Studies on Eurycoma
longifolia Jack
The traditional herb Eurycoma longifolia Jack (ELJ), widely
used in Southeast Asia for its many healing properties, is especially prized for its ability to
improve male potency and drive.[1],
[2]
Current research
demonstrates the particular promise of ELJ for supporting men’s health at
various life stages. This action appears, in part, to be due to ELJ’s unique
ability to support testosterone production.
Animal studies with ELJ
demonstrate its ability to enhance sex drive, performance and potency.[3],
[4],[5]
Rats supplemented with ELJ showed an intensified interest in receptive females
and an increased willingness to endure physical challenges to reach them. They
also exhibited more frequent mounting behaviors,[6]and
produced significantly larger litters.[7] PADAM and IIEF scores, two widely used
indicators of male sexual health, have both reportedly improved with ELJ
supplementation[8]
Strength and Conditioning
While
a link between testosterone levels and athletic performance has not been
established, the importance of
testosterone to nitrogen retention, anabolism, lean body mass and increased
size and strength is well recognized.[9]
Interest in maximizing muscle and strength remains high in the athletic
community, and ELJ may supply a safe
alternative to current practices.
As the key male hormone,
testosterone is well known for its role in reproductive health. Fewer people
are aware of its essential role in cardiovascular health, cognitive function,
insulin sensitivity and the maintenance of lean body mass and bone density. At
around age 30, testosterone levels begin a gradual decline that continues
throughout the life span.[10]
In part, this is due to increased production of sex hormone-binding globulin
(SHBG), a protein that binds testosterone, making it biologically unavailable.
This can result in a condition known as low testosterone syndrome, or andropause. Low testosterone syndrome is
associated with reduced sexual function, increased risk of cardiovascular
disease, reduced insulin sensitivity, cognitive decline, mood changes and bone
loss.[11]
Lean body mass may gradually be replaced with fat, culminating in sarcopenia,
an age-related condition characterized by the twin markers of obesity and
diminished muscular strength.[12]
One specific extract, LongJaX™, was administered to human subjects in two separate
studies. In first study, 800 mg/day of LongJaX™ showed testosterone increasing within two days, and
doubling in five.[13] The second longer-term study showed 400
mg/day increased testosterone over 30% at 21 days, and over 50% by day 50.[14]
With men in the U.S. turning
50 at the rate of one every 17 seconds,[15]
the ability of LongJaX™ to support healthy
testosterone levels may contribute significantly to this group’s ability to
lead healthy and productive lives.
ELJ has been consumed for
years as a traditional beverage in Southeast Asia. Eurycoma consumption is on
the increase, and today is widely enjoyed throughout the region in beverages,
foods, chocolates and other confections, as well as in dietary supplement form.
AIDP’s LongJaX™ is prepared with an exclusive solvent-free hot
water process that is similar to proven traditional brewing methods.
LongJaX™ has demonstrated lack of toxicity at more than 350
times the recommended dose.[16]
Persons with prostate cancer
should not take any substance, including Eurycoma, that elevates testosterone,
since testosterone can promote the growth of existing prostate cancer.[17]
Testosterone, however, does not cause prostate cancer.[18]
LongJaX™ is a trademark of AIDP, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
[1] Background
research , Research Programme NP1.2. The
Malaysia MIT Biotechnology Partnership Programme (MMBPP):
http://minihelix.mit.edu/malaysia/research/images/sub_title_text.gif
[2] Ang HH, Cheang HS. Effects of
Eurycoma longifolia jack on laevator ani muscle in both uncastrated and
testosterone-stimulated castrated intact male rats. Arch Pharm Res 2001
Oct;24(5):437-40
[3] Ang HH, Ngai TH. Aphrodisiac
evaluation in non-copulator male rats after chronic administration of Eurycoma
longifolia Jack. Fundam
Clin Pharmacol 2001 Aug;15(4):265-8.
[4] Ang HH, Cheang HS, Yusof AP.
Effects of Eurycoma longifolia Jack (Tongkat Ali) on the initiation of sexual
performance of inexperienced castrated male rats. Exp Anim 2000 Jan;49(1):35-8.
[5] Ang HH, Ikeda S, Gan EK.
Evaluation of the potency activity of aphrodisiac in Eurycoma longifolia Jack.
Phytother Res 2001 Aug;15(5):435-6.
[6] Tambi,
M.I.M., Eurycoma Longifolia Jack, Treasure of the Rainforest. Slide
Presentation, Malaysian Ministry of
Health: http://www.bpfk.gov.my/versibm/pdfworddownload/8.ppt
[7] Tambi
[8] Tambi
[9] Bhasin S,
Woodhouse L, Storer TW. Proof of the effect of testosterone on skeletal muscle.
J Endocrinol. 2001 Jul;170(1):27-38.
[10] Vermeulen
A. Diagnosis of partial androgen deficiency in the aging male. Ann Endocrinol
(Paris). 2003 Apr;64(2):109-14.
[11] Thompson
CA, Shanafelt TD, Loprinzi CL. Andropause: symptom management for prostate
cancer patients treated with hormonal ablation. Oncologist. 2003;8(5):474-87.
[12] Bhasin S.
Testosterone supplementation for aging-associated sarcopenia. J Gerontol A Biol
Sci Med Sci. 2003 Nov;58(11):1002-8.
[13] Data on file, AIDP, Inc.
[14] Data on file, AIDP, Inc.
[15] www.bbhq.com
[16] Data on file, AIDP, Inc.
[17] Denis LJ,
Griffiths K. Endocrine treatment in prostate cancer. Semin Surg Oncol. 2000
Jan-Feb;18(1):52-74.
[18] Stattin P, Lumme S, Tenkanen L,
Alfthan H, Jellum E, Hallmans G, Thoresen S, Hakulinen T, Luostarinen T,
Lehtinen M, Dillner J, Stenman UH,
Hakama M. High levels of circulating testosterone are not associated with
increased prostate cancer risk: A pooled prospective study. Int J Cancer. 2004
Jan 20;108(3):418-24.