The evidence
What the studies found
Studied in men. Evidence: 1 placebo-controlled trial.
−50%Fatigue score at 200mg a day. Down 42% at 100mg.*105 men aged 50 to 70 with low testosterone, 12 weeks, against placeboChinnappan et al. 2021, Food and Nutrition Research
2 weeksFatigue and quality of life had improved*The same study, 200mg a dayChinnappan et al. 2021, Food and Nutrition Research
−54%Aging male symptoms score, covering mood, physical and sexual symptoms*The same study, 200mg a dayChinnappan et al. 2021, Food and Nutrition Research
In plain terms
What the research means
Men taking Tongkat Ali extract reported less tiredness and better day-to-day quality of life than men on placebo, and the change showed up early.
The evidence is one placebo-controlled trial, in older men with low testosterone. The percentages are calculated from the scores published in the paper.
What the studies used
- Daily dose
- 100 to 200mg
- Who took part
- Men aged 50 to 70 with low testosterone
- How long
- 12 weeks
- Extract
- Standardized water extract of root
Good to know
Before you start
- Ongoing tirednessFatigue that lasts can have causes worth checking, such as thyroid problems, anemia or poor sleep. See a doctor if it doesn’t lift.
- Medication and health conditionsSpeak to a doctor or pharmacist first if you take prescription medicine or have a long-term health condition.
- PregnancyAvoid during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
Common questions
How quickly might I notice a difference?
In this study, fatigue scores had improved within 2 weeks at 200mg a day.
Does it work like caffeine?
No study has compared them. Caffeine works within the hour. The effects in this study built over weeks of daily use.
Has it been studied in women?
Not for fatigue. A study of women aged 40 to 55 found better physical menopause symptom scores.
Published by Biotropics Malaysia Berhad, maker of Physta®. Most studies on this page tested Physta, and several were funded by Biotropics. How this guide is written
Other areas of research
Studied in men and womenTestosteroneA meta-analysis and 4 placebo-controlled studiesTestosterone rose against placebo, most clearly in men with low testosterone.Studied in men and womenStress and mood3 placebo-controlled studiesCortisol fell 16% against placebo in stressed adults taking 200mg a day for 4 weeks.Studied in men and older adultsStrength and exercise2 placebo-controlled studies and 1 uncontrolledMen aged 40 to 59 who trained for 6 months gained more strength on 200mg a day.Studied in men and womenSexual health3 placebo-controlled trialsErectile function and sexual desire improved against placebo in men aged 40 to 59 over 6 months.Studied in womenMenopause2 placebo-controlled trialsSymptom scores fell 33.9%, against 23.3% on placebo, in women taking 100mg a day for 12 weeks.Studied in men and womenHealthy aging2 placebo-controlled trials and 1 uncontrolledOverall immune cell score rose 5% in middle-aged adults taking 200mg a day for 4 weeks.