<body><h1>Longjack</h1><p><br></p><p> </p><p> &nbsp;syn. Eurycoma Longifolia Jack syn. Tongkat Ali</p><p><div id=’imgblock’><img data-pointer=’9116’/></div></p><h2> &nbsp;Description: </h2><p> &nbsp;Longjack is a common name for the root extract of Eurycoma Longifolia Jack, a flowering plant native to Southeast Asia. Longjack is an old folk medicine in this part of the world. In Malaysia it is known as Tongkat Ali, which literally translates to “Ali’s walking stick.” It is commonly incorporated into a tea or paste, and used to treat a variety of ailments including malaria, ulcer, headache, fever, and dysentery. The Indonesians call it Pasak Bumi (which means firmly nailed to the ground), and use it to treat dysentery and malaria. Almost universally in Southeast Asia, it is also used as an aphrodisiac, to increase male sexual potency, and to treat impotence. Although this traditional medicine is centuries old, it remains in wide use in this region today. </p><p> </p><p> &nbsp;Modern scientific evidence does seem to support the use of this traditional medicine. For example, studies show that the administration of this extract increases male sexual performance in animals.456,457 Furthermore, they show increases in the primary male androgen (testosterone), and suggest that male sexual potency is enhanced by this action. Many other potential benefits of Eurycoma Longifolia have also been supported in the medical literature, including anti-tumor and anti-malarial activity.458 And most relevant to its use as a sport supplement, studies suggest that longjack can help increase testosterone levels, lower cortisol, and improve the muscle mass and strength gains from exercise. </p><p> &nbsp;The main bioactive components in longjack are believed to be quassinoids, which are bitter principles found exclusively in plants of the Simaroubaceae family.459 More than a dozen quassinoids have been identified in Eurycma Longifolia. The most discussed of these include eurycomalactone, euryconolactone (A-C), eurycomanon, and eurycomanol. Many of the plant’s active components are also found in the form of bonded amino acid chains called glycopeptides. No relevant studies specific to quassinoid or glycopeptide fractions have been conducted, which makes standardizing longjack extracts for active component(s) difficult. Most manufacturers focus on the content of glycopeptides. Consumers are likely to notice varying levels of potency between products given different plant origins and extraction methods.</p><p> </p><h2> &nbsp;Promoted Benefits:</h2><p> &nbsp;Longjack is promoted to elevate testosterone, lower cortisol, and increase muscle mass and strength. </p><p> </p><h2> &nbsp;Clinical Studies: </h2><p> &nbsp;This ingredient has been shown to improve body composition and performance in a placebo-controlled study of untrained individuals. It has a Clinical Support Rating of 4 (4/5).</p><p> &nbsp;The above mentioned study involved giving a group of healthy men 100 mg of Eurycoma Longifolia water-soluble extract per day for five weeks.460 They were subject to a controlled strength-training program (resistance exercise) on alternating days. Subjects taking longjack noticed statistically significant improvements in lean body mass (+2.13 kg) and bicep circumference (+1.8 cm), which were not noticed in the placebo group. The supplement group also noticed better overall strength gains (+6.78% vs. +2.77%) and fat loss (-1.36 BF %) in comparison.</p><p> &nbsp;Another placebo-controlled study involved the administration of a single 100 mg dose of a longjack extract to a group of male endurance athletes 30 minutes before exercise.461 Subjects were made to cycle 14 miles in total, and levels of testosterone (a muscle building hormone) and cortisol (which breaks down muscle) were measured before and after every four laps, to assess any potential change to the anabolic/catabolic state. Longjack supplementation produced a statistically significant increase in testosterone levels (+16%), and a reduction in cortisol (32.3%), compared to placebo. This study suggests that longjack can create a metabolic environment that is more favorable for the growth/retention of muscle mass. </p><h2> &nbsp;Empirical Evidence: </h2><p> &nbsp;Longjack is widely available as a stand-alone supplement. The feedback on this supplement tends to be positive. A majority of users taking a sufficient dosage of a quality Eurycoma Longifolia extract seem to attribute greater improvements in muscle mass and strength to their use of this supplement. It also often seems to show other signs of androgenic action, such as increased libido and mental energy. Although perhaps less common, many other users are unable to positively associate gains with their use of longjack supplements. Whether this is the result of low quality extracts or individual insensitivity (non-responsiveness) to Eurycoma Longifolia remains unclear. Longjack has an Empirical Evidence Rating of 4 (4/5).</p><h2> &nbsp;Effective Dosage: </h2><p> &nbsp;Based on clinical studies and empirical evidence, a dosage of 100-200 mg per day is recommended.</p><h2> &nbsp;Side Effects / Safety: </h2><p> &nbsp;Longjack was well tolerated during clinical studies, with no significant side effects reported.</p><p> &nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p></body>