Evidence supporting the use of: Tongkat ali
For the body system: Cortisol

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Tongkat ali (Eurycoma longifolia) is a traditional herbal remedy from Southeast Asia, commonly used to enhance energy, libido, and stress resilience. In recent years, scientific studies have investigated its potential effects on the cortisol body system, specifically regarding stress and cortisol modulation. Several clinical trials and animal studies have demonstrated that tongkat ali supplementation can reduce perceived stress and lower salivary cortisol levels in humans. For instance, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the "Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition" (2013) found that daily supplementation with tongkat ali extract (200 mg) for four weeks significantly reduced cortisol exposure and improved mood in moderately stressed subjects. The proposed mechanism involves modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and enhancement of stress hormone balance.

However, while these results are promising, the number of high-quality human studies remains limited, and most clinical trials have small sample sizes. The evidence base is growing but is not yet robust enough to fully endorse tongkat ali solely for cortisol regulation. Further large-scale, long-term trials are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety.

In summary, the use of tongkat ali to support the cortisol body system has some scientific validation, particularly for stress reduction and cortisol modulation, but the overall evidence is moderate at present.

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