Boosts Testosterone Levels

Of all the benefits that Tongkat Ali offers, its ability to boost natural testosterone production in men has the most evidence supporting it. Multiple studies have found increases in testosterone when men supplement with Tongkat Ali [1][2][3][4][5][6].

There are two main ways in which Tongkat Ali can help to boost testosterone levels. Firstly, it increases the production of DHEA (hormone) and pregnenolone (chemical). Both of which increase the production of testosterone.

Secondly, Tongkat Ali can inhibit an enzyme called aromatase. This enzyme converts free testosterone into estrogen, meaning that even if you have high levels of testosterone production, your testosterone levels can suffer.

By inhibiting aromatase, Tongkat Ali can protect your free testosterone levels, and help your total testosterone levels to increase. Combined with increased production (thanks to DHEA and pregnenolone) you can expect increases in your testosterone levels over time.

Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Alongside increasing testosterone levels, Tongkat Ali is known to help reduce the symptoms of stress and anxiety. This appears to be due to its ability to reduce cortisol levels and to help adjust the ratio of cortisol to testosterone (by increasing testosterone) [1].

Reducing your stress and anxiety levels can have many knock-on benefits, better sleep, superior appetite regulation, less risk of overtraining/injury in the gym, improved mood, and an improved libido.

Boosts Cognition

Tongkat Ali’s ability to boost cognition is most likely down to its ability to reduce cortisol, boost testosterone, and help you to feel more relaxed and happy. While some of us respond to pressure incredibly well, the vast majority of people tend not to think clearly when stressed out. By lowering cortisol levels, people find that they can think clearer and respond better to stressful situations.

A 2013 study found that moderately stressed subjects were able to think clearer and were less tense and angry after taking Tongkat Ali for 4 weeks compared to a placebo group [9].

Raises Libido and more...

Several studies have found that Tongkat Ali is effective at increasing both libido and erections in men [10][11]. But there is also evidence that it can improve male fertility by improving sperm quality and seminal motility. Again, this could well be due to its influence on the cortisol-to-testosterone ratio.

Supports Overall Health

As you can see, Tongkat Ali is able to help improve your physical, mental, and sexual health by increasing testosterone, reducing cortisol, and allowing you to feel less stressed. There are many benefits that are tied to being less stressed, and many benefits tied to having higher testosterone levels.

Increases Muscle Mass

The increase in testosterone production and the reduction in cortisol may be the main reason why Tongkat Ali has been shown to increase power output in the gym [7]. By allowing you to train at a higher intensity, you are able to build more muscle. An improved testosterone-to-cortisol ratio means that you can recover faster and gain more muscle afterwards too.

Other studies have found that Tongkat Ali can increase grip strength, particularly in older people [8]. Not only is grip strength an indicator of increased muscle mass, but it can also help you to train harder and build more muscle in future.