Tongkat Ali: Pros and cons

What is Tongkat Ali?

Tongkat Ali, scientifically known as Eurycoma longifolia and also called Pasak Bumi, is a plant native to Southeast Asia, particularly thriving in countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. Its roots have been utilized for centuries in traditional medicine for various health benefits. In this article we compare the pros and cons.

There is a Novel Food Regulation recorded in EU "regulation 2015/2283". Tongkat Ali is not included in this list and therefore this product is not allowed to be sold in the European Union. In addition, the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) has explicitly banned the sale of Eurycoma longifolia.

In the Kraatje range there is an alternative product that has some similarity: Purwoceng or Pimpinella alpina.

Active Compounds in Tongkat Ali

The roots are rich in bioactive compounds including quassinoids, alkaloids, and flavonoids, which are thought to contribute to its health benefits. However, without proper processing, these roots might retain toxic substances like quassin, which can be harmful.

Importance of Proper Processing

It's essential to process Tongkat Ali roots properly to eliminate toxic compounds. Raw or poorly processed roots can pose health risks due to the presence of these substances. Ensuring correct processing is key to safe consumption.

Common Uses of Tongkat Ali

Reasons why people choose to use Tongkat Ali:

• Increased energy and performance
  It's popular among athletes and those involved in fitness for its performance-enhancing properties.
• Improved libido and sexual health.
  Noted for potentially boosting sexual desire and function in both genders.
• Hormonal balance.
  Particularly in men, it may support testosterone production, which is beneficial as men age.
• Mood enhancement.
  Users often report feeling less stressed and more mentally clear.

Tongkat Ali users

What type of people use it:

• Athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
  For enhanced physical performance and recovery.
• Men with low testosterone levels.
  To support hormonal health and libido.
• People dealing with stress.
  For mood enhancement and stress relief.
• Women in menopause.
  For balancing hormones and boosting energy.

Pros

• Increased muscle strength.
  When paired with exercise, it can aid in muscle development.
• Improved fertility.
  There's evidence suggesting enhancement in sperm quality.
• Anti-aging effects.
  By regulating hormones, it might help in slowing the aging process.
• Fat loss.
  It might promote fat burning through elevated testosterone levels.
• Enhanced mental well-being.
  Improved energy and mood, reduced fatique and a better sense of well-being.

Cons

• Side effects like insomnia.
  High doses might lead to sleeplessness.
• Potential interactions with medications.
  Caution is advised when combining with other drugs, particularly those affecting hormone levels or blood pressure.
• Risk of contaminated or poorly processed products.
  The market includes products of varying quality, some of which might retain harmful substances if not processed correctly. Choosing reputable brands is important.

Tongkat Ali ban in the Netherlands

Tongkat Ali, scientifically known as Eurycoma longifolia, is not legally available for sale in the Netherlands due to health concerns raised by the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA). The NVWA has issued warnings about the potential carcinogenic properties of Tongkat Ali, referencing research from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) which suggested that the herb might possess genotoxic effects, potentially leading to DNA damage and cancer risk. Consequently, the NVWA has enforced strict regulations, including fines for non-compliance, to halt the sale of products containing this ingredient.

The Regulatory Perspective

EFSA's Concerns: EFSA's evaluation of Tongkat Ali's safety highlighted significant issues, particularly with liver and kidney toxicity in animal studies. This has led to its classification as a 'novel food' under EU law, which requires rigorous safety assessments before marketing can occur. The absence of comprehensive safety data has resulted in its outright ban in the Netherlands

NVWA's Enforcement: The NVWA has actively conducted inspections, finding Tongkat Ali in multiple products, which were subsequently confiscated and destroyed to ensure consumer safety.

Human safety

Human Studies vs. Animal Research. While animal studies have shown adverse effects at high doses, human studies have generally found Tongkat Ali to be safe at typical supplemental doses (200-400 mg/day). Side effects in humans are usually mild, such as gastrointestinal discomfort or itching. Some researchers argue that the dosages used in animal studies which showed toxicity are far beyond what humans consume, questioning the direct applicability to human use.

Traditional Medicine and Benefits. In Southeast Asia, where Tongkat Ali is native, it has been used for centuries with reputed benefits like enhancing sexual health, boosting testosterone, and reducing stress. Human studies have corroborated some of these effects, such as improved erectile function and better stress hormone regulation, suggesting potential therapeutic uses if the product is of high quality and dosed correctly.

Conclusions

Tongkat Ali may have potential benefits, but selecting a high-quality, properly processed product is vital. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting supplementation, especially if you're on medication or have existing health issues, to avoid adverse effects or interactions.

The ban on Tongkat Ali in the Netherlands reflects a cautious regulatory approach based on potential health risks identified in animal studies and the lack of sufficient human safety data. However, there's a debate within the scientific community and among traditional medicine advocates about its safety and efficacy when used in moderation. While the current regulatory environment in the Netherlands does not allow its sale, there is an ongoing discussion about whether this stance might be reconsidered with more comprehensive human studies or better processing methods to mitigate risks.