Eurycoma, Tongkat Ali

Long Jack, “Malaysian Ginseng”, “Ali’s Walking Stick”
Pla Lai Phueak (Thai)
Pasak Bumi (Indonesia)
Cay Ba Binh (Vietnam)
Chang Ye Kuan Mu (TCM)

Eurycoma longifolia–the principle variety used
(Photo by Mokkie) (Wikimedia)

Jackiopsis ornata–source of Red Tongkat Ali
Wallich, Plantae Asiaticae Rariores (1830-1832)

Tongkat Ali root for sale in Indonesia)
(Photo by Kembangraps) (Wikimedia)

Botanical name:

Eurycoma spp.:

E. longifolia
E. apiculata (said to be strongest)

There are 3 main types of Tongkat Ali according to their color:

Yellow (or White) Tongkat Ali–Eurycoma longifolia; bigger roots, yellowish, bitter
Black Tongkat Ali–Polyalthia bullata; root-bark is black
Red Tongkat Ali–Jackiopsis ornata or Stema tuberosa reddish in color, slightly sweet

Parts used:

Root; Root-bark

Temperature & Taste:

Neutral, Bitter
The Yellow and Black Tongkat Ali are very bitter, whereas the Red variety is slightly sweet.

Classification:

Constituents:

Eurycoma:
-Quassinoids-eurycolactones (gives the bitter taste)
-tirucallane-type triterpenes
-squalene derivatives
-biphenylneolignans
-beta-carboline alkaloids

Uses:

1. Clears Heat and Poison:
-Cold, Flu, Fever
-acute Cough
-Diarrhea, Dysentery
-Poisoning
-Tuberculosis
-Sunstroke
-traditionally for Malaria (antimalarial activities against drug-resistant strains has been shown)
-root-bark is most used for this function

2. Tonifies Yang:
-Impotence, as a male sexual stimulant
-Infertility
-increases Sperm production and motility
-increases strength, stamina and endurance
-lumbago and bone pain
-Edema, Obesity and Diabetes from cold, weak Kidneys
-tonic after birth (Malaysia)
-root is most used for this function

3. Resolves Swellings:
-traditionally for Swellings
-has demonstrated anti-tumor, cytotoxic and anti-cancer activity

4. Bitter Tonic:
-used as a bitter tonic to stimulate digestion

5. Kills Worms:
-bark is used to kill worms and parasites, internally and topically

6. Externally:
-topically for skin parasites (bark or leaves)
-bark is used topically for Wounds and Ulcers
-bark is applied for headaches
-mouthwash for bleeding gums

Dose:

Decoction: 3–6 grams
Powder: 500mg–2 grams

Substitute:

1. Stemona tuberosa has been listed by several sources as an alternate variety of Tongkat Ali (although this appears unlikely). However, Stemona might be a suitable substitute for Worms and Parasites.

Comment:

1. Locally it has been known as “the Tree that cures 100 Diseases”
2. Numerous sources list Stema tuberosa and the source of Red Tongkat Ali. However, no plant with that name exists. Some have listed Stemona tuberosa (Bai Bu of TCM). However, that root is whiote in color, not red, and has very different therapeutic indications.

Preparation:

Main Combinations:

1. Impotence, Erectile Dysfunction:
-Eurycoma with Ginseng and Epimedium Yin Yang Huo
-Eurycoma longifolia, Tribulus terrestris, and Leuzea carthamoides (this was tested in Boars and found effective)
-Eurycoma with Yohimbine
2. Increase testosterone”
-Eurycoma with Tribulus and Sesame seed
-Eurycoma with Ginseng and Epimedium Yin Yang Huo
-Eurycoma with Shen Qi Wan
3. Increases Semen quality, quantity and motility:
-Eurycoma with Tribulus and Sesame seed
-Eurycoma longifolia, Tribulus terrestris, and Leuzea carthamoides (this was tested in Boars and found effective)
-Eurycoma with Chlorophytum, Hygrophila seed, Mucuna, Astragalus root, Bombax ceiba resin
-Eurycoma with Liu Wei Di Huang Wan
4. Menopause:
–Eurycoma with Labisia pumila
–Eurycoma with Dang Gui, Asparagus Shatavari

Major Formulas:

Cautions:

The plant contains quassinoids which are toxic in overdose.

Toxicity:

-oral LD50 of the alcohol extract of E. longifolia in mice is between 1500–2000 mg/kg.
-oral LD50 of the aqueous extract in mice is over 3000 mg/kg
–Evaluation of Acute 13-Week Subchronic Toxicity and Genotoxicity of the Powdered Root of Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia Jack)

Main Preparations used:

Nothing at Present