The evidence
What the studies found
Studied in men and women. Evidence: 3 placebo-controlled trials.
6 monthsErectile function and sexual desire improved against placebo*45 men aged 40 to 59 with age-related low testosterone, 200mg a dayLeitão et al. 2021, Maturitas
−36.3%Sexual symptom score*138 women aged 40 to 55, 100mg a day, 12 weeksMuniandy et al. 2025, World Journal of Clinical Cases
−54%Aging male symptoms score, which includes sexual symptoms*105 men aged 50 to 70 with low testosterone, 200mg a day, 12 weeksChinnappan et al. 2021, Food and Nutrition Research
In plain terms
What the research means
Male vitality is one of the best-known traditional uses of Tongkat Ali. The human research now covers men and women, with the clearest results in men with age-related low testosterone.
The changes built over weeks and months of daily use.
What the studies used
- Daily dose
- 100 to 200mg
- Who took part
- Men aged 40 to 70 with low testosterone, and women aged 40 to 55
- How long
- 12 weeks to 6 months
- Extract
- Standardized water extract of root
Good to know
Before you start
- Erectile problemsThese can be an early sign of other conditions, including heart disease, so see a doctor. NHS guidance on erection problems.
- 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
Does it work straight away?
No. The studies measured changes after 12 weeks to 6 months of daily use.
Is it a replacement for prescription treatment?
No. It is a plant extract with human research behind it. Discuss treatment options with a doctor.
Has it been studied for libido in women?
In the menopause study, sexual symptom scores improved 36.3%.
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 menEnergy and fatigue1 placebo-controlled trialFatigue scores fell by about half in men aged 50 to 70 taking 200mg a day for 12 weeks.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 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.