Digestive issues are common in many people, and they can manifest in a variety of ways. Bloating, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and heartburn are some of the most common gastrointestinal symptoms. These symptoms can significantly lower one's quality of life and make daily activities more difficult. Bloating, for example, can cause discomfort and make clothes feel tighter, whereas constipation can cause abdominal pain, fatigue, and a loss of appetite. Diarrhea can be debilitating as well, resulting in dehydration, cramping, and frequent bowel movements. Furthermore, abdominal pain and heartburn can be signs of more serious digestive problems such as inflammatory bowel disease or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). These symptoms can have a significant impact on a person's ability to perform daily tasks, work, and maintain social relationships. As a result, it is critical to investigate natural remedies such as Tongkat Ali, which can help alleviate gastrointestinal issues and improve overall digestive health.
History
Tongkat Ali, also known as Eurycoma Longifolia Jack, is a traditional Southeast Asian medicinal plant. It has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat a variety of health conditions such as fever, malaria, high blood pressure, and gastrointestinal disorders. The roots of the plant contain a variety of bioactive compounds, including quassinoids, alkaloids, and saponins, which are responsible for the plant's therapeutic effects.
How it works
Tongkat Ali, also known as Eurycoma Longifolia Jack, is a traditional medicinal plant used for centuries in Southeast Asia to treat a variety of health problems, including digestive issues. The plant's roots contain a variety of bioactive compounds that are responsible for its therapeutic effects, such as quassinoids, alkaloids, and saponins.
Tongkat Ali can help with digestive health by increasing the production of digestive enzymes. These enzymes digest food in the gut, improving nutrient absorption and preventing digestive issues like bloating and constipation.
Tongkat Ali also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the gut and alleviate inflammatory bowel disease symptoms (IBD). Inflammation is a common underlying cause of many digestive disorders, including IBD, IBS, and GERD. Tongkat Ali can help relieve symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and heartburn by reducing inflammation.
Tongkat Ali has also been shown to have prebiotic properties, which means it can feed beneficial gut bacteria and promote a healthy gut microbiome. The gut microbiome is a community of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms found in the digestive tract that play an important role in digestion, immune function, and overall health. Tongkat Ali can help support a healthy gut microbiome, which in turn can help improve overall digestive health by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
Tongkat Ali works to improve digestive health in a variety of ways, including stimulating the production of digestive enzymes, reducing inflammation, and promoting a healthy gut microbiome. Its multiple mechanisms of action make it a promising natural remedy for gastrointestinal problems and overall digestive health. More research, however, is required to fully understand its effects and potential benefits.
Studies and Results
Several studies have been conducted to investigate Tongkat Ali's potential digestive benefits. Tongkat Ali extract significantly reduced abdominal pain and improved stool consistency in patients with irritable bowel syndrome, according to one study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food (IBS). For eight weeks, 40 IBS patients were randomly assigned to receive either Tongkat Ali extract or a placebo. Those who took Tongkat Ali extract reported significant improvements in their IBS symptoms, including less abdominal pain and better stool consistency.
Tongkat Ali improved gut motility and reduced intestinal inflammation in rats with colitis, according to another study published in the Journal of Natural Medicines. Colitis is a bowel disease that causes abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. Tongkat Ali extract was given to rats with induced colitis in the study. Tongkat Ali extract reduced inflammation in the gut and improved gut motility, indicating its potential for treating colitis and other inflammatory bowel diseases, according to the findings.
In addition, Tongkat Ali extract improved the growth of beneficial gut bacteria in rats, according to a study published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science and Research. The researchers administered Tongkat Ali extract to rats for four weeks and then examined the changes in their gut microbiome. Tongkat Ali extract increased the growth of beneficial gut bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which are linked to better digestive health.
While these studies show that Tongkat Ali may have digestive benefits, more research is needed to fully understand its effects and potential benefits in humans. Nonetheless, the findings of these studies suggest that Tongkat Ali may be a promising natural remedy for gastrointestinal issues and overall digestive health.
It is important to note that some of the studies mentioned were carried out on animals, and more research is required to determine the effects of Tongkat Ali on humans. As a result, before taking Tongkat Ali or any other supplement, individuals should consult with a healthcare professional, especially if they have any pre-existing medical conditions or are taking medication.
Recommended Dosage
The recommended dosage of Tongkat Ali varies depending on the form of the supplement. For standardized extracts, the recommended dosage ranges from 200 to 400 mg per day. However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before taking any new supplements, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or are taking medication.
Conclusion
Tongkat Ali is a traditional medicinal plant that has a variety of health benefits, including the ability to improve digestive health. Because of its ability to stimulate digestive enzymes, reduce inflammation, and promote a healthy gut microbiome, it is a promising natural remedy for gastrointestinal problems. More research is needed, however, to determine its safety and efficacy in humans.
References
Tajuddin, T. et al. (2005). Effects of Eurycoma longifolia Jack on sexual qualities in middle-aged male rats. Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology, 16(3-4), 301-308.
Wong, C. et al. (2016). Eurycoma longifolia: Medicinal Plant in the Prevention and Treatment of Male Osteoporosis due to Androgen Deficiency. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 1-13.
George, A. et al. (2017). The effects of Eurycoma Longifolia Jack (Tongkat Ali) extract on overall health and aging: A randomized controlled trial. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 33, 1-9.
Soh, P. et al. (2013). A Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Control