Tongkat Ali Before Bed: What Science Says, Side Effects, and More

What is Tongkat Ali?

Eurycoma longifolia (or Tongkat Ali) is a herbal medicinal plant found in the forests of Southeast Asian countries. Moreover, those plants are found in Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Additionally, this plant was used for centuries in Southeast Asia in medicinal practices as a result of Tongkat Ali’s richness in bioactive compounds. Furthermore, the plant was traditionally used for its antimalarial, aphrodisiac, anti-diabetic, antimicrobial, and antipyretic activities.

Nowadays, Tongkat Ali is used as a supplement for a wide range of health benefits, including the ability to enhance testosterone levels, improve sexual health, reduce inflammation, reduce stress levels, and more. Tongkat Ali is one of the most popular supplements on the market today and is sought after by people looking to improve their overall health and well-being.

Why Do We Take Tongkat Ali?

Tongkat Ali is commonly known as an energy supplement, and its main benefit includes giving your body a boost in energy levels. For this reason, people take Tongkat Ali to help build muscles and improve physical performance and endurance. Moreover, this is a result of Tongkat Ali including “quassinoids” compounds that use more energy and improve stamina.

Additionally, Tongkat Ali helps alleviate pain and reduce inflammation, as it contains important components that speed up the contraction of wounds. Also, taking Tongkat Ali increases your testosterone levels, which helps increase libido and combats late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) and other male reproductive issues. Tongkat Ali is also used to improve your mood and mental well-being, as it efficiently lowers your cortisol level, which improves your mood by lowering stress and tension.

When To Take Tongkat Ali?

Tongkat Ali has a variety of benefits and is made for different uses, so you should take it depending on your goals and your healthcare provider’s input. Although it is ideal to take herbal supplements like Tongkat Ali between meals, this is because the fibers in your meals can slow down the process of Tongkat Ali absorption. Also, because Tongkat Ali is a strong and potent supplement, you can break down your consumption into two parts throughout the day.

Tongkat Ali is an energy supplement, and if your goal is to take Tongkat Ali to increase your energy level throughout the day, it is best to take it when you first wake up. Moreover, you can take it before breakfast or after a light meal, so it doesn’t upset your stomach.

Also, if your goal is to increase testosterone levels and build muscles, it is recommended to take it within an hour before your workout. Additionally, you can take Tongkat Ali in the form of a protein shake before working out to stay energized and avoid heavy meals.

Also, you can take Tongkat Ali right before you go to sleep, as it significantly reduces stress levels and improves your mood. There are many products containing Tongkat Ali, and with so many variables around the product, it is important that you consult a doctor to take the right dose at the right time for better health.

How To Take Tongkat Ali?

Tongkat Ali is an energy supplement, and there are several products available in different forms. Also, Tongkat Ali can be found in beverages such as teas, energy drinks, coffee, and even dietary supplements. Moreover, Tongkat Ali can be found in the form of raw crude powder (of the root), capsules mixed with other herbs, an additive mixed with coffee, or in certain health products.

The standard dosage of Tongkat Ali, depending on the form and use, is between 100 and 600mg per day and can be divided into one or two doses. Tongkat Ali should not be taken after heavy meals, as it can upset your stomach and not be as effective since the fibers in your meals can slow down the absorption process. Thus, avoid taking Tongkat Ali right after a heavy meal, and do not take a higher dose than recommended as it might give you adverse side effects.

It is strongly advised for pregnant and lactating women; men with breast or prostate cancer, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, or sleep apnea; and children not to take this supplement. This is due to a lack of research on these populations to test the effects of Tongkat Ali on them. If you decide to take Tongkat Ali, you should speak to a doctor or healthcare provider to figure out the correct dosage for you.

Benefits of Taking Tongkat Ali Before Bed

Improves Sexual Health and Libido

Tongkat Ali is able to significantly improve male sexual health and enhance libido as it regulates the testosterone hormone, which is responsible for sexual organ functions and libido. Moreover, there are many experts who recommend using Tongkat Ali to improve libido as a natural supplement to boost libido, sperm motility, and fertility.

One study cited a twelve-week placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial conducted to investigate the effects of Tongkat Ali on men’s libido. Moreover, the study included 109 men between the ages of thirty and fifty-five, divided into a case group of 300 mg of water extract of E. longifolia and a placebo. Furthermore, the case group showed higher scores in overall sexual libido by 14% at the end of the study, and semen volume rose by 18.2% after the treatment.

Thus, taking Tongkat Ali will definitely improve your sexual health and enhance several aspects such as libido, fertility, and sperm volume. If you are seeking a natural remedy to improve these aspects, Tongkat Ali is highly recommended.

Reduces Stress

One of Tongkat Ali’s most intriguing properties is its ability to significantly improve your mood by reducing stress levels. When it comes to stress levels, consuming Tongkat Ali leads to a lowered cortisol level, which is a hormone that is significantly present when we experience stress. As a result, Tongkat Ali is able to ultimately lower tension, anger, and confusion. Thus, this ancient remedy is an effective approach to helping you physically and mentally avoid chronic stress.

In 1999, a study was conducted on mice in a controlled environment, and they were given Tongkat Ali twice for five days. Moreover, the research found the mice exhibited less stress, anger, and tension. The study concluded that Tongkat Ali can be used as a stress reliever as it lowers stress hormones in their bodies and improves their moods.

Similar effects were seen in humans, as in one study, a total of 63 individuals (32 men and 31 women) participated in a random test to measure Tongkat Ali’s effect on stress levels. Moreover, the participants were given a standardized hot-water extract of Tongkat Ali root for four weeks. The results found reduced levels of the stress hormone cortisol in saliva by 16%, proving that Tongkat Ali can significantly improve your stress hormone profile and overall mood.

Improves Body Composition and Performance

Tongkat Ali is an excellent herbal remedy for enhancing athletic performance and even increasing muscle mass. This is a result of Tongkat Ali’s natural compounds known as quassinoids, which include eurycomaoside, eurycolactone, and eurycomanone. These compounds directly affect your body by enabling it to use energy more efficiently, reduce fatigue, and improve endurance.

One research performed a five-week study with fourteen male adults who took part in a strength training program while taking 100 mg of Tongkat Ali extract daily. Moreover, at the end of the program, researchers saw significant increases in lean body mass and a reduction in body fat compared to the participants who took a placebo. Thus, the researchers concluded that Tongkat Ali has a great effect on the participants’ body compositions.

In addition, Tongkat Ali is often endorsed as an ergogenic acid, which is considered a performance enhancer that improves physical performance, endurance, and body composition. Furthermore, one study included a five-week study with 25 active adults taking 400 mg of Tongkat Ali supplements daily. Moreover, at the end of the study, researchers concluded that the participants had a significant increase in their muscular strength compared to the placebo group.

Side Effects of Taking Tongkat Ali Before Bed

DNA Damage

There are significant concerns when it comes to taking too much Tongkat Ali and what it can do to your body. According to one report, taking a high dose (2,000 mg/kg) of Tongkat Ali may lead to DNA damage to your stomach and duodenum tissues due to the genotoxic effects.

Moreover, the report highlights a study conducted for twelve months on rats given 1,000 mg/kg daily, and the study found significant changes to the rats’ stomachs, with one rat dying. Furthermore, the report mentions that there is no research on humans, as most of the research on Tongkat Ali explores its beneficial effects and addresses only a limited number of safety concerns.

Mercury Contamination

Tongkat Ali comes in the form of several products, and some supplements have heavy metals that could lead to serious physical damage. This is due to Tongkat Ali being sourced from plants grown in contaminated soils and areas that could contain lead, mercury, arsenic, or cadmium concentrations.

One study researched products in the Malaysian market containing Tongkat Ali, and it was highlighted that the plants are grown in seriously polluted soils. Moreover, the research found high mercury concentrations accumulated in several supplements, which could pose serious health risks if consumed over a long period of time. Furthermore, mercury could negatively affect your liver and kidneys when there are high doses in your body.

Therefore, it is very important for you to check the source ingredient and country of origin when buying Tongkat Ali supplements. Moreover, it is recommended to use clinically tested Tongkat Ali products to minimize any rare adverse effects on the kidneys and liver.

Reasons Why You Should Take Tongkat Ali

Increases Testosterone Concentrations

Tongkat Ali is commonly known as a supplement that enhances testosterone levels and is highly recommended for people who suffer from late-onset hypogonadism (LOH). Moreover, this condition is common in older males and significantly decreases their testosterone levels.

