Does Longjack Increase Testosterone?
Written by Ben Bunting: BA, PGCert. (Sport & Exercise Nutrition) // British Army Physical Training Instructor // S&C Coach.
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Discovering natural ways of increasing testosterone has long been the goal of those looking to optimize athletic performance and overall wellness.
Longjack has become an established natural supplement with claims to raise testosterone levels.
But is the science supporting this conclusion sound? Longjack (also known as Tongkat Ali) is an herb native to Southeast Asia which has long been touted for its supposed aphrodisiacal properties as well as alleged potential in increasing testosterone levels - however is this really effective?
In this article, we delve deeper into the science and benefits associated with Longjack for testosterone enhancement.
We present various research studies conducted that investigate its impact on levels, strength, muscle mass and other outcomes related to Longjack use.
Does Longjack Increase Testosterone?
Many men are seeking natural ways to increase their testosterone levels and enhance libido.
Longjack, also known as Eurycoma longifolia jack or Malaysian ginseng, has become an increasingly popular herb.
This meta-analysis published in 2020 supports the use of longjack to enhance natural testosterone production. In fact, as little as 200mg daily for 6 months almost doubled T levels in one body of research.
Understanding testosterone and its importance
Testosterone is a hormone produced mainly in your testicles if you were born male, and plays an essential role in male sexual development during puberty, helping boys grow masculine features like facial hair and deeper voices.
Adult men also rely on testosterone, with its effects including improving libido and erectile function, bone density and muscle strength increases, producing sperm production and helping produce bone density and strength in muscles and bones.
Unfortunately, testosterone levels tend to drop with age, leading many older men into what's called hypogonadism.
Testosterone acts as an anabolic-androgenic steroid, increasing muscle mass and strength while simultaneously fostering masculine characteristics.
Since testosterone production involves cholesterol metabolism, high cholesterol can result in decreased testosterone production resulting in decreased levels of this crucial steroid hormone.
Researchers discovered that Eurycoma longifolia or tongkat ali root extract -- also known as longjack root -- can raise testosterone levels in men.
Their study, suggests tongkat ali's ability to increase testosterone through activating HPG and HPA axes is novel; the first study ever to demonstrate an herb's capacity to do this.
High testosterone has been associated with improved cognitive functions including attention and spatial ability as well as key health markers for reproductive organs and central nervous systems.
What is Longjack?
Eurycoma longifolia Jack or Pasak Bumi, native to Malaysia and used for centuries as an aphrodisiac and fertility enhancer, has long been used as an herbal supplement.
Longjack has been proven to increase testosterone levels significantly among male participants who took standardized longjack extract supplements.
Studies conducted have even revealed significant increases in serum testosterone levels as compared to non-users.
This supplement has been found to increase testosterone levels and promote penis enlargement, improve libido, enhance sexual performance and provide mood enhancement properties, ultimately helping reduce stress levels.
Eurycoma longifolia, commonly referred to as tongkat ali in Malaysia and Indonesia, has long been used as traditional medicine for various ailments.
Its extract is found in supplements, teas and energy drinks; moreover it's often included as part of herbal remedies for sexual health; specifically it has been claimed as effective against erectile dysfunction, low libido and male infertility.
Herb contains various phytochemicals believed to promote improved sexuality and enhance libido.
Eurycomanone, found mainly in its root, has been demonstrated to boost testosterone production in testis by inhibiting aromatase and phosphodiesterase activity; additionally it may have anti-estrogenic and proerrectile effects.
The science behind Longjack and testosterone
Eurycoma longifolia Jack (longjack or tongkat ali), is an ancient plant which has recently gained much prominence within the fitness world for its testosterone boosting properties.
Studies conducted on male subjects showed increased testosterone levels and an improved libido, in addition to improved muscle strength and fat loss.
Recent meta-analyses of five randomized controlled trials concluded that longjack extract significantly elevated serum testosterone levels compared with placebo, especially among participants without hypogonadism.
Researchers attributed this rise in testosterone to its eurypeptide content which may increase activity of 17-hydroxylase/ 17,20 lyase enzymes found in testis cells and promote conversion to dehydroepiandrosterone acetate (DHEA).
Longjack has also demonstrated its ability to block estrogen by decreasing SHBG levels in the body and binding to free testosterone to lock it up, preventing its use for sexual pleasure or muscle building.
A study performed on rats and petri dishes demonstrated that longjack performed equally as tamoxifen, a popular prescription estrogen blocker drug.
How to use Longjack for testosterone enhancement
Longjack can be found in testosterone booster supplements designed to increase libido and improve performance in the bedroom, typically by increasing blood flow to the penis causing it to expand lengthwise and widthwise, helping eliminate erectile problems, and prolong an erection for extended duration.
One study discovered that Longjack had a dramatic effect on the testosterone levels of men with hypogonadism.
It significantly raised serum testosterone and helped men suffering from this condition obtain more frequent erections; and also helped lower subjects' IPSS scores which measures prostate health.
Natural ways to enhance testosterone levels
Testosterone plays an essential role in more than just sexual function and reproduction; it also contributes to muscle mass, red blood cell production, bone density and mood regulation.
Low testosterone levels can cause fatigue, reduced sexual drive and depression in men. If you suspect having low levels, consult with a healthcare provider immediately - they will run tests to assess what may be causing these symptoms as well as provide natural ways of increasing them.
Diet and exercise are often the key ingredients to increasing testosterone.
Eating foods such as lean meats, fish, eggs and tofu that provide enough protein can support hormone production; additionally fatty fish like salmon, tuna and mackerel contain vitamin D for increased production of testosterone.
Furthermore, including more magnesium-rich foods like spinach, cashews and almonds into your diet may be effective at blocking proteins that bind with testosterone, thus freeing more hormone from traveling through your bloodstream.
Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) can also help increase testosterone levels naturally; meta-analyses from five randomized controlled trials found that taking it increased testicular testosterone among men of all ages, with particular benefits for those suffering from hypogonadism.
Conclusion
Longjack, Malaysian Ginseng and Tongkat Ali (LLJ), is an increasingly popular natural supplement used to boost men's health as it has both aphrodisiac properties as well as potential testosterone-enhancing effects.
One study conducted by researchers measured symptoms of low T using the Aging Males' Symptoms (AMS) scale in 320 healthy men before assigning either placebo or longjack for one month.
They discovered that longjack significantly increased serum testosterone and improved AMS scores compared to its counterpart.
Another investigation of longjack found it had similar benefits when administered to hypogonadism patients, significantly raising testosterone levels while improving AMS scores.
However, a 2014 study found that 400mg of longjack daily for 6 weeks had no effect on urinary testosterone levels. It also had no adverse effects on the participants.
