The Claim

Four weeks of 200 mg/day Tongkat Ali supplementation increases the cortisol-to-testosterone ratio by 36% in moderately stressed adults, indicating a shift toward a more anabolic hormonal environment that reduces stress-induced catabolism.

Source: Effect of Tongkat Ali on stress hormones and psychological mood state in moderately stressed subjects

What the research says

Supports is higher

Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.

Supports
56score
Challenges
0score

These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.

Quantitative
1 study reviewed
In plain English

Taking 200 mg of Tongkat Ali daily for four weeks increases the cortisol-to-testosterone ratio by 36% in adults with moderate stress, which is associated with a hormonal shift that reduces muscle breakdown caused by stress.

See the scientific wording

The cortisol-to-testosterone ratio improves by 36% after four weeks of 200 mg/day Tongkat Ali supplementation in moderately stressed adults, suggesting a shift toward a more anabolic hormonal environment that may counteract stress-induced catabolism.

Why this might work

Bioactive compounds in Tongkat Ali bind to a protein that holds testosterone in the blood, freeing more of it to act on tissues. At the same time, these compounds activate an enzyme that makes more building blocks for testosterone. This raises testosterone levels. The same compounds also reduce signals that tell the body to make stress hormone, lowering cortisol. Together, this shifts the balance toward muscle-building and away from stress-driven breakdown.

Supported mechanismbased on 1 study

What the research says

1 study
  1. Study: Effect of Tongkat Ali on stress hormones and psychological mood state in moderately stressed subjects

    Taking 200 mg of Tongkat Ali daily for four weeks lowered the stress hormone cortisol and raised the body-building hormone testosterone in stressed adults, making their hormone balance 36% better — just like the claim says.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

Fit Body Science verdict — we translate health claims into clear verdicts backed by peer-reviewed research.

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