Tongkat Ali Kidney Disease
Written by Ben Bunting: BA, PGCert. (Sport & Exercise Nutrition) // British Army Physical Training Instructor // S&C Coach.
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Unveiling nature's remarkable secret for kidney health, Tongkat Ali stands out as an effective natural solution worth investigating.
Renowned for its many uses and benefits, this ancient herb has proven that its impactful influence can positively influence kidney functioning.
From supporting detoxification and managing blood sugar, Tongkat Ali takes advantage of nature's wisdom to support renal health. This article delves deep into the intricate connection between Tongkat Ali and kidney health, providing both scientific insights as well as real world application of this botanical wonder.
No matter your goal for improving kidney health or supplementing conventional treatment with natural alternatives, understanding Tongkat Ali can play an invaluable role.
As we explore this herbal phenomenon, be prepared to uncover its relationship to kidney health.
Understanding tongkat ali
Eurycoma longifolia, more commonly known by its popular name "Tongkat Ali" or Pasak Bumi in Southeast Asia, is an indigenous plant with roots used in traditional medicine for sexual dysfunction, fever, aches and glandular swelling as well as malaria.
Furthermore, Tongkat Ali root extracts have also proven popular as dietary supplements, energy boosters and performance enhancers; recent research indicates it may even help relieve stress and anxiety symptoms.
An impressive double-blind placebo-controlled study demonstrated how tongkat ali extract improved hormone balance and psychological mood states in subjects who were mildly stressed. Furthermore, this same study demonstrated how tongkat ali improved sports performance for subjects who took it as supplements for six weeks.
Researchers discovered that tongkat ali was effective at decreasing cortisol and increasing testosterone levels in the body, suggesting it might serve as an effective natural treatment for male sexual issues and infertility. They strongly advise further investigation of this potential benefit of tongkat ali.
Tongkat ali has long been used in traditional Asian medicine. It's said to increase both testosterone and sperm production - low levels can be the source of erectile dysfunction or male infertility - while treating infections such as syphilis, malaria, or any number of others with its help.
Studies on tongkat ali have also demonstrated its ability to ease stress and promote relaxation, both animal and human studies have found its supplementation can effectively reduce fatigue while simultaneously improving mood states in those who regularly consume it.
Tongkat ali supplements are generally safe when taken at low dosages by healthy adults; however, they may interfere with some prescription medicines due to inhibiting the activity of CYP enzymes, which control how your body metabolises drugs.
If you're taking medications that require this mechanism for metabolism then before supplementing with tongkat ali you should speak to your healthcare provider first.
Understanding Kidney Function and Tongkat Ali
Eurycoma longifolia, native to Southeast Asia and revered for centuries as an ancient medicinal remedy, boasts an array of traditional uses in traditional medicine systems worldwide.
From its roots, seeds and bark being employed for sexual health benefits all the way to decoctions made with its leaves being administered as treatment against fevers and diarrhea, Eurycoma longifolia provides many essential minerals and vitamins, including zinc and magnesium.
Studies suggest that extracts of Eurycoma longifolia can enhance your mental and physical performance by increasing testosterone levels while suppressing cortisol, the stress hormone.
Eurycoma longifolia extracts may also serve as an adaptogen - meaning they help your body adjust to various forms of physiological stressors more easily - helping your body resist and adjust. Furthermore, Eurycoma longifolia can also reduce anxiety, enhance mood, and boost sexual function for both men and women alike.
Tongkat ali can also assist with urinary tract issues by acting as a diuretic. This will allow your body to excrete excess water and salt through urine output, thus decreasing kidney stones or high blood pressure formation.
However, it should be noted that if you suffer from any medical conditions like heart disease or diabetes it would be prudent not to consume herbal supplements without consulting first with a healthcare provider.
Tonkat Ali has also been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits in addition to its diuretic capabilities, due to the abundance of phytochemicals it contains such as fatty acids, flavonoids and alkaloids - most notably beta-carboline alkaloids and quassinoids, such as eurycomaoside which has been linked with memory and cognitive function enhancement.
The research on Tongkat Ali and kidney health
Animal and human studies conducted with tongkat ali indicate it does not cause negative or acute effects on kidney functions, and may even help protect patients suffering from PCM-induced nephrotoxicity - symptoms caused by paracetamol consumption that alter the normal levels of urine biochemistry and kidney histopathology.
Tongkat Ali can also act as a natural diuretic and help to relieve water retention (edema). Root extracts have proven successful at lowering blood pressure; however, those with high blood pressure or heart conditions should avoid taking tongkat Ali as it could increase the risk of strokes and cardiovascular issues.
A 2019 study concluded that Tongkat ali serves as an effective nephroprotective agent against paracetamol-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.
Nephrotoxicity occurs when your kidney's natural detoxification and excretion processes become impaired due to exposure to exogenous or endogenous toxicants - in this instance paracetamol overdose - leading to impaired detoxification and excretion processes and impaired kidney function.
Eurycoma longifolia is widely recognized for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Tongkat ali can boost immune health while also acting as an antifungal and antiparasitic, making it useful in the treatment of fungal infections and parasites like Plasmodium falciparum and Toxoplasma gondii. A 2019 study demonstrated its potential protection of kidneys against PCM-induced nephrotoxicity.
Tongkat ali can also reduce inflammation and promote liver health. This may prove particularly helpful for those suffering from chronic conditions like arthritis, atherosclerosis or diabetes; additionally it can help regulate cholesterol and blood sugar levels for balance.
Tongkat Ali usage for kidney health
Tonggkat Ali has long been used as a natural stimulant, as well as being used for other medicinal purposes, to reduce stress, anxiety and tension.
Furthermore, tongkat ali can promote better sleep quality while improving physical performance. Furthermore, tongkat ali can increase male libido by stimulating energy use within the body as well as promote fat burning resulting in weight loss.
One of the great benefits of tongkat ali is that when taken at proper dosages it does not cause many side effects, though it is always wise to consult your physician prior to beginning any new supplement or herb regimen.
This is particularly important for people with suppressed immune systems, pregnant or nursing mothers as well as those taking hypoglycemic or blood pressure medications.
Because tongkat ali can increase testosterone levels it should not be taken by women at risk for hormone-sensitive cancers or with hormonal abnormalities or imbalances.
Precautions and Considerations
Though tongkat ali may provide many health benefits, its potential side effects should not be disregarded. Anyone concerned should first speak with their healthcare provider prior to beginning to take this supplement.
One of the main side effects associated with tongkat ali is an increase in blood pressure. Furthermore, tongkat ali may interfere with absorption and bioavailability of propranolol which is commonly used to treat high blood pressure.
Eurycoma longifolia, commonly referred to as tongkat ali in Indonesian, has been shown to possess strong anti-estrogenic activity. This is likely due to its steroidogenic properties which help prevent testosterone conversion to estrogen in Leydig cells of the testis, providing relief for men experiencing low testosterone levels causing erectile dysfunction and other sexual issues.
Other research has demonstrated that Eurycoma longifolia can assist men in increasing sperm production and increasing overall sex drive, as well as aid in muscle mass and strength gains in healthy exercisers while simultaneously accelerating fat loss.
Conclusion
Eurycoma longifolia, more commonly known by its common name of "tongkat ali," has long been used for traditional medical purposes. This plant provides many advantages, including increasing testosterone and helping alleviate stress levels.
Preclinical studies of tongkat ali root extracts have demonstrated their antimalarial, cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects, while clinical trials have examined its male fertility enhancement properties as well as ergogenic (performance-enhancing) benefits while simultaneously relieving stress-related conditions like anxiety.
Research suggests it can have a positive result on renal health when used at levels between 100 mg/kg body weight and 400 mg/kg body weight in animal studies, as evidenced by urine biochemical analysis and histopathology analysis.
A small study on paracetamol-treated rats provided proof of this fact with tongkat ali extract dosages at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg preventing renal injury according to urine biochemical analysis and histopathology analysis results.
Tongkat ali supplements have also been demonstrated to support muscle mass and strength gains while speeding up fat loss for healthy exercisers. Furthermore, its anxiolytic properties appear to help reduce stress and anxiety levels.
