Tongkat Ali as a Potential Herbal Supplement for Physically Active Male and Female Seniors—A Pilot Study

• DOI: 10.1002/ptr.5017
• Publication Date: 2013-06-11T08:13:05Z
• Authors: Ralf R. Henkel; Ruxiang Wang; Susan H. Bassett; Tao Chen; Na Liu; Ying Zhu; Mohd Ismail Tambi
• Keywords: Creatine kinase; Blood urea nitrogen; Free testosterone

Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia; TA) is known to increase testosterone levels and alleviate aging males' symptoms. This study aimed at investigating TA as an ergogenic supplement for elderly people. Thirteen physically active male 12 female seniors (57-72 years) were supplemented with 400-mg extract daily 5 weeks. Standard hematological parameters taken. In addition, the concentrations of total free testosterone, dihydroepiandrosterone, cortisol, insulin-like growth factor-1, sex hormone-binding globulin analyzed. As additional biochemical parameters, blood urea nitrogen creatine kinase kidney function muscle damage, respectively, well strength by a simple handgrip test determined. After treatment, hemoglobin, dihydroepiandrosterone concentrations, ratio testosterone/cortisol force remained significantly lower in than seniors. Hematocrit erythrocyte count increased slightly but higher Treatment resulted significant increases muscular men women. The women thought be due decline concentrations. affirms benefit through enhanced strength.