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Botanical

Tongkat Ali

Tongkat ali is Eurycoma longifolia, a Southeast Asian tree whose root extracts are sold as supplements.

Also listed as Longjack, Malaysian Ginseng, Longjax, Cay Ba Binh

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What exactly concerned EFSA?

Positive cell tests and an oral rat study indicated genotoxic potential, particularly in tissues first exposed to the extract. This is a toxicology warning, not a demonstration that supplement users develop cancer; EFSA nevertheless could not establish safe use. 1

What other adverse effects matter?

Reported effects include nausea, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, headache and rash. LiverTox considers tongkat ali a possible rare cause of liver injury, while noting uncertainty from other exposures in reported cases. Long-term human safety is poorly documented. 2

Which practical safety questions remain open here?

This page does not establish a safe dose, a cycling schedule, pregnancy safety or a comprehensive medicine-interaction profile.

For information, not individual medical advice. Ingredient studies do not establish the effectiveness of these products.

Sources

  2. Tongkat Ali LiverTox, NIDDK, 2024