The Claim

Daily supplementation with 200 mg of a standardized hot-water extract of Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali) for four weeks reduces self-reported tension by 11%, anger by 12%, and confusion by 15% in moderately stressed adults, with no significant effect on depression, vigor, or fatigue.

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 extract daily for four weeks lowers self-reported levels of tension, anger, and confusion in adults with moderate stress, without changing levels of depression, vigor, or fatigue.

See the scientific wording

Daily supplementation with 200 mg of a standardized hot-water extract of Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali) for four weeks reduces self-reported tension by 11%, anger by 12%, and confusion by 15% in moderately stressed adults, indicating a specific improvement in negative mood states without affecting depression, vigor, or fatigue.

Why this might work

A compound in the supplement reduces the binding of testosterone to a protein that holds it inactive, freeing more testosterone to act on the brain. At the same time, it lowers the production of a stress hormone that overactivates the brain's threat response. Together, these changes calm overactive stress circuits in the brain, reducing feelings of tension, anger, and confusion without affecting energy or sadness.

Verified 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

    This study found that people who took a specific Tongkat Ali supplement every day for four weeks felt less tense, less angry, and less mentally confused — just like the claim said. It also found no change in their energy or sadness, which matches too.

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.

Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.