Lab Notes: New Data on Herbal Supplements and Diet Myths — August 2, 2026

New research on Eurycoma longifolia, commonly known as tongkat ali, shows promising potential for alleviating menopausal symptoms. In a 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, women aged 40–55 taking 100 mg of a water extract (Physta®) experienced a 34% reduction in overall menopausal symptom scores from baseline, compared to a 23% reduction with placebo (p=0.049). Notably, physical and sexual symptoms improved significantly. However, the study comes with a major caveat: it was sponsored by Biotropics Malaysia Berhad, the manufacturer of Physta®, creating a direct financial interest in positive outcomes. This conflict of interest doesn't invalidate the findings, but it demands a cautious interpretation.

The trial also measured mood disturbances, finding no significant benefit over placebo (p=0.235). Reproductive hormone levels remained largely unchanged, with a transient progesterone spike at week 6 that normalized by week 12. These results suggest Physta may work independently of hormonal pathways, perhaps through other mechanisms. For women considering tongkat ali for menopause, it's essential to weigh these benefits against the limited safety data and the sponsor's influence. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplement.

One of the most striking claims to emerge from the Physta trial is the 34% reduction in menopausal symptom scores with a daily 100 mg dose. This figure, reported as statistically significant over placebo, suggests that this herbal extract could be a valuable tool for managing hot flashes, night sweats, and other discomforts. However, it's crucial to remember that this data comes from a single study with heavy industry sponsorship. The placebo group also improved by 23%, indicating a strong placebo effect in menopausal symptom relief. As with any supplement, outcomes vary individually, and more independent research is needed to confirm these findings.

For those who are curious, the study focused on women aged 40–55 experiencing natural menopause. The improvement was most pronounced in physical and sexual domains, adding credibility to the claim. Yet, the global health community remains cautious about over-the-counter remedies for menopause. If you're considering Physta, weigh the evidence and discuss it with your doctor, especially if you have a history of hormone-sensitive conditions.

Although Physta showed benefits for menopause symptoms, it did not significantly improve mood disturbances. Over the 12-week trial, mood disturbance scores decreased by 38.6% in the Physta group and 30.1% in the placebo group, but the difference did not reach statistical significance (p=0.235). This is a key finding because many women expect herbal remedies to uplift their mood during menopause, but this trial suggests Physta may not deliver on that front.

The lack of mood benefit could be due to the short duration, the specific formulation, or the possibility that mood changes are indirectly linked to symptom relief rather than direct effects. From a scientific perspective, this highlights the importance of separating expectations from evidence. If you're using tongkat ali for mood enhancement alone, the current evidence doesn't support it. More research with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up may reveal different results, but as it stands, the claim is unsupported by this study.

In the same Physta trial, researchers measured reproductive hormone levels, including estradiol, FSH, LH, progesterone, and testosterone. They found no significant sustained changes over 12 weeks compared with placebo. This is reassuring for those concerned about hormonal disruption from herbal supplements. The only exception was a transient increase in progesterone at week 6 that had resolved by week 12, suggesting a temporary physiological shift rather than a persistent effect.

This hormonal neutrality is important because many supplements for menopause claim to rebalance hormones, but Physta appears to work without directly altering sex hormone levels. It may exert its effects through other pathways, such as neurotransmitters or stress responses. For women who are wary of hormone therapy, this could be an appealing option, but it's not a guarantee of safety. The study didn't assess long-term hormonal impact, and the short duration limits our understanding. Always consult a healthcare provider before using tongkat ali, especially if you have hormonal conditions or are taking hormone replacement therapy.

A closer look at the hormone data from the Physta trial reveals a curious blip: progesterone levels spiked at week 6, only to return to baseline by week 12. This transient increase is worth noting because it hints at a temporary physiological response to the supplement. While the change was not clinically significant, it underscores the complexity of herbal medicine. The fact that it resolved suggests the body may have adjusted to the extract over time.

For menopausal women considering tongkat ali, this transient effect is unlikely to cause noticeable symptoms, but it does raise questions about the compound's activity. Could it have temporary effects that might interact with other medications? The study didn't explore this in depth, and the short 12-week duration means we don't know if longer use would lead to sustained changes. As with many botanical supplements, more research is needed to map out its full pharmacological profile. For now, this finding adds to our understanding that Physta doesn't disrupt hormone balance chronically.

Beyond the Physta trial, a broader claim about tongkat ali (the same plant) suggests it improves overall mood and reduces daily tension and anger. This assertion seems to come from a separate analysis, possibly a meta-analysis or a collection of studies. While the Physta trial found no significant mood improvement, other research has indicated that tongkat ali may have beneficial effects on stress and emotional well-being. The discrepancy could be due to different populations, dosages, or formulations.

For example, some earlier studies on tongkat ali in stressed individuals reported reduced cortisol and improved mood, but these often used higher doses or different extracts. The claim that it reduces tension and anger is plausible given its adaptogenic properties, but it's not universally supported. As with any supplement, individual responses vary. If you're considering tongkat ali for mood support, look for evidence specific to your situation and discuss it with a healthcare provider. The current data is mixed, so it's not a guaranteed mood enhancer.

A new randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated a low-dose, water-dispersible turmeric extract (WDTE60N) for knee osteoarthritis. Participants with mild-to-moderate knee OA took 250 mg once daily for 90 days. The study scored 84 in our analysis, indicating decent methodology, but it carries a major conflict of interest: the extract is manufactured by Nutriventia Limited and Laila Nutraceuticals, with the sponsor referenced in the methods. No explicit conflict of interest statement was provided, which is a red flag in supplement research.

Despite this, the trial's findings could be clinically relevant. Turmeric's active compound, curcumin, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, but poor bioavailability has limited its use. This novel water-dispersible formulation aims to enhance absorption at a lower dose, making it more convenient for daily use. If the results hold up in independent studies, this could be a game-changer for people managing osteoarthritis pain without relying on NSAIDs. However, given the industry backing, consumers should approach these results with caution and seek third-party verification before adding it to their regimen.

A randomized controlled trial investigating the effects of standardized ashwagandha root extract on well-being and sexual performance in adult males with low sexual desire scored 81 in our analysis. While we don't have the full results, the study's design and topic are highly relevant to men's health. Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb traditionally used to boost libido and reduce stress. The trial focuses on a specific population: men with low sexual desire, which is a common but often unaddressed issue.

The high score suggests the study follows rigorous methodology, likely with placebocontrol and randomization. If the results are positive, it could provide evidence for using ashwagandha to support male sexual health. However, as with all supplements, quality and dosage matter. The study uses a standardized extract, which is crucial for consistency. Men considering ashwagandha for libido should look for products that match the study's specifications and consult healthcare professionals, especially if they have underlying health conditions or take medications. We'll update readers when the full data becomes available.

Today's Lab Notes also highlight a video titled 'Have We Got Beans & Fruit All Wrong?' which scored pro 29 vs against 8. The video apparently challenges conventional wisdom about these everyday foods, possibly questioning their carbohydrate content, antinutrients, or sugar levels. With a high pro score, it suggests the video presents compelling arguments that may have been overlooked.

For health enthusiasts, it's crucial to approach such claims critically. Beans and fruit are generally considered pillars of a healthy diet, rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. But the video might be pointing out that certain types or amounts could be problematic for some individuals, such as those with gut issues or metabolic conditions. The low against score indicates that the counterarguments aren't robust, but that doesn't mean the video is entirely correct. We recommend watching it with a discerning eye, cross-referencing the cited studies, and consulting a nutritionist if you have specific dietary concerns. As always, science is nuanced, and one-size-fits-all advice rarely holds up.

A second video, 'How To Heal 20 Years of Gut Damage in 30 Days,' scored pro 8 vs against 7, indicating a near tie. This suggests the video's claims are highly controversial and lack scientific consensus. The premise—reversing two decades of gut damage in just one month—is bold and likely oversimplified. Gut health is complex, and healing typically requires sustained dietary changes, probiotics, and sometimes medical intervention.

The low scores on both sides indicate that the evidence presented is weak, and experts disagree. Positively, the video might highlight effective strategies like eliminating inflammatory foods, consuming prebiotics, or fasting, but the timeframe is probably ambitious. Chronic gut conditions like IBS or leaky gut syndrome often take months to improve. While the video may offer valuable tips, it's dangerous to expect miracle cures. If you're dealing with gut issues, we recommend working with a gastroenterologist or a registered dietitian to develop a personalized, evidence-based plan. Quick fixes rarely work, and the sensationalism of such claims can lead to unrealistic expectations and potential harm if followed without supervision.