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Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Herba Tongkat Ali

Eurycoma longifolia

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Eurycoma longifolia
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Sapindales
Family: Simaroubaceae
Genus: Eurycoma
Species: E. longifolia
Binomial name
Eurycoma longifolia
Jack[1]

Eurycoma longifolia (a.k.a. tongkat ali or pasak bumi) is a flowering plant in the family Simaroubaceae, native to Indonesia and Malaysia.

[edit] Growth

Eurycoma longifolia is a small everred treelet growing to 15 m (49 ft) tall, with spirally arranged, pinnate leaves 20-40 cm (8-16 inches) long with 13-41 leaflets. The flowers are dioecious, with male and female flowers on different trees; they are produced in large panicles, each flower with 5-6 very small petals. The fruit is green ripening dark red, 1-2 cm long and 0.5-1 cm broad.

[edit] Uses

Eurycoma longifolia has become popular for its alleged testosterone-enhancing properties[2]. Tongkat Ali is typically sold as an Herbal Viagra under various trade names. This is a drug used to treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial It has therefore been included in some herbal supplements for bodybuilders. Historically, South East Asia has utilised the herb for its suggested antimalarial[3], antibacterial activity[4], antipyretic, antiulcer, antitumor[5], cytotoxic, and aphrodisiac properties. In an experiment conducted on male rats, it was found that eurycoma longifolia increases the sperm count and plasma testosterone of the rats.[6]

Some scientific studies suggest that it enhances sexual characteristics and performance in animals.[7][8][9] However, most of these studies were conducted by the same researchers, so more research is needed.

In other studies, fractions of Eurycoma longifolia extract have been shown to induce apoptosis in breast-cancer cells[10] and to be cytotoxic to lung-cancer cells.[11]

A 2003 study by researchers in the Department of Exercise Physiology at the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, the abstract of which was presented in the British Journal of Sports Medicine in a section listing research to be presented at an upcoming conference, reported results that Eurycoma longifolia caused increased muscle strength and size when compared to a placebo.[12]

Other laboratory animal tests have produced positive indications, with one extract having been observed to increase sexual activity in mature rats, including arousal, sniffing, and mounting behavior. These tests were performed on a specifically isolated bioactive fraction extract, which has since been co-patented by the Government of Malaysia and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T.). U.S. patent #7,132,117 was granted December 12, 2003.[13]

Tongkat ali is sold in various extract ratios, with 1:20, 1:50, 1:100, and 1:200 being commonly claimed. Fake Tongkat Ali products have been pulled off the shelves in several countries but are still sold over the Internet. It is recommended that buyers request from Internet vendors some kind of information on the facilities where a product has been manufactured.

Traditionally Tongkat Ali is extracted with water and not ethanol. However, the use of selling Tongkat Ali extract based on extraction ratio may be confusing and is not easily verifiable. Thus professional manufacturers are now standardizing their extract based on the active ingredient level, not the non-verifiable ratio method that is open to abuse. The commonly used standard/marker is the Glycosaponin content (35-45% glycosaponin in a pure extract) and eurycomanone (>2%).

Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma Longifolia)
Tongkat Ali (Radix Eurycoma Longifolia ) or also called 'Long Jack'
originated from the Borneo Tropical Forests. The medicinal benefits are
primarily found and used in the root. It has a bitter taste but the nutrients it
contains are excellent for normalizing blood pressure, treats arthritis,
quells dysentery, jaundice, alleviates fever, skin itchiness, external
haemorrhages, headaches, and impotence.
Tongkat Ali is also beneficial to the kidneys by cleanses the kidney from
toxins and boosting its function. By the same time, it also rejuvenates manly
prowess. Long term usage of this herb may be effective in treating
hypertension, diabetes and uric acid. That is why this herb had gained its
popularity and highly valued among Malaysians.
For decades, the indigenous populations of South East Asia have been using
Eurycoma longifolia for its high medicinal value. How the concoction
worked for them is difficult to explain, but many swear by its close to
supernatural benefits. In Malaysia, the plant is better known as "Tongkat Ali"
which literally means "Ali's walking stick or staff".
Eurycoma Longifolia known locally as Tongkat Ali owes its popularity for its
aphrodisiac clamis. The root of this plant is used as one of the main
ingredients in preparing jamu and tonic as health preparations used in Malay
traditional medicine and it is sometimes referred to as the 'Malaysian
Ginseng'. The water extract of Eurycoma Longifolia is believed to increase
male vitality.
Uses in traditional medicine
The plant is traditionally used as a general tonic, after childbirth tonic,
aphrodisiac, antidotal, antihypertensive, antipyretic, antituberculotic,
antivenous, vermifuge and febrifuge.
It is also used to relieve pains in the bone and itches and to treat jaundice,
dropsy, cachexia, fever, diarrhoea, indigestion, lumbago and dysentery.
The tongkat ali roots are well known among various ethnic groups for treating
disease and enchancing health.
Pharmacology
The plant is reported to have antihistaminic, antimalarial, antitumour
(quassinoids), antiulcer (pasakbumin A and B), antiviral and cytotoxic
properties. Biological studies have shown that the butanol, chloroform,
methanol and water extracts of root have antimalarial and aphrodisiac
properties. The roots of Eurycoma longifolia were shown to have cytotoxic
activity. Ethanol extract from leaves of tongkat ali was shown to contain
potent plant-growth inhibitory constituents. Chloroform and water extracts of
roots showed antipyretic activity.
Towards commercial production
This plant has long captured the local market and currently there are about
200 tongkat ali products; most of them focussing and empasising on its
aphrodisiac properties. Tongkat ali is also used in other herbal products
for treating arthritis, rheumatism, flatulence and as an herbal tonic.
Commercial production of tongkat ali is still in its infancy stage and most
of the raw materials used in herbal preparation are collected from the
wild.
Scientific Research
As early as 1968, scientific research was conducted on Eurycoma longifolia
(Tongkat Ali). At that time, the scientist were looking for natural chemical and
have identified the following phytochemical components extractable into
the organic solvents, such as methanol, dichloromethane or chloroform :
stigmasterol, quassinoid, dihydroxyeurycomanone, etc.
The water-soluble extract contains mainly phenolic components, tannins,
high molecular weight polysaccharide, glycoprotein and mucopolysacharides.
It is believed that these water-soluble components are biologically active in
rendering some of the observed properties. Currently, these components are
characterized and intensive studies on the properties of these components
are being vigorously examined by Malaysian, Japanese and American scientists.
Boost your energy by 60%
The effects of Tongkat Ali in increasing body strength and vitality is different
compared other types of aphrodisiac. Traditionally used by the Orang Asli
and Malaysians as a tonic enhance body endurance, stamina and vitality.
This tonic is also highly valued among people from other South-East Asian
countries like Vietnam and Indonesia for its medical value.
* Latest scientific researches had proven this believe.
* Energy in our body is stored in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate),
high energy molecules that are used to perform energetic activities. Animal
studies have shown that Tongkat Ali's water-solvent extract has the ability
to boost the production of ATP by 60% through oxidative phosphorylation.
For this reason, Tonglat Ali can be consumed to boost energy levels,
overcome fatigue and lethargy.
* Apart from elevating the energy system, Tongkat Ali is also seen to increase
individual's metabolic rate and enhance blood circulation. These factors
contribute to the thermogenic characteristics of Tongkat Ali. Thus, this
makes the body healthy and full of vitality.
Male Hormone : Testosterone
Testosterone is the most potent naturally occurring androgen in man. It is
probably the main factor that triggers off the aphrodisiac effect. Since the
testosterone level was found to increase in the presence of Eurycoma
longifolia , it does appear that this plant extract has an aphrodisiac property.
Facts Men Need To Know About Their Male Hormone : Testosterone
Function
Testosterone is the most important representative of the male sex hormones
collectively known as androgens produced by the gonads. Its secretion
stimulates the differentiation of the male reproductive tract in the embryo,
the decent of the testes into the scrotum, the further development of the
reproductive tract and penis during puberty and maturation of the sperm.
It is also responsible for the development of male secondary sex characteristics
such as moustache, beard enlargement of the larynx (deep voice) and
increase production of the sebaceous glands, all of which are associated
