Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia)

Tongkat Ali (scientific name Eurycoma longifolia Jack) is a fast‑growing tropical shrub native to Southeast Asia. Its root has been used for centuries as a traditional “adaptogen” and male‑health tonic. Modern research focuses on its capacity to modulate endocrine function, especially testosterone production, and to support physical performance and stress resilience.

• Active Compound: The principal active compound, eurycomanone, is a quassinoid with the formula C₂₀H₂₈O₈ (M.W. 376.44 g/mol).
• IUPAC Name: (2R,3R,4R,5S,6R,7S,8S,9S,10R,11R,12R,13R,14S,15S,16S,17R)-2,5,7‑trihydroxy‑3‑acetyl‑11‑(2‑hydroxy‑3‑methyl‑but-1‑enyl)‑13‑methoxy‑3,4‑dihydro‑2,5‑dihydroxy‑6‑[2‑(2‑hydroxy‑3‑methyl‑but‑1‑enyl)‑3‑hydroxy‑1‑oxopropyl]‑7,12‑dihydroxy‑13‑oxobicyclo[13.2.0]‑pentadecane‑6‑yl acetate.
• Structure: It contains a furan‑type ring, multiple hydroxyl groups, and a lactone‑like carbonyl, giving it moderate lipophilicity (logP ≈ 2.8).
• Antioxidant Activity: The C‑20 quinone‑type structure confers strong antioxidant activity.
• Extract Quantification: Standardized extracts are typically quantified by high‑performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to ensure ≥ 20 % eurycomanone content.

• Cultivation: Eurycoma longifolia is cultivated mainly in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.
• Harvesting: Mature roots (≥ 5 years) are harvested.
• Sustainable Sourcing: Sustainable sourcing involves controlled‑growth plantations to avoid over‑harvesting wild populations.
• Extraction Methods: Extraction commonly employs 70 % ethanol or water‑ethanol mixtures followed by spray‑drying to produce a powdered extract; supercritical CO₂ extraction is emerging for higher purity.
• Quality Control: Quality control standards include HPLC‑based quantification of eurycomanone, absence of heavy metals (< 10 ppm lead), and microbial limits (≤ 10⁴ CFU/g).
• Certifications: Certified organic or GMP‑certified manufacturers are preferred to minimize pesticide residues.
• Batch Consistency: Batch‑to‑batch consistency is crucial; look for third‑party testing (e.g., USP, NSF) on label claims.