: Effect of a 12-Week Lifestyle Program on Mood State and Metabolic Parameters in Overweight Subjects. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2007, 39 (5): 227-503.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  49. Talbott S, Christopulos AM, Richards E: Effect of a lifestyle program on holiday stress, cortisol, and body weight. J Amer Coll Nutr. 2005, 24 (5): 31-

    Google Scholar 

  50. Talbott S, Talbott J, Larsen W, Jackson V: Significant improvements in mood state and hormone profile associated with a “low-attrition” weight loss program. J Amer Coll Nutr. 2007, 26 (5): 24-

    Google Scholar 

  51. Tambi MI: Glycoprotein water-soluble extract of Eurycoma longifolia Jack as a health supplement in management of healthy aging in aged men. The Aging Male. 2003, 6 (1): 41-70.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  52. Tambi MI: Standardized water soluble extract of Eurycoma longifolia maintains healthy aging in man. The Aging Male. 2007, 10 (2): 77-87.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  53. Tambi MI: Standardized water soluble extract of Eurycoma longifolia on men’s health [abstract]. 8th International Congress of Andrology, 12–16 June, Seoul, Korea. J. Androl. 2005, 28 (Suppl 1): 27-

    Google Scholar 

  54. Foss B, Dyrstad SM: Stress in obesity: cause or consequence?. Med Hypoth. 2011, 77 (1): 7-10. 10.1016/j.mehy.2011.03.011.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  55. Kraemer WJ, Ratamess NA: Hormonal responses and adaptations to resistance exercise and training. Sports Med. 2005, 35 (4): 339-61. 10.2165/00007256-200535040-00004.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Affiliations

  1. SupplementWatch, 648 Rocky, Knoll Draper, UT, 84020, USA

    Shawn M Talbott & Julie A Talbott

  2. Biotropics Malaysia Berhad, Lot 21, Jalan U1/19, Section U1, Hicom-Glenmarie Industrial Park, 40150, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia

    Annie George

  3. MonaVie, 10855 S River Front Parkway, South Jordan, UT, 84095, USA

    Mike Pugh

Authors
  1. Shawn M Talbott
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Julie A Talbott
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Annie George
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Mike Pugh
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Shawn M Talbott.

Additional information

Competing interests

The authors have no directly competing interests, although one (AG) is an employee of a company that manufactures tongkat ali extract, and another (MP) is an employee of a nutrition company that uses tongkat ali as one ingredient in an anti-stress dietary supplement. The other authors (ST and JT) conducted this study as employees of SupplementWatch, which received funding for this trial from Biotropics Malaysia.

This study was funded by Biotropics Malaysia and conducted by SupplementWatch.

Authors’ contributions

Each author contributed significantly to the successful carriage of this study. ST designed the study and drafted the manuscript. JT coordinated the IRB approval, subject visits, and sample inventory. AG and MP participated in the study design and coordination of subject visits. All authors read and approved the manuscript.

Authors’ original submitted files for images

Below are the links to the authors’ original submitted files for images.

Authors’ original file for figure 1

Authors’ original file for figure 2

Authors’ original file for figure 3

Rights and permissions

This article is published under license to BioMed Central Ltd. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Reprints and Permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Talbott, S.M., Talbott, J.A., George, A. et al. Effect of Tongkat Ali on stress hormones and psychological mood state in moderately stressed subjects. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 10, 28 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1186/1550-2783-10-28

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1550-2783-10-28

Keywords

  • Testosterone
  • Cortisol
  • Stress
  • Vigor
  • Tongkat ali
  • Eurycoma
  • Mood

Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition

ISSN: 1550-2783

Contact us