Tongkat Ali for testosterone and stress support in men and women

Many adults in midlife and beyond are not overtly unwell, yet commonly report fatigue, reduced wellbeing and a gradual decline in energy, motivation, clarity and resilience.

The issue is less about disease and more about a steady erosion of day-to-day performance. This is particularly relevant in individuals aged 40 and above, where cumulative stress and physiological changes begin to converge.^1-2

This has led to growing interest in approaches that support the body’s ability to adapt, regulate and maintain balance over time. Within this context, clinically validated botanical ingredients are gaining attention, particularly those that influence both stress response and hormonal equilibrium.

Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) is one such botanical. Its use in Southeast Asian traditional practice spans both men and women, where it has long been consumed as a decoction to support general vitality and wellbeing. Modern research is now translating this traditional use into measurable outcomes, supported by standardised extracts such as Physta® Tongkat Ali.

Tongkat Ali is where adaptogen meets testosterone optimisation

Testosterone beyond conventional narratives

Testosterone is often discussed primarily in relation to male physiology. However, it is present and biologically active in both men and women, where it contributes to normal physiological function.³

In women, testosterone is present at lower concentrations, but remains functionally relevant, particularly in areas such as sexual wellbeing and overall physiological balance.³ Changes in hormonal status with age may be associated with broader shifts in how individuals experience energy, physical capacity and overall wellbeing.

Clinical research on Physta Tongkat Ali Eurycoma longifolia extract has shown its ability to support testosterone levels within physiological ranges, rather than driving excessive elevation. In ageing populations, including women, supplementation has been associated with improvements in strength and functional capacity.⁴

These observations are further supported by controlled human data. In one study involving older adults, supplementation was associated with increases in total testosterone of 15.1% in men and 48.6% in women, alongside increases in free testosterone of 61.1% and 122%, respectively.⁴

These changes remained within normal physiological ranges and were accompanied by improvements in muscular strength in both men and women.

Taken together, these findings support the concept of hormonal optimisation as maintaining balance within normal physiological limits, while broadening the understanding of Tongkat Ali beyond its traditional perception as a male-focused herb.

Adaptogenic support and stress regulation

Alongside hormonal balance, stress regulation plays a central role in how energy and performance are experienced.

Cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, has been shown to influence mood, fatigue and cognitive function. Dysregulation of cortisol is associated with variability in energy levels and mental performance.^5-6

In a placebo-controlled human study, supplementation with Physta Tongkat Ali Eurycoma longifolia extract was associated with a reduction in cortisol levels of approximately 16%, together with improvements in mood parameters such as tension, anger and confusion.⁷

These findings position Tongkat Ali within the broader category of adaptogenic ingredients, supporting the body’s ability to respond to stress in a more balanced and regulated manner.

Convergence of hormonal and stress pathways

The interaction between hormonal balance and stress physiology is increasingly recognised.

Chronic stress has been shown to influence neuroendocrine function while also affecting cognitive and emotional processes.⁶ These interconnected pathways help to explain why changes in stress regulation may also influence broader aspects of daily function.

In this context, ingredients that influence both stress response and hormonal status may offer a more integrated approach to supporting overall performance and wellbeing.

From physiological effects to quality of life

In a randomized, placebo-controlled study involving women aged 40 to 55, supplementation using Physta Tongkat Ali Eurycoma longifolia extract was associated with a 33.9% reduction in Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) scores over 12 weeks, alongside improvements in mood, fatigue and physical well-being.⁸

These findings reflect changes across multiple domains and provide a useful framework for understanding how physiological effects translate into lived experience.

This application has also been described in intellectual property, including US11058737B2, which relates to the use of Tongkat Ali extract in supporting quality of life and wellbeing parameters in women.

Tongkat Ali adaptogen optimises testosterone

A more focused approach to positioning

Tongkat Ali has been studied across multiple outcomes, including stress, hormonal balance, physical performance and immune response. While this breadth is informative, clarity in positioning remains important.

In the context of performance health, many individuals are not overtly unwell, yet experience gradual declines in energy, resilience and day-to-day function. Addressing this “in-between” state requires a more integrated approach rather than isolated benefits.

Anchoring around stress regulation and hormonal balance provides a clear and relevant entry point. These systems influence how energy, mood, recovery and overall performance are experienced, with broader outcomes such as vitality and quality of life emerging as natural extensions.

Interest in hormonal health is also increasing, including awareness of clinical interventions such as testosterone replacement therapy in defined cases. Alongside this, there is growing demand for approaches that support hormonal balance within normal physiological ranges. In this context, ingredients that work through modulation rather than replacement offer a complementary perspective.

For consumers in midlife seeking to maintain performance and wellbeing, this type of positioning may be more meaningful than single-issue solutions.

Supporting performance health across men and women

The role of botanical ingredients is evolving alongside consumer expectations, as the focus shifts from treatment toward sustained performance and quality of life.

For Tongkat Ali, the combination of clinical evidence and emerging applications highlight its relevance in addressing the gap between clinical health and lived experience. Its effects across stress adaptation and hormonal balance support a more integrated approach to daily function.

As interest in hormonal health continues to expand, spanning both clinical and lifestyle approaches, clarity and evidence-based positioning will be increasingly important.

In this context, Tongkat Ali may be seen not simply as a traditional botanical, but as part of a broader framework for supporting performance health across both men and women.

References