HomeSafety and dosage
How much Tongkat Ali per day?
Human studies used 50 to 400mg a day of a standardized water extract, most often 200mg, for 4 weeks to 6 months.
The doses studied
| Daily dose | Who took part | How long | Study |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50mg, with a multivitamin | 93 moderately stressed adults | 24 weeks | George et al. 2018, Food and Nutrition Research |
| 50 or 100mg | 138 women aged 40 to 55 | 12 weeks | Muniandy et al. 2025, World Journal of Clinical Cases |
| 100mg | 14 men in strength training | 5 weeks | Hamzah and Yusof 2003, British Journal of Sports Medicine |
| 100 or 200mg | 105 men aged 50 to 70 with low testosterone | 12 weeks | Chinnappan et al. 2021, Food and Nutrition Research |
| 200mg | 63 moderately stressed adults | 4 weeks | Talbott et al. 2013, Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition |
| 200mg | 81 middle-aged adults | 4 weeks | George et al. 2016, Phytotherapy Research |
| 200mg | 45 men aged 40 to 59 | 6 months | Leitão et al. 2021, Maturitas |
| 300mg | 40 healthy men | 12 weeks | George et al. 2013, Journal of Sports Medicine and Doping Studies |
| 400mg | 13 male athletes | 6 weeks | Chen et al. 2014, International Journal of Preventive Medicine |
| 400mg | 25 active adults aged 57 to 72 | 5 weeks | Henkel et al. 2014, Phytotherapy Research |
All of these studies used a standardized water extract of root. Doses for root powder or other extracts are not comparable.
Dose is only half the answer
What matters is how much eurycomanone each dose delivers. Eurycomanone is the compound found only in Tongkat Ali, and the one most labels measure. Multiply the daily dose by the eurycomanone percentage on the label.
200mg of an extract with .8% eurycomanone gives 1.6mg a day, the clinically researched dose for testosterone. The research covers extracts between .8 and 1.5%. Stronger extracts have not been studied in people.
What the research says about safety
- Side effectsThe studies on this page, at 50 to 400mg a day for up to 6 months, did not report serious side effects.
- Liver and kidneysAt 400mg a day for 6 weeks, liver and kidney function did not change. Chen et al. 2014, International Journal of Preventive Medicine.
- AthletesAt 300mg and 400mg a day, the testosterone to epitestosterone ratio used in anti-doping tests did not change. George et al. 2013, Journal of Sports Medicine and Doping Studies; Chen et al. 2014, International Journal of Preventive Medicine.
- Length of useThe longest study ran 6 months. Longer daily use has not been studied in trials.
- Product qualityPoor products can carry heavy metals or hidden drugs. Choose a supplier who tests every batch and can show the results.
Who should check with a doctor first
This guide is for education and is not medical advice.
- Pregnancy and breastfeedingAvoid. It has not been studied.
- Under 18Not studied in children or teenagers.
- Hormone-sensitive conditionsSpeak to a doctor first, for example with a history of prostate or breast cancer.
- MedicationSpeak to a doctor or pharmacist first if you take any prescription medicine.
- Health conditionsSpeak to a doctor first if you have a long-term health condition.
Dosage questions
When should I take it?
Studies gave it once a day. There is no research on morning versus evening, or with or without food.
Should I cycle Tongkat Ali?
There is no research on cycling. Studies gave it every day for up to 6 months.
Is more better?
No. Doses above 400mg a day, and extracts above 1.5% eurycomanone, are outside the research.
How soon will I notice a difference?
In men aged 50 to 70, fatigue had improved within 2 weeks at 200mg a day. Most studies measured results at 4 to 12 weeks. Chinnappan et al. 2021, Food and Nutrition Research