Eurycoma longifolia
Eurycoma longifolia

Background

Eurycoma longifolia is a tall evergreen shrub-tree commonly found in Southeast Asia. It's a protected species with a history of use as an aphrodisiac.

The root of Eurycoma longifolia contains several chemicals that have different effects in the body. Some of the chemicals seem to affect how the body produces the hormone testosterone and might increase testosterone levels in the body.

Eurycoma longifolia is used for erectile dysfunction (ED), male infertility, increasing sexual desire in healthy people, and boosting athletic performance, but there's no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.
When taken by mouth: Eurycoma longifolia is possibly safe when taken in doses of 200 mg daily for up to 9 months or 400 mg daily for 3 months. It is possibly unsafe to use larger amounts. Some Eurycoma longifolia supplements have been found to contain mercury or lead. Taking too much Eurycoma longifolia might lead to mercury or lead poisoning or other side effects. Sildenafil (Viagra), a prescription drug, has also been found in some Eurycoma longifolia supplements.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Eurycoma longifolia is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Effectiveness

NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Likely effective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly effective Effectiveness definitions
  • Increasing sexual desire in healthy people. Taking Eurycoma longifolia by mouth seems to improve sexual desire.
Likely ineffective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly ineffective Effectiveness definitions
  • Athletic performance. Taking Eurycoma longifolia by mouth doesn't seem to help athletes run farther or improve overall physical fitness.
There is interest in using Eurycoma longifolia for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions

Dosing & administration

Eurycoma longifolia has most often been used by adults in doses of 100-200 mg by mouth daily for up to 9 months. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates)

Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Eurycoma longifolia might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) substrates)

Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Eurycoma longifolia might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Propranolol (Inderal)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Taking Eurycoma longifolia with propranolol seems to decrease how much propranolol is absorbed by the body. This might decrease the effects of propranolol.

Testosterone

Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.

Taking Eurycoma longifolia may increase testosterone levels. Taking Eurycoma longfolia along with testosterone might increase testosterone levels too much and increase the chance of side effects.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 31/07/2023 10:00:00 and last updated on 07/09/2022 04:38:55. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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