Last Updated on October 9, 2022 by theworldofsleepstaff
Tongkat Ali is a flowering bitter plant native to countries like The Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and other countries around Southeast Asia.
The plant has been used since ancient times for various health issues, but primarily for boosting sexual performance in males.
However regardless of why it’s used, many people wonder the effects of taking Tongkat Ali before bed – that’s what we discuss right here.
Disclaimer: You must always consult your doctor before including a new supplement or food into your daily routine as only your doctor can explain any pros or cons that are specific to you. Some supplements & foods may interfere with medications and/or cause allergic reactions.
Tongkat Ali Before Bed: What You Can Expect
Although there have been some studies on the effects of Tongkat Ali on health in general, there isn’t a lot on how it may impact sleep patterns; as such, the points mentioned here are inferred from the known properties of the plant.
Below are some effects you may experience when you take Tongkat Ali before bed.
1. Stress Reduction & Possibly Better Sleep
There have been some claims that Tongkat Ali has some anxiety reduction capability and may be effective in reducing stress.
According to one source, injecting some rats with the extract of the plan had the same anxiolytic effect that diazepam (a tranquilizing muscle relaxant) would have had. The study was concluded by supporting the use of Tongkat Ali for anxiety therapy.
Another study on the effect of Tongkat Ali on stress hormone recorded a reduction in cortisol (stress hormone) by 16%.
So, after a long stressful day when your bones and body are in knots, taking Tongkat Ali may help you relax, and you may end up having a more relaxed night’s rest.
2. Lowers Body Temperature
Amongst its many uses, Tongkat Ali is often also used as an antipyretic. I.e. a fever-reducing substance.
Antipyretics reduce fever by lowering the body’s temperature. Depending on your body’s condition at the time of usage, the antipyretic property of Tongkat Ali may prove beneficial or not.
For instance, if you’re having a fever or other conditions that warrant your body’s core temperature to increase, taking a Tongkat Ali supplement may be beneficial in reducing the temperature, thus, leaving you in a more relaxed state for sleeping.
On the other hand, if it’s a cold night and you need all the heat you can get to keep yourself from shivering all through your sleep, taking a Tongkat Ali supplement may not be a very helpful choice.
Regardless, you should talk to your doctor before using Tongkat Ali.
3. Promotes Digestion
It is not unusual to find oneself tossing and turning on the bed after dinner because of indigestion or constipation.
If you’re the type to experience that after dinner, then you may want to consider adding Tongkat Ali to your nightly routine.
That’s because the roots of Tongkat Ali are popularly used in Malaysia for treating indigestion and other gastrointestinal disturbances like dysentery and diarrhea.
4. Boosts Energy & May Keep You Awake
Tongkat Ali has always been used as an energy booster since ancient times.
This is probably linked to its potential ability to increase blood circulation.
However, this may prove unhelpful to someone who is trying to relax and get some sleep.
If taken in large quantities, it may cause hyperactivity and restlessness, and the user may find it difficult to settle down and sleep.
General Effects of Tongkat Ali
There are many acclaimed health benefits of Tongkat Ali; however, most of them lack scientific support.
Below, we’ll go over some health benefits of Tongkat Ali that have some evidence to back them up.
1. Boosts Sexual Performance & Fertility In Men
This is perhaps the most acclaimed and popular health benefit associated with Tongkat Ali.
Several studies have been carried out that have shown Tongkat Ali boosts sexual performance in men, and most of them have positive conclusions.
A study carried out in 2016 concluded that the plant may do the following :
- Induce and increase the production of the male hormone – testosterone.
- Increase the volume, mobility, motility, and count of semen.
- Boost sexual performance
According to most studies, consistently using Tongkat supplements in moderate quantities can have significant and helpful benefits on men’s sexual prowess and other related conditions.
2. Boosts Athletic Performance
Due to the presence of some compounds in the body called quassinoids, it is believed that Tongkat Ali may have some properties that can improve bone health, thus, boosting athletic performances and prowess.
