The 6 Best Tongkat Ali Supplements of 2024
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In the forests of Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, the roots of a medium shrub have become a hot commodity. Scientists call the herb Eurycoma longifolia, but supplement companies often market it under a different name: tongkat ali. It’s also known as Longjack, Malaysian ginseng and homegrown Viagra because of its purported aphrodisiac properties.
Like ginseng, the root is rumored to provide far-reaching health and well-being benefits, including anxiety relief, muscle growth, increased libido, improved sports performance, boosted energy, weight loss and improved well-being. Well-known Stanford neuroscientist and podcaster Andrew Huberman takes up to 400 milligrams of tongkat ali a day, and you may have even seen Instagram ads claiming this herb can boost testosterone levels and enhance athletic performance.
So, is it worth the hype? Below, we dig into whether research truly supports the tongkat ali's potential benefits for energy levels, muscle mass, athletic performance, physical performance, lean muscle tissue and even sexual function. We share the effective dose, along with our picks for the highest-quality tongkat ali supplements your money can buy.
This content is meant to be informative, but should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention or treatment of health problems. Always speak with your doctor before starting any new supplement or exercise regimen.
Our Picks for the Best Tongkat Ali Supplement:
- AKARALI Tongkat Ali
- Momentous Tongkat Ali
- Transparent Labs LJ100 Tongkat Ali
- Elm & Rye Tongkat Ali Gummies and Capsules
- Solaray Tongkat Ali
- Double Wood Supplements Tongkat Ali Extract Triple Pack
AKARALI Tonkat Ali
SI Showcase + AKARALI
Key features and specs:
- Tongkat Ali per serving: 200 milligrams per capsule
- Certifications: Halal-certified, third-party tested by Eurofins, ISO-22000 certified
- Subscription: 10% off, monthly
- Sweeteners: None
- Best for: Consumers hoping to support testosterone production and sexual performance
- Price per serving: $0.95
Why I picked It:
AKARALI means “tongkat ali root” in the Malay language, and it’s the only company in this review that specializes in only tongkat ali supplements.
The AKARALI supplement comes from Phystra, a patented tongkat ali extract. This form of the root has been used in several studies that found benefits for sexual performance, immunity and testosterone levels.
Each capsule provides 200 milligrams of tongkat ali root, which is the dose found in research to support testosterone production and sexual functioning.
On Amazon, AKARALI Tongkat Ali has 4/5 stars, based on 377 reviews at the time of writing.
What we like:
- Dosing matches what's used in research studies
- Sustainably harvested
- Suitable for vegans and vegetarians (made with cellulose)
- Third-party tested by Eurofins
What to consider:
- Though other brands offer larger doses, 200 milligrams has been shown to be effective for boosting testosterone
Momentous Tongkat Ali
SI Showcase + Momentous
Key features and specs:
- Tongkat Ali per serving: 400 milligrams
- Certifications: Informed Sport
- Subscription: Monthly for 15% off
- Sweeteners: None
- Best for: Athletes and budget-conscious consumers who are looking for a supplement that’s safe for sport
- Price per serving: $0.56
Why I picked it:
Momentous specializes in supplements that appeal to athletes. The company touts its relationship with top athletes and researchers and coaches in the field, including its relationship with Stanford’s Andrew Huberman, mentioned earlier, and Andy Galpin, PhD, a professor at CSU Fullerton who coaches professional boxers and MMA fighters.
The Momentus Tongkat Ali product provides 400 milligrams per two-capsule daily dose. This amount has been shown in research to elevate levels of testosterone and increase muscular force in men.
It also comes with a certification from Informed Sport, a third-party company that tests products for banned substances. “Not only do I appreciate Momentous' high quality standards, but it also sources tongkat ali in its natural form straight from Indonesia,” notes Kelli Davenport, MS, RD. If you’re a competitive athlete, this is one of the stamps you’ll want to look for when purchasing products.
At $0.56 per dose, the Momentus product is also one of the more affordable tongkat ali options—and that’s before taking the variety of bulk and subscription discounts offered by Momentus.
On the manufacturer’s website, the product has 4.7/5 stars based on 68 reviews, reflecting its popularity.
What we like:
- Informed Sport certified
- Well-dosed, according to research studies
- GMO and gluten free
- At $0.56 per dose, this costs less than the average supplement ($0.87)
What to consider:
- One daily serving is two capsules
- Not third-party tested
Transparent Labs LJ100
SI Showcase + Transparent Labs
Key features and specs:
- Tongkat Ali per serving: 100 milligrams per capsule
- Certifications: Non-GMO, third-party tested by Informed Choice
- Subscription: Monthly for 10% off
- Sweeteners: None
- Best for: Active people who are looking to gain strength
- Price per serving: $0.99
Why I picked it:
Transparent Labs is all about transparency. The company's website offers certificates of analysis and composition on all of its supplements. It also backs up product claims with receipts, such as published research. In order to ensure that the company's product claims are true, it employs a team of independent reviewers on its advisory board.
TL’s LJ100 is a patented standardized extract that includes two tongkat ali active ingredients: eurypeptides and glycosaponins. The LJ stands for Longjack, one of the alternative names for tongkat ali.
This supplement contains 100 milligrams per capsule, roughly half the amount of tongkat ali shown in research to benefit mood and energy levels or to elevate testosterone. However, one small pilot study did show a benefit of this dose in seven men. In that study, men who took LJ100 gained more strength over five weeks than a control group who didn’t take the product.
The supplement is free from all artificial sweeteners, coloring, preservatives, gluten and GMOs.
Related Post: The 15 Best Supplements for Men
What we like:
- Third-party tested by Informed Choice
- Brand is committed to transparent labeling
- Free of artificial sweeteners, colors, preservatives, gluten and GMOs
What to consider:
- At nearly a $1 a pill, it costs slightly more than the average price for this supplement ($0.87)
- Includes only 100 milligrams of tongkat ali
Elm & Rye Tongkat Ali Gummies and Capsules
SI Showcase + Elm & Rye
Key features and specs:
- Tongkat Ali per serving: 450 milligrams per gummy or capsule
- Certifications: Third-party tested by Pharma Natural, Inc
- Subscription: Monthly for 25% off
- Sweeteners: None
- Best for: Environmentally conscious consumers
- Price per serving: $1.50
Why I picked it:
Elm & Rye prides itself in offering supplements that are better for the planet. The company is environmentally minded and sources ingredients that are sustainable as well as free of pesticides. The company third-party tests all supplements, and it allows you to look up certificates of analysis on their site.
The company’s tongkat ali gummies and capsules contain 450 milligrams of tongkat ali root per serving. That’s slightly more than what’s been shown, in research, to support testosterone levels.
At $1.50 per dose, however, this is one of the pricier supplements available. You can shave off some of that sticker shock by purchasing the supplement in two- and four-pack bundles or by subscription.
What we like:
- Third-party tested by Pharma Natural, Inc.
- Ingredients are sustainably sourced
- Discount programs are available
- Available as a gummy, which is helpful for those who have trouble swallowing pills or capsules
What to consider:
- More expensive than other options
- Not vegan friendly (contains gelatin)
- No customer reviews are available
Solaray Tongkat Ali
SI Showcase + Solaray
Key features and specs:
- Tongkat Ali per serving: 400 milligrams per capsule
- Certifications: Non-GMO
- Subscription: N/A
- Sweeteners: None
- Best for: Vegan consumers on a budget
- Price per serving: $0.12
Why I picked it:
Solaray has been around since 1973 and markets more than 1,000 products composed of plants or plant extracts. In their formulations, the company uses organic and non-GMO ingredients whenever possible. All of its products are manufactured in the U.S. (Utah), which allows them to tightly control its quality testing.
There are 400 milligrams in this company's tongkat ali product, which is an effective dose for supporting testosterone production. Plus, the wholesale price of less than $25 for 180 servings makes it an even better value.
On Amazon, the product receives high ratings at 4.4/5 stars, based on 2,260 ratings.
What we like:
- Well-dosed
- Made in the U.S.
- Vegan and budget friendly
- Highly rated by Amazon customers
What to consider:
- A few Amazon reviewers reported it made them feel anxious
Double Wood Supplements Tongkat Ali Extract Triple Pack
SI Showcase + Double Wood
Key features and specs:
- Tongkat Ali per serving: 1,000 milligrams tongkat ali root extract, 20 milligrams Tribulus Terrestris fruit extract
- Certifications: Third-party tested by Intertek
- Subscription: Bimonthly at 10% off
- Sweeteners: None
- Best for: Budget-conscious shoppers interested in supporting their heart health
- Price per serving: $0.19
Why I picked it:
Two brothers founded Double Wood in 2013 to bring the hangover remedy Dihydromyricetin to market. They’ve since expanded their product line to include many other supplements, including tongkat ali. Double Wood leans big into customer trust by third-party testing all of their supplements and providing the Certificates of Analysis on their site.
Made in the U.S., Double Wood’s Tongkat Ali supplement provides 1,000 milligrams of tongkat ali per two-capsule dose. That’s much more than the doses typically used in studies. As a comparison, just 400 milligrams is what has been shown in research to improve testosterone levels in men. Half of that, research indicates, may help boost mood and energy levels.
The tongkat ali is paired with Tribulus Terrestris, a plant used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine to support health and sports performance. Scant research is available on Tribulus Terrestris effectiveness. In one study, postmenopausal women who took the supplement experienced improvements in sexual functioning. According to a scientific review of the research, it might be helpful for improving cholesterol levels and reducing inflammation.
If you’re vegetarian or vegan, rest assured that the capsule is made from plant-based materials. It’s also free of soy, gluten, and GMOs.
This product comes with the backing of thousands of Amazon reviewers. The product has 4.4/5 stars based on a whopping 8,100 ratings at the time of writing.
What we like:
- Thousands of people on Amazon have vouched for the product
- High dose can easily be halved by taking only one capsule
- Third-party tested by Interek
- Budget-friendly
What to consider:
- Includes an understudied secondary ingredient, Tribulus Terrestris
What Is Tongkat Ali?
Native to Southeast Asia, tongkat ali is a tall, slender shrub with long, twisted roots. Also known as “Malaysian ginseng” in Malaysia, the plant is harvested for its potential medicinal qualities.
“It’s an herbal supplement used in traditional medicine in many Asian countries to reduce the risk of illnesses and stress, and potentially increase muscle strength and libido,” says Jordan Hill, RD.
Though many parts of the shrub–including the bark and leaves–are thought to offer beneficial properties, supplement companies tend to use its roots, which are rich in quassinoids and other compounds thought to provide healing qualities.
Benefits of Tongkat Ali
Tongkat ali is often marketed as a cure-all for overall health, wellness and cognitive function. However, randomized clinical trials are only just beginning to emerge in support of those claims. Below, we review the potential benefits of tongkat ali supplementation according to the currently available evidence.
Testosterone production
Testosterone levels tend to drop with age, bringing on symptoms like low sex drive, muscle loss, low sperm count, increases in body fat and depression. According to research studies, tongkat ali may raise testosterone levels, in turn helping to calm the related symptoms.
In a study of 63 people who took 200 milligrams daily of the root for four weeks, testosterone levels increased 37 percent.
Sexual performance
The herb is thought to enhance libido and counteract impotence, in part by raising testosterone levels in men. One study points to a potential improvement in men with erectile dysfunction who take 200 milligrams of the herb daily when paired with aerobic and resistance training three times a week for one hour. However, in 2015, a meta-analysis (study of studies) cast doubt on those findings. It combined the data from the available research and found no significant erection benefits. As for women, "There is insufficient research to show how the supplement affects women’s sexual health," says Lena Bakovic, RDN, CNSC.
Sexual desire
When it comes to sexual desire in men and women, most of the available studies have only been done on rats and other animals. However, in one of the rare studies done on humans, men aged 30-55 who took 300 milligrams of Phystra (a trademarked blend) reported increased libido.
Mental health
Again, because of its testosterone-boosting effects, the herb may benefit some aspects of mental and emotional health. Men and women who took 200 milligrams of tongkat ali instead of a placebo for four weeks experienced reductions in tension, anger and confusion.
Energy levels
People who took tongkat ali supplements reported lower levels of fatigue than did people who didn’t take the supplement, according to a Japanese study of 38 adults between the ages of 30 and 60. Still, more research is needed to support the use of tongkat ali for energy.
Related Post: The 10 Best Energy Supplements for Chronic Fatigue
Athletic and physical performance
In a small study of 12 people over age 50, tongkat ali helped improve muscular force in men and women, probably by increasing testosterone levels. This may be the same mechanism behind the common belief that the supplement leads to increased muscle mass and growth. However, another study among middle-aged women came to the opposite finding.
