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Human Performance and Sports Applications of Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia)
Abstract
Tongkat ali (Eurycoma longifolia) is an herbal medicinal plant found in South East Asia and commonly called "Malaysian ginseng" due to its traditional use as a general health and "anti-aging" tonic. When used in modern dietary supplements, tongkat ali is intended to improve libido and energy, restore hormonal balance (cortisol/testosterone levels) and enhance both sports performance and weight loss. Laboratory evidence shows that eurycoma peptides stimulate release of free testosterone from its binding proteins and improve overall hormone profiles. More than a dozen rodent-feeding studies have demonstrated improved sex drive, balanced hormonal profiles, and enhanced physical function. Human supplementation trials show clear indications of reduced fatigue, heightened energy and mood, and greater sense of wellbeing in subjects consuming properly-standardized tongkat ali root extracts. Athletes would be interested in tongkat ali to help maintain normal cortisol/testosterone balance to prevent overtraining syndrome as well as to enhance post-exercise recovery.
... Since ELJ contains antioxidants such as flavonoids [10], it is possible that ELJ supplementation affects the extent of muscle damage induced by eccentric exercise. Additionally, Talbott [11] reported that ELJ compounds (e.g., eurycomanone, flavonoids) improved hormonal profiles such as cortisol/testosterone ratio, mood, and wellbeing, while reducing stress and fatigue. Thus, it seems possible that ELJ compounds prevent overtraining syndrome, alleviate muscle soreness, and improve post-exercise recovery [11,12]. ...
... Additionally, Talbott [11] reported that ELJ compounds (e.g., eurycomanone, flavonoids) improved hormonal profiles such as cortisol/testosterone ratio, mood, and wellbeing, while reducing stress and fatigue. Thus, it seems possible that ELJ compounds prevent overtraining syndrome, alleviate muscle soreness, and improve post-exercise recovery [11,12]. However, these effects of ELJ have not been investigated. ...
Eurycoma longifolia Jack (ELJ) is a herbal plant that has androgenic and antioxidant effects. We investigated the short-term effect of ELJ supplementation on muscle damage induced by eccentric exercise. Eighteen young (19–25 years), well-trained rugby 7s players were assigned to an ELJ or a placebo (PLA) group (n = 9/group). Each participant took four 100-mg capsules a day for seven days prior to performing a leg press eccentric exercise to failure in a double-blind fashion. Peak force, peak power and jump height in countermovement jump (CMJ), drop jump reactive strength index (RSI), muscle soreness assessed by a 100-mm visual analogue scale, plasma creatine kinase (CK) activity, and salivary hormones were measured at 24 h before and 0.5, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h after the exercise. Changes in the variables over time were compared between the groups by two-factor mixed-design ANOVA. The number of eccentric contractions performed was similar (P = 0.984) between the ELJ (21 ± 5) and PLA groups (21 ± 5). Salivary testosterone and cortisol concentrations did not change (P > 0.05) after the supplementation for both groups. CMJ peak power (-9.4 ± 5.6%) and height (-10.6 ± 4.9%), and RSI (-15.2 ± 16.2%) decreased at 24 h after exercise (P < 0.05), and muscle soreness (peak: 89 ±10 mm) and plasma CK activity (peak: 739 ± 420 IU/L) increased after exercise (P < 0.05) without significant differences between groups. These results showed that 7-day ELJ supplementation prior to the leg press eccentric exercise had no significant effects on hormones, performance and muscle damage markers for the athletes.
... Mechanism of action of caffeine on concentration of this glucocorticoid is not entirely understood. There are reports indicating stimulating effect of caffeine on gene encoding 11β-HSD2 [83]. It is also suggested that caffeine stimulates production of cortisol by adrenal glands through a direct effect on expression of StAR protein, as well as hereditary epigenetic mechanisms [75] . ...
... A reduction in cortisol levels by 16 % and increased level of testosterone by 37 % was noted. Authors suggest that the observed improvement may support sports perfor- mance [82, 83]. It was shown that intake of enzyme-treated asparagus extract prevents the growth of baseline cortisol level. ...
The way and the quality of nutrition are important factors that can have influence on behavior of both the health and well-being. Proper diet helps to maintain homeostasis in the body. Changes in lifestyle lead to increase the degree of food processing and hence reduce the nutritional value of available products. This forces the use of technological amendments in nourishment, i.e., fortification and formation of diet supplements. Modified food can complement diet in necessary nutrients. Environmental factors like activity can cause adaptation changes in endocrine system of every human. Cortisol is a corticosteroid, in which influence is varied depending on its concentration. Through its multipronged action, it mobilizes organism to fight stress, by ensuring a stable level of glucose, stimulating tissue’s regeneration and inhibiting inflammation processes. Factors like stressful work, personal problems, intensive trainings can lead to long-term sustained, excessive concentration of this hormone, affecting formation of metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance, increased blood pressure, abnormal bone regeneration and collagen synthesis or calcium deficiency in the organism. Diet supplementation is currently extensively used by both healthy and unwell people, in different age, but most commonly refers to physically active people. Lots of widely available dietary supplements contain nutrients which regulate steroid hormones homeostasis. Elaboration of optimal diet is one of the agents determining well-being, health and success. In this paper, we review the current knowledge on the effect of dietary components on level of cortisol.
... Based on these experiments, researchers reported a median lethal dose (LD 50 ) of more than 2,000 mg/kg body weight (acute) and a no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) greater than 1,000 mg/kg body weight (sub-acute). 72,73 The genotoxicity potentials of tongkat ali 72 and Physta 74 also have been investigated. No mutagenic, clastogenic, or histopathological changes were observed. ...
Introduction: Since antiquity, humans have used plants for various purposes, including improving physical performance. However, in recent years, the search for herbal medicines aimed at mimicking the anabolic effect, with lower health risks and without being detected in doping control, has sparked the interest of athletes and gym users. Objective: To evaluate which herbal drugs with possible androgenic activity are prescribed as magistral formulations in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Method: Data from 10,276 prescriptions recorded in the database of a network of compounding pharmacies located in the city of Rio de Janeiro between January and December 2020 were collected and analyzed. The prescribed and dispensed formulations contained Ajuga turkestanica, Cyanotis vaga, Eurycoma longifolia, Lepidium meyenii, Mucuna pruriens, Tribulus terrestris, Trigonella foenum-graecum, and Withania somnifera. Results: Most prescriptions (57.0%) were for women, prescribed by specialists in orthomolecular medicine (38.0%), and only 4.0% of prescriptions were prescribed by nutritionists. Regarding the types of medications, 8,116 prescriptions (79.0%) were formulations of combinations of one or more anabolic herbal drugs with pharmaceuticals. M. pruriens was the most prescribed herbal drug (29.0%), with or without combination. Conclusions: Most of the prescribed plants still do not have proven efficacy and safety regarding anabolic action; therefore more clinical studies are necessary to determine the possible drug interactions and adverse effects of these herbal drugs.
Objetivo: O presente trabalho tem como finalidade investigar os estudos realizados na literatura, buscando evidências científicas que corroborem o uso dos fitoterápicos citados, com ação anabolizante, atestando seus riscos e benefícios.Método: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa, utilizando o método PRISMA (Principais Itens para Relatar Revisões Sistemáticas e Meta-análise) como exemplo, onde foram buscados nas bases de dados estudos clínicos em animais e humanos.Resultados e discussão: Verificando as informações obtidas, observou-se que alguns fitoterápicos obtiveram efeito ergogênico positivo elevando os níveis de testosterona livre e força muscular, mas não induziram o aumento de massa corporal magra. Também houve aumento na libido, motilidade e qualidade de esperma, bem como outros efeitos benéficos a saúde. Conclusão: Desta forma, não possuem estudos conclusivos que comprovem a efetividade dos mesmos para o aumento de massa muscular decorrente da indução de produção de testosterona. Mucuna pruriens e Eurycoma longifolia (long jack) obtiveram os melhores resultados no que diz respeito ao efeito ergogênico e testosterona sérica, ainda assim mais ensaios clínicos em humanos são necessários para comprovar sua completa incontestabilidade.
Eurycoma longifolia Jack (Tongkat Ali, Simaroubaceae) is a medicinal plant endemic to South‐East Asia. For centuries, different parts of the plant have been used as natural remedy to treat fever, hypertension or sexual insufficiency. Today, Eurycoma longifolia preparations are commercially available and advertised to enhance athletic performance and muscle strength. Several studies demonstrated a testosterone boosting effect that might be caused by the release of free testosterone from the sex hormone‐binding globulin. To date, many phytochemical constituents of Eurycoma longifolia root extracts were identified and physiological effects have been examined, while studies on their biotransformation and monitoring are still lacking. Within this study, eurycomalide C, eurycomalactone, 5,6‐dehydro‐eurycomalactone, longilactone, 14,15β‐dihydroklaieanone, 11‐dehydroklaieanone, 9‐hydroxycanthin‐6‐one and 9‐methoxycanthin‐6‐one isolated from E. longifolia root were incubated with liver microsomes. Respective metabolites were analyzed by liquid chromatography ‐ tandem (high‐resolution) mass spectrometry. The compounds were chosen based on their potential androgenic effects (estimated by in vitro‐assays), their concentrations in plant extracts and presumptive metabolic pathways. Hydroxylated phase‐I‐metabolites were only observed for 5,6‐dehydro‐eurycomalactone, 11‐dehydroklaieanone, 9‐hydroxycanthin‐6‐one and 9‐methoxycanthin‐6‐one. Moreover, an O‐demethylated metabolite of 9‐methoxycanthin‐6‐one was found. Besides, the glucuronide of 9‐hydroxycanthin‐6‐one was detected after in vitro glucuronidation using liver microsomes. The in vitro generated metabolites were comparable to that detected in urine and serum after a single ingestion of either 9‐methoxycanthin‐6‐one or an Eurycoma longifolia root extract. Hence, 9‐methoxycanthin‐6‐one, its glucuronide and the glucuronide of its O‐demethylated biotransformation product are proposed to be the most suitable targets for detection of its or Tongkat Ali application in urine and serum.
The anxiolytic effect of Eurycoma longifolia Jack in mice was examined. Fractions of E. longifolia Jack extract produced a significant increase in the number of squares crossed (controls=118.2±10.2 squares), but significantly decreased both the immobility (controls=39.4±4.0 sec) and fecal pellets (controls=12.3±2.1 fecal pellets) when compared with control mice in the open-field test; they significantly increased the number of entries (controls=6.7±0.5 entries) and time spent (controls=42.9±0.1 sec) in the open arms, but decreased both the number of entries (controls=13.2±0.7 entries) and time spent (controls=193.4±0.7 sec) when compared with the control mice in the closed arms of the elevated plusmaze test. Furthermore, fractions of E. longifolia Jack extract decreased the fighting episodes significantly (controls=18.0±0.4 fighting episodes) when compared with control mice. In addition, these results were found to be consistent with anxiolytic effect produced by diazepam. Hence, this study supports the medicinal use of this plant for anxiety therapy.
The method of isolating the bioactive peptide as an aphrodisiac marker in six Malaysian plants such as Eurycoma longifolia, Polyalthia bullata, Smilax myosotiflora, Terminalia catappa, Labisia pumila, and Rafflesia sp., by Surface Enhanced Laser Desorption Ionization Mass Spectrometer (SELDI-MS), was investigated. SELDI analysis was performed by using hydrophobic (H4) ProteinChip array, the data was normalized by total ion current normalization function, and the aphrodisiac activity in plants was determined by the presence of 4.3 kDa peptide. The results show that 4.3 kDa protein is present in most parts of the plant including roots, bark, callus, and tissue cultured plantlets. The bioactive peptide is validated as an aphrodisiac marker by isolating it from Smilax myosotiflora, Rafflesia sp., and Labisia pumila, and subjected to animal assay for aphrodisiac activity.
Eurycoma longifolia is reputed as an aphrodisiac and remedy for decreased male libido. A randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled, parallel group study was carried out to investigate the clinical evidence of E. longifolia in men. The 12-week study in 109 men between 30 and 55 years of age consisted of either treatment of 300 mg of water extract of E. longifolia (Physta) or placebo. Primary endpoints were the Quality of Life investigated by SF-36 questionnaire and Sexual Well-Being investigated by International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and Sexual Health Questionnaires (SHQ); Seminal Fluid Analysis (SFA), fat mass and safety profiles. Repeated measures ANOVA analysis was used to compare changes in the endpoints. The E. longifolia (EL) group significantly improved in the domain Physical Functioning of SF-36, from baseline to week 12 compared to placebo (P = 0.006) and in between group at week 12 (P = 0.028). The EL group showed higher scores in the overall Erectile Function domain in IIEF (P < 0.001), sexual libido (14% by week 12), SFA- with sperm motility at 44.4%, and semen volume at 18.2% at the end of treatment. Subjects with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m(2) significantly improved in fat mass lost (P = 0.008). All safety parameters were comparable to placebo.
In most countries, millions of people are relying on herbal medicines as remedy for numerous ailments. In South-East Asia, Eurycoma longifolia Jack, also known as 'Malaysian ginseng' or Tongkat ali, is used to combat stress and disease and to improve physical strength. Moreover, the compounds of the roots of this plant are reported to have aphrodisiac and testosterone enhancing effects in the rat. Considering that human studies are not available, 76 of 320 patients suffering from late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) were given 200 mg of a standardised water-soluble extract of Tongkat ali for 1 month. The Ageing Males' Symptoms (AMS) according to the standardised rating scale and the serum testosterone concentration were taken. Results show that treatment of LOH patients with this Tongkat ali extract significantly (P < 0.0001) improved the AMS score as well as the serum testosterone concentration. While before treatment only 10.5% of the patients did not show any complaint according to the AMS scale and 35.5% had normal testosterone levels, after the completed treatment 71.7% and 90.8% of the patients showed normal values, respectively. Thus, Tongkat ali extract appears to be useful as a supplement in overcoming the symptoms of LOH and for the management of hypogonadism.
Obesity is a global public health challenge that increases the risk of various diseases including type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension and cancer, and will in the future cause further increases in the incidence of chronic disease. Understanding the mechanisms of obesity is critical if we are to prevent and treat this pandemic challenge. Diet and physical activity have traditionally been the major tasks in preventing and treating obesity. However, other mechanisms are now also being considered in the quest for knowledge and understanding of obesity, including the body's stress system and cortisol release. While it seems evident that stress is a cause of obesity, whether stress is also a consequence of obesity has up to now only briefly been discussed. The aim of this article is to elucidate how stress and obesity might be linked and discuss the cause/consequence relationship between the stress response and obesity. Our hypothesis is that stress and obesity interfere by positive feedback. This may be an important issue in both our understanding and coping of obesity.
Saliva contains cells and compounds, of local and non-local oral origin, namely inorganic, organic non-protein, protein/polypeptide, and lipid molecules. Moreover, some hormones, commonly assayed in plasma, such as steroids, are detectable in oral fluid and peptide/protein, and non-steroid hormones have been investigated. The sports practice environment and athletes' availability, together with hormone molecule characteristics in saliva and physical exercise behavior effects, confirm this body fluid as an alternative to serum. This review focuses on the relation between salivary steroids and psycho-physiological stress and underlines how the measurement of salivary cortisol provides an approach of self-report psychological indicator and anxiety change in relation to exercise performance. The correlation between salivary and plasma steroid hormone (cortisol, testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)) levels, observed during exercise, has been considered, underlining how the type, duration, and intensity of the exercise influence the salivary steroid concentrations in the same way as serum-level variations. Training conditions have been considered in relation to the salivary hormonal response. This review focuses on studies related to salivary hormone measurements, mainly steroids, in physical exercise. Saliva use in physical disciplines, as a real alternative to serum, could be a future perspective.
This study investigated the effect of treatment with the proprietary standardized, water-soluble extract of the root of the Malaysian plant, Eurycoma longifolia Jack, which is thought to enhance male fertility with regard to higher semen volumes, sperm concentrations, the percentage of normal sperm morphology and sperm motility in male partners of sub-fertile couples with idiopathic infertility. A total of 350 patients were given 200 mg of the extract daily and follow-up semen analyses were performed every 3 months for 9 months. Of these 350 patients, 75 patients completed one full cycle of 3 months. Follow-up semen analyses in these patients showed significant improvement in all semen parameters. The proprietary extract of Eurycoma longifolia Jack significantly improved the sperm quality in these patients, allowing for 11 (14.7%) spontaneous pregnancies.
Resistance exercise has been shown to elicit a significant acute hormonal response. It appears that this acute response is more critical to tissue growth and remodelling than chronic changes in resting hormonal concentrations, as many studies have not shown a significant change during resistance training despite increases in muscle strength and hypertrophy. Anabolic hormones such as testosterone and the superfamily of growth hormones (GH) have been shown to be elevated during 15-30 minutes of post-resistance exercise providing an adequate stimulus is present. Protocols high in volume, moderate to high in intensity, using short rest intervals and stressing a large muscle mass, tend to produce the greatest acute hormonal elevations (e.g. testosterone, GH and the catabolic hormone cortisol) compared with low-volume, high-intensity protocols using long rest intervals. Other anabolic hormones such as insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) are critical to skeletal muscle growth. Insulin is regulated by blood glucose and amino acid levels. However, circulating IGF-1 elevations have been reported following resistance exercise presumably in response to GH-stimulated hepatic secretion. Recent evidence indicates that muscle isoforms of IGF-1 may play a substantial role in tissue remodelling via up-regulation by mechanical signalling (i.e. increased gene expression resulting from stretch and tension to the muscle cytoskeleton leading to greater protein synthesis rates). Acute elevations in catecholamines are critical to optimal force production and energy liberation during resistance exercise. More recent research has shown the importance of acute hormonal elevations and mechanical stimuli for subsequent up- and down-regulation of cytoplasmic steroid receptors needed to mediate the hormonal effects. Other factors such as nutrition, overtraining, detraining and circadian patterns of hormone secretion are critical to examining the hormonal responses and adaptations to resistance training.
The methanol, n-butanol, chloroform and water extracts obtained from the root of Eurycoma longifolia Jack were assayed using methylene blue assay to evaluate its cytotoxic effect against KB, DU-145, RD, MCF-7, CaOV-3, MDBK cell lines. The results showed that all the root extracts except the water extract of E. longifolia produced significant cytotoxic effect on these cell lines. However, no significant cytotoxic effect was detected on MDBK (kidney) normal cell line. 9-methoxycanthin-6-one, an alkaloid, was detected in each extract with different intensities by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography.
To evaluate methanolic, ethanolic, acetone and aqueous extracts from different parts of Eurycoma longifolia (E. longifolia) (leave, stem, and root) for antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and to utilize the leaves and stem parts rather than the root, which is already used for male sexual enhancement in Malaysia.
The study took place in the Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Biotechnology Engineering Department, Malaysia between January 2005 and June 2006. Methanolic, ethanolic, acetone and aqueous extracts of leaves, stems and roots of E. longifolia were investigated for their antibacterial properties using Agar-well diffusion method.
The alcoholic and acetone extracts of the leaves and stem extracts were active on both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria except against 2 strains of Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi). The root extracts had no antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria tested. Aqueous leaves extract showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Serratia marscesens.
The alcoholic and acetone extracts from leaves and stems of E. longifolia contain potent antibacterial agent(s). This plant can serve as a potential source of antibacterial compounds.
Chronic stress plays a major role in the pathophysiology of many disease states, particularly psychological disorders including depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, anxiety, fibromyalgia, and burnout. These stress-related changes in psychology may be due to both endocrine and behavioral factors - and may be mediated or attenuated by lifestyle factors including diet, exercise, and dietary supplements. Vigor is defined as a 3-tiered sustained mood-state that is characterized by (1) physical energy, (2) mental acuity, and (3) cognitive liveliness. Vigor can also be described as the opposite of "Burnout" (physical fatigue, mental exhaustion, and cognitive weariness). Our objective was to assess changes in Vigor, Mood State, and Metabolic Hormone Profile (cortisol and testosterone balance) in response to a modest lifestyle intervention including a dietary supplement based on traditional Asian medicine and including Eurycoma longifolia root, Citrus sinensis peel, and Camellia sinensis leaf - each of which is used in traditional Asian medicine to improve "life force" and well-being in fatigued individuals.We report on 82 subjects - all displaying moderate levels of psychological stress. We measured endocrine parameters [salivary cortisol to testosterone, (C:T) ratio)], and Global Mood State (MOOD) and related subscales: Vigor (V), Fatigue (F), and Depression (D), using the Profile of Mood States (POMS) psychological survey before and after the supplementation intervention. Subjects followed a supplementation periods of either 8-weeks or 12-weeks. Each intervention included recommendations to follow a balanced diet, moderate exercise, and daily supplementation. Compared to pre-supplementation values, post-supplementation measurements indicated significant changes for C:T ratio (-15-19%),MOOD (+20-22%), Vigor (+27-29%), Fatigue (-41-48%), and Depression (-40-52%). These data indicate that factors that are typically disrupted during periods of chronic stress (metabolic hormone profile and psychological mood state) may be positively and significantly impacted by modest changes in diet, exercise and supplementation patterns that mirror those commonly used in traditional Asian medicine.
A preliminary screening demonstrated that the ethanolic extract of Eurycoma longifolia could decrease the basal level but increase the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)-induced production of testosterone by rat Leydig cells. Thirteen known compounds including five canthin-6-one alkaloids, three anthraquinones and five anthraquinone glucosides were isolated from the roots of E. longifolia. The structures of these compounds were established by spectroscopic analysis and comparison with literature data.
Eurycoma longifolia or Tongkat Ali water extract is a valued product in the phytochemical industry. This work features the modelling and optimization of a Tongkat Ali water extract production using SuperPro Designer®, a commercial batch process simulator. The objective of this work is to design an economically viable production scheme for a locally developed Tongkat Ali extract production process. The current pilot scale production scheme with an annual production rate of 390 kg of Tongkat Ali extract was used to simulate the base case process. Four alternative production schemes were further developed with several debottlenecking and optimization strategies. The final alternative scheme was reported to achieve a product yield of 3.00%, with an annual production of 1137.72 kg of Tongkat Ali extract. The minimum batch cycle time was reduced from 24.44 h in the base case to 8.32 h. Economic analysis determined that the proposed alternative production scheme has an annual revenue of $6.32M, with a 86% gross margin and a 55% return on investment (ROI). The payback period of this scheme was estimated to be less than two years.
From the roots of Eurycoma longifolia, used as an Indonesian folk medicine, two highly oxygenated quassinoids, named eurycomanone and eurycomanol were isolated. The structures of both new bitter principles were elucidated by NMR, MS, UV and IR.
Missions conducted by the U.S. Military during combat involve a multitude of operational stressors that can cause deterioration in physical and military performance of soldiers. Physiological consequences of sustained operational stress include decrements in anabolic hormones, skeletal muscle mass, and loss of bone mineral density. The objective of this review is to examine the current literature and provide commanders with information on the physical and physiological decrements in soldiers conducting sustained operations. The intent is that this will provide commanders with insight on how to plan for missions to incorporate possible countermeasures to enhance or sustain warfighter performance.
Testosterone deficiency (TD) afflicts approximately 30% of men aged 40-79 years, with an increase in prevalence strongly associated with aging and common medical conditions including obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. A strong relationship is noted between TD and metabolic syndrome, although the relationship is not certain to be causal. Repletion of testosterone (T) in T-deficient men with these comorbidities may indeed reverse or delay their progression. While T repletion has been largely thought of in a sexual realm, we discuss its potential role in general men's health concerns: metabolic, body composition, and all-cause mortality through the use of a single clinical vignette. This review examines a host of studies, with practical recommendations for diagnosis of TD and T repletion in middle-aged and older men, including an analysis of treatment modalities and areas of concerns and uncertainty.
The relationship between testosterone and diabetes in men is an important issue, given that one third of U.S. men aged 65 yr or older have diabetes, with a similar percentage having low testosterone levels.
The medical literature from 1970 to March 2011 was reviewed for key articles.
In population-based studies, low testosterone is commonly associated with type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome, and it identifies men with an adverse metabolic profile. The difference in testosterone levels between men with diabetes compared to men without diabetes is moderate and comparable in magnitude to the effects of other chronic diseases, suggesting that low testosterone may be a marker of poor health. Although the inverse association of testosterone with diabetes is partially mediated by SHBG, low testosterone is linked to diabetes via a bidirectional relationship with visceral fat, muscle, and possibly bone. There is consistent evidence from randomized trials that testosterone therapy alters body composition in a metabolically favorable manner, but changes are modest and have not consistently translated into reductions in insulin resistance or improvements in glucose metabolism.
The key response to the aging, overweight man with type 2 diabetes and subnormal testosterone levels should be implementation of lifestyle measures such as weight loss and exercise, which, if successful, raise testosterone and provide multiple health benefits. Although approved therapy for diabetes should be used, testosterone therapy should not be given to such men until benefits and risks are clarified by adequately powered clinical trials.
The endocrinology of the aging male is complex, with multiple hormones along the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis interacting with one another in feedback. As men age, there is a small and progressive (not precipitous, as in women) decline in several sex hormones, in particular testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone, and related increases in luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and sex hormone-binding globulin. The importance of these changes is wide-ranging because of the ubiquitous role of sex hormones in male physiology. This chapter discusses the endocrinology of the aging male. We provide an overview of the regulation of the HPT axis with an emphasis on the changes that occur with aging and the measurement of gonadal steroids, including hormone pulsatility, within-subject and circadian variations. The difficulties of assessing the symptoms of late-onset hypogonadism are highlighted. There is a comprehensive discussion of the epidemiology of sex hormone changes, including their age associations, prevalence of symptomatic hypogonadism, secular changes, risk factors, and the association of sex hormones with outcomes.
Eurycoma longifolia Jack is an herbal medicinal plant of South-East Asian origin, popularly recognized as 'Tongkat Ali.' The plant parts have been traditionally used for its antimalarial, aphrodisiac, anti-diabetic, antimicrobial and anti-pyretic activities, which have also been proved scientifically. The plant parts are rich in various bioactive compounds (like eurycomaoside, eurycolactone, eurycomalactone, eurycomanone, and pasakbumin-B) among which the alkaloids and quassinoids form a major portion. Even though toxicity and safety evaluation studies have been pursued, still a major gap exists in providing scientific base for commercial utilization and clearance of the Tongkat Ali products with regard to consumer's safety. The present review aims at reviewing the research works undertaken till date, on this plant in order to provide sufficient baseline information for future works and for commercial exploitation.
The root of Eurycoma longifolia Jack, native to South East Asia, has long been used as a male aphrodisiac remedy to treat sexual disorders. In the study we evaluated the influence of Eurycoma longifolia Jack on sexual behavior (including both motivation and copulatory performance) of sexually sluggish and impotent male rats.
The root powder of the plant was orally administered to adult Sprague-Dawley male rats, classified as sexually sluggish or impotent taking in account their behavior in pre-experimental tests. Groups of 8 animals each were submitted to three different types of treatment: (1) acute at 3 dose levels (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg); (2) subacute (daily for 6 days) at the dose of 500 mg/kg and (3) subchronic (daily for 12 days) at the same dose (500 mg/kg). Mount, intromission and ejaculation latencies and post-ejaculatory interval were recorded during the mating test in order to evaluate sexual performance. In addition the partner preference test was used to assess sexual motivation. Testosterone serum levels were measured in subacutely treated rats and compared with the values of controls receiving vehicle.
Concerning the copulatory activity of sexually sluggish rats, both acute (dosed at 500 and 1000 mg/kg) and subacute treatments with the root powder significantly reduced ejaculation latencies, increasing also the percentage of mounting and ejaculating animals; in addition the subacute administration reduced post-ejaculatory interval. In impotent rats both subacute and subchronic treatments increased the percentage of mounting and ejaculating rats. The motivational behavior of sluggish rats during the partner preference test was not affected by the treatments. Testosterone serum levels were increased in rats subacutely treated in comparison with controls.
Eurycoma longifolia root improved sexual performance but not motivation in sluggish rats after acute or subacute administration. The effect could be mainly ascribed to increased testosterone levels.
We studied the effects of Eurycoma longifolia Jack, commonly known as Tongkat Ali in Malaysia, on the initiation of sexual performance and the weights of sexual accessories in inexperienced castrated male rats. The doses of 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg body weight, which were extracted from E. longifolia Jack, were orally administered to the rats twice daily for 10 days prior to the tests and continued throughout the test period. Testosterone was used as a positive control after injecting 15 mg/kg daily subcutaneously for 32 days. Results showed that E. longifolia Jack produced a dose-dependent increase in sexual performance of the treated animals, but the E. longifolia Jack groups showed lower sexual performance in mounting, intromission and ejaculation than the testosterone group. Further results also showed that E. longifolia Jack promoted the growth of both ventral prostate and seminal vesicles as compared with the control, but the growth of sexual accessories at 800 mg/kg of butanol, methanol, water and chloroform fractions of E. longifolia Jack was less than that of testosterone treated group. The present study therefore gives further evidence of the folkuse of E. longifolia as an aphrodisiac.
Traditional herbs have been a revolutionary breakthrough in the management of erectile dysfunction and have become known world‐wide as an ‘instant’ treatment. The modern view of the management of erectile dysfunction subscribes to a single etiology, i.e. the mechanism of erection. A large number of pharmacological agents are orally consumed and vasoactive agents inserted intraurethrally or injected intrapenially to regain good erection.
Modern phytochemicals have developed from traditional herbs. Phytochemicals focus their mechanism of healing action to the root cause, i.e. the inability to control the proper function of the whole body system. Hence phytochemicals manage erectile dysfunction in the frame of sexual dysfunction as a whole entity.
Protodioscin is a phytochemical agent derived from Tribulus terrestris L plant, which has been clinically proven to improve sexual desire and enhance erection via the conversion of protodioscine to DHEA (De‐Hydro‐Epi‐Androsterone).
Preliminary observations suggest that Tribulus terrestris L grown on different soils does not consistently produce the active component Protodioscin.
Further photochemical studies of many other herbal plants are needed to explain the inconsistent results found with other herbal plants, such as in diversities of Ginseng, Eurycoma longifolia, Pimpinella pruacen, Muara puama, Ginkgo biloba, Yohimbe etc.
The butanol, methanol, water and chloroform extracts of the roots of Eurycoma longifolia Jack were studied using various tests of potency of treated male rats. The results showed that E. longifolia produced a dose-dependent, recurrent and significant increase in the episodes of penile reflexes as evidenced by increases in quick flips, long flips and erections of the treated male rats during the 30 min observation period. These results provide further evidence that E. longifolia increases the aphrodisiac potency activity in treated animals.
The aphrodisiac effect of Eurycoma longifolia Jack (0.5 g/kg) was evaluated in noncopulator male rats using an electrical cage. Fractions of E. longifolia Jack decreased the hesitation time of noncopulator male rats, throughout the investigation period. Furthermore, it possessed a transient increase in the percentage of the male rats responding to the right choice, more than 50% of the male rats scored "right choice" after 3 weeks post-treatment and the effect became more prominent after 8 weeks post-treatment (only 40-50% of the control male rats responded to the right choice) using the electrical copulation cage. Hence, this study lends further support to the use of the plant by indigenous populations as a traditional medicine for its aphrodisiac property.
The 50 % aqueous ethanol extract of Eurycoma longifolia Jack (Simaroubaceace) roots was partitioned with diethyl ether, n-butanol and then water. Acute toxicity studies of each fraction on mice administered orally and brine shrimps revealed that the n-butanol fraction was the most toxic. Toxicity-guided chromatographic fractionation of the n-butanol fraction identified eurycomanone as the most toxic component. 13,21-Dihydroeurycoma-none, eurycomanol, longilactone, 14,15 beta-dihydroxyklaineanone and eurycomanol-2- O-beta-glucopyranoside were 2.8, 33, 44, 88.9 and > 100 times less toxic on brine shrimps, respectively. A C 20 -type quassinoid, an alpha,beta-unsaturated ketone in ring A, an exomethylene function at C-13 and an oxymethylene bridge connecting C-8 and C-11 of ring C contributed to increased toxicity.
Researchers have conducted considerable experiments on the effectiveness and therapeutic values of Chinese herbs and parts of plants. We should not ignore the significance of natural medicine. The Chinese have been perfecting medicinal therapy based on the raw ingredients of plants/herbs and their derivatives for thousands of years. Chinese practitioners of traditional medicine prescribe medicines based on yin and yang. Traditional medicine is communicated in a verb or written form. Natural resources used in traditional medicine to treat diseases are not limited to just medicinal plants but also include animals, shell fish, and minerals. Parts of plants used in traditional medicine are leaves, stems, flowers, bark, and root. Chinese medicine is the world's oldest continuous surviving tradition. The Chinese experimented with local plants, often resulting in mild to violent reactions. This process allowed them to become familiar with poisonous plants and those that could relieve pain or successfully treat illness. Current allopathic medicines are composed of synthetic compounds copied from natural chemical derivatives, which tend to be more potent than the original compound. Some medicinal plants used to effect conception/contraception include Striga astiatica (contraceptive); Eurycoma longifolia (male virility); and a mixture of lengkuas, mengkudu masak, black pepper seeds, ginger, salt, and 2 eggs (increase libido). Women in Malaysia take jamu to preserve their body shape and to provide nutrition during pregnancy. Praneem causes local cell-mediated immunity in the uterus. Clinical trials of Praneem with or without the hCG vaccine are planned.
The effect of increasing doses of various fractions of Eurycoma longifolia Jack extracts on libido was examined in middle-aged male rats. The results showed that a high dose (800 mg/kg) of all E. longifolia Jack extracts significantly increased mount frequency (MF) (P < 0.05) over that of untreated controls, but had no effect on the frequency of intromission or ejaculation. Methanol, chloroform, water, and butanol fractions exhibited MF of 2.5 +/- 0.1, 2.6 +/- 0.3, 2.5 +/- 0.1 and 2.6 +/- 0.2, respectively, in adult, middle-aged male rats, and retired breeders versus 2.3 +/- 0.1 in untreated controls. This translated to a minor increase in MF of 8.7%, 13.0%, 8.7%, and 13.0% for these fractions, respectively, during the 20-minute observation period. The results of this study show that E. longifolia Jack extracts can increase libido in middle-aged male rats.
The effects of Eurycoma longifolia Jack were studied on the sexual qualities of middle aged male rats after dosing them with 0.5 g/kg of various fractions of E. longifolia whilst the control group received 3 ml/kg of normal saline daily for 12 weeks. Results showed than E. longifolia Jack enhanced the sexual qualities of the middle aged male rats by decreasing their hesitation time as compared to controls with various fractions of E. longifolia Jack produced 865-916 (91-96), 860-914 (92-98), 850-904 (93-99), 854-890 (95-99), 844-880 (94-98), 840-875 (94-98), 830-870 (94-98), 825-860 (94-98), 820-850 (96-99), 800-840 (93-98), 750-795 (94-99) and 650-754 sec (82-95%) in contrast to controls which produced 950 (100), 934 (100), 910 (100), 900 (100), 895 (100), 890 (100), 885 (100), 880 (100), 855 (100), 860 (100), 800 (100) and 790 sec (100%) throughout the investigation period. Besides these, there was a transient increase in the % of the male rats responding to the right choice after chronic administration of 0.5 g/kg E. longifolia Jack, with more than 50% of the male rats scored right choice after 2 weeks post-treatment and the effect was more prominent at the dose of the observation period. However, there was no sexual enhancement of the middle aged male rats which consumed normal saline since only 45-55% of the male rats responded to right choice throughout the investigation period. Hence, this study shows that E. longifolia Jack enhanced the sexual qualities of the middle aged male rats, further supports the folkuse of E. longifolia Jack as an aphrodisiac.
Three new [n-pentyl beta-carboline-1-propionate (1), 5-hydroxymethyl-9-methoxycanthin-6-one (2), and 1-hydroxy-9-methoxycanthin-6-one (3)] and 19 known beta-carboline alkaloids were isolated from the roots of Eurycoma longifolia. The new structures were determined by comprehensive analyses of their 1D and 2D NMR and mass spectral data and by chemical transformation. These compounds were screened for in vitro cytotoxic and antimalarial activities, and 9-methoxycanthin-6-one (4) and canthin-6-one (5) demonstrated significant cytotoxicity against human lung cancer (A-549) and human breast cancer (MCF-7) cell lines.
A new C(19)-quassinoid-type glycoside has been isolated from the roots of Eurycoma longifolia. The structure elucidation of the compound was achieved by a combination of one- and two-dimensional NMR techniques, including (1)H-(1)H-correlation spectroscopy (COSY), (1)H-(13)C-heteronuclear correlation spectroscopy (HMQC), and (1)H-(13)C-heteronuclear multiple-bond correlation spectroscopy (HMBC), as well as high resolution electrospray ionization Fourier transformation mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-FT-MS) data. The C(1)-glycosidation site in the quassinoid framework is encountered for the first time.
Screening of aqueous extract of Phyllantus niruri (PL), Zingiber zerumbet (ZG), Eurycoma longifolia (TA-a and TA-b) and Andrographis paniculata (AP) to determine their blood glucose lowering effect were conducted in normoglycaemic and Streptozotocin-induced hyperglycaemic rats. Significant reduction in blood glucose level at 52.90% was shown when hyperglycaemic rats were treated with 50 mg/kg body weight (BW) aqueous extract of AP. This effect is enhanced when freeze-dried material was used, where 6.25 mg/kg BW gave 61.81% reduction in blood glucose level. In the administration of TA-a and TA-b, positive results in hyperglyacaemic rats were only obtained when 150 mg/kg BW of the aqueous extract was used. No significant reduction in blood glucose level were shown in hyperglycaemic rats treated with PL and ZG at all concentrations used (50, 100 and 150 mg/kg BW). In normoglycaemic rats, no significant reduction was noted when all the same extracts were used.
Published data on the effects of androgen deficiency and testosterone administration on body composition in men and women are reviewed. In experimental paradigms, androgen deprivation decreases lean body mass and increases fat mass in men, and physiologic replacement reverses these abnormalities. The anabolic effects of testosterone administration on muscle in men are well-established, and current understanding of the underlying mechanisms are discussed. Randomized, placebo-controlled studies have been performed to investigate the effects of testosterone administration on body composition in a number of male hypogonadal states, including HIV-associated weight loss, supraphysiologic glucocorticoid administration, aging and obesity, with variable outcomes, and the results are reviewed. There are few data investigating the effects of hypoandrogenemia or androgen replacement on body composition in women, in whom endogenous testosterone levels are a fraction of those in men. A recent randomized, placebo-controlled study of physiologic testosterone replacement therapy in women with profound hypoandrogenemia due to hypopituitarism demonstrated an increase in skeletal muscle mass but no change in body fat. Further research is needed to establish the effects of endogenous androgens on the regulation of body composition in women.
Healing herbs of Malaysia. Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA)
- Wan Hassan
Biochemical effect of Eurycoma longifolia jack on the sexual behavior, fertility, sex hormone, and glycolysis. (Dissertation)
- J M Ali
- J M Saad
Water soluble extract of Eurycoma longifolia in enhancing testosterone in males
- M I Tambi
Human toxicology and clinical observations of Eurycoma longofiola on men’s health
- Mohd
Bioactive fraction of Eurycoma longifolia
- T G Sambandan
- C K Rha
- A A Kadir
- N Aminudim
- J-M Saad
Eurycomaoside: a new quassinoid-type glycoside from the roots of Eurycoma longifolia
- Bedir
Effects of a proprietary freeze-dried water extract of Eurycoma longifolia on sexual performance and well-being in men with reduced sexual potency: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
- J K Udani
- A George
- M Mufiza
- A Abas
- J Gruenwald
- M Miller
Significant improvements in mood state and hormone profile associated with a “low-attrition” weight loss program
- Talbott