with masculine features. Testosterone also plays a role in the development
and maintenance of male libido (sexual desire) and sexual behavior.
Testosterone have other "non sexual" roles : it serves the important function
for protein biosynthesis in accelerating muscle build-up, increases the
formation of red blood cells, speeds up regeneration and recovery time after
illness or injury. It stimulates the entire metabolic activity especially in the
energy metabolic pathways and burning of body fat.
Testosterone Levels Decline with age
If you ask any elderly men about their endurance and sexual desire-the answer
would be non-affirmative. What is the cause ? Aging ? The answer is a definite
"Yes" ! But how is aging responsible for this syndrome ? The answer lies in
the testosterone level, which declines with age. Research shows that during
puberty, its level is peaking. Its level is at their lifetime zenith at the age of
25, and steadily decreases with age. Some clinical studies indicate that
generally on average, testosterone levels drop as much as 2% on yearly basis
after the age of thirty. The rate of decline is very much a factor of lifestyle.
Individuals who exercise regularly have a much slower rate of decline. This
is due to exercise to a certain extend stimulates the hormone secretion. A
more prominent decline was observed in individuals who are heavy smokers
and alcoholic.
The Risks of Low Testosterone Levels
Medical researches had indicated that low testosterone level can lead to :
1 Heart attack and Clogged Cardiac Muscles
2 Stroke and Blood Vessel disease
3 Decreased in fats metabolism
4 Accumulation of fats in the body
5 Alzheimer's disease
6 Osteoporosis and Hip Fracture
However you can prevent the declining levels of testosterone
To regain body strength and vitality.
Aphrodisiac Value
More that just an aphrodisiac !
Since 1994, different authorities have conducted various scientific experiments
on the aphrodisiac properties of Tongkat Ali. The School of Pharmaceutical
Science, University Science Malaysia reported that, in the tests conducted in
the laboratory, the extract of Tongkat Ali has an aphrodisiac effect in the
experiment on animals. It increased the number of times and length of the
sexual performance of the animal under study.
More reports about the biological properties of the water-soluble extract
were reported in : Prosiding Seminar Sebatian Kimia Semulajadi ke-13
FRIM 1997 ; 22nd Malaysian Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Society
Conference 1997 ; Prosiding Konvensyen Kebangsaan Tumbuhan Ubatan
FRIM 1995 ; Proceeding 19th Malaysian Biochemistry and Molecular
Biologyi Society Conference 1994 and some other publications.
Experiments carried out by a team of scientists in the University of Malaya
showed the water-soluble extracts from Tongkat Ali have the following
effects.
In-vitro tests on human testicular tissue homogenates showed Tongkat Ali
water-soluble extract increased the formation of testosterone
(male sex hormones) by 4.4 fold.
Studies conducted on animals showed significant changes in the male :
female ratio of the offspring, i.e.3:1 ratio in the treated group compared to
1 : 1 ratio in the untreated group.
Experiments conducted also showed that the water-soluble extract has the
ability to increase the sperm concentration, percentage of progressive sperm
and the mobility rate. The results obtained suggest that Tongkat Ali watersoluble
extract could increase the quality and quantity of the sperm, and
therefore, increase the fertility rate.
Tongkat Ali water-soluble extract has the potential of increasing fertility and
also helps increase the litter size.
Reference :
[ Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin 21 (2) 1998 153-155; Archives of
Pharmacal Research ( Seoul ), 20 (6). 1997 . 656-658 ; International Journal
of Pharmacognosy, 35 (2) .1997.144-46; Experimental Animals
(Tokyo), 46(4). 1997.287-90 ]
Adapted from The New Straits Times 28 JUNE 2004
Tongkat Ali and Pegaga Go International with Patent Awards
Tongkat Ali, a herb known to almost every adult in this country, may be the
choice of treatment for male infertility and sexual dysfunction by the French,
Mexicans or the Finns in a few years. Research on Tongkat Ali and another
common herb, pegaga, has resulted in three international patents for
Malaysia, including one that could eventually see extracts of these herbs in
pharmaceutical preparations abroad. The three inventions by the Malaysia-
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) team have been patented in
the United States, Europe, Japan and Malaysia, said Forest Research
Institute of Malaysia (FRIM) Director-General Datuk Dr Abdul Razak Mohd
Ali.
Tongkat Ali is highly valued among Malaysians as the Chineses valued the
Ginseng. Tongkat Ali is traditionally used as a general tonic to treat high
blood pressure, tuberculosis, fever, diarrhoea, jaundice and dysentery. It
is widely believed to have aphrodisiac properties. Pegaga is traditionally
used to treat high blood pressure, fever, toothaches and to improve memory.
In Kelantan, it is used to treat malaria.
Patents procured under the programme cover :
* The process of isolating aceatic acid from pegaga (Malaysian patent# : PI
20003987). Initial studies have shown the acid to be effective in inhibiting
cell proliferation, in particular, cancer cells.
* The bioactive fraction of Eurycoma longifolia (Malaysian patent PI
20003988). Trials have shown the bioactive fraction to be suitable for the
treatment of male infertility and sexual dysfunction.
* The genetic markers for Eurycoma species (Malaysian patent PI 20031565).
This invention features methods of identifying which Tongkat Ali plants
have the desired characteristics. It can also be used to differentiate the
various Tongkat Alis in a country.
Scientists will also begin studying its anti-malarial and aphrodisiac properties
during this phase.