The Tongkat Ali tree, known for its medicinal properties, is one of the herbal remedies widely utilized in various treatments due to its pharmacological effects and health benefits for humans.
Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia), also referred to as Malaysian ginseng, Longjack, or by its Vietnamese names Mật Nhân, Bách Bệnh, Bá Bệnh, is a shrub belonging to the Simaroubaceae family, originating from tropical forests in Southeast Asia. In Vietnam, this tree can be found in the central provinces, the Central Highlands, and the southeastern region.
This is a small shrub that can grow up to 20 meters tall, covered with fine hairs. The leaves of the Tongkat Ali are compound leaves, resembling bird feathers. Except for the flowers, most parts of the plant can be used for medicinal purposes, including the stem, roots, bark, and fruit. These parts can be harvested at any time of the year, dried, and processed into fine powder, coarse powder, or supplements in capsule form or liquid extracts.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, this is a precious herb with effective healing properties. Below are some special benefits of this plant:
1. Reduces Blood Sugar Levels
Numerous studies have identified that Tongkat Ali helps lower blood sugar levels by reducing the absorption rate of glucose from the intestines into the bloodstream, preventing blood sugar spikes, particularly after meals. It also stimulates pancreatic beta cells to function more efficiently, producing more insulin and increasing insulin sensitivity and activity in the body.
This is a small shrub that can grow up to 20 meters tall, covered with fine hairs.
While this herb can help improve diabetes management, it should not completely replace prescribed medication. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a physician before using Tongkat Ali for safety and effectiveness.
2. Enhances Male Sexual Function
In traditional medicine, Tongkat Ali is considered bitter and cool in nature, affecting the liver and kidneys. This plant contains active compounds including quassinoids and eurypeptides. Quassinoids are alkaloids with antibacterial properties and the ability to kill malaria parasites. Eurypeptides are natural peptides that can enhance testosterone production and improve sexual health.
Notably, the component E. longifolia in Tongkat Ali can stimulate blood circulation, enhancing testosterone production, thereby improving sperm quality and enhancing male sexual health.
3. Supports Liver Cirrhosis Treatment
According to some studies, the extract from the leaves and stems of Tongkat Ali contains acetone, a compound that can combat bacterial activity. Particularly, the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of Tongkat Ali are essential in supporting the treatment of liver cirrhosis and gastric ulcers, aiding in the healing of fibrotic liver tissue or gastric lesions. For this reason, some modern medications include Tongkat Ali as a component.
The extract from the leaves and stems of Tongkat Ali contains acetone, capable of fighting bacteria.
4. Cancer Prevention
In addition to enhancing male sexual function, reducing blood sugar levels, and promoting liver health, some components in Tongkat Ali also effectively support cancer prevention. According to several studies, there are over 60 compounds in Tongkat Ali that possess antioxidant properties, preventing the activity of free radicals, making it beneficial in cancer prevention, particularly cervical and lung cancers.
5. Aids in Gout Treatment
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongkat Ali is considered cool, helping to clear heat, promote diuresis, and eliminate uric acid, thereby alleviating symptoms of gout. Moreover, this plant contains compounds that prevent the progression of gout, helping to reduce the painful symptoms associated with the condition.
6. Reduces Stress
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongkat Ali can effectively reduce stress due to its high content of anxiolytics, aiding in mental relaxation and reducing anxiety. Furthermore, recent studies indicate that men using Tongkat Ali not only increase testosterone levels but also significantly reduce cortisol levels, which are associated with stress.
