Does LJ100® Increase Testosterone? Unraveling the Truth Behind Eurycoma Longifolia Extract

In the realm of natural supplements purported to increase testosterone levels, Eurycoma longifolia (aka longjack or tongkat ali) has garnered significant attention. Specifically, a standardized and patented extract called LJ100® has sparked both interest and skepticism among supplement consumers. So, does LJ100® truly enhance (free) testosterone levels, or is it merely another flop in the expansive—and often overhyped niche—of herbal testosterone boosters?

What Is LJ100®?

Eurycoma longifolia (longjack/Tongkat ali), a plant indigenous to Southeast Asia, has been revered as a libido and virility enhancer in traditional medicine for centuries. The putative vitalizing properties of this herb form the basis of LJ100®, a patented extract of longjack that's standardized to contain 40% glycosaponins and 22% eurypeptides, the constituents believed to have the most influence on free testosterone levels in humans [1].

The standardization and potency of LJ100® are what set it apart from generic Tongkat Ali extract. In fact, the name "LJ100" is shorthand for "longjack 100:1," which means this specific extract uses 100 parts of the whole plant per part of extract. More simply, ingesting 1 mg of LJ100® is equivalent to ingesting 100 mg of the whole longjack plant. This precision in formulation is key, as it allows each dose of LJ100 to deliver a quantifiable and consistent amount of bioactive compounds, unlike non-standardized extracts.

Now, the question remains: Does LJ100® actually increase (free) testosterone production like the claims suggest? We'll summarize what research has to say on this matter so you can decide if this supplement is worth adding to your stash.

Does LJ100/Tongkat Ali Supplementation Increase (Free) Testosterone Levels?

Testosterone is the principal anabolic androgenic steroid hormone in humans; being both an anabolic and androgenic hormone, testosterone is pivotal for not only building and maintaining muscle mass but also for overall vitality, wellness, and reproduction [2]. Naturally, many men (and even some women) look to testosterone boosters as they grow older to help offset age-related declines in endogenous testosterone production. (This approach is also less harsh than testosterone replacement therapy.)

The apparent testosterone-boosting effects of longjack/Tongkat ali are driven by its endocrine-stimulating properties. Notably, some evidence suggests that the herb may increase endogenous testosterone production directly via luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), as well as by reducing sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG), thereby augmenting free testosterone levels [3].

Sure enough, there are multiple clinical trials demonstrating the efficacy of longjack/Tongkat ali extract for fighting androgen deficiency in aging males of differing backgrounds (e.g. athletes, hypogonadal males, and stressed individuals) [4]. However, since LJ100® is a fairly new ingredient, few studies have used this specific extract. Nonetheless, it's safe to extrapolate from the literature on other longjack/Tongkat ali extracts as LJ100® derives from the same plant (and is ostensibly higher quality).

With that in mind, the following sections highlight key takeaways from human studies on Tongkat ali supplementation and testosterone levels.

Evaluating the Efficacy of Tongkat Ali Extract as a Testosterone Booster (and More)

Research pertaining to Eurycoma longifolia supplementation and its impact on testosterone levels in humans presents several interesting findings, notably:

1. Increased Testosterone Levels in Young Adults: A study by Chan et al. (2021) showed that supplementation with Tongkat ali extract in young males led to significant increases in testosterone and free testosterone levels, with a lesser role in activating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in young adults. The increased testosterone levels may be attributed to a greater rate of hormone production via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis [5].

2. Improvement in Exercise Performance and Wellbeing: Another study by Chan (2021) found that Tongkat ali supplementation (600 mg/day) in males led to an increase in serum testosterone levels and improvements in mood (i.e. feeling less anger and fatigue) after four weeks. However, the supplementation alone did not exhibit any ergogenic effects on strength or power in young adults, and it did not modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary gland axis. Curiously, testosterone levels began to decline after eight weeks in the group supplementing with Tongkat ali extract [6].

3. Efficacy in Managing Late-Onset Hypogonadism: In another human study, Tambi et al. (2012) demonstrated that Eurycoma longifolia extract significantly improved symptoms of late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) in men, ostensibly as a result of increasing serum testosterone concentration [7].

