Tongkat Ali and Hypertension: What You Need to Know

Tongkat Ali, or Eurycoma longifolia, is known as a strong natural cure for energy, libido, stress, and muscle support. But as more and more people are interested in this Southeast Asian root, so are the questions, notably about how safe it is. People sometimes worry about if Tongkat Ali raises blood pressure and if it's safe for people with high blood pressure.
Disclaimer: This content is intended solely for informational and educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Table of Contents
- What is Tongkat Ali?
- Understanding Hypertension
- How Tongkat Ali May Impact Blood Pressure
- What the Research Says
- Is It Safe to Use with High Blood Pressure?
- Final Thoughts
What is Tongkat Ali?
Tongkat Ali is a root that comes from Malaysia and Indonesia. It has been used for a long time to improve energy, stamina, and reproductive health. People in modern wellness circles commonly use it as a natural testosterone booster, stress adaptogen, or way to improve athletic performance. People think that its active ingredients, like eurycomanone, can change hormone levels, lower cortisol, and boost libido and lean body mass.
People use Tongkat Ali to improve their physical health and their mental health. Studies have indicated that it may help lower cortisol levels, which can lower stress and maybe even assist heart health. We should closely examine any substance that influences hormones and energy levels, particularly if it has the potential to cause heart problems.
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Understanding Hypertension
Hypertension, often known as high blood pressure, is a long-term disorder in which the blood pressure is always excessively high against the walls of the arteries. If you don't take care of it, it might cause heart disease, stroke, kidney issues, and other significant problems. Hypertension is sometimes termed the "silent killer" because it doesn't show any signs of damage until it's too late.
Diet, stress, sleep, medications, hydration, and exercise are just a few of the many things that can affect blood pressure. But some supplements can also change it, sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worse.
Tongkat Ali affects hormones like cortisol and testosterone and may act like a stimulant for some people, so understanding its impact on blood pressure control is crucial.
How Tongkat Ali May Impact Blood Pressure
Tongkat Ali is not a stimulant, but it can make you feel more awake. Some people say that within days of starting to take supplements, they feel more alert, physically driven, and emotionally motivated. People generally think that these effects are caused by Tongkat Ali's effect on cortisol and testosterone, which can then change the tone of the heart and blood vessels.
Cortisol is crucial for keeping blood pressure in check. Blood pressure rises when levels are excessively high, which can happen when someone is under a lot of stress or doesn't sleep well. Some studies have suggested that Tongkat Ali can lower cortisol levels. This could help blood pressure respond better, especially in persons who have surges in blood pressure due to stress.
But the picture isn't obvious. People who are sensitive to Tongkat Ali may feel restless, mildly agitated, or unable to sleep, especially if they take a lot of it or take it late in the day. These adverse effects can sometimes cause the heart rate or blood pressure to go up, even if only for a short time.
What the Research Says
At present, there is insufficient clinical research directly assessing the effects of Tongkat Ali on human blood pressure. Most of the research that is already out there looks at testosterone, stress hormones, sports performance, and mood. These studies rarely identify blood pressure as a problem, suggesting a relatively neutral cardiovascular profile for most users.
Research in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that males who took Tongkat Ali had better cortisol-to-testosterone ratios and less stress and anger, but their heart rate and blood pressure didn't alter. Another trial demonstrated enhanced mood and decreased stress hormone levels, with no cardiovascular adverse effects recorded throughout the study.
Some animal research has indicated that rats administered high doses of Tongkat Ali extract experienced a slight increase in blood pressure, however. Animal models don't always show how things will affect people, but this is a sign that people with a history of high blood pressure should pay attention to.
Is It Safe to Use with High Blood Pressure?
Tongkat Ali seems to have a minimal effect on blood pressure in most healthy individuals, if any at all. Its ability to reduce stress may actually help people keep their heart health indicators in check. That being said, everyone responds differently.
People with good blood pressure control may be able to safely use Tongkat Ali, especially if they start with a low dose and closely monitor their body's response. You should talk to your doctor before adding Tongkat Ali to your regimen if you are already on antihypertensive drugs, beta blockers, or diuretics.
If you have symptoms like palpitations, trouble sleeping, or feeling anxious while taking it, you should stop using it and think about it again, especially if you tend to get nervous or have high blood pressure episodes.
Like any other product that changes hormone or stress pathways, you should start slowly, pay attention, and cooperate with your doctor. It's a beneficial idea to check your blood pressure often while trying a new supplement, especially in the first few weeks.
Final Thoughts
Tongkat Ali is an intriguing herbal supplement that is becoming more and more popular as a way to deal with stress, balance hormones, and boost energy. For most people, it seems to have no effect on blood pressure or even a beneficial effect, especially if stress is a component in their high blood pressure.
Still, it's vital to think about it carefully. Some people may feel better after taking Tongkat Ali, but others may feel uncomfortable or have minor cardiovascular stimulation, especially if they already have high blood pressure.
The best way to learn more about Tongkat Ali and how to control high blood pressure is to talk to your doctor, keep note of your symptoms, and follow a complete wellness plan that includes nutrition, exercise, and stress management.
References and Resources:
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Talbott, Shawn & Talbott, Julie & George, Annie & Pugh, Mike. (2013). Effect of Tongkat Ali on stress hormones and psychological mood state in moderately stressed subjects. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 10. 28. 10.1186/1550-2783-10-28. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/236936858_Effect_of_Tongkat_Ali_on_stress_hormones_and_psychological_mood_state_in_moderately_stressed_subjects
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EURYCOMA LONGIFOLIA: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews. www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1132/eurycoma-longifolia.
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“High Blood Pressure (Hypertension).” Cleveland Clinic, 2 June 2025, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4314-hypertension-high-blood-pressure.
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“What to Know About Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma Longifolia) Supplements.” Healthline, 29 Jan. 2025, www.healthline.com/nutrition/tongkat-ali-longjack-review.