109 Men Took Tongkat Ali for 12 Weeks: Study Results

Want to know what actually happens when men take Tongkat Ali? Not marketing claims. Not testimonials. Real research data.

One of the most comprehensive studies on Tongkat Ali followed 109 men for 12 weeks. Here's what they found—the improvements, the limitations, and what it means for anyone considering trying this supplement.

Published: 2012 in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (and cited in subsequent research)

What made it notable:

• Larger sample size than most Tongkat Ali studies (109 participants)
• Longer duration (12 weeks vs. typical 4-8 week studies)
• Multiple outcome measures tracked
• Standardised extract with verified potency

Study design: Men received either Tongkat Ali extract (standardised, hot water extraction) or placebo, with various health and wellness parameters measured at baseline and throughout the study.

Understanding who was studied helps you assess whether results might apply to you:

Demographics:

• Men experiencing age-related concerns
• Various ages represented (data focused on 30-60 age range effects)
• Not elite athletes or severely ill individuals
• Generally healthy but experiencing typical male aging symptoms

The study tracked multiple parameters:

Primary outcomes:

• Testosterone status
• Sexual function parameters
• Sperm quality metrics
• Stress indicators

Secondary outcomes:

• Energy and vitality assessments
• Mood parameters
• Physical well-being indicators

This comprehensive approach gives us a fuller picture than studies measuring just one or two outcomes.

The Tongkat Ali group showed significant improvements in testosterone status compared to placebo.

What this means: Measurable increases in testosterone levels—not dramatic TRT-level changes, but statistically significant improvements beyond placebo effects.

Important nuance: "Significant" in research terms means statistically meaningful, not necessarily life-changing. The improvements were real and measurable, but we're talking optimisation, not transformation.

Multiple parameters of male sexual function improved:

Improvements included:

• Libido scores
• Erectile function measures
• Overall sexual satisfaction
• Spontaneous erection frequency

The pattern: Improvements became more pronounced as the study progressed, with the most notable changes appearing in weeks 8-12.

Parameters related to male fertility showed improvements:

Observed changes:

• Sperm concentration increases
• Improved sperm motility
• Better morphology parameters
• Overall semen quality improvements

Why this matters: This suggests Tongkat Ali supports overall testicular function, not just testosterone levels. Unlike TRT (which suppresses sperm production), Tongkat Ali appears to support natural reproductive function.

Participants reported improvements in stress-related parameters:

Observed changes:

• Lower stress scores
• Improved mood assessments
• Better perceived energy levels
• Enhanced overall well-being

The connection: This aligns with other research showing Tongkat Ali reduces cortisol. Lower stress hormones often translate to better mood and energy.

One of the most useful aspects of this study is the timing data:

Weeks 1-4:

• Early, subtle changes in stress parameters
• Mood improvements beginning to appear
• No dramatic changes yet
• Foundation being established

Weeks 4-8:

• More noticeable improvements in measured parameters
• Sexual function changes becoming apparent
• Energy and vitality scores improving
• Testosterone status showing measurable changes

Weeks 8-12:

• Full expression of benefits
• Most significant improvements in all parameters
• Testosterone optimisation reaching its peak
• Sexual function and sperm quality at best levels

Being honest about limitations:

The study didn't show:

• Testosterone levels matching TRT therapy
• Overnight transformations
• Universal response (not everyone improved equally)
• Muscle mass changes (not the focus of this study)
• Long-term effects beyond 12 weeks

Individual variation was real: Some participants responded better than others. The group averages showed improvement, but individual results varied.

No study is perfect. Here's what to keep in mind:

Study Design Considerations:

Open-label nature: Participants likely knew what they were taking, which can introduce placebo effects and bias. However, objective measures (like sperm analysis) are less susceptible to this bias.

Single product tested: Results apply to the specific extract used. Different extracts might produce different results.

Generalisability Questions:

Population specific: Results in this population may not perfectly translate to all men. Very young men or those with specific health conditions might respond differently.

Duration limited: We don't know if benefits continue, increase, or plateau beyond 12 weeks.

What We Can't Conclude:

• Exact mechanisms of action
• Optimal dosing for every individual
• Long-term safety with extended use
• Effects in combination with other supplements or medications

This study supports:

• Tongkat Ali can produce measurable improvements in testosterone status
• Sexual function benefits are real and documented
• Effects take time—plan for 8-12 weeks minimum
• A comprehensive approach (multiple health parameters) can improve

This study doesn't guarantee:

• You'll respond exactly like study participants
• Effects will be dramatic or life-changing
• The specific product you buy will match study quality
• Benefits without proper lifestyle foundation

Likely with quality product and proper use:

• Modest but meaningful testosterone optimisation
• Improved sexual function parameters
• Better stress resilience and mood
• Enhanced overall vitality

Unlikely based on research:

• TRT-level testosterone increases
• Dramatic muscle gains without training
• Overnight transformations
• Universal response regardless of other factors

If you want to give yourself the best chance of experiencing similar benefits, here's how to approximate study conditions:

Match the study standards:

• Standardised hot water extract
• Verified active compound content
• Consistent daily dosing
• Quality manufacturing standards

Follow the timeline:

• Commit to a full 12 weeks before judging
• Don't expect results in week 2
• Track changes over time rather than day-to-day
• Be patient with the process

This study is one piece of a larger evidence base. It's not the only positive study, but it's also not the final word.

What the overall research suggests:

• Tongkat Ali has legitimate effects beyond placebo
• The mechanism likely involves cortisol reduction and testosterone optimisation
• Effects are modest but meaningful for most men
• Quality matters enormously
• Individual responses vary

What responsible use looks like:

• Choosing quality products with verified potency
• Committing to proper duration (8-12+ weeks)
• Combining with lifestyle optimisation (not relying on supplements alone)
• Tracking results to assess personal response
• Having realistic expectations aligned with research

The 109-men study provides solid evidence that properly standardised Tongkat Ali produces measurable improvements in testosterone status, sexual function, and related parameters over 12 weeks.

But evidence from a study isn't a guarantee of personal results. Your response will depend on your individual biochemistry, the quality of the product you use, your lifestyle factors, and your starting point.

What this study gives you is confidence that Tongkat Ali can work—not that it will work for everyone in all circumstances.

If you decide to try it:

• Choose a quality product matching study standards
• Give it the full 12-week timeline
• Track your personal response
• Combine with healthy lifestyle practices
• Make an informed decision based on your actual results

The research suggests the potential is real. Whether that potential translates to benefits for you specifically depends on many factors—but at least you're starting from a foundation of evidence rather than marketing hype.