4. Benefits for Elderly Men and Women: Research by Henkel et al. (2014) found that supplementation with Tongkat ali extract in physically active elderly men and women led to significant increases in total and free testosterone concentrations and muscular force, suggesting ergogenic benefits of the supplement in the geriatric population [8].

5. No Adverse Effects on Liver and Renal Functions: A study by Chen et al. (2014) indicated that supplementation with Eurycoma longifolia—400 mg/day for 6 weeks—did not adversely affect liver and renal functions in male recreational athletes [9]. This corroborates findings from other research showing no apparent toxicity of Tongkat ali extracts [10].

6. Enhanced Sperm Quality: A research review by Santos et al. (2019) highlights that there is moderate evidence for Eurycoma longifolia supplementation as a means of improving sperm quality in aging men, which correlated with increased testosterone levels [11].

7. Balances stress hormones: In one study from Talbott et al. (2013), individuals taking Tongkat ali root extract experienced significant improvements in levels of stress hormones compared to the placebo group [12]. The study also found a significant increase in salivary testosterone levels (they did not test serum total testosterone levels, however).

Key Research Takeaways

Summarizing the findings from above, research on Tongkat ali supplementation shows generally favorable effects on testosterone levels in various populations, including young adults, elderly men and women, and those with late-onset hypogonadism/androgen deficiency. Tongkat ali also appears to improve mood, erectile function/sexual function, and athletic performance (but likely not muscle strength), plausibly stemming from increase in serum testosterone levels and/or an increase in the ratio of testosterone:cortisol.

Tongkat ali extract has negligible risk of toxicity even when taken in relatively large doses.

How to Use LJ100® /Tongkat Ali: Dosing Guidelines

The appropriate dosage of LJ100®, and other Tongkat ali extracts, depends on several factors, including your age, health status, and reasons for taking the supplement. Most clinical studies have used dosages ranging from 200 to 600 mg per day.

It’s advisable to start with a modest dose (e.g. 100-200 mg per day) if you're using LJ100® as it is a 100:1 extract and highly potent. You may gradually increase to a dose of 300-400 mg per day if necessary.

As always, follow the label instructions of the specific longjack supplement you're taking, and consult with a healthcare professional if you are concerned about low testosterone levels.

Final Thoughts on LJ100® as a Natural Testosterone Booster

As the interest in natural testosterone boosters continues to grow, Tongkat ali stands as a noteworthy candidate. Studies collectively indicate that Eurycoma longifolia supplementation may positively influence testosterone levels, particularly for aging males at risk of androgen deficiency (diminished testosterone production). Despite the promising results of recent double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, continued research is still needed to fully understand how Tongkat ali supports normal testosterone levels and the long-term impacts (if any).

It should be noted that a high-quality Tongkat ali extract, such as Transparent Labs LJ100® caps, may also have other potential health benefits not limited to testosterone enhancement. For example, studies (referenced above) suggest significant improvements in sperm quality, sexual function, erectile function, mood enhancement, and stress reduction from Tongkat ali supplementation. These benefits are partly attributed to the adaptogenic properties of Tongkat ali, which assist the body in managing and adapting to stress, a known disruptor of hormonal balance.

While LJ100 appears promising, it is essential to critically evaluate the evidence and recognize the limitations and variability in the current research. Many human studies of Tongkat ali are of a small sample size, making it hard to translate the findings to larger populations. The results between studies are also inconsistent at times, with some research finding a significant increase in testosterone levels between the treatment group (i.e. those taking Tongkat Ali) and placebo group while others find no significant differences.

On the plus side, new research on Tongkat ali (and other herbal testosterone boosters) continues to surface fairly frequently. As research evolves, so will our understanding of LJ100 and its effects on total and free testosterone levels.

For now, LJ100 represents a promising natural option for those looking to support their testosterone levels and general well-being. Lastly, remember that LJ100 may offer benefits in terms of testosterone levels and overall well-being, but it should not be viewed as a standalone solution (especially if you have clinically low testosterone levels). A balanced diet, regular exercise, and a healthy lifestyle are crucial for maintaining optimal testosterone levels and overall health, which we encourage you to read more about in this article: How to Increase Testosterone Naturally