Disclaimer: This content has been produced purely for informational and educational purposes only and is never intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical guidelines including diagnosis, advice, and treatment.  

 

Both fenugreek and tongkat ali are widely promoted for their nutritional and medicinal values. There are many essential nutrients that are found in both, and it could be difficult for some people to determine which one to pick between them. If you too are confused - fenugreek vs tongkat ali - which one is more beneficial? Then keep reading till the end. 

In this article, we’ll be comparing fenugreek vs tongkat ali in terms of their medicinal values and health benefits. But before we get into the difference between fenugreek and tongkat ali, we’ll need to learn the basics of these two medicinal herbs a little bit more. So, let’s get started. 

Table  of contents 

• What is fenugreek? 
• What is tongkat ali? 
• Fenugreek vs tongkat ali: biologically active compounds 
• Fenugreek vs tongkat ali: potential health benefits 
• Can I take fenugreek and tongkat ali together?
• Final words 

What is fenugreek?

Fenugreek is an herb species botanically known as Trigonella foenum-graecum that belongs to the plant family Fabaceae or commonly called the pea family. Though it’s endemic to the Mediterranean, it’s cultivated throughout Asia, North Africa, and Central Europe. It has pod-like seeds with nutty smells that resemble the scent of maple syrup. 

Fenugreek has been used in cooking and medicine for centuries. Fresh leaves and sprouts of the plant are used as vegetables, while seeds are used in culinary and medicine either whole or ground into powder. This plant has incredible medicinal values that offer a varying range of health benefits. 

What is tongkat ali?

Tongkat ali, botanically known as Eurycoma longifolia, is a shrub tree endemic to South East Asia, especially Malaysia and Indonesia. It’s a protected plant with a long history of medicinal use, particularly as an effective natural aphrodisiac. 

The root of the tongkat ali plant is used in medicine. But sometimes bark and stem are also used to prepare remedies. It goes with many other names including Malaysian ginseng, longjack, tung sawa, pasak bumi, and others. The roots of the plant contain several plant chemicals that have many beneficial effects on the human body. 

Fenugreek vs tongkat ali: biologically active compounds 

Fenugreek contains several biologically active compounds. The most well-known active compound of fenugreek is 4-hydroxy isoleucine, which acts as a potent therapeutic agent to keep glucose metabolism in a normal state. The other active compounds include galactomannan, trigoneosides, and trigonelline to name a few. 

Tongkat ali, on the other hand, also has several biologically active compounds. They may include eurycomalactone, eurycomanone, eurycolactone, and eurycomaoside. Tongkat ali is also a rich source of quassinoids and alkaloids. Alkaloids have been found to have tremendous antibacterial and anticancer activities, while quassinoids have been found to have significant antiparasitic and antiulcer activities. 

Fenugreek vs tongkat ali: potential health benefits 

Benefits of fenugreek 

Fenugreek is widely promoted as an effective, natural, and safe galactagogue, meaning it has the capacity to enhance milk production and the flow of milk in lactating mothers. It decreases the absorption of sugar in the digestive tract and stimulates insulin and thereby, can hugely help people with diabetes to control blood sugar levels. 

Fenugreek can boost testosterone and estrogen levels and may help improve libido, interest in sex, and the quality of sexual functions. Testosterone also plays an important role in muscle building and strength. For this reason, fenugreek is often counted under testosterone boosters, especially in the athletes’ community. But more evidence is needed to confirm this effect. 

In essence, fenugreek is commonly used to: 

• Enhance milk flow and the production of milk in nursing mothers 
• Normalize blood sugar metabolism issues such as diabetes 
• Counteract sexual problems and increase interest in sex  
• Prevent and treat an enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
• Facilitate weight loss and shade extra fats in obesity or overweight 
• Lower cholesterol levels 
• Alleviate menstrual cramps 

Benefits of tongkat ali 

Tongkat ali has proven efficacy to boost testosterone levels in both men and women. Some of its bioactive compounds favorably impact how the human body makes testosterone and help enhance its levels. This effect of tongkat ali indirectly improves masculinity, sexual functions, muscle development, stamina, energy, mood, and overall health and wellness. 

In essence, tongkat ali can help: 

• Correct erectile dysfunction (ED)
• Address infertility in adult males 
• Improve sexual desire and function in both men and women 
• Boost athletic or sports performance 
• Strengthen bones and fight osteoporosis
• Reduce anger and stress and enhance mood 
• Improve immune response 
• Reduce inflammation 
• Fight bacterial and parasitic infections 
• Reduce the risk of ulcers 

Can I use fenugreek and tongkat ali together? 

There are many dietary supplements that contain both fenugreek and tongkat ali, this indicates they can be used together. But it’s essential to work with a licensed naturopathic doctor or nutritionist to determine whether they are right for your specific health condition and what would be your best method of use. 

Final words 

In the essence of fenugreek vs tongkat ali, both have various impressive health benefits and share certain similarities. However, we find -  

Fenugreek is usually popular for:

 

• Increasing milk flow and milk production  
• Controlling blood sugar levels 
• Improving libido or interest in sex 

 

And tongkat ali is usually popular for:

 

• Reducing stress and anxiety 
• Boosting testosterone levels 
• Increasing sperm count in males
• Increasing athletic or sports performance 
• Building and maintaining muscles and enhancing stamina  

But, it’s important to keep in mind that dietary supplements are meant to be consumed for supplementation of nutrition and a healthy lifestyle choice is vital to reap the best results.

Besides they may cause side effects in some people. Therefore,  it’s recommended to consult with a professional medical practitioner before adding any supplements to a diet regimen to determine the safety profile and avoid any unpleasant adverse effects.

Here you can see Vorst’s Fenugreek with Sweet Fennel Vegan Capsules 

Important resources:

1. https://vitalizedfuture.com/fenugreek-vs-tongkat-ali/
2. https://advancedmolecularlabs.com/blogs/news/natural-testosterone-boosters-what-works-what-doesn-t
3. https://examine.com/supplements/fenugreek/
4. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/fenugreek#what-it-is
5. https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/diet/fenugreek-guide-benefits-types-uses-top-sellers-more/
6. https://www.health.com/nutrition/fenugreek-benefits
7. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1132/eurycoma-longifolia
8. https://examine.com/supplements/tongkat-ali/
9. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/tongkat-ali-longjack-review#intro
10. https://akarali.com/potential-tongkat-ali-benefits/
11. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/tongkat-ali#what-is-it
12. https://www.verywellfit.com/the-benefits-of-tongkat-ali-89588
13. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3669033/