TL;DR — Key Takeaways

• Yes, tongkat ali may modestly increase testosterone, strongest in stressed or low-T men.
• A 2013 study (200 mg/day) lowered cortisol ~16% and raised salivary testosterone ~37% in 4 weeks.
• Evidence for free testosterone is mixed, some studies show a rise, others don’t.
• It works largely by reducing stress hormone (cortisol), plus improving libido.
• Dose: 200–400 mg/day of standardized extract. Modest effect, not a TRT replacement.

Yes, tongkat ali may modestly increase testosterone, especially in stressed or low-testosterone men. Studies show ~200 mg/day of standardized extract can raise total and free testosterone, lower cortisol, and improve libido. The effect is modest, a helpful natural support, not a replacement for TRT if you’re genuinely low.

Tongkat ali (Eurycoma longifolia, “longjack”) is one of the most-hyped natural testosterone herbs and unlike many, it has real human data. Here’s what the studies actually show. (This is part of our guide on how to increase testosterone naturally; for the full overview, see our complete TRT guide.)

Does Tongkat Ali Increase Testosterone?

Yes, modestly, and mainly in men who need it most. Tongkat ali appears to help stressed men and those with lower testosterone more than already-healthy men. It’s in the same evidence tier as ashwagandha and shilajit, better-supported than most natural boosters, but not a dramatic one.

Key fact: In a 2013 study, 200 mg/day of tongkat ali lowered cortisol 16% and raised salivary testosterone 37% in stressed adults over 4 weeks.

What the Studies Show

The human evidence is encouraging but nuanced:

• Stress + testosterone: The 2013 study of 63 moderately stressed adults found 200 mg/day cut cortisol ~16% and raised salivary testosterone ~37% over 4 weeks.
• Total vs free testosterone: Some studies show tongkat ali raises total testosterone, but the effect on free (active) testosterone is mixed, several trials (100–600 mg) found no significant free-T difference versus placebo.
• Where it shines: the strongest, most consistent finding is stress/cortisol reduction and normalizing testosterone, not big muscle gains.

So it’s real, but manage expectations, this is support and normalization, not a testosterone rocket.

How Tongkat Ali Works: The Cortisol Link

Like ashwagandha, tongkat ali’s main mechanism seems to be lowering cortisol (your stress hormone). Since high cortisol suppresses testosterone, cutting it removes a brake, helping testosterone recover, especially in men worn down by chronic stress and poor sleep (both tied to low testosterone symptoms). It’s also traditionally used for libido, which overlaps with TRT and fertility/sex-drive topics.

How Much Tongkat Ali for Testosterone?

The evidence-based range:

• 200–400 mg/day of a standardized extract (look for standardization to eurycomanone).
• Most positive studies ran 4–12 weeks, so give it time.
• Take consistently and track your levels with the right testosterone test before and after, it’s a reasonable option among the best supplements to take while on TRT or naturally.

Is Tongkat Ali Safe?

Generally well tolerated at 200–400 mg/day in studies, with a good safety profile short-term. Cautions:

• Quality varies, choose a reputable, standardized, third-party-tested product (unregulated herbs can be contaminated).
• Long-term safety data is limited.
• Check with your doctor if you take medications or have a health condition.

Tongkat Ali vs Ashwagandha

Both are cortisol-lowering adaptogens with modest testosterone evidence. Broadly: ashwagandha has stronger, more consistent data for testosterone and stress; tongkat ali shines for stress and libido, with more mixed free-T results. Many men find one suits them better, see does ashwagandha increase testosterone to compare. Neither replaces TRT for genuine deficiency.

conclusion

Does tongkat ali increase testosterone? Yes, modestly, and most reliably in stressed or lower-testosterone men, largely by reducing cortisol. A standardized 200–400 mg/day dose over several weeks has raised testosterone and improved stress and libido in studies, though its effect on free testosterone is mixed. It’s a legitimate natural support, not a substitute for TRT if you’re genuinely low.

For more evidence-based ways to raise your levels, see our full guide on how to increase testosterone naturally and explore everything on men’s testosterone health at TRT NYC.

👉 See if it works for you: check your testosterone before and after a couple of months with an at-home test kit, and talk to a licensed provider if your levels are low.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does tongkat ali increase testosterone?

Yes, modestly, especially in stressed or lower-testosterone men. A 2013 study found 200 mg/day raised salivary testosterone about 37% and lowered cortisol about 16% over 4 weeks. Its effect on free testosterone is mixed, and it’s best seen as a supportive, not dramatic, booster.

How much tongkat ali for testosterone?

Most positive studies used 200–400 mg per day of a standardized extract (ideally standardized to eurycomanone), taken consistently for 4–12 weeks. Start at the lower end, use a reputable third-party-tested product, and track your testosterone before and after.

How long does tongkat ali take to work?

Studies have shown effects on stress hormones and testosterone within about 4 weeks, with most trials running 4–12 weeks. Give it at least a month or two of consistent use, and check your levels to see whether it’s helping you.

Does tongkat ali lower cortisol?

Yes. A 2013 study found 200 mg/day reduced salivary cortisol by about 16% in moderately stressed adults. Since cortisol suppresses testosterone, this stress-lowering effect is a likely reason tongkat ali can help testosterone, especially in stressed men.

Is tongkat ali safe?

It’s generally well tolerated at 200–400 mg/day in studies with a good short-term safety profile. However, long-term data is limited and herbal supplement quality varies, so choose a reputable, standardized, third-party-tested product and consult your doctor if you take medications.

Is tongkat ali or ashwagandha better for testosterone?

Both lower cortisol and modestly support testosterone. Ashwagandha has stronger, more consistent testosterone and stress data, while tongkat ali is notable for stress and libido with more mixed free-testosterone results. The better choice is individual; neither replaces TRT for genuine deficiency.

Written by: TRT NYC Editorial Team, Last updated: July 2026 · Reviewed against: peer-reviewed research and supplement-safety guidance (see References).

Medical disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Supplements aren’t FDA-evaluated like medications. trtnyc.com is an independent informational resource, not a medical provider. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any supplement.