Tongkat Ali vs Ashwagandha Health Benefits for Men
November 8th, 2022
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cindy
Health supplements come with a lot of anecdotal evidence. However, anecdotes are not enough when we talk about our physical well-being; what you need is science-backed studies. Currently, Tongkat Ali and Ashwagandha are two of the most popular vitamin supplement ingredients for men. They are herbs of Asiatic origin with profound health benefits, many of which are complemented by empirical research. In this article, we will evaluate the merits of both the ingredients vis-à-vis men’s well-being and determine which one is right for you! So, let us begin!
Ashwaganda is an evergreen shrub in the Solanaceae or nightshade family that grows in India, the Middle East, and parts of Africa
What Is Tongkat Ali?
Also known as Malaysian Ginseng, Tongkat Ali is an herbal supplement that comes from the root scrub of Eurycoma Longiflia plants, which are endemic to the South-East Asian countries of Malaysia, Java, Sumatra, Thailand, and Vietnam. It is used in traditional medicine in various Asian countries to treat malaria, male infertility, fevers, and so forth. Tongkat Ali has recently garnered immense popularity owing to its beneficial constituents, like flavonoids and alkaloids, which are robust antioxidants with the capacity to fight cellular damage caused by free radicals. The main bioactive compounds found in Tongkat Ali are –
Eurycomalactone
Eurycomaoside
Eurycolactone
Eurycomanone
A substantial proportion of alkaloids and quassinoids
Top Three Benefits of Tongkat Ali for Men
To date, around 700 human subjects have participated in research and clinical trials to evaluate Tongkat Ali’s health benefits. After rigorous investigation, experts have opined that the herb has immense benefits for the endocrine system, affecting men and women slightly differently. In this article, our focus will be on the former.
Increased Production of Testosterone – Tongkat Ali is one of the few natural herbs scientists have successfully proven to regulate testosterone levels in both men and women. There exists sufficient evidence and clinical trials on the testosterone-related effects of consuming Tongkat Ali conducted within the last 20 years. The herb helps to release a higher proportion of free testosterone through the adrenal, pituitary glands, testes, and ovaries. For instance, a clinical trial with 47 participants reported an increase in free testosterone of up to 600 percent in 24 weeks.
Helps Relieve Stress – Tongkat Ali may reduce stress, decrease anxiety, and help calm down the nerves of its consumers. A 1999 study first recognized the apparent role of Tongkat Ali in assuaging mood and stress-related problems. The study found that the herb is comparable to a common anti-anxiety medicine in reducing anxiety symptoms in mice test subjects. Similar effects are seen among humans, but the research is a tad bit limiting. For instance, a one-month study of 63 adults with moderate stress that consumed 200 mg of Tongkat Ali supplement every day found that the hormones in their saliva were reduced by 16 percent, as opposed to those who received a placebo in the study.
Improvement in Sexual Health and Lidibo – Tongkat Ali has been touted as the best all-natural remedy for sexual health, next to Viagra. It may merit men’s health by supporting a healthy reproductive system and improving fertility vis-à-vis sperm motility, libido, semen production, and erectile function. A 12-week study was done on 109 males between the ages of 30 and 55 by the University of Science Malaysia; it observed that Tongkat Ali had a positive impact on libido and sexual health of the subjects in comparison to the placebo cohort. Another 9-month clinical trial at Wellmen Clinic conducted among 75 males also revealed similar results and recorded a spike in semen volume, concentration of sperm, and better sperm quality and motility.
What Is Ashwagandha?
Also known as Indian Ginseng, Ashwagandha is an evergreen shrub that grows in Asia and Africa. The herb is typically utilized to deal with stress and other related issues. Some of the compounds included in ashwagandha have been shown to have a calming effect on the brain, reduce blood pressure, lessen edema, and modify the immune system. It has been used as a traditional adaptogen in Asia and Africa for centuries. Some of the conditions that Ashwagandha might alleviate include insomnia, aging, anxiety, etc.
Top Three Benefits of Ashwagandha for Men
Heart Health – Ashwagandha is also used to boost heart health among men and women. It potentially lowers high blood pressure, mitigates cholesterol, eases chest pain, and curbs heart diseases. However, the evidence to support this claim is minimal. A 2015 study recommends that the root extracts of Ashwagandha could enhance a person’s cardiorespiratory endurance, thereby improving heart health. Aswagandha contains compounds called quassinoids, which help our bodies use energy more efficiently, reduce fatigue, and heighten endurance.
An All-natural Aphrodisiac – Ashwagandha has a long history of being used as an aphrodisiac. It is one of the ancient ‘Kama Sutra’s’ recommended sexual stimulants. In men’s bodies, Ashwagandha enhances nitric oxide synthesis, dilating the blood arteries that deliver to the genitals. Thus, it helps in erectile function. In addition, some studies reveal that Ashwagandha helps relieve stress that alters sex drive and increases sexual drive and pleasure.
Arthritis – The third benefit of Ashwagandha among men is related to pain relief. By prohibiting pain signals from traveling along the central nervous system, the anti-inflammatory properties of Ashwagandha can potentially ease pain and joint aches. Some studies reveal that Ashwagandha has effectively treated forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Another 2015 study of 125 people with joint pain found that Ashwagandha could, in fact, have potential as a rheumatoid arthritis treatment.
In Conclusion
So, there we have it, a brief encapsulation of Tongkat Ali and Ashwagandha and their top three benefits for men. The health benefits of both herbs are backed by some amount of scientific research; however, there is still a long way to go. If you are looking for organic and ostensibly side-effect-less health supplements to support your sexual health, then both Tongkat Ali and Ashwagandha are viable options. Likewise, they are equally comparable when we talk about their stress-relieving benefits. However, before consuming any health supplement, it is always best to get advice from a doctor.
