Uk Tongkat Ali Buyers Guide – 6 Key Factors To Look Out For

Clinical testing is the most essential factor when evaluating Tongkat Ali supplements. High-quality herbal supplements should undergo human clinical trials to validate their efficacy and safety. Clinical studies provide scientific evidence regarding the benefits of Tongkat Ali, such as its effects on testosterone levels, libido, mood, physical performance, and more. UK consumers should look for brands that have conducted clinical trials on their Tongkat Ali extract. Clinical testing ensures that the supplement delivers the promised benefits with predictable effects, helping consumers make informed decisions based on hard scientific data rather than mere marketing claims.

For instance, brands like AKARALI often cite clinical trials supporting their extract’s efficacy in enhancing testosterone levels and improving physical performance. These studies provide confidence and hard evidence of the product's potency and safety, guiding consumers towards effective Tongkat Ali supplements backed by scientific research. By prioritizing Tongkat Ali supplements that have undergone clinical testing, consumers can confidently select products that not only work well in humans, but also meets high standards of quality, efficacy, and safety.

2. Standardized extracts 

A major factor to consider is standardization. It's highly recommended to choose Tongkat Ali supplements containing standardized root extract that meets minimum bioactive ingredient thresholds for compounds like eurycomanone and eurypeptides, which are considered key markers for potency. Clinical research suggests that standardized extracts offer a better balance of potency and safety compared to non-standardized extracts, which lack consistent bioavailability. Standardized hot-water Tongkat Ali root extract is considered the gold standard for its consistent delivery of key compounds, according to clinical research.

Consumers should also opt for brands adhering to Malaysian Tongkat Ali Standards (MS2409), which ensure quality with proprietary water extraction and freeze drying. It is best to avoid brands that tout big extract ratios or high doses as most of these will likely lack sufficient bioactive ingredients. The US-patented AKARALI standardized hot-water extract is recommended due to its superior potency, consistency, and safety. Non-standardized extracts, often from low-quality manufacturers in Indonesia or China, are generally considered less safe and reliable.

3. Extraction method

The best extraction method for Tongkat Ali is water-based extraction, especially proprietary hot-water extraction, the product of which is considered more potent and safer to consume at high dosages for the long term compared to cheaper ethanol extracts. Research has shown that water extracts of Tongkat Ali root have a much higher LD50 threshold and do not produce toxic effects at high doses like ethanol extracts. 

Standardized hot-water Tongkat Ali root extract is particularly favored due to minimal impurities and absence of heavy metals and other potential contaminants or additives, unlike ethanol-based extracts used by brands like Applied Nutrition and Solaray. Hot-water extraction is also more effective at preserving active compounds from the root and is more sustainable, using fewer resources and producing less waste. This method is preferred by discerning buyers who seek potent, premium quality supplements.

4. Dosage

UK consumers should choose Tongkat Ali supplements that are dosage-optimized and formulated based on clinical evidence, as they are likely more effective than brands with excessively high dosages (e.g., 1,000mg per capsule). Neuroscientist Dr Andrew Huberman from Stanford University, a major advocate for Tongkat Ali, recommends a daily intake of 200-400mg of Tongkat Ali, citing that he did not feel good on doses above 400mg. With this in mind, consumers in the UK should also be cautious of supplements containing excessive amounts of additives and fillers like maltodextrin. While the addition of some maltodextrin can be good for preserving the shelf life of your supplements, too much (often the case to fill out cheaper products) can cause side effects such as headaches, nausea, migraines, or diarrhea.

If you have a history of liver or kidney disease, it's best to avoid high doses of 800mg or 1,000mg per capsule, commonly found in many US and UK Tongkat Ali brands. Experts note that higher doses may not necessarily lead to more benefits. For first-time users, starting with a lower dose (100mg or 200mg per day) allows your body to adjust to Tongkat Ali's bioactive ingredients. Opting for 200mg Tongkat Ali supplements is generally considered a safer initial choice, giving you the option to gradually increase your dosage according to your needs.

5. Lab testing and Certification

When purchasing Tongkat Ali supplements in the UK, it's crucial to select products that have been third-party lab tested and certified by reputable organizations like EUROFINS. This ensures purity, absence of contaminants, and compliance with FDA-approved cGMP 21CFR111 dietary safety standards. AKARALI is among the few Tongkat Ali brands and has been verified through EUROFINS testing to guarantee freedom from adulterants, contaminants, or illicit substances such as sildenafil or tadalafil. The brand undergoes rigorous annual testing and adheres to cGMP 21CFR111 and MS2409.

Consumers should also look out for additional certifications such as UKAS, Halal, and Kosher, which further validates product quality and safety standards. Andrey Lindsey, Senior Nutrition Scientist and Director of Operation Supplement Safety at the US Department of Defense, emphasizes the importance of independent lab testing. She advises consumers, particularly those in the military, to verify if supplements have been evaluated by independent third-party organizations to ensure ingredient authenticity and quantity as stated on the label.

6. Sourcing & Authenticity 

The origin of Tongkat Ali plays a crucial role in determining its quality and efficacy. This is true for both raw products and extracts. Nearly 90% of Tongkat Ali brands around the world, including Momentous Tongkat Ali and Solaray, source their products from Indonesian suppliers. However, due to the lack of regulation and quality standards by the Indonesian government, consumers should exercise caution or consider alternatives when purchasing Indonesian-sourced Tongkat Ali. In contrast, Malaysian Tongkat Ali is favored by global consumers for its higher quality and safety standards. Malaysian producers must adhere to the MS2409, which ensures stringent guidelines for cultivation, harvesting, and processing. Most Malaysian Tongkat Ali brands also comply with international FDA-approved dietary supplement standards, making them a preferred choice for imported Tongkat Ali in the UK.

Given the unregulated nature of the herbal industry in most parts of the world, it's advisable to verify the source of Tongkat Ali before making a purchase. Check product labels or inquire directly with manufacturers to ensure transparency about the origin and quality standards employed in production. Lastly, consumers should look out for Tongkat Ali products that come with a certificate of authenticity. Authentic Malaysian Tongkat Ali is derived from mature hand-harvested roots from the wild after maturing for at least five years, ensuring optimal bioavailability and potency. 

Parting words

For UK consumers, choosing the right Tongkat Ali supplement requires careful consideration of several key factors. From clinical testing to standardized extracts, extraction methods, dosage optimization, lab testing, and sourcing, each aspect plays a crucial role in ensuring the potency, purity, and safety of the product. 

Amidst the wide variety of options in the market, prioritizing Tongkat Ali supplements that have undergone rigorous testing, certification, and adhere to high-quality standards, can ensure consumers make informed choices. By following these guidelines, UK consumers should be able to confidently select the Tongkat Ali supplements that meets their health goals effectively and safely.