Shilajit Vs Tongkat Ali - Difference And Surprised Combination
It's no wonder that more people wonder about the differences between Shilajit and Tongkat Ali due to their unique health benefits.
Both superfoods have been gaining immense popularity lately, especially in Asian cultures, for helping to prevent and treat various ailments such as depression and fatigue. So which one is better?
What exactly sets these two powerful ingredients apart from each other?
Here, we explore the key difference between Shilajit and Tongkat Ali before sharing a surprising combination of both that you might not expect!
Before exploring further, please read the disclaimer located at the end of this webpage.
Background of Tongkat Ali
Overview of Tongkat Ali
Tongkat Ali is a tropical plant native to Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. It has been used for centuries as an aphrodisiac and natural remedy for various ailments, including sexual dysfunction, fevers, malaria, diabetes, and obesity. The scientific name for Tongkat Ali is Eurycoma longifolia Jack (ELJ).
Benefits
Tongkat Ali offers many benefits, some well-known and others that might surprise you. Let's explore these advantages:
- Boosts Testosterone and Male Fertility [6] [7]
- Relieves Stress and Builds Stress Resilience [6] [8] [9] [10] [11]
- Improves Body Composition and Muscle Mass [8] [13] [14]
- Increases Muscle Strength [8] [13] [14]
- May Aid Erectile Function [8] [15]
- Enhances Exercise Performance and Recovery
- Serves as an Ergogenic Aid for Athletes and Dieters
- Supports Bone Health and Prevents Bone Loss
- Shows Promise in Combating Cancer Growth
- Possesses Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-microbial Qualities
- Traditional Uses for Diabetes, Malaria, Chronic Pain, Low Energy, Fever, and Infections
Now that we've highlighted the diverse benefits of Tongkat Ali let's delve deeper into understanding its side effects.
Explore more: Tongkat Ali Vs Fenugreek - Comparison And Combination
Side Effects
While Tongkat Ali is generally considered safe, it's important to be aware of potential side effects. These typically occur when consuming higher doses, including insomnia, restlessness, and irritability. Other serious side effects that may occur in case of taking excessive dosage of Tongkat:
- Caution Advised for Prostate Cancer Patients
- High Doses Can Cause DNA Damage to Stomach and Duodenum Tissues
- Potential Absorption of Heavy Metals and Radioactive Isotopes from Soil
- Toxicity Concerns Linked to Certain Quassinoids
- Caution for Hormonal Cancer Patients Due to Increased Testosterone
- Consultation Required for Those on Blood Glucose Medications
- Caution for Individuals with Conditions such as Cancer, Heart Disease, Kidney Disease, or Weakened Immune Systems
- There are rumors that it remains Tongkat ali side effects on the liver, gynecomastia, and baldness in men; However, this remains highly controversial.
Dosage and Notable Using Tips
A daily dosage of 200 - 500 mg is recommended for general health purposes. It's worth noting that many supplements contain additional ingredients; read labels carefully to avoid potential interactions or negative reactions. As with most other supplements, it's best to consult your doctor before taking Tongkat Ali.
Males primarily utilize Tongkat Ali to enhance testosterone levels, improve fertility, and strengthen muscles. However, females also reap the benefits of Tongkat Ali.
Tongkat Ali can benefit individuals with sub-normal testosterone levels, including those dieting for weight loss, middle-aged individuals combating fatigue or depression, and intensely training athletes at risk of overtraining.
Read more: Tongkat Ali vs Turkesterone: Which's Better & Can They Combine
Background of Shilajit
Overview of Shilajit
Shilajit is a blackish-brown tar-like substance found in the Himalayan Mountains. It is said to be one of the most powerful and rejuvenating substances on earth, dating back centuries. Shilajit comprises over 84 minerals and has been traditionally used for various health benefits, such as increasing energy levels, reducing stress, and promoting overall health [1].
