Malaysian Tongkat Ali Extract

Malaysian Tongkat Ali Extract (Eurycoma longifolia Root Extract)

A standardised Tongkat Ali root extract produced using patented ultrasonic hot water extraction

Introduction

Malaysian Tongkat Ali extract is derived from the root of Eurycoma longifolia, a flowering plant native to Southeast Asia and traditionally used in Malaysia for male vitality, physical performance, and general wellbeing. The root has a long history of ethnobotanical use and has become the focus of modern scientific investigation due to its unique profile of bioactive compounds.

This extract is produced using a patented ultrasonic hot water extraction process, designed to efficiently release water-soluble bioactives from the root while avoiding harsh organic solvents. The ingredient has been analytically characterised and evaluated in collaboration with the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), supporting its identity, composition, and quality profile.

Botanical identity and standardisation

    • Botanical name: Eurycoma longifolia
    • Common names: Tongkat Ali, Longjack
    • Plant part used: Root
    • Country of origin: Malaysia
    • Extract type: Standardised root extract
    • Extraction process: Patented ultrasonic hot water extraction

The use of hot water extraction, enhanced by ultrasonic processing, allows for efficient cell wall disruption and improved recovery of key bioactive constituents while maintaining a clean extraction profile suitable for food supplement applications.

Composition and analytical quality

Malaysian Tongkat Ali extract is characterised for a defined group of bioactive compounds commonly associated with Eurycoma longifolia root.

Active compound profile

    • Eurycomanone: 2–3%
    • Glycosaponins: 30–40%
    • Protein fraction: 15–25%

Eurycomanone is a quassinoid compound widely used as a chemical marker for Tongkat Ali identity and extract quality. Glycosaponins represent a broader class of compounds contributing to the extract’s overall biological profile.

Analytical Characterisation & Ingredient Verification

Tongkat Ali root extract
Tongkat Ali root extract (illustrative)
Chromatographic profile of eurycomanone and Tongkat Ali extract
Chromatographic profile of standardised Tongkat Ali extract (eurycomanone marker)
Excerpt from analytical verification documentation
Excerpt from analytical verification documentation (FRIM analysis / batch specification)

This Tongkat Ali extract is assessed against defined identity, purity, and quality criteria to confirm suitability for use in high-quality supplement formulations.

Identity confirmation

Botanical identity is verified through chromatographic techniques that demonstrate the presence of characteristic Tongkat Ali compounds. Qualitative UPLC analysis confirms distinct peaks corresponding to eurycomanone, with retention times consistent with authenticated reference standards.

Active compound verification

Quantitative chromatographic analysis confirms a defined active profile aligned to specification, including:

    • Eurycomanone: 2–3%
    • Glycosaponins: 30–40%
    • Protein fraction: 15–25%

Standard-curve analysis of eurycomanone supports analytical reliability and consistent quantification of this key marker compound.

Consistency and repeatability

Chromatographic “fingerprint” profiles show consistent peak patterns across analyses, indicating a repeatable extraction process and controlled composition from batch to batch. This consistency reflects both raw material selection and the stability of the ultrasonic hot water extraction method.

Physical quality markers

    • Appearance: Light brown, fine powder (characteristic bitter taste)
    • Moisture content: 2–5%
    • Fineness: >95% passes through 80 mesh

Microbiological quality

The ingredient is tested to ensure it meets microbiological limits suitable for food supplement use, including:

    • Aerobic plate count: not more than 104 cfu/g
    • Yeast & mould: not more than 103 cfu/g
    • Coliforms: not more than 102 cfu/g
    • Escherichia coli: absent
    • Salmonella spp.: absent
    • Staphylococcus aureus: absent

Heavy metals

Heavy metals are assessed against defined limits appropriate for supplement raw materials, including:

    • Cadmium (Cd): not more than 0.05 ppm
    • Mercury (Hg): not more than 0.05 ppm
    • Arsenic (As): not more than 0.1 ppm
    • Lead (Pb): not more than 0.1 ppm
    • Antimony (Sb): not more than 0.05 ppm

Human research context

Tongkat Ali root extracts have been investigated in human research, particularly in relation to male vitality, physical performance, stress adaptation, and hormonal balance. Studies have explored outcomes including changes in testosterone-related markers, body composition, mood, and perceived wellbeing.

Eurycomanone is commonly used as a marker compound for extract potency and authenticity and is frequently referenced in analytical and research contexts relating to Eurycoma longifolia.

Safety and tolerability

Human studies and long-standing traditional use indicate that Eurycoma longifolia root extracts are generally well tolerated when consumed by healthy adults at commonly studied intake levels. Reported adverse effects are typically mild and infrequent. No serious safety concerns have been consistently identified in the published literature when extracts are appropriately manufactured and consumed as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

Potential benefits (evidence-led)

Based on its composition and the broader human research on Tongkat Ali root extracts, Malaysian Tongkat Ali extract may support:

    • Male vitality and wellbeing
    • Support of normal testosterone levels within the physiological range
    • Physical performance and body composition goals
    • Stress resilience and mood balance
    • General energy and vitality

These potential benefits are supported by human research on Eurycoma longifolia extracts and are influenced by overall lifestyle, diet, and individual context.

Typical use context

Malaysian Tongkat Ali extract is commonly formulated in daily servings that deliver a defined eurycomanone intake, consistent with levels used in human research and traditional applications.

Summary

Malaysian Tongkat Ali extract is a standardised Eurycoma longifolia root extract produced using a patented ultrasonic hot water extraction process. Analytical characterisation, including collaborative work with FRIM, confirms a defined bioactive profile containing 2–3% eurycomanone and 30–40% glycosaponins, alongside appropriate purity and safety parameters.

With its controlled composition, repeatable analytical profile, and alignment with a substantial body of human research on Tongkat Ali, this extract represents a high-quality, evidence-led ingredient for formulations focused on male vitality, performance, and wellbeing.