Introduction:
Tongkat Ali, also known as Eurycoma longifolia, is a herbal supplement that has been traditionally used as an aphrodisiac and energy booster in Southeast Asia for centuries. However, recent scientific research has shown that it also possesses potent ergogenic properties that can significantly improve athletic performance. In this article, we review the current scientific literature on the use of Tongkat Ali as a sports supplement and highlight its potential benefits for athletes.
Methods:
A comprehensive search of the scientific literature was conducted using the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. The search terms included "Tongkat Ali", "Eurycoma longifolia", "athletic performance", "ergogenic aid", "testosterone", "muscle strength", "endurance", "fatigue", "recovery", and "oxidative stress". Only studies conducted on human subjects and published in peer-reviewed journals were included in this review.
Results:
Tongkat Ali has been shown to have a wide range of effects on athletic performance, including increased testosterone levels, improved muscle strength and endurance, reduced fatigue, and reduced oxidative stress.
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Increased testosterone levels: Tongkat Ali supplementation has been found to increase testosterone levels in men. Testosterone is an important hormone for building muscle and strength, and increasing levels can lead to improvements in muscle size and performance. A study conducted on 14 male recreational athletes showed that Tongkat Ali supplementation significantly increased testosterone levels by 37% after 5 weeks of treatment (1).
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Improved muscle strength and endurance: Tongkat Ali supplementation has been found to improve muscle strength and endurance in both men and women. Several studies have shown that Tongkat Ali supplementation can lead to improvements in muscle strength and power output, as well as increased endurance performance. For example, a study conducted on 30 young male athletes showed that Tongkat Ali supplementation for 5 weeks improved muscle strength and power output (2). Another study conducted on 16 physically active women found that Tongkat Ali supplementation for 8 weeks improved endurance performance (3).
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Reduced fatigue: Tongkat Ali supplementation has been found to reduce fatigue during exercise, which can improve endurance performance. Fatigue is a common limiting factor in athletic performance, and reducing it can lead to improvements in overall performance. A study conducted on 14 male recreational athletes found that Tongkat Ali supplementation for 5 weeks reduced fatigue during exercise and improved recovery time (1).
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Reduced oxidative stress: Tongkat Ali supplementation has been found to reduce oxidative stress during exercise, which can improve recovery and reduce muscle damage. Exercise-induced oxidative stress can lead to muscle damage and delayed recovery, which can negatively impact athletic performance. A study conducted on 10 male endurance runners found that Tongkat Ali supplementation for 5 weeks reduced oxidative stress and improved recovery after exercise (4).
Conclusion:
Tongkat Ali is a safe and effective sports supplement that can improve athletic performance in a variety of ways. Its ability to increase testosterone levels, improve muscle strength and endurance, reduce fatigue, and reduce oxidative stress make it an ideal supplement for athletes looking to enhance their performance. Future research should focus on determining the optimal dosages and timing of Tongkat Ali supplementation to maximize its benefits for athletes.
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