What are the benefits of Tongkat Ali?

Tongkat Ali may increase free testosterone, libido, sexual function, energy, and vitality, though effects vary. 1 2

• Free testosterone: It may increase free testosterone by lowering sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), though SHBG changes are not consistent across studies. A physician also describes increases in total and free testosterone, including for people whose SHBG is normal. 3 4
• Libido and sexual function: Reports and studies suggest benefits for libido and sexual function, and effects may be more noticeable in people starting with lower hormone levels. 5 6
• Dose and timing: Commonly discussed amounts include 200–600 mg daily; 400 mg early in the day is one recommendation because it can be mildly stimulating and may interfere with sleep if taken late. 7 8
• Other hormones: It is not described as directly affecting thyroid or growth-hormone pathways, though changes in androgens or estrogen can indirectly shift thyroid-hormone binding. 9
• Cycling and time course: Cycling is generally described as unnecessary by some speakers; effects, including libido-related effects, may build over time. 10 11

Overall, the potential benefits are modest and variable, and individual response can differ. 12