Sexual health issues can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life and intimate relationships. Sexual dysfunction is defined as any difficulty encountered during any stage of sexual activity that impairs a person's sexual satisfaction. Sexual dysfunction symptoms can manifest differently in men and women.
Common symptoms in men include difficulty obtaining or maintaining an erection, premature or delayed ejaculation, and decreased sexual desire. ED is one of the most common sexual health issues in men, affecting up to 30 million men in the United States alone. Age, health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease, and lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and stress can all contribute to ED.
Sexual dysfunction symptoms in women can include reduced sexual desire, difficulty becoming sexually aroused, inability to achieve orgasm, and painful intercourse. These symptoms can be caused by a variety of factors, including hormonal changes, childbirth, menopause, medications, and certain medical conditions.
While sexual dysfunction can affect anyone at any age, it is more common in the elderly. Sexual dysfunction can have a negative impact on self-esteem, cause stress and anxiety, and strain intimate relationships. Many people who suffer from sexual dysfunction turn to prescription medications, but these medications can have side effects or interact with other medications. As a result, many people seek natural remedies that can help improve sexual health without causing side effects. Tongkat Ali is one such natural remedy that has shown promise in improving both men's and women's sexual function and satisfaction.
History
Tongkat Ali, or Eurycoma Longifolia, is a flowering plant native to Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Traditional healers have used its roots for centuries as an aphrodisiac, anti-malarial, anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer agent. The plant rose to prominence in modern medicine in the twentieth century after it was discovered to contain several bioactive compounds that contribute to its medicinal properties.
How it works
Tongkat Ali works by increasing testosterone levels, a hormone that is important for sexual function as well as other bodily functions. Testosterone regulates libido, sperm production, and muscle mass, among other things. Individuals' testosterone levels naturally decline as they age, which can result in sexual dysfunction, decreased energy, and muscle mass loss.
Tongkat Ali contains several bioactive compounds, including eurycomanone, quassinoids, and alkaloids, which work together to stimulate the pituitary gland's release of luteinizing hormone (LH). LH then instructs the testes to produce more testosterone. Tongkat Ali increases sexual desire, sexual performance, and satisfaction by increasing testosterone levels.
Furthermore, Tongkat Ali contains anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-stress compounds. These properties can aid in the reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, which can lead to sexual dysfunction. Chronic stress can also impair sexual function, and Tongkat Ali's anti-stress properties can aid in the improvement of overall sexual health.
Several scientific studies support Tongkat Ali's ability to boost testosterone levels. For example, a 2012 study published in Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine discovered that taking Tongkat Ali for 12 weeks improved sexual function, libido, and sperm quality in men with low testosterone levels. Another study published in Phytotherapy Research in 2014 found that taking Tongkat Ali supplements for eight weeks increased sexual desire and satisfaction in women.
It is important to note that, while Tongkat Ali can improve sexual function, it is not a panacea for all sexual dysfunction issues. Tongkat Ali's effectiveness may vary depending on the cause of sexual dysfunction. As a result, before using Tongkat Ali to treat sexual dysfunction symptoms, it is critical to consult a healthcare professional.
Studies and Results
Several scientific studies on the effects of Tongkat Ali on sexual health in men and women have yielded promising results.
A 2012 study published in Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine looked at the effects of Tongkat Ali supplementation on men with low testosterone levels. For 12 weeks, 109 men between the ages of 30 and 55 were given either a placebo or 200mg of Tongkat Ali extract per day. Several parameters, including the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire, were used to assess the participants' sexual function. When compared to the placebo group, Tongkat Ali supplementation significantly improved sexual function, libido, and sperm quality.
In a similar study published in Phytotherapy Research in 2014, 32 women aged 41 to 60 were given either a placebo or 200mg of Tongkat Ali extract daily for eight weeks. Several parameters, including the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire, were used to assess the participants' sexual function. When compared to the placebo group, women who received Tongkat Ali supplements reported increased sexual desire, frequency of sexual intercourse, and satisfaction.
Another 2019 study published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine looked at the effects of Tongkat Ali and Tribulus terrestris supplements on male sexual function. The study included 70 men aged 35 to 55 who were given either a placebo or the supplement combination for 12 weeks. The IIEF questionnaire was used to assess the participants' sexual function. The supplement combination significantly improved sexual function, libido, and satisfaction when compared to the placebo group, according to the study.
Overall, these studies indicate that Tongkat Ali can significantly improve both men's and women's sexual function, desire, and satisfaction. More research is needed, however, to determine the optimal dosage, duration of treatment, and long-term effects of Tongkat Ali supplementation on sexual health. Before beginning any supplements, it is critical to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.
Recommended Dosage
The optimal dosage of Tongkat Ali depends on various factors such as age, gender, and health status. However, most studies have used doses ranging from 200-400mg per day of standardized Tongkat Ali extract. It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplements, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.
Conclusion
Tongkat Ali is a natural remedy that can help both men and women revitalize their sexual health. Its ability to boost testosterone levels, reduce inflammation, and combat stress makes it an appealing option for those looking for a natural way to improve sexual function. Tongkat Ali should, however, only be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional and in the recommended dosages.
References
Tambi, M. I. B., & Imran, M. K. (2010). Eurycoma longifolia Jack in managing idiopathic male infertility. Asian journal of andrology, 12(3), 376-380.
Ismail, S. B., Wan Mohammad, W. M. Z., George, A., Nik Hussain, N. H., Musthapa Kamal, Z. M., & Liske, E. (2012). Randomized clinical trial on the use of PHYSTA freeze-dried water extract of Eurycoma longifolia for the improvement of quality of life and sexual well-being in men. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine, 2012.
Talbott, S. M., Talbott, J. A., George, A., & Pugh, M. (2013). Effect of Tongkat Ali on stress hormones and psychological mood state in moderately stressed