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Overview: Eurycoma longifolia, also known as tongkat ali, is a tree that is native to Southeast Asia. Dietary supplements that contain Eurycoma longifolia are usually made from the roots of the tree. These products are used for various reasons, including to boost testosterone levels, but their benefits are not well defined. Although Eurycoma longifolia seems to be well tolerated when taken for a short time, there is not enough research to know what side effects it may cause when taken long-term. Before taking Eurycoma longifolia, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is Eurycoma longifolia used for?

Eurycoma longifolia, also known as tongkat ali, is used for various reasons, but its benefits are not well defined. Some common reasons for using Eurycoma longifolia include the following.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed Eurycoma longifolia for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does Eurycoma longifolia work (mechanism of action)?

Eurycoma longifolia is a tree from Southeast Asia. It has a long history of use in the region, where it is known as tongkat ali. The roots of the tree are used to make dietary supplements.

Eurycoma longifolia contains chemicals called quassinoids that are thought to have effects in the body. These chemicals may help increase testosterone levels, which may, in turn, help build muscle. But any increases in testosterone levels appear to be small and do not seem to help improve physical performance. It is also not clear if taking Eurycoma longifolia can help with erectile dysfunction or sex drive.

Herbal products, such as Eurycoma longifolia, naturally contain many chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific Eurycoma longifolia product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are taking.

How should I store Eurycoma longifolia?

You should store Eurycoma longifolia according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Eurycoma longifolia?

Eurycoma longifolia seems to be well tolerated when used for a short time. But there is not enough research to know what side effects Eurycoma longifolia may cause when used regularly over the long term. Side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be side effects of Eurycoma longifolia that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Eurycoma longifolia?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Eurycoma longifolia are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Eurycoma longifolia may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Eurycoma longifolia and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Eurycoma longifolia?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Eurycoma longifolia.

  • Eurycoma longifolia
  • Long Jack
  • Tongkat ali
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific Eurycoma longifolia products they stock.

What should I know about Eurycoma longifolia before taking it?

Eurycoma longifolia is a dietary supplement. It is also known as tongkat ali. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep Eurycoma longifolia out of the reach of children.

Some dietary supplements that contain Eurycoma longifolia may be labeled as “testosterone boosters.” Many of these products also contain other ingredients that can cause effects and side effects in the body. If you are concerned about your testosterone levels, speak with your health care provider about the available tests and treatment options.

Herbal products, such as Eurycoma longifolia, naturally contain many chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific Eurycoma longifolia product can change for many reasons, including the area where the tree was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way that the tree was processed after it was harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

Eurycoma longifolia is available in many forms, including liquid extracts, dried and ground powder, tea, and capsules. Each of these forms may contain different amounts of the chemicals that are naturally found in the tree.

Many dietary supplements that are marketed for sexual performance have been found to contain prescription medicines or harmful chemicals. Some Eurycoma longifolia products have been found to contain prescription medicines that are not listed on the label. These prescription medicines can cause serious side effects and interact with other medicines. Use caution when buying a Eurycoma longifolia product because it may contain harmful ingredients that are not listed on the label. Find a list of potentially harmful products from the FDA here.

The FDA has not tested Eurycoma longifolia products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before taking Eurycoma longifolia?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Eurycoma longifolia is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have or have had any of the following.

  • Cancer
  • Heart problems, including heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias)
  • Kidney or liver problems
  • Prostate problems

Other Medicines and Supplements. Eurycoma longifolia may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Eurycoma longifolia, tell your health care provider about any prescription or OTC medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. People who can become pregnant are not usually prescribed Eurycoma longifolia. It is not known if or how Eurycoma longifolia could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. People who can breastfeed are not usually prescribed Eurycoma longifolia. It is not known if Eurycoma longifolia passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does Eurycoma longifolia interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Eurycoma longifolia and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Eurycoma longifolia.

Does Eurycoma longifolia interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking Eurycoma longifolia.

  • Propranolol, which is a beta-blocker that may be used for certain heart conditions or to lower blood pressure
  • Testosterone, which is a hormone used to treat low testosterone levels caused by certain conditions
  • Testosterone blockers (antiandrogens), such as darolutamide (Nubeqa) or enzalutamide (Xtandi), which are medicines used to treat prostate cancer

The interactions between Eurycoma longifolia and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with Eurycoma longifolia is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking Eurycoma longifolia with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Eurycoma longifolia?

If you or someone else has used too much Eurycoma longifolia, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Eurycoma longifolia is available in many forms. But some supplements that contain Eurycoma longifolia have been found to contain prescription medicines or harmful chemicals. Read the product label closely, and speak with a health care provider about how to take Eurycoma longifolia safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.