Can Tongkat Ali Cause Prostatitis? What Men Need to Know About This Herb

For men who want to increase their testosterone levels, energy levels, and libido, Tongkat Ali is the supplement of choice. But, particularly with regard to your prostate, might it be doing more harm than good?
Disclaimer: This information is not meant to replace expert medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment; rather, it is meant only for educational and informational purposes.
Table of Content
- Comprehending Tongkat Ali
- Does Tongkat Ali Have a Connection to Prostatitis?
- How to be Aware
From bacterial infections to unidentified inflammatory triggers, the causes are quite diverse. Prostatitis is annoying and recurrent for many men.
Comprehending Tongkat Ali
Southeast Asia has long utilized tongkat ali (Eurycoma longifolia) as a medicinal root. Its current appeal stems from its capacity to:
- Boost the production of testosterone
- Boost emotions and lower cortisol levels
- Increase energy and libido
Its effects on endurance and performance may be explained by the way it stimulates the pituitary gland and releases bound testosterone.
Does Tongkat Ali Have a Connection to Prostatitis?
There are currently no studies that directly attribute prostatitis to Tongkat Ali. However, there are anecdotal reports of men taking testosterone-boosting supplements, such as Tongkat Ali, and experiencing discomfort related to their prostate.
What could be occurring is as follows:
- Hormonal Changes: In men who have underlying prostate problems, elevated testosterone may stimulate the prostate.
- Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a stronger form of testosterone, may rise as a result of taking tongkat ali. Prostate growth has occasionally been linked to DHT.
- Immune Sensitivity: Herbs may trigger mild inflammation or immune responses in certain people, particularly in delicate areas like the prostate.
However, there is no scientific proof that Tongkat Ali causes prostatitis in healthy people. However, it's best to proceed cautiously if you already have persistent pelvic pain or prostate sensitivity.
How to be Aware
If you're thinking about Tongkat Ali and have gone through:
- Pelvic pain or persistent prostatitis
- PSA levels that are elevated
- A history of prostate problems in the family
Before beginning this supplement, you should speak with your healthcare provider. Additionally, after taking it, watch for side effects like burning, increased pelvic pain, or frequent urination.
In conclusion, hormonal changes may exacerbate pre-existing prostate sensitivity, even though Tongkat Ali does not appear to be directly associated with prostatitis. In moderation, it's probably safe if you're healthy, but if you have a history of prostate problems, you should exercise caution.
Are you considering giving Tongkat Ali a try? Always consult with a healthcare professional, as the first step.
References and Resources
- Sakai, N., Komi, K., Nishino, N., Kuroki, Y., & Nishino, S. (2024). Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali) supplementation enhances sleep and wake consolidation in wild-type, but not in narcoleptic mice. SLEEP Advances, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.1093/sleepadvances/zpae047
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Rahman, E. Y., Kusworini, K., Ali, M., Purnomo, B. B., & Kania, N. (2020). The Cytotoxic Effect of Eurycoma longifolia Jack Root Extract on The Prostate Adenocarcinoma PC-3 Cells through Apoptosis Enhancement. Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences, 8(A), 317–322. https://doi.org/10.3889/oamjms.2020.4420