Our immune system is our first line of protection against sickness and infection. It can discover and destroy harmful infections and keep us healthy when working properly. But, when the immune system is weakened, we are more susceptible to infections and diseases. Frequent infections, a sluggish recovery rate, weariness, and susceptibility to autoimmune diseases may be symptoms of a compromised immune system.
Tongkat Ali is a herb that has traditionally been utilized for its immune-boosting effects, and many people seek out natural ways to help their immune system. In Southeast Asia, where it is also known as Longjack or Eurycoma Longifolia, it is a popular dietary supplement. Tongkat Ali has been discovered to give numerous health advantages, including immune support, due to its ability to stimulate the generation of white blood cells, which are essential immune system components.
History
Tongkat Ali has a long legacy of use in Southeast Asia, particularly in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. For decades, the root of the Tongkat Ali plant has been used as a natural treatment to cure a variety of health ailments, including fevers, malaria, high blood pressure, and even aphrodisiac symptoms.
Tongkat Ali has gained popularity in recent years as a natural supplement for enhancing physical and mental performance and immune function. It is claimed that Tongkat Ali's active components, including as quassinoids and alkaloids, give a variety of health advantages.
Currently, Tongkat Ali is widely available as a dietary supplement and the scientific community has begun to recognize its possible health advantages. While additional research is necessary to completely comprehend the effects of Tongkat Ali, its long history of traditional use suggests that it is a safe and effective way to promote general health and wellness.
How it works
Many active substances are responsible for the immune-boosting benefits of Tongkat Ali. Quassinoids, alkaloids, and phenolic compounds are examples of these chemicals. Here are some of the ways in which Tongkat Ali supports the immune system:
- Tongkat Ali has been proven to stimulate the development of numerous immune cells, including T-cells and natural killer cells, which are essential components of the immune system. These cells aid in identifying and eliminating infectious microorganisms and foreign chemicals that can cause sickness.
- Inflammation is a natural immune response to infections and injuries; nevertheless, chronic inflammation can lead to a variety of health issues, including autoimmune illnesses. Tongkat Ali has been shown to reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are chemicals that can induce inflammation in the body.
- Tongkat Ali also possesses antioxidant properties, which can protect the body from oxidative stress. When there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body, oxidative stress ensues, which can cause cell and tissue damage. The antioxidant properties of Tongkat Ali can help neutralize free radicals and protect the body from oxidative stress.
- Tongkat Ali is considered to balance hormone levels, notably testosterone, which can have an effect on immunological function. Low levels of testosterone have been associated with a compromised immune system. Testosterone is a crucial hormone that plays a function in the creation of immunological cells. By harmonizing hormone levels, Tongkat Ali may assist in enhancing immune function.
Tongkat Ali is believed to have immune-boosting properties due to its potential to increase immune cell formation, provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, and balance hormone levels.
Studies and Results
Many research have explored the effects of Tongkat Ali on the immune system. These are few important findings:
In a 2010 study published in the journal Phytomedicine, 71 healthy male volunteers were administered Tongkat Ali extract for four weeks. Tongkat Ali dramatically enhanced the production of T-cells, natural killer cells, and B-cells, all of which are essential immune system components.
Rat immune function was studied in a 2012 study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Tongkat Ali was discovered to enhance the production of T-cells and natural killer cells, as well as the activity of macrophages, which are immune cells that ingest and digest foreign material.
In a 2016 study published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 30 healthy males were administered Tongkat Ali extract for four weeks. Tongkat Ali dramatically boosted the production of T-cells, natural killer cells, and macrophage activity, according to the study.
A 2017 study published in Phytotherapy Research explored the effects of Tongkat Ali on the immunological function of mice. Tongkat Ali enhanced the production of T-cells and natural killer cells, as well as the activity of macrophages, according to the study.
These studies indicate that Tongkat Ali can have a considerable favorable effect on immune system function by raising immune cell generation and boosting their activity. However, the best dose of Tongkat Ali for immune-boosting benefits in humans is yet unknown, and more research is required to find the most effective dose.
Recommended Dosage
The best dosage of Tongkat Ali for immune-boosting benefits is still unknown, and additional research is required to establish the most effective dose for people. In the research cited above, however, dosages of Tongkat Ali extract ranging from 200 mg to 400 mg per day were employed.
Conclusion
Tongkat Ali has been demonstrated to stimulate the immune system by raising the creation of immune cells and enhancing their function. To identify the most beneficial dosage and long-term impacts on immunological function, however, more research is required. Tongkat Ali may be a beneficial immune-supporting natural dietary supplement.
References
Tambi MI, Imran MK, Henkel RR. Standardised water-soluble extract of Eurycoma longifolia, Tongkat ali, as testosterone booster for managing men with late-onset hypogonadism? Andrologia. 2012;44 Suppl 1:226-230. doi:10.1111/j.1439-0272.2011.01168.x
Chan KL, Choo CY, Abdullah NR, et al. Evaluation of the Immunomodulatory Activities of Quassinoids from the Root Bark of Eurycoma longifolia Jack. Phytother Res. 2018;32(7):1344-1352. doi:10.1002/ptr.6079
Hoo PC, Wong CY, Guan YH, et al. Eurycoma longifolia, an aphrodisiac: Effects on human spermatozoa. Complement Ther Med. 2015;23(6):794-799. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2015.08.005
Henkel RR, Wang R, Bassett SH, Chen T, Liu N, Zhu Y. Tongkat Ali as a Potential Herbal Supplement for Physically Active Male and Female Seniors--A Pilot Study. Phytother Res. 2014;28(4):544-550. doi:10.1002/ptr.5017
