Quick answer
Tongkat ali (Eurycoma longifolia) is a Southeast Asian root. In human trials, 200 mg a day of a standardized water extract for 4 weeks was linked to lower cortisol and higher testosterone in moderately stressed adults compared with placebo, and a 2022 meta-analysis found it improved total testosterone in men.* Man Greens contains 200 mg of standardized tongkat ali per scoop, the same daily amount used in the stress trial.
What is tongkat ali?
Tongkat ali, also called longjack, is a shrub native to Malaysia and Indonesia. The root has been used in traditional medicine for energy and male vitality. Extracts used in research are usually standardized hot-water extracts, which matters: raw root powder and unstandardized extracts aren't comparable to the studied products.
What the research shows
| Study | Who | Dose | Length | Finding vs placebo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Talbott et al., 2013 | 63 moderately stressed adults (men and women) | 200 mg/day | 4 weeks | Cortisol about 16% lower and testosterone about 37% higher; better mood scores |
| Henkel et al., 2014 | 25 physically active adults aged 57 to 72 | 400 mg/day | 5 weeks | Higher total and free testosterone; better grip strength |
| Leisegang et al., 2022 (meta-analysis) | Pooled clinical trials in men | Various | Various | Significant improvement in total testosterone, larger in men with lower starting levels |
These studies were small and short, and they tested tongkat ali on its own, not Man Greens. Results vary from person to person.
Man Greens dose vs studied dose
Man Greens provides 200 mg of standardized tongkat ali extract per scoop. That matches the daily dose in Talbott 2013. Henkel 2014 used twice that amount.
Safety
Tongkat ali was well tolerated in these short trials. Long-term safety data is limited. Talk to your doctor before using it if you take prescription medication (one study found it reduced absorption of the blood pressure drug propranolol), have a hormone-sensitive condition, or have heart, liver or kidney disease.
FAQ
How much tongkat ali should you take?
The most-cited human trials used 200 to 400 mg a day of a standardized extract.
Does tongkat ali raise testosterone?
Several small trials and a 2022 meta-analysis found higher total testosterone with tongkat ali than placebo, especially in men with lower starting levels.* It is not a treatment for low testosterone. If you think your levels are low, get bloodwork and see a doctor.
Tongkat ali vs ashwagandha: which is better for men?
They've been studied for different things. Tongkat ali research focuses on testosterone and cortisol; KSM-66 ashwagandha research focuses on stress and cortisol, with one trial in men measuring testosterone and strength. Man Greens includes both. See KSM-66 ashwagandha.
References
- Talbott SM, Talbott JA, George A, Pugh M. Effect of Tongkat Ali on stress hormones and psychological mood state in moderately stressed subjects. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2013;10:28.
- Henkel RR, Wang R, Bassett SH, et al. Tongkat Ali as a potential herbal supplement for physically active male and female seniors: a pilot study. Phytother Res. 2014;28(4):544-550.
- Leisegang K, Finelli R, Sikka S, Panner Selvam MK. Eurycoma longifolia (Jack) improves serum total testosterone in men: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. Medicina. 2022;58(8):1047.
Tongkat ali is one of 8 ingredients in Man Greens. See every dose on the ingredients and testing page.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.