Related Post: The Best Supplements for Building Muscle and Shredding Fat
Bottom line: “While there has been some research done on tongkat ali’s impact on these areas, research is inconclusive, with some results being positive and others neutral,” says Hill. “Still, the research that’s shown positive impacts of the supplement have been small studies and thus require more robust findings to conclude tongkat ali’s impact.”
Side Effects of Tongkat Ali
If you want to give tongkat ali a try to see if it works for you, know that the downsides will likely be minimal.
“Tongkat ali taken at the recommended doses is generally considered safe,” says Hill.
At doses higher than what’s recommended by manufacturers, however, the supplement could damage gastrointestinal DNA, Hill says. Nevertheless, this 2021 report was based on an extremely high dose (2,000 milligrams per kilogram of bodyweight). Other human studies suggest no major side effects on a regular dose.
“It’s important to note that research into the safety and efficacy of tongkat ali is still needed,” she says. Always consult your professional healthcare provider before starting a tongkat ali supplement, especially if you’re taking medication for diabetes or hypertension.
How to Choose the Best Tongkat Ali for You
When shopping for tongkat ali supplements, look for products that contain high-quality, studied ingredients. "Ideally, choose supplements that have been tested for potency and purity by a third-party company like NSF or USP," says Hill. That ensures they are testing for the presence of heavy metals and other toxins, and that the supplement contains what’s listed on the label.
Dosage is another consideration. Most studies use tongkat ali doses between 200 and 400 milligrams daily. Some supplements offer less than that amount, and others provide more. It's best to start with a lower dose to assess your response, and if you don't experience any side effects, you can increase your dose incrementally (though always talk with your professional healthcare provider before you increase your dosage).
Our Methodology: How We Chose the Best Tongkat Ali
We chose our list of the best tongkat ali dietary supplements based on several factors. These include:
- Purity and potency: We prioritize supplements that have undergone third-party testing to ensure they contain no harmful contaminants or fillers and that the label accurately reflects what's in the supplement.
- Customer reviews: We pay attention to what customers say about products and how companies respond to those reviews. The more highly rated a supplement, the more likely we are to include it in a “best of” lineup.
- Research-tested dosage: According to the available research, tongkat ali supplements seem to work best at doses between 200 and 400 milligrams, so we included mostly products within that range.
- Cost: We try to include high-quality supplements that will run you less than $1 per serving.
- Special considerations: We took note of "bonus" factors when we assessed the tongkat ali supplement options available, including testing for use in competitive sports, environmental sustainability and other active ingredients.
Note that the rare supplement checks boxes for every single one of our scoring categories. That’s why we include multiple supplements in each review. It allows you, as the consumer, to decide which scoring categories matter the most.
We also received input from our panel of expert contributors, including registered dietitians and highly credentialed sports nutrition and exercise science experts.
Learn more about our nutrition and supplement review process and our scoring methodology.
Tongkat Ali FAQs
Which type of tongkat ali is the best?
"No research has determined whether one form of tongkat ali outperforms another," notes Hill. It is very important to choose quality products that have been third-party tested for potency and purity. A couple of trademarked forms of tongkat ali (Phystra and LJ100) have been used in many of the studies done on the herb, so look for those names if you want forms of tongkat ali that have been tested the most.
How much tongkat ali should I take?
Between 200 and 400 daily milligrams seems to be an effective dose for various potential benefits, including 400 milligrams to support testosterone production, 200 milligrams to support energy levels and 300 milligrams to support sexual performance. Before taking this or any other supplement, consult your healthcare professional or physician for guidance.
Can you take tongkat ali every day?
"Assuming you’re staying within studied dosages, daily use of tongkat ali is generally considered safe," says Hill. "Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not take tongkat ali due to the lack of research for these populations."
How do I get the best results from tongkat ali?
Research into tongkat ali is still in the early phases. For best results, follow the usage recommendations on the product label and consult with your healthcare professional.
Takeaway: Is Tongkat Ali Worth It?
The jury’s still out regarding the benefits of tongkat ali. “There certainly needs to be more studies done in humans, and particularly females,” adds Davenport. However, because the supplement is generally considered safe, it likely won’t hurt you to try it. Look for high-quality supplements that are effectively dosed and third-party tested for purity and potency. Keep track of your health metrics and how you feel. That data can help you to determine if the supplement is beneficial for you.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