Benefits
Shilajit offers a variety of benefits for both men and women. Let's explore these advantages:
- Boosts energy levels [3] [4] [5]
- Enhances brain function [2] [5]
- High-altitude cerebral edema and dementia (HACE) [1]
- Improves digestion and metabolism [2]
- Enhances libido and sexual performance [3] [4] [5]
- Reduces stress, anxiety, and depression [3] [5]
- Antiulcerogenic and anti-inflammatory activity [2] [3] [5]
- Antioxidant activity [2], [3] [4] [5]
- Antidiabetic activity [2] [5]
- Anti-AIDS activity [2]
- Fights free radical damage to cells
- Antimicrobial activity effect [5]
- Boosts Immune system functioning [2] [3] [5]
- Cardioprotective effect [5]
Now that we've highlighted the benefits of Shilajit let's delve deeper into understanding its side effects.
You may also like: Viagra Vs. Shilajit: A Detail Comparison to Choose the Best Option
Shilajit Safety
While Shilajit is known for its abundant health benefits, it's crucial to consider its safety profile. Consuming Shilajit without preliminary purification can lead to potential health risks due to the presence of certain substances [3].
These include mycotoxins, heavy metals, polymeric quinones, and free radicals. Fungi produce mycotoxins and can cause disease and death in humans and animals. Heavy metals, like lead or mercury, can accumulate in biological systems and have severe health effects. Polymeric quinones are strong oxidants that can potentially damage cells and DNA.
Similarly, free radicals can cause oxidative stress, leading to cell damage and various health complications. Therefore, it's highly recommended to only consume Shilajit, that has undergone proper purification processes to eliminate these potential toxins and to always follow recommended dosage guidelines.
Dosage and Notable Using Tips Of Shilajit
A daily dosage of 300-500 mg is generally recommended to maintain optimal health with Shilajit, as it ensures an effective blood level and therapeutic efficiency. For the best possible results, consuming Shilajit powder twice daily in conjunction with milk is a sound option [1].
This combination not only aids in maintaining an ideal concentration in the bloodstream but also helps maximize the health benefits of Shilajit. Notably, a human study illustrated that Shilajit can induce beneficial effects on blood lipids when taken at higher doses of 2000 mg daily.
However, it's important to note that Shilajit should not be used with some foods like horse gram, meat of pigeon, or Solanum nigrum [1]. Additionally, raw and unprocessed Shilajit should be avoided as it contains many free radicals [1].
As always, it's crucial to consult with healthcare professionals before changing your supplement intake [2].
Read more: Cistanche Vs. Shilajit: The Comprehensive Comparison
The Comparison: Tongkat Ali vs Shilajit
When choosing the right supplement for men, there are many options. Tongkat Ali and Shilajit are two of the most popular and widely used supplements. Both have a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in Asia. They also boast numerous health benefits that make them attractive choices for improving their health and well-being.
Tongkat Ali is a shrub native to Southeast Asia, and its extract has been used for centuries as a remedy for various ailments. It's been found to increase testosterone levels, boost energy and libido, improve mental clarity, and enhance mood. It also has anti-inflammatory effects and can help reduce cholesterol levels.
Shilajit is a natural mineral pitch found in South Asia's Himalayas and other mountainous regions. It has been used for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to treat various ailments, from diabetes to infertility. Shilajit is known for its numerous health benefits, including improved energy levels, enhanced sexual performance, improved digestive health, and mental clarity and focus.
Tongkat Ali and Shilajit offer numerous health benefits, making them both excellent choices for men looking to improve their overall well-being. However, there are some key differences between the two supplements that should be taken into consideration.
Tongkat Ali is known to reduce stress hormones and increase testosterone levels more quickly than Shilajit, making it a better choice for those looking for a quick boost in energy and libido. On the other hand, Shilajit is known for its long-term health benefits, as its effects are cumulative over time.
Regarding safety, both Tongkat Ali and Shilajit are generally considered safe for most people when taken as directed. However, they can interact with certain medications, so it's important to check with your healthcare provider before taking either supplement.
Tongkat Ali Vs Shilajit - Which's Better?
