Researchers, professionals, and users go on about how safe it is to use Tongkat ali, but does that mean there are no risks? Studies and reports have indicated that taking the supplement does not seem to have negative side effects; so….does that mean anyone take it?

The short answer is no, not everyone should take Tongkat ali. To answer the question, let’s think about the effect it has on our bodies. Studies indicate that testosterone is enhanced after taking the supplement and while this may be advantageous to some, it may be harmful to others. For example, women who have high levels of testosterone oftentimes find it difficult to get pregnant and/ or carry a baby to term.

So obviously if you are pregnant, may become pregnant or are nursing you should not take this supplement. Children should also not take this supplement.

Click here to learn more about the effect tongkat ali has on testosterone.

Men with breast or prostate cancer are also advised against using it. Long term use of testosterone – for example, when undergoing hormonal replacement therapy for either androgen-deficient osteoporosis (a major cause of osteoporosis in men is caused by testosterone deficiency) or hypogonadism, is potentially carcinogenic [1]. It is thus been advised for men in these categories refrain from use.

On a side note, however…

Another article in the same journal (June 2012) states,

As mentioned in the side notes above, traditional testosterone replacement therapy has many unwanted side effects, where Tongkat ali seems to have little to none. If Tongkat ali can be used in place of TRT to treat certain conditions (ex. osteoporosis or hypogonadism) the possibilities for this supplement are tremendous to say the least.

Now however, let’s get back to any risks – other health conditions that have been advised against taking this supplement are individuals with diabetes mellitus, heart, kidney or liver disease, and sleep apnea. Also anyone who takes immuno-suppressant drugs are advised against taking the supplement (it is possible that increased testosterone may impede the immune system).

In addition to the possibility of changing the bioavailability of other medications, there may be other conditions that should avoid tongkat ali. Therefore, make sure to always consult with your doctor before taking any supplements or medications.

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[1] Ariff A, Soelaiman I, Pramanik J, Shuid A, “Effects of Eurycoma longifolia on Testosterone Level and Bone Structure in an Aged Orchidectomised Rat Model,” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 2012, ID 818072, 2012.
[2] Effendy N, Mohamed N, Muhammad N, Mohamad I, Shuid A, “Eurycoma longifolia: Medicinal Plant in the Prevention and Treatment of Male Osteoporosis due to Androgen Deficiency,” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 2012, ID 125761, 2012.