PlainPill

Tongkat Ali

People mainly take Tongkat Ali for libido, hormones, energy. Based on 282 first-hand reports and 7 meta-analyses & systematic reviews in the medical literature. Ranked #199 of 1,974 overall.

43
User score
Mixed
30% positive15% mixed7% negative49% unclear

Of reports that state an outcome, 58% are positive.

Clinical research
BModerate research base
7
meta-analyses
6
RCTs
282
papers

What Tongkat Ali does, according to users

Of the people who reported each effect, the share who said it got better.

What the research says

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses from PubMed, with their published conclusions.

BModerate research base

At least one meta-analysis, or 5+ randomized controlled trials. The grade measures how much human research exists — read the conclusions below for what it found.

Int J Impot Res · 2024 · Meta-analysis / systematic review
Do "testosterone boosters" really increase serum total testosterone? A systematic review

Conclusion: The exceptions were β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate and betaine, which can be considered effective for male athletes. Eurycoma longifolia, a blend of Punica granatum fruit rind and Theobroma cacao seed extracts (Tesnor™) and purified Shilajit extract (PrimaVie™) can be considered possibly effective for men with late-onset hypogonadism; Eurycoma longifolia and Withania somnifera possibly effective for healthy men; and a non-hormonal aromatase inhibitor (Novadex XT™) possibly effective for male athletes.

PubMed 37697053 ↗
Int J Impot Res · 2021 · Meta-analysis / systematic review
A systematic review and evidence-based analysis of ingredients in popular male testosterone and erectile dysfunction supplements

Conclusion: Overall, 69% of ingredients in testosterone supplements and 52% of ingredients in ED supplements have published RCT evidence. Many male supplements claim to improve testosterone or ED parameters; however, there is limited evidence, which should be considered when counseling patients.

PubMed 32358510 ↗

Dosage people report

As stated by users — not a recommendation. Follow the label or your doctor.

300 mgdaily
two 1200mg capsdaily
400 mgdaily
2 weeksas reported
semi frequently for 2 yearsas reported
10% extractevery other day (EOD)

Reported side effects

How often each side effect came up across all reports.

insomnia ×4fatigue ×3anxiety ×3gyno ×2rebound low ×2joint pain ×2low libido ×2anger ×2

What users say

Verbatim quotes, shortened only — each links to the original discussion.

“tongkat ali keeps testosterone levels in check”
Source discussion ↗
“First I’ve heard of tongkat Ali honestly but you’ve got me intrigued”
Source discussion ↗
“maybe tongkat ali but only for short periods of time then it stops working.”
Source discussion ↗
“Most profound thing I have ever felt for this was Tongkat Ali (Longjax).”
Source discussion ↗
“Following that time, I developed many symptoms of pretty serious heavy metal toxicity.”
Source discussion ↗
Top discussions (5)

Other options for libido

User data from public discussions; research from PubMed. Information only, not medical advice — talk to a doctor before starting, stopping or combining anything. Data updated October 2, 2026. How we rate