The decision between Tongkat Ali and Shilajit will depend on your needs and preferences. Both supplements offer a range of health benefits, but which is right for you will come down to personal preference. So do your research and talk to your doctor before making a decision. With the right information, you can make the best choice for your body and overall health.
No matter which supplements you decide to take, remember that consistency is key. Taking supplements regularly will ensure you get the most out of them. Make sure to follow the dosage instructions on the label and talk to your healthcare provider if you have any questions. And don't forget to stay hydrated! Drinking plenty of water throughout the day will help your body absorb and process the nutrients from your supplement more effectively.
For those looking for a natural way to boost their health and well-being, Tongkat Ali and Shilajit are both excellent supplements to consider. Make sure to do your research and talk with your healthcare provider.
The Combination: Tongkat Ali vs Shilajit
Due to the different beneficial properties of Tongkat Ali and Shilajit, combining them can potentially offer even more health benefits than taking either one alone. Taking both supplements together may provide an additional boost of energy, libido, mental clarity, and focus, all while improving overall well-being.
When taken together, Tongkat Ali and Shilajit can help to reduce stress hormones and increase testosterone levels more quickly than either one alone. Not only that, but they can also help to keep cholesterol levels in check and improve overall digestive health.
Combining Tongkat Ali and Shilajit is generally considered safe for most people when taken as directed. However, it's important to discuss any potential medication interactions with your healthcare provider before taking both supplements together.
Whichever supplement you decide to take, remember to be consistent and follow the dosage instructions on the label. Staying hydrated throughout the day will also help your body absorb and process the nutrients from your supplements more effectively.
Other Boost Testosterone Supplements
In addition to Tongkat Ali and Shilajit, there are other natural supplements that can help boost testosterone levels.
These include vitamin D3, zinc, magnesium, and D-aspartic acid. Vitamin D3 helps the body produce more testosterone by activating certain hormones in the brain. Zinc is essential for the production of testosterone, while magnesium helps regulate the body's testosterone levels. D-aspartic acid helps increase testosterone production and is found in various foods, such as eggs and beans.
In addition to natural supplements for boosting testosterone, there are also over-the-counter products that can be taken to improve hormonal balance and libido. These include herbal extracts like Tribulus Terrestris, Horny Goat Weed, and Maca Root.
To boost testosterone levels, research different supplements and consult a healthcare provider before use. Ensure safety and effectiveness in increasing this vital hormone. Buy from reputable sources that guarantee quality and potency.
Read more: How Much Does Shilajit Increase Testosterone? In Females And Males
Conclusion
Both Tongkat Ali and Shilajit offer numerous health benefits for men looking to improve their overall well-being. They can both help increase testosterone levels, boost energy and libido, improve mental clarity, and enhance mood. However, there are some key differences between the two supplements that should be taken into consideration before deciding which one is right for you.
References
- [1] Hari Singh Meena, Pandey, H., Arya, M. C., & Ahmed, Z. (2010). Shilajit: A panacea for high-altitude problems. International Journal of Ayurveda Research, 1(1), 37–37. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-7788.59942
- [2] Agarwal, S., Khanna, R., Ritesh Karmarkar, Md. Khalid Anwer, & Khar, R. K. (2007). Shilajit: a review. Phytotherapy Research, 21(5), 401–405. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.2100 Stohs, S. J. (2013). Safety and Efficacy of Shilajit (Mumie, Moomiyo). Phytotherapy Research, 28(4), 475–479. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5018
- [3] Carrasco-Gallardo, C., Guzmán, L., & Maccioni, R. B. (2012). Shilajit: A Natural Phytocomplex with Potential Procognitive Activity. International Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 2012, 1–4. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/674142