One study supports this claim by conducting a study with 76 patients suffering from LOH, giving them daily 200 mg of a standardized water-soluble extract of Tongkat Ali for one month. By the end of the study, all the patients had experienced an increase in their testosterone levels.

Furthermore, before the study, 27 patients had normal testosterone concentrations, while 34 had low testosterone concentrations. At the end of the study, 90% of the patients scored a normal testosterone concentration, with only 7 patients remaining with low values.

Reduces Inflammation

Tongkat Ali includes a great benefit, which includes the reduction of inflammation due to the presence of β-carboline alkaloids in the root of the plant, as well as the other components in Tongkat Ali that help restore cells that are causing inflammation and pain in our bodies. Moreover, Tongkat Ali helps activate the function of reducing inflammation and speeds up the contraction of wounds.

According to one study, Tongkat Ali’s components, eurycomanone and eurycomanol, are regulators of signaling pathways involved in proliferation, cell death, and inflammation. Moreover, both of these components activate cell viability and proliferation without affecting healthy cells. Furthermore, the study highlights that due to the presence of β-carboline alkaloid, inflammation is significantly reduced.

In another study, a test was conducted on twenty rats to see the effects of Tongkat Ali on inflammation and wound healing for eighteen days. Moreover, the wounds were measured and photographed during the process. Furthermore, Tongkat Ali was given in the form of a gel on the wounded areas. The results showed an increase of 43% in the first phase of healing, which is the inflammation phase. Although the later healing stages were not affected, the rats did show signs of improvement in their wounds overall.

Conclusion

Eurycoma longifolia, or Tongkat Ali, is an ancient herbal remedy that has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes. Moreover, Tongkat Ali comes in the form of supplements for our physical and mental well-being, with numerous benefits. Those benefits include improving libido, improving our physical composition and performance, and reducing mental and physical stress. Furthermore, the benefits stem from quassinoid compounds, β-carboline alkaloids, and other components that are found in the root of the plant.

However, Tongkat Ali has negative effects that can occur if you consume excess amounts of the supplement, which include DNA damage and mercury contamination, but further studies on humans are needed to fully explore those side effects.

Also, there are benefits to taking Tongkat Ali before bed, as it helps alleviate pain, reduces inflammation, and speeds up the contraction of wounds. Additionally, Tongkat Ali can be taken for different purposes, such as increasing testosterone levels. Each purpose can have its own dosages and timing of consumption; it’s recommended to consult with your healthcare provider on which dosage is best for you.

Tongkat Ali Before Bed FAQs

Is Tongkat Ali Safe To Use?

Tongkat Ali is generally considered safe for most people when they follow the recommended dosage. However, it's crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before starting this new supplement.

According to some research, Tongkat Ali should be used cautiously if you have a weakened immune system, as the evidence suggests that it may further weaken your immune function. Moreover, the research suggests that it is to be avoided if you have diseases like breast cancer, prostate cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, or sleep apnea.

Why Should I Take Tongkat Ali?

You should take Tongkat Ali for several reasons, mainly because it consists of quassinoids, compounds that give you more energy and improve your body's performance. Also, Tongkat Ali includes components that help reduce pain and inflammation, which could speed up your wound's contraction process.

Moreover, Tongkat Ali is proven to manipulate your hormone levels, such as increasing your testosterone and lowering your cortisol levels, which could lead to a better libido, a better overall mood, and reduced stress.

How Much Tongkat Ali Should I Take?

Typically, the suggested dosage is between 200 and 400 mg of Tongkat Ali extract per day. Also, make sure to take the supplement with a glass of water 30-60 minutes before you go to sleep. However, you should consult your healthcare provider for a suitable dosage, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking medications.

Does Taking Tongkat Ali Affect Your Sleep?

Tongkat Ali can be used as a sleep-improving supplement as it directly impacts your circadian pattern and improves your sleep quality overall. This is due to Tongkat Ali’s ability to lower your core body temperature, which ultimately increases your REM and NREM sleep duration.

Moreover, Tongkat Ali is found to not cause any significant alteration during sleep duration, thus overall improving sleep quality. Therefore, you can take Tongkat Ali as a sleep-improving agent if you suffer from poor sleep quality or have any sleep disorders.

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