Tongkat Ali — botanically known as Eurycoma longifolia, and sometimes called "longjack" — is a root native to Southeast Asia with a long history of traditional use for male vitality. It's also one of the most-searched supplement ingredients for men right now, largely because of a small but growing body of clinical research into its effects on testosterone, stamina and mood.

Quick Answer

Several small human studies suggest Tongkat Ali extract may support healthy testosterone levels in men with low-normal baseline levels, and some research points to benefits for stamina, mood and specific markers of sexual and reproductive health. The overall evidence base is still limited in size, and most positive results come from studies using standardized extracts at doses around 200mg daily.

What Is Tongkat Ali?

Tongkat Ali is the root of a flowering shrub found in the rainforests of Malaysia, Indonesia and parts of Southeast Asia. It has been used in traditional medicine for generations, most often as a general tonic for energy, stamina and male vitality. Modern supplement extracts are typically standardized to a specific ratio (for example, 100:1 or 200:1) to concentrate the root's active compounds, which include quassinoids and eurypeptides.

Testosterone Support

Testosterone is the area where Tongkat Ali has the most research attention. Several small clinical trials have examined standardized Tongkat Ali extract in men with below-normal or borderline-low testosterone, generally using daily doses in the range of 200mg. Results have been mixed but often favorable, with some studies reporting a meaningful percentage of participants reaching normal testosterone ranges after several weeks of use. It's worth noting that most of this research has been done in men who started with low levels — there's less evidence that Tongkat Ali raises testosterone further in men who are already within a healthy range.

Stamina and Physical Performance

Some research links Tongkat Ali supplementation to improvements in perceived stamina, muscle strength and body composition, particularly in older adults and physically active men. The proposed mechanism is tied to its potential effect on testosterone and cortisol balance, though study sizes in this area remain small.

Sexual Health and Fertility Markers

A handful of studies have looked at Tongkat Ali's relationship to specific measures of male sexual and reproductive health, including erectile function and semen parameters such as volume, concentration and motility. Findings have generally been positive but come from a limited number of trials, several of which were conducted by researchers affiliated with extract manufacturers — a detail worth factoring into how much weight you give the results.

Mood and Stress

A smaller line of research has explored Tongkat Ali as a potential stress-management aid, based on its effect on cortisol (the body's primary stress hormone) in some studies. Evidence here is preliminary, and more independent research is needed before firm conclusions can be drawn.

Safety Note: Tongkat Ali is generally well tolerated in the human clinical studies conducted so far, with no serious adverse effects widely reported at standard doses. That said, the European Food Safety Authority flagged a theoretical concern in 2021 about certain Tongkat Ali compounds and DNA interaction in laboratory (non-human) models — a reminder that "traditionally used" and "well-researched in humans" aren't the same thing. As with any supplement, talk to a doctor before use if you're on medication, have a medical condition, or are trying to conceive.

How Much Is Typically Used?

Most of the clinical research showing a testosterone-related effect has used around 200mg per day of a standardized Tongkat Ali extract, taken consistently over several weeks. Results in the research generally build gradually rather than appearing immediately — most trials ran 4 to 12 weeks before measuring outcomes.

JellyBoost supplement facts label

Tongkat Ali In JellyBoost

JellyBoost includes 200mg of Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia extract) per gummy, alongside six other ingredients including Maca Root and Ashwagandha. See the full label and every ingredient amount on the JellyBoost landing page.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tongkat Ali the same as Longjack?

Yes — "Longjack" is a common name for the same plant, Eurycoma longifolia.

How long before Tongkat Ali "works"?

Most studies measuring an effect used continuous daily use for at least 4 weeks, with some running as long as 12 weeks. Individual results vary and haven't been established for any specific finished product.

Can women take Tongkat Ali?

Most research has focused on men, though some studies have included women. Speak with a healthcare provider before use regardless of sex.

This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It summarizes publicly available research on Tongkat Ali as an ingredient and is not a claim about the clinical effect of any specific finished product, including JellyBoost. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement.