Eurycoma Longifolia root

Eurycoma longifolia, commonly called Tongkat Ali root, is a tall evergreen tree that is native to southeast Asia. The native Malay name translates to 'bitter charm' or 'bitter medicine' because this herb has a bitter taste. However, not the entire tree is used in medicine, and only the bark and roots are employed for numerous health benefits.

Fig 1. Eurycoma longifolia plant (Tongkat Ali)

History

In recent years, this plant has been in an extremely high demand, which led to uncontrolled use of this natural resource. As a result, eurycoma longifolia is now considered a protected species. Thus, there are many ripoff teas, energy drinks, and supplements, which are produced in Asia and claim to contain eurycoma, but in reality they are mostly fakes. This has been such a problem that the US FDA has seized thousands of dosages of these products from China. In fact, such high demand for this class of products has led the government of Malaysia to go as far as requesting patents for this herb. However, since it is a 'product of nature,' patents became challenged by law journals.

How it Works

It is thought that the beta-carboline alkaloids and quassinoid-type glycosides are the main compounds involved in eurycoma longifolia's mechanism of action. These agents can cause a rise in testosterone levels and an increase of human sexual response.

Eurycoma in Medicine

Clinical human studies showed that eurycoma is a powerful aphrodisiac. As a matter of fact, one study showed that men, aged between 40-65 years and who took eurycoma for 12 weeks, had improvements in erectile hardness, mood, sexual performance, and overall quality of life. All these positive effects took place without any negative side effects.

Bodybuilding

When a bodybuilder uses anabolic steroids, the production of their Luteinizing hormone (LH) becomes suppressed. Consequently, once you stop taking exogenous testosterone or other sexual hormones, it is important to run a post cycle therapy (PCT) in order to recover natural testosterone levels. The period of time from the end of PCT till the next cycle is called 'the bridge', and during this time gains can be difficult because of lower testosterone levels compared to those observed on cycle. When used during bridging, eurycoma will help preserve muscle, increase libido, and improve mood to keep the athlete motivated in the gym and in the bedroom.

Furthermore, due to its effects on adenosine triphosphate (ATP), eurycoma will enhance the athlete's energy within a few days of taking it. This can really help on training days, when you are missing that 'on feeling' from steroid use. Besides, during heavy workouts you will be able to push through, without losing your energy levels and becoming fatigued.

Moreover, eurycoma also helps with cholesterol levels and has some wonderful effects of raising growth hormone. As we all know, this is a very important property, since increasing growth hormone will help build muscle, burn fat, and give a better sense of well being.

Other Benefits

Aside from the athletic and sexual benefits, eurycoma is used in traditional medicine to treat fever, headaches, high blood pressure, ulcers, and even cancer. Interestingly, there is strong evidence, from a study done in Malaysia that eurycoma can increase sperm count in infertile men.

Side Effects

When used at a proper dose, no side effects should occur. In fact, according to some studies, no side effects should be expected even when eurycoma is used for 9 months straight. Nonetheless, too high of a dose can cause elevated body temperature and insomnia. Therefore, like with any supplement, please follow the correct dosages.

Dosage

Do not exceed 200 milligrams (mgs) a day, or excessive energy may occur, which can affect sleep. Hence, if you stick to the recommended dosage of 100-200mgs a day, there will be no side effects.

Where to Find

Eurycoma can be found in many supplemental stacks; however, there are a lot of fakes coming out of China, so you will need to get your eurycoma from a trusted brand. One such brand is N2BM.com, and they produce a product called BRIDGE. I recommend using BRIDGE between your steroid cycles and during your bridge because it contains the purest 100mgs per servings of Eurycoma. As a matter of fact, 1-2 servings a day will give you plenty of eurycoma, plus 9 additional ingredients, all designed to get you from the end of your post cycle, to the start of your next steroid cycle.

Forums

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References

• Eurycoma longifolia: Medicinal Plant in the Prevention and Treatment of Male Osteoporosis due to Androgen Deficiency
• Review on a Traditional Herbal Medicine, Eurycoma longifolia Jack (Tongkat Ali): Its Traditional Uses, Chemistry, Evidence-Based Pharmacology and Toxicology
• Activity of Eurycoma longifolia root extract against Plasmodium falciparum in vitro
• In vitro metabolism of selected bioactive compounds of Eurycoma longifolia root extract to identify suitable markers in doping control
• Cytotoxic effects of the root extracts of Eurycoma longifolia Jack
• Review Ergogenic Effect of Long Jack, Eurycoma Longifolia