- [4] Dr. Richa Ojha, Kumar, A., Dr. Richa Pathak, & Sanjay Kumar Pandey. (2021). Shilajit an elixir of Ayurveda: A literary review of traditional usage as well as modern findings. International Journal of Applied Research, 7(8), 323–332. https://www.allresearchjournal.com/archives/?year=2021&vol=7&issue=8&part=E&ArticleId=8883
- [5] Shaheed Ur Rehman, Kevin Kyungsik Choe, & Hye Hyun Yoo. (2016). Review on a Traditional Herbal Medicine, Eurycoma longifolia Jack (Tongkat Ali): Its Traditional Uses, Chemistry, Evidence-Based Pharmacology and Toxicology. Molecules, 21(3), 331–331. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules21030331
- [6] Talbott, S. (2013). Human Performance and Sports Applications of Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia). Elsevier EBooks. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-396454-0.00053-9
- [7] Talbott, S., Talbott, J. A., George, A., & Pugh, M. (2013). Effect of Tongkat Ali on stress hormones and psychological mood state in moderately stressed subjects. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1550-2783-10-28
- [8] Toyama, H., & al, et. (2022). Randomized Controlled Trial of the Effects of Tongkat Ali Intake on Stress Markers and Sleep Quality in Healthy Japanese Adults. 薬理と治療, 50(5), 871–876. https://www.pieronline.jp/content/article/0386-3603/50050/871
- [9] Vet, J., & Malaysia. (2022). INHIBITORY EFFECTS OF TONGKAT ALI (Eurycoma longifolia) EXTRACT ON LIGHTING STRESS- INDUCED SLEEP DISORDERS IN PIGS. 34(1). https://storage.unitedwebnetwork.com/files/478/8896465115c3e9db273d44a1aac2326b.pdf
- [10] Toyama, H., & al, et. (2022). Randomized Controlled Trial of the Effects of Tongkat Ali Intake on Stress Markers and Sleep Quality in Healthy Japanese Adults. 薬理と治療, 50(5), 871–876. https://www.pieronline.jp/content/article/0386-3603/50050/871
- [11] Vet, J., & Malaysia. (2022). INHIBITORY EFFECTS OF TONGKAT ALI (Eurycoma longifolia) EXTRACT ON LIGHTING STRESS- INDUCED SLEEP DISORDERS IN PIGS. 34(1). https://storage.unitedwebnetwork.com/files/478/8896465115c3e9db273d44a1aac2326b.pdf
- [12] Henkel, R., Wang, R., Bassett, S., Chen, T., Liu, N., Zhu, Y., & Mohd. (2013). Tongkat Ali as a Potential Herbal Supplement for Physically Active Male and Female Seniors-A Pilot Study. Phytotherapy Research, 28(4), 544–550. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5017
- [13] Low, B.-S., Das, P. K., & Chan, K. (2013). Standardized quassinoid-rich Eurycoma longifolia extract improved spermatogenesis and fertility in male rats via the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 145(3), 706–714. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2012.11.013
- [14] Pei Jean Lim, Gan, C.-S., Khong, T. K., Sareena Hanim Hamzah, & Ashril Yusof. (2017). Effect of Eurycoma Longifolia Jack Extract on Lipolysis in Collegiate Athletes: Pilot study. IFMBE Proceedings, 97–100. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-3737-5_20
Author
Product Disclaimer
The dietary supplement products mentioned on this website are formulated based on scientific research and adhere to FDA guidelines for dietary supplements. However, the content of the articles has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is not intended to promote or endorse any specific product. Any products sold on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Opinions and Endorsements
Any claims, statements, or opinions expressed in the articles are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the manufacturers of the dietary supplement products. The products sold on this website are separate from the content of the articles and are not directly endorsed or associated with the information presented here.
Liability Disclaimer
The author(s) of the articles, website, and manufacturers of the dietary supplement products do not assume any liability for any potential consequences arising from the use of the information provided in the articles. It is recommended that individuals consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any dietary or lifestyle changes, including the use of dietary supplements.
Product Usage
Please refer to the product labels and packaging for specific usage instructions and guidelines for the dietary supplement products sold on this website.
Customer Support
For any concerns or questions regarding the dietary supplement products, please contact our customer support team, who will be more than happy to assist you.
1 comment
Thanks for the insightful comparison! I’ve heard that purity plays a huge role in the effectiveness of Shilajit. What should we look for when choosing a high-quality product?
Leave a Comment
What do you think?