EURYCOMA LONGIFOLIA -TONGKAT ALI
THE NATURAL APHRODISIAC
Eurycoma Longifolia, also known as Tongkat Ali or Pasak Bumi, is a shrub native to Asia, whose active compounds are present throughout the plant—leaves, branches, trunk, and roots.
The root is the part most commonly used to produce the dry extract, as it contains the highest concentration of its active constituents, which mainly include:
Quassinoids,
Eurycomanone,
Eurycomanol,
Eurycomalactone,
and various alkaloids.
Technical and Microbiological Notes
The dry root extract appears as a fine dark brown powder with a distinctly bitter taste.
The most commonly used extraction method is a mechanical process involving boiling and drying the root in a water-based environment, yielding a 50:1 concentration.
This means that 50 kilograms of root are soaked in 500 liters of water for about 24 hours, after which they are boiled for several hours. Once the water is evaporated, 1 kilogram of dry extract is obtained.
Using an alcoholic medium can result in higher yields, but it also increases toxicological risks.
Microbiological testing of the extract obtained using this method revealed no significant bacterial or fungal contamination, including no presence of Salmonella, Staphylococcus, or E. coli.
Chemical analysis, both qualitative and quantitative—especially concerning heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and arsenic—showed no detectable levels.
Health Benefits and Properties
In recent years, numerous scientific studies have evaluated the effectiveness of Tongkat Ali dry extract using the double-blind method, administering either the extract or a placebo to different patient groups.
The results, published in various American and Asian scientific journals, showed highly promising outcomes, summarized as follows:
Aphrodisiac properties, primarily due to an increase in free testosterone levels
Improvement in physical strength and muscle mass
Antipyretic and antimalarial activity
Notes from Specific Laboratory Studies
In 2005, a study conducted by ZRT Laboratories in Chicago on a 72-year-old patient showed a 224% increase in free testosterone after three months of daily supplementation with 1 gram of Tongkat Ali extract.
Similar studies on a young athlete showed a 150% increase in testosterone, with a corresponding rise in muscle anabolism—without doping effects.
Average results across test groups indicated:
A 120% increase in total testosterone
A 169% increase in free testosterone, the most significant fraction, as it directly contributes to increased libido and muscular strength
A 65% reduction in SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin), which binds and inactivates testosterone
Comparison with Sildenafil (Viagra)
Sildenafil is a drug that inhibits phosphodiesterase, an enzyme found in high concentrations in the smooth muscle of the penile corpus cavernosum.
This enzyme has an inhibitory role in the erection process; it maintains the penis in a flaccid state. The erectile pathway depends on the production of nitric oxide, the primary chemical mediator of erection.
Nitric oxide is released from nerve endings only after sexual stimulation, triggering relaxation of smooth muscle cells in the corpus cavernosum and initiating vasodilation, which causes erection.
This physiological process implies that sildenafil and related drugs require the presence of nitric oxide, which is only released after psychological or physical sexual stimulation.
In contrast, Tongkat Ali extract works differently: its active compounds increase free testosterone levels, leading to a natural rise in libido and sexual desire.
Given the mechanism of action of sildenafil and its analogs, we can conclude:
Despite their undeniable effectiveness, these pharmaceutical agents are not suitable for everyone, mainly due to side effects, especially in cardiac patients.
One significant side effect involves vasodilation and increased blood flow to the penis, which can result in a drop in systemic blood pressure.
In at-risk individuals, this can cause serious complications, including cardiovascular collapse.
Conclusion
Tongkat Ali extract represents a natural alternative to sildenafil, with proven sexual health benefits and no significant side effects.
It is especially recommended for individuals experiencing low libido due to psychological causes or andropause, where a boost in testosterone is needed to restore sexual desire and energy.
Dr. Francesco Pensato