Quassinoids are metabolites that have a wide range of effects, including being anti-inflammatory, anti-malaria, and antipyretic.
Tongkat Ali has been proven to aid in the development of lean muscle and muscular strength as well as the loss of fat.
The energy-inducing capability also comes to play in this scenario, giving its users the energy to exercise for a longer period of time without feeling exhausted.
3. Reduces Stress & Anxiety
Tongkat Ali may also prove effective in reducing anxiety, stress, anger, and other negative emotions. Several herbalists have claimed that the plant is an adaptogen, and when ingested, it can help the user adapt to various emotions and stress.
What’s more, it is alleged that the extract from the plant can help with erratic moods and mood instability.
Based on these properties, regular consumption of Tongkat Ali may prove immensely beneficial for one’s mental health.
4. May Help Against Cancer
Some studies have shown that the quassinoids and alkaloids in this ancient plant may be effective against cancer cells.
These studies confirmed that there are indeed anti-cancerous compounds in Tongkat, and if properly harnessed, the compounds could further help in the breakthrough needed to produce anti/cancerous drugs.
5. Anti-Malarial Effect
In several countries in Southern Asia, the roots of Tongkat Ali are usually boiled and used to treat malaria and other symptoms like fever.
Other symptoms like headache can also be allegedly treated by mashing the plant into a paste and applying it topically.
6. Treatment Of Gastrointestinal Disturbances
Gastrointestinal disturbances like worm infestation, dysentery, diarrhea, stomach ache, and indigestion can be potentially treated with different parts of the plant.
For example, the fruits and flowers are believed to help with dysentery. At the same time, the water from the roots is used for dysentery, indigestion, and diarrhea, and a paste of the plant is applied topically on the surface of the stomach to help get rid of stomach aches.
7. Postpartum Recovery
It is not a rare occurrence to see older women in Malaysia visit a new mother with a solution of the plant as a sign of goodwill.
In Malaysia, it is believed that the solution obtained from boiling the roots of the leaves is great for treating psychological and behavioral postpartum symptoms like anxiety, irritability, guilt, and so on. It is believed that the acclaimed mood+balancing properties of the plant would help new mothers battling these symptoms.
It is also believed that it can help reduce weight gain that may have resulted from pregnancy.
8. Anti-Inflammatory Agent
When applied topically, a paste made from Tongkat Ali may prove effective in reducing inflammation.
9. Antimicrobial Effects
Although they are few in number, some studies show that Tongkat Ali may be toxic to some species of disease-causing microbes like Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli.
Salmonella typhi is the causative organism for typhoid, so the plant may potentially help against typhoid.
Escherichia coli, on the hand, is not really a harmful bacteria. In fact, it supports gut health. However, some strains of the bacteria can cause fever, cramps, and stomach aches.
10. Immunomodulation
Our endocrine and immune systems are 2 of the most important systems in our body. If they are not properly regulated, they will affect virtually every part of our health.
Tongkat Ali may help in regulating and balancing the body’s immune system.
A 2016 study carried out in Tokyo confirmed that the use of the Tongkat Ali supplement after 4 weeks showed an increase in the number of T cells and CD4+ cells, both of which are directly involved in immune responses in the body.
11. May Regulate Blood Sugar & Pressure
Our blood sugar level and pressure play extremely important roles in our health. Deviation from their normal levels can lead to the development of many serious health issues.
This 2004 study and this study from the University of Malaya both confirmed that the plant was effective for lowering blood pressure and blood sugar level.
Side Effects
There tends to be little to no side effects associated with the consumption of the normal dosage of Tongkat Ali. However only your doctor will know your own personal circumstances, and what medications you currently take and if there will be effects because of that.
There also hasn’t been enough research on the subject matter to know its effects on pregnant women and children. Therefore, people in those categories that want to use the supplements must always seek medical advice first.
Wrapping Up
Much like many herbal medicines, Tongkat Ali has many health benefits, and unlike many modern drugs, it often has little to no side effects.
Taking Tongkat Ali before bed could be a good idea; however, talk to your doctor first, especially if you are on medications.