Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia)

Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) is a member of the Simaroubaceae family, native to Southeast Asia, Malay Peninsula, and Indonesia. Traditionally, its roots, leaves, and bark have been used for decoctions, infusions, and powders.

This herb is particularly valued for its tonic, stimulant, and anti-inflammatory actions, and has a long history of use in traditional chinese medicine, ayurvedic medicine, and european herbal medicine.

Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Tongkat Ali
Scientific Name	Eurycoma longifolia
Plant Family	Simaroubaceae
Genus	Eurycoma
Species	longifolia
Native Range	Southeast Asia, Malay Peninsula, Indonesia
Plant Parts Used	Roots, Leaves, Bark
Primary Medicinal Actions	Tonic, Stimulant, Anti-Inflammatory
Primary Traditional Systems	Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine, European Herbal Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Powder

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Eurycoma longifolia
Common Name: Tongkat Ali
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Longleaf Eurycoma, Malay Ginseng, Malay Nutmeg
Plant Family: Simaroubaceae
Genus: Eurycoma

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically reaches a height of 1 to 3 meters.
Leaves: Simple leaves with upper surface glabrous and pale green, lower surface densely covered with stomatal bands and pale yellowish-white.
Flowers: Inflorescence consists of solitary flowers with yellow petals arranged in a raceme, each flower exhibiting actinomorphic symmetry and featuring five lobed corolla with a distinct tubular throat.
Stems: Cylindrical, woody, branched, with opposite arrangement of nodes and internodes, bearing small, yellowish, stipitate stipules.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Traditional Chinese Medicine
Ayurvedic Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Powder
Oil Infusion

Medicinal Actions

Tonic: Commonly referenced as a soothing tonic, in general wellness contexts.
Stimulant: In herbal texts, considered a mild stimulant, for vitality-related discussions.
Anti-inflammatory: Traditionally described as a warming anti-inflammatory, in topical or internal use contexts.
Bitter: In herbal literature, noted as a moderate bitter, in taste-driven classifications.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: Plant-based polyphenolic compounds frequently distributed throughout aerial plant parts.
Alkaloid: Naturally occurring organic compounds commonly involved in plant defense.
Terpenoid: A large class of naturally occurring compounds derived from isoprene units.
Saponin: Plant-derived compounds characterized by their soap-like properties.

Modern Research Overview

This section is reserved for future summaries of scientific research related to this plant. As additional verified sources are reviewed, relevant study information will be added here.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: General precautions have been noted regarding the use of this herb.
Contraindications: Some conditions have been cited as contraindications for the use of this herb.
Allergies: Reports of allergic reactions to this herb are not well documented in available sources.
Drug Interactions: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb interacts with pharmaceutical drugs.
Toxicity: There is insufficient evidence to determine the toxic potential of this herb.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Information addressing pregnancy and breastfeeding-related safety for this herb is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Water is poured over plant material and allowed to steep before straining.
Decoction: This method uses sustained heat to extract compounds from firm plant structures.
Poultice: A topical preparation made by applying softened plant material externally.
Extract: Non-alcoholic extracts provide a liquid form of plant constituents.
Tincture: A preparation involving soaking plant parts in alcohol for extended extraction.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.