Tongkat ali (longjack): a Southeast Asian root in men's vitality formulas
Tongkat ali (Eurycoma longifolia) is a rainforest shrub from Southeast Asia. Its root is dried and extracted, and in Malaysia and Indonesia it has traditionally been used for male vitality. Traders also call it longjack.
Key takeaways
- Tongkat ali and longjack are two names for the same plant, Eurycoma longifolia.
- The root is the part used, traditionally for male vitality in Southeast Asia.
- RhinoxX and Longjack XXXL both list it among their confirmed ingredients.
- Plant extracts differ in strength, so check the label for the extract on the pack.
- Ask a GP or pharmacist first if you take blood-pressure, diabetes or hormone-related medicines.
What is tongkat ali, and why is it called longjack?
Tongkat ali is a slender tree that grows in the lowland rainforests of Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam. It can reach several metres, and the long, deep taproot is what people harvest.
The name tongkat ali is Malay and is often translated as Ali's walking stick. In Indonesia it is known as pasak bumi, meaning the nail of the earth. Exporters market it in English as longjack, which is why the same plant appears under two names on supplement labels.
Where does the root come from and how is it prepared?
Harvesters dig up roots from mature plants, clean them and slice or crush them. The pieces are dried and then simmered in water, as in traditional preparation, or extracted with water and alcohol on an industrial scale.
The resulting extract is concentrated into a powder that goes into capsules. Because producers use different roots, ages and extraction methods, extract strengths vary. That is why the printed list on the pack is the reliable guide to what is inside.
- Native range: Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam
- Part used: the root
- Typical forms: dried root, tea, powdered extract in capsules
- Other names: longjack, pasak bumi
What is tongkat ali traditionally used for?
In Southeast Asian folk tradition, tongkat ali root has been prepared as a tonic for men, associated with vitality, stamina and a sense of well-being. Families passed the knowledge down through generations of local healers and herbalists.
That is the extent of what we say here. Traditional use tells you why the plant became popular. It does not tell you what any capsule will do for you.
RhinoxX is described by the seller as a daily capsule that supports male vitality and urinary comfort for men over 45. Longjack XXXL is a five-plant formula for adult men. Tongkat ali appears in both.
Which Mzansi Hub products contain tongkat ali?
Two of the six supplements on the shelf name it. RhinoxX lists tongkat ali extract as its named ingredient. Longjack XXXL lists it in brackets as longjack, alongside maca, fenugreek, Siberian ginseng and horny goat weed.
The seller's directions differ between the two, so follow the pack that lands in your hands. The adviser on the order call can read the complete list with amounts.
Who should check with a GP or pharmacist before trying tongkat ali?
Please speak to a professional first if you take blood-pressure or heart medicines, diabetes medicines, blood thinners or any hormone-related treatment. Plant extracts can interact with long-term medicines.
Men who have a prostate check, a hormone-sensitive condition, or a planned operation should mention the capsule to their doctor. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and anyone under eighteen, should leave it out.
Frequently asked questions
Are tongkat ali and longjack the same thing?
Yes. Longjack is the English trade name for tongkat ali, whose botanical name is Eurycoma longifolia.
What part of the plant is used?
The root. It is dried and extracted, then concentrated into powder for capsules.
Is tongkat ali only for men?
Traditional use focuses on men, and the two Mzansi Hub products that contain it are made for adult men. If you are a woman considering it, speak to a GP first.
Can I take tongkat ali with blood-pressure tablets?
Ask your pharmacist or GP before you combine them. Show them the pack so they can check the full ingredient list.
Why do capsules from different brands differ in strength?
Roots, extraction methods and concentration ratios differ between producers. Read the pack for the extract listed and the directions for use.
