Tongkat Ali - Nature's Answer to Steroids
Reprint of an
article by
Thor Sturluson
from the Article Codex website,
articlecodex.com
Introduction by Dr. Don Rose,
Writer, Life
Alert
--
Many
seniors know that, as time goes on, certain beneficial hormones in their bodies
tend to decrease. One of these is testosterone. However,
a plant known as Tongkat Ali may be able to reverse this decrease and actually stimulate
the production of testosterone in
the body. This can help to increase muscle size (better physique) as well as libido (better sex life).
According to Wikipedia,
the
British Journal of Sports Medicine published the
results of a scientific study in 2003, which showed that Tongkat Ali caused increased
muscle strength and size when compared to a placebo. In addition, scientific studies
performed by Malaysian universities have confirmed its effects on enhancing sexual
characteristics in animal models. Currently, it is being researched for its possibilities
as an anti-cancer supplement – and in
Southeast Asia
, it is used as a post partum medication, as well as for
its antimalarial, antipyretic, antiulcer, cytotoxic and aphrodisiac properties.
For all these reasons, Tongkat Ali seems worthy of attention, especially for
older folks. The article below serves as a good introduction to this plant and its
potential benefits. --Don
Rose
--
Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma
longifolia), also called Longjack and Pasak Bumi, is a tree that grows in
Malaysia
and
Indonesia
. The root of this tree has been used in these regions for many years as an aphrodisiac
and to treat various sexual dysfunctions. Scientific research in recent years has
shown support for the libido enhancing and sexual health qualities of this herb.
One of the original
uses of this herb was as a malaria medication. Its use as an aphrodisiac and sexual
function enhancer was a fortunate side effect of this original use. It was used
for years without any knowledge of what brought about the improvement in sexual
desire and function. Research soon looked at the possible causes for these positive
results.
Tongkat Ali has
been shown to increase the body’s natural production of testosterone, the male sex
hormone. Testosterone is responsible for the development of the male sex organs
and maintaining the health of those organs. It is also responsible for the male
sex drive and secondary sex characteristics such as facial hair and enlarging of
the larynx (resulting in deepening of the voice.) Females need testosterone as well,
although not in as large a quantity as males. Testosterone is responsible for a
healthy sex drive in women and increases the sensitivity of the erogenous zones.
Both males and females need testosterone to help stimulate the metabolism, support
fat burning, produce red blood cells and stimulate muscle growth.
Studies have shown
that Tongkat Ali does have a libido enhancing effect on animals, and recently the
same has been shown in human trials. The increase in testosterone brings about an
increase in sex drive, improvement in sexual function, and reversal of some erectile
dysfunction issues. One study found behavioral changes in rats that were given Tongkat
Ali. Instead of roaming and exploring the cage like other rats, the ones given the
herb stayed closer to the females. Ladies, this probably doesn’t mean that your
man will join you in the kitchen for dishes or sit down for a nice heart to heart,
but he may want to spend more “quality” time with you. Women who take this herbal
supplement may notice an increase in libido as well, resulting in true “quality”
time.
The testosterone
enhancing qualities of Tongkat Ali are also of interest to the bodybuilding community.
Testosterone is an important hormone in building muscle mass and strength. Testosterone
production normally begins to drop off after thirty years of age. This leads to
a slowing of the metabolism, loss of muscle mass, lower energy levels, and decrease
in sex drive and function. With all of these issues related to decreased testosterone
production it is no wonder people look for ways to keep testosterone levels up.
Those interested in building more muscle mass are especially interested in boosting
testosterone levels. The increase in sex drive is a welcome side benefit for most.
Many men and women
with decreased sex drive or other sexual dysfunction issues seek help from their
physician. One common treatment is to use testosterone replacement therapy. This
involves injecting testosterone into the body to replace that which the body no
longer produces. The problem with this approach is that the body reads the new level
of testosterone and no longer strives to make its own. This approach does not correct
the underlying problem of reduced production. Herbal supplementation that supports
the body’s own production of testosterone, such as Tongkat Ali use, may help to
correct this problem.
Herbal supplements
generally are safer than pharmaceutical or hormonal therapies. However, Tongkat
Ali does carry some possible side effects, especially with larger doses. These include
restlessness, insomnia, anxiety and a slight decrease in immune functions. It is
important to start out with small doses and only increase if no side effects are
noted.
If you are looking
for further information on
Tongkat Ali or other medicinal
herbs and herbal supplements please visit these links.
About Thor Sturluson
Thor Sturluson is a biologist
and an amateur herbalist living in Copenhagen,
Denmark
.
The article above is covered by a
Creative Commons
Attribution-NoDerivs 2.5 License.
The information provided is, to the best of our knowledge, reliable and accurate.
However, while Life
Alert
always strives to provide true, precise and consistent information, we cannot guarantee
100 percent accuracy. Readers are encouraged to review the original article, and
use any resource links provided to gather more information before drawing conclusions
and making decisions.
Dr. Don Rose writes books, papers and articles
on computers, the Internet, AI, science and technology, and issues related to seniors.
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