Tongkat Ali, scientifically known as *Eurycoma longifolia*, is a flowering plant in the Simaroubaceae family native to Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. It is also commonly referred to as Longjack. Traditionally, various parts of the plant, particularly the root, have been used in folk medicine for a range of purposes, including as an aphrodisiac, antimalarial, and antipyretic. In contemporary use, Tongkat Ali is most often found as a dietary supplement, primarily marketed for its potential to support male vigor, athletic performance, and stress management. The active compounds believed to be responsible for its effects are a group of quassinoids, including eurycomanone, eurycolactone, and eurycomalactone, along with various alkaloids and bioactive steroids. Extracts are typically standardized to these key quassinoids or to a specific ratio of extraction (e.g., 100:1 or 200:1). Its growing popularity has led to increased scientific interest, with studies exploring its biological activities, although comprehensive human clinical trials are still emerging (PubChem, Examine.com).
Deep dive
Tap a section to expand.
Known interactions
Category rule: glp1 × supplement
Note
GLP-1 medications slow stomach emptying, changing how/when oral supplements absorb; rapid weight loss raises the importance of protein and micronutrients.
Time oral supplements when nausea is lowest; prioritize protein and micronutrients; discuss with your provider.
Category rule: supplement × medication
Note
Some supplements change how the body processes medications (absorption, liver enzymes, or additive effects).
Specific pairs are checked against a licensed drug database and shown with their own severity. Always confirm with your provider or pharmacist.
Frequently asked
Sources referenced
["PubChem","Examine.com","DrugBank","NIH Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS)","Mayo Clinic","Cochrane Library"]
Stackwise compiles summaries from publicly available scientific and regulatory references. Always verify important decisions with a licensed clinician.
Related compounds
Others in the supplement category or studied for the same goals.