Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Tongkat ali (Eurycoma longifolia) has gained attention for its potential effects on muscle strength, muscle mass, and body composition, particularly among athletes and aging populations. The scientific rationale behind its use is mainly attributed to its purported ability to increase testosterone levels and improve hormonal balance. Several small human studies and animal models have reported that supplementation with tongkat ali may lead to modest increases in muscle mass, strength, and physical performance, most likely secondary to improved testosterone production or bioavailability.

For example, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine (2003) found that men who took tongkat ali extract during strength training experienced greater increases in lean body mass compared to those on placebo; however, the sample size was small. Other studies have demonstrated improvements in muscle strength and reductions in body fat, but methodologies and dosages have varied, and some results are inconsistent. Systematic reviews generally conclude that evidence is preliminary and more robust, large-scale trials are needed.

In summary, while there is some early scientific support for tongkat ali’s positive effects on muscle tone (via enhanced testosterone and anabolic effects), the overall quality of evidence is modest. The traditional use of tongkat ali is more closely tied to vitality and libido than specifically to muscle tone. Therefore, tongkat ali’s use for muscle tone is justified by emerging, but still limited, scientific evidence rather than strong traditional precedent.

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