Depression and anxiety are two mental health conditions that can have a significant impact on a person's daily life. Depression symptoms can include persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and helplessness, as well as a loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities. Changes in appetite, weight, and sleep patterns are also common in people suffering from depression. In severe cases, they may even consider suicide or engage in self-harm.
Anxiety, on the other hand, is defined by excessive worry, fear, and dread. Anxiety can cause physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, and a rapid heartbeat. They may also avoid certain situations or activities out of fear, making it difficult for them to concentrate or relax.
Depression and anxiety can both have a significant impact on an individual's quality of life, making it difficult to perform daily tasks and engage in social interactions. These conditions can also have a knock-on effect on a person's relationships, work performance, and overall well-being. While medications are available to treat these conditions, they frequently have side effects, and not everyone is willing to take them. As a result, people are increasingly turning to natural remedies like Tongkat Ali to help them feel better.
History
Tongkat Ali, also known as Eurycoma longifolia, is a herb that has been used in traditional medicine in Southeast Asia for centuries, most notably in Malaysia and Indonesia. It is thought to have a variety of health benefits, including increased energy, improved sexual performance, and improved mood. Tongkat Ali is known as "Malaysian Ginseng" because of its adaptogenic properties, which help the body cope with stress.
How it works
Tongkat Ali contains a number of bioactive compounds that contribute to its medicinal properties. One of the key compounds is eurycomanone, which has been shown to stimulate the production of neurotransmitters in the brain such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters play an important role in mood and emotion regulation. Dopamine is associated with feelings of pleasure and reward, whereas serotonin is involved in mood and anxiety regulation. Norepinephrine, on the other hand, participates in the body's fight or flight response and aids in stress regulation.
Tongkat Ali is also high in quassinoids, which are bitter compounds with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Quassinoids have been shown to lower cortisol levels, a hormone released in response to stress. Cortisol levels that are too high can contribute to anxiety and depression symptoms, as well as weight gain, high blood pressure, and a weakened immune system.
Furthermore, Tongkat Ali has adaptogenic properties, which means it helps the body cope with stress. Adaptogens work by regulating the body's stress response system, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. When the HPA axis is activated, cortisol and other stress hormones are released. Adaptogens help to regulate the HPA axis by lowering cortisol and other stress hormones.
Tongkat Ali's bioactive compounds work together to regulate neurotransmitter production, lower cortisol levels, and regulate the body's stress response system. Tongkat Ali can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety while also improving overall mood and well-being.
Studies and Results
Several studies have been conducted to assess the efficacy of Tongkat Ali in the treatment of depression and anxiety. One of the most well-known studies involved 63 people with moderate stress levels in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 2013. For four weeks, the participants were given either 200 mg of Tongkat Ali extract or a placebo. When compared to the placebo group, the group that received Tongkat Ali showed a significant reduction in cortisol levels, as well as a significant improvement in mood and reduction in anxiety symptoms.
Another 2019 study, which included 32 healthy elderly people, discovered that Tongkat Ali supplementation improved their mood and cognitive function. For six weeks, the participants were given 400 mg of Tongkat Ali extract or a placebo. When compared to the placebo group, the group that received Tongkat Ali showed significant improvement in mood and cognitive function at the end of the study.
Other studies have yielded promising results as well. For example, a 2015 study discovered that Tongkat Ali extract reduced anxiety symptoms in rats. Another study published in 2017 discovered that Tongkat Ali extract reduced depression symptoms in mice.
While the findings of these studies are encouraging, more research is needed to confirm Tongkat Ali's effectiveness in treating depression and anxiety in humans. However, preliminary research suggests that Tongkat Ali may be a safe and effective natural remedy for treating depression and anxiety symptoms.
It is important to note that Tongkat Ali may not be effective for everyone and should not be used in place of professional medical treatment. Before beginning any new supplement regimen, people who are experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety should consult with a healthcare professional.
Overall, the available research suggests that Tongkat Ali may be a safe and effective natural remedy for mood enhancement and the relief of depression and anxiety symptoms. More research is needed, however, to confirm these findings and determine the best dosage and duration of treatment.
Recommended Dosage
The recommended dosage of Tongkat Ali varies depending on the individual and the condition being treated. In general, a dose of 200-300mg of Tongkat Ali extract per day is recommended for improving mood and reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.
Conclusion
Tongkat Ali is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been used for centuries to treat a wide range of health issues, including mood disorders. Its bioactive compounds work by stimulating neurotransmitter production in the brain and decreasing cortisol levels, which can contribute to anxiety and depression symptoms. Tongkat Ali supplementation has been shown in studies to significantly improve mood and cognitive function, making it a promising natural solution for those looking to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.
References
Talbott, S. M., & Talbott, J. A. (2013). Effect of Tongkat Ali on stress hormones and psychological mood state in moderately stressed subjects. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 10(1), 28.
George, A., & Henkel, R. (2019). Phytoandrogenic properties of Eurycoma longifolia as a natural alternative to testosterone replacement therapy. Andrologia, 51(12), e13466.
Low, B. S., Choi, S. B., & Abdul Wahab, H. (2013). Chapter 7—Eurycoma longifolia Jack in managing idiopathic male infertility. In Benzie, I. F. F., & Wachtel-Galor, S. (Eds.). Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis.