In my previous article, I gave you an overview of the common fallacies in the herbal medicine world and how the tremendous herb Tongkat Ali is so misunderstood. This week, we will answer the question….

Is Tongkat an actual adaptogen or a traditional tonic with adaptogen-like qualities?

Before answering this question, let's quickly review the criteria for defining an adaptogen. 

Adaptogens must: 

1. Be nontoxic at clinical dosage

2. Increase the resistance of the hormonal and immune systems to all kinds of stressors through a nonspecific physiological response. 

3. Normalize body function no matter how external stressors have altered them. 

Because many plants not considered true adaptogens can fulfill the above criteria, we have learned that what makes a plant an actual adaptogen is that it must also work through one or both of the body’s master control systems.

1)The HPA Axis (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis) is a complex system of neuroendocrine pathways and feedback loops that maintain and support homeostasis in response to chronic stress. The HPA axis is the interface between the endocrine, nervous, immune, digestive, reproductive, and cardio systems. 

2)The SAS (Sympatho Adrenal system, aka fight or flight) is a complex system that connects the sympathetic nervous system to the adrenal medulla. In simple terms, it is our fight-or-flight response. A triggered response floods our system with adrenalin and releases hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine from the adrenal medulla. This response increases blood pressure, blood sugar, and heart rate and suppresses digestion. This releasing of hormones and redistribution of blood allows the mind and body to respond and survive. 

A randomized control study discussing Tongkat Ali's effect on the regulation of reproductive hormones in young males stated the following: “The lack of changes in luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels suggests a lesser role played by Eurycoma longifolia in activating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in the young adults. The raised testosterone level may be due to a greater hormone production rate via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.” 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33559971/

Another review discussing Tongkat Ali’s effects on stress hormones and mood states the following for moderately stressed individuals (32 men and 31 women), “Significant improvements were found in the TA group for Tension (−11%), Anger (−12%), and Confusion (−15%). Stress hormone profile (salivary cortisol and testosterone) was significantly improved by TA supplementation, with reduced cortisol exposure (−16%) and increased testosterone status (+37%).” It was concluded that Tongkat Ali is an effective herb and daily supplementation that improves mood and stress hormone profiles. 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3669033/

As impressive as the results and research on Tongkat Ali and the fact that it fulfills many of the criteria are, I believe it is slightly premature to call Tongkat a “True” adaptogen. It certainly is a powerful tonic with adaptogen-like qualities. With more studies, I believe this outstanding herb will be added to the concise and distinguished list of actual adaptogens in the near future. 

Other potentially positive effects of Tongkat Ali backed by preliminary research

1) Blood Pressure Lowering Properties

In a rat study looking at Tongkat Ali's blood pressure-lowering effects, it was shown to be effective in relaxing phenylephrine—(PE—) precontracted rat aortic rings.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27800486/

2) May Support Healthy Sleep

In a mouse study looking at the effects of Tongkat Ali on body temperature fluctuation and sleep rhythms, it was concluded that Tongkat Ali extract could be a promising natural aid that alleviates sleep problems via thermoregulation.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36047106/

Please note that neither of the above effects has been verified by human studies. 

So, why can both men and women use Tongkat Ali and get such profound effects? The reality is that Tongkat Ali does not differentiate between a man's and a woman’s body. It nourishes and supports the human nervous and endocrine systems, allowing for a broad spectrum of actions. This, in turn, gives the body the tools to create a balanced internal environment that manifests specifically to the individual gender. The stress response creates the same initial chemical reactions in both men and women, like increased cortisol levels. The effects of increased cortisol have a chain reaction that directly affects all glands, which are major hormone producers in the body. With men being testosterone-dominant and women being estrogen-dominant, the result of this assault on the body manifests very differently. Another reason for the difference in how the stress response manifests is the individuals' inherent weaknesses. In simple terms, Tongkat Ali or any herb used in this situation has a broad spectrum of effects that indirectly impact the individual's response to the stressor. 

In conclusion, tradition and science make one hell of a team, and when it comes to understanding the proper use of herbs, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Tongkat Ali is undoubtedly an herb that may support longevity, mood, and stress response in both men and women. It has stood up to the scrutiny of modern research and has proven to be an effective tool in supporting good health.

Michael Stuchiner is a Master Herbalist and proud graduate of The School of Natural Healing and has worked in different areas of this field for over 25 years. He is a retired elite-level powerlifter who competed for 27 years. As an avid international traveler, he is passionate about the use of medicinal and tonic herbs and local markets in the 35 countries he has visited. Michael makes his mark in herbal medicine through the hundreds of articles he has written and his YouTube channel (A Master Herbalist Perspective). He is considered a true educator in this field.