Keep Your Pencil Sharp, With Tongkat Ali...

           Eurycoma longifolia commonly called Tongkat Ali

Traditionally used for its antimalarial, aphrodisiac, anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, and anti-pyretic (fever reducer) benefits. The roots and bark of this plant have a long history of use in indigenous natural treatments, but had limited global popularity prior to the 2001, joint patent filling by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the government of Malaysia for the use of Eurycoma longifolia extract in the treatment of male sexual dysfunction and infertility. Tongkat Ali is a natural plant extract that was originally grown mainly in Malaysia, Southeast Asia and Indonesia. Tongkat Ali is a Malay word, which literally means "walking stick". This name is commonly used in Malaysia. In Indonesia it is known as "pasak bumi." In the English-speaking countries, it becme known as "Long Jack", where it's used to treat men with sexual deficiencies such as impotence. Recently now, it's becoming popular in the US for the same purpose. The magic is found mainly in the roots and not in the fruits. Hence, the fruits are usually neglected whereas the root extracts are bitter, and not cheap.

As we age, the sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) increases in the body, and it causes the generation of testosterone to decrease. Older men still want to be active sexually but, due to age plus other causes such as ill health or stress, they may find that they can't. While some turn to drug medications such as Viagra, the use of alternative, homeopathic or plant based therapy is a more natural alternative. Experiments on male rats have shown that consumption of the herb increases their sexual arousal and behavior, as well as increasing their testosterone levels and raising their sperm count. Because of Tongkat Ali's known effect upon testosterone production, extracts of the herb have been used in some natural body building supplements. Watch out if a product simply says, Tongkat Ali extract without specifying the extract strength. An extract strength of 1:50 means 50 gram of Tongkat Ali root is used to produced 1 gram of extract. An extract strength of 1:100 means 100 gram of root is use to produce 1 gram of extract. You also do not want to buy a supplement containing other ingredients. Its a waste of money. Just buy the pure extract. Tongkat Ali is thought to have two distinct effects upon testosterone levels. Firstly, it raises the body's natural production of the hormone, increasing its levels. The British Journal of Sports Medicine reported that in a double-blind placebo controlled scientific trial, the use of Tongkat Ali extract caused a 5 % increase in lean body mass in the treatment group. On the other hand, no significant changes were observed in the placebo group. Among other interesting facts, the journal article states: "The mean arm circumference of the treatment group increased significantly by 1.8 cm after the supplementation, from 30.87 (1.88) to 32.67 (1.96) cm (p = 0.011), but there was no significant increase in the placebo group." Secondly, it reduces the rate at which the hormone is metabolized by blocking the enzyme responsible for this. As men approach middle age and beyond, their testosterone levels naturally decrease. Our bodies produce less of the testosterone hormone, and more of the enzyme responsible for metabolizing it.

This leads to the natural decline in sexual desire, and performance that most men experience as they reach this period in their lives. Increasing the levels of testosterone improves both libido and stamina along with fat burning, and muscle building ability. Dr. Ismail Tambi, who heads the Human Reproduction Specialist Centre at Malaysia's National Population and Family Development Board, said that 30 healthy males between the ages of 31 and 52 were given two capsules of Tongkat Ali a day for three weeks. Their levels of testosterone, doubled within three weeks. At the same time, the level of another hormone that inhibited sex fell. Tongkat Ali works and it works amazingly well. I recently aquired a product called TENAGA, at the "Natural Foods Expo" marketed by a company called "Biotropics" in conjunction with MIT. I have used only one bottle, and I have noticed a significant difference in desire and frequency. Although I have no sexual dysfunction. I do have better sex. Tongkat Ali Does NOT work immediately. Like lot of online sellers are claiming works in 30 minutes. Far from it, the plain fact is, no nutritional supplement works right away. Be advised Malaysia's Tongkat Ali has been found to be high in lead content, ranging from 10.64 to 20.72 ppm (parts per million). Compared to Indonesia Tongkat Ali, the lead content is just 0.08 ppm. Also, Indonesia is the only country in the world where Tongkat Ali shrubs can still be found in the wild. Here are  guidelines for buying Tongkat Ali supplements:

1. Buy Tongkat Ali root extract and not just Tongkat Ali.
2. Buy Tongkat Ali root extract that specifies the extract strength. Too low, it doesn't work.
3. Buy a product that contains Tongkat Ali extract only.
4. And finally if possible, buy Indonesian and not Malaysia Tongkat Ali.
 
In order for Tongkat Ali to work, you must consume at least 1000 mg per day, at an extract strength of at least 1:50. If you're consuming Tongkat Ali at an extract strength of 1:200 (which is what I do), the recommended dosage is at least 600 mg per day, 25 mg to 200 mg per day will have no effect on you. Also Tongkat Ali extract is not a supplement you take on a daily basis. For maximum effect, it has to be cycled. That means to consume Tongkat Ali for 7 days, and then going off for 4 days, without taking it. Tongkat Ali has also been studied as a possible cancer-fighting agent, as several of it's chemical constituents have been shown to exert anti-cancer effects in studies. According to a 2005 study by Tee TT and Azimahtol HL in the journal, "Anticancer Research," an extract of tongkat ali exerted anti-proliferative effects against human breast cancer cells. In a 2003 study conducted at National Cheng Kung University and published in "The Journal of Natural Products," an extract of Tongkat Ali killed human lung cancer cells, as well as demonstrating anti-malarial effects. If you have a need to raise your testosterone levels you may consider giving Tongkat Ali a try. As always consult with your physician especially if you are taking prescription drugs. Good Luck...

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