This Herbal Supplement May Help Boost Testosterone Naturally

If you're looking to boost testosterone levels, ditch the sketchy pills that advertise online and reach for this herb, which new research has shown can raise levels naturally.

Testosterone, as we learned in 7th grade, is the male sex hormone that regulates sex drive (libido), as well as bone mass, fat distribution, muscle mass, and strength. Testosterone also plays a vital role in the production of red blood cells and sperm count, according to the National Institutes of Health.

As men age, testosterone levels start to decline naturally, which is why almost 40 percent of men 45 and older deal with low testosterone levels. Testosterone can also decline due to weight loss or gain, alcohol overuse, illness or medications.

Common symptoms include depression, low sex drive, loss of muscular strength, erectile dysfunction, difficulties with concentration and memory, fatigue, loss of muscular strength, irritability, loss of body hair, and many other symptoms, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

New research shows that a supplement called Tongkat Ali, and also called Long Jack, could naturally raise testosterone levels in men. Long Jack has also been used to treat fevers and bacterial infections. Previous studies have shown that it can help relieve stress and improve body composition but research is limited.

This shrubby tree native to Southeast Asia has many names including Eurycoma longifolia, Tongkat Ali, Ali’s Umbrella, and Long Jack. (To keep things from becoming confusing, we will refer to it as Long Jack from here on out.)

This plant is used in traditional medicine for many uses. According to a 2016 review, it has been used for the following conditions:

Every part of the plant tends to be used to create remedies for certain conditions including its roots, bark, and fruits.

A new 2021 randomized controlled trial found that Long Jack supplementations increased testosterone levels by activating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG) and or the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.

The HPG axis refers to the combination of the Hypothalamus, Pituitary gland, and Gonadal glands, which all function together. The same goes for the HPA, axis which looks at the Hypothalamus, Pituitary gland, and Adrenal gland. The idea behind the study was to see how Long Jack affected these two axes and whether it works to promote functional testosterone.

In the study, 32 healthy young males received 600 mg per day of either Long Jack or a placebo for two weeks. The results found that those receiving Long Jack had increases in testosterone levels by 14 percent and free testosterone by 34 percent. Total testosterone levels make up the amount of testosterone available in the bloodstream, or the amount of free testosterone that isn’t bound to receptors.

“The raised testosterone level may be due to a greater rate of hormone production via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis,” comments the researchers. “The supplementation of Eurycoma longifolia for two weeks demonstrates steroidogenic effects on young men were dose-related. Consequently, the raised testosterone following Eurycoma longifolia supplementations could benefit muscle and strength gain in young adults.”

Along with testosterone and free testosterone levels, the Long Jack supplementation also increased estradiol by 30 percent after 2 weeks. Estradiol is the predominant form of estrogen, which is considered the female hormone. It’s also an important hormone in males that is needed in order to balance testosterone. It plays a role in libido, erectile function, and spermatogenesis.

Annie Eng, CEO of HP Ingredients which supplies the U.S. market with supplemental Long Jack, stated in an interview, “this study is significant in that it is the first to measure hormonal effects in healthy young men. This study may certainly be used as a strong platform for formulating sports supplements for competitive athletes and trainers.”

Due to its ability to improve testosterone levels, previous research has found other benefits of Long Jack from fertility to sexual performance, including helping to lower stress levels.

If you’re looking to start a family Long Jack could be a supplement to consider. A 2016 review of both animal and human studies show that supplementing with Long Jack could:

All of these factors could be key to having improved fertility. According to Mayo Clinic, fertility is improved when semen contains 15 million sperm per milliliter and at least 40 percent of your sperm are moving (motility).

Ergogenic aids are substances that can help to improve mental and physical performance for those that exercise. One well-known ergogenic aid is anabolic steroids, but they can create serious adverse effects.

Long Jack is a natural, plant-based alternative that could work as an ergogenic aid due to its ability to boost testosterone levels and decrease stress. A 2014 study found that active individuals between the ages of 57 and 72 years old had increased testosterone and boosted muscle strength when supplementing with 400 mg of Long Jack for 5 weeks.

Low testosterone can create mood changes and even increased stress levels. According to a 2013 study, participants consumed Long Jack extract for 4 weeks which resulted in improvements in anger, tension, and confusion. It also boosted testosterone levels and lower cortisol (a stress hormone) by 16 percent.

Take note: Just as with any other supplement, check with your doctor before adding a Long Jack to your routine. Although research shows that it can come with many benefits, it’s important to ensure that it won’t interact with any medications or cause unwanted side effects. Plus many studies do not confirm if it is safe to take over a long period of time.

Bottom line: Research behind Long Jack supplements seems to show a beneficial outcome of boosting testosterone levels and relieving symptoms that may come with having low levels. Be sure to discuss adding Long Jack to your daily routine with your doctor before starting it.

Soybeans are a legume but they are such a great source of protein that we had to lead the veggie list with it. There is more protein in just one ounce of soybeans than a cup of sliced avocado! 1 cup equals Protein - 28.6g Calories - 298 Carbs - 17.1g Fiber - 10.3g Calcium - 175mg

Lentils are the only beans that don't have to be soaked before preparing. Lentils can be the star of any dish that needs heft, from soups to burgers. Next time it's Taco Tuesday, try out lentil tacos—they pack a protein punch. 1 cup equals Protein - 17.9 g Calories - 230 Carbs - 39.9 g Fiber - 15.6 g Calcium - 37.6 mg

Dried white beans can be stored for up to three years in a dry, room-temperature location. Which means you can keep them around whenever you need a staple for soups or stews. 1 cup equals Protein - 17.4 g Calories - 249 Carbs - 44.9 g Fiber -11.3 g Calcium - 161 mg

Edamame is a great snack to keep in your freezer. Microwave them and spice them up with a sprinkle of salt, chili powder and red pepper flakes. You'll be enjoying a protein-filled snack that is better than chips. 1 cup (cooked and shelled) equals Protein - 16.9 g Calories - 189 Carbs - 15.8g Fiber - 8.1g Calcium - 97.6mg

As you cook cranberry beans, the unique specks of red that give these legumes their name vanish. Boil the cranberry beans, blend into a spread and use as a delicious dip with veggies for a great protein snack. 1 cup equals Protein - 16.5 g Calories - 241 Carbs - 43.3 g Fiber - 15.2 g Calcium - 88.5 mg

Don't confuse split peas with green peas. Split peas are dried and—surprise— split. Unlike their sweet cousins, these peas must be boiled for 45 minutes before they're ready to eat. Make Ina Garten's easy Parker's Split Pea Soup for a protein-packed lunch. 1 cup cooked Protein - 16.3 g Calories - 229 Carbs - 41.1 g Fiber - 16.3 g Calcium - 27.4 mg

Make sure to soak these beans overnight to get rid of the toxic proteins in the raw bean that is harmful to people and animals. then cook thoroughly before eating. Soaking and cooking the beans will get rid of the harmful proteins. Then, dig in! 1 cup equals Protein - 15.3 g Calories - 225 Carbs - 40.4 g Fiber - 13.1 g Calcium - 49.6 mg

Black "turtle" bean is the technical name for this crowd favorite. The "turtle" part comes from the physical appearance of the shiny exterior shell that protects the bean. 1 cup equals Protein - 15.2 g Calories - 227 Carbs - 40.8 g Fiber - 15 g Calcium - 46.4 mg

As you can see, navy beans are clearly not navy. So where did the name come from? These beans were such an important part of the U.S. Navy diet in the beginning of the 20th century that the beans were named after them. Anchors aweigh! 1 cup equals Protein - 15 g Calories - 255 Carbs - 47.4 g Calcium - 126 mg

Canned pinto beans aren't just a source of protein, but also major fiber. Pinto beans are often used as refried beans because they fall apart when steamed. 1 cup equals Protein - 15.4g Calories - 245 Carbs - 44.8g Fiber - 15.4g Calcium - 78.6mg

What's better than hummus for boosting protein? Not much. Just half a cup delivers 10 grams of protein, which is a good percentage of your daily needs: ranging from 45 to 65 grams, depending on weight, gender and activity level. 1 cup equals Protein - 14.5g Calories - 269 Carbs - 45g Fiber - 12.5 g Calcium - 80.4 mg

Lima beans are often called "butter beans" because of their buttery taste. Famously used in succotash, lima beans can also be used boost the taste of a hearty vegetable soup, or roast them with sweet potatoes as a side dish. 1 cup equals Protein - 14.7 g Calories - 216 Carbs - 39.3g Fiber - 13.2g Calcium - 32mg

Mung beans lack a lot of flavor but are great to add to any dish for crunch and protein. Trade your chickpea-based falafel for a mung bean option to switch things up. Fact: Just Eggs uses mung beans for protein! 1 cup equals Protein - 14.2 g Calories - 212 Carbs - 38.7 g Fiber - 15.4 g Calcium - 54.5 mg

Take the fava beans out of the pod since experts don't recommend eating that part. For freshest taste, only separate the beans from the pods when you 're ready to eat them. 1 cup equals Protein - 12.9 g Calories - 185 Carbs - 33.2 g Fiber - 9.18 g Calcium - 61.2 mg

Who knew little old peas pack a major protein punch? One cup of peas has more protein than one average-sized egg. Yep, you can make a bet and win it. 1 cup equals Protein - 8.6g Calories - 134 Carbs - 25g Fiber - 8.8 g Calcium - 43.2 mg