1.5 Years on Tongkat Ali Review [Nootropics Depot]

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I'm 24 and have been into fitness for over seven years. I focus on eating well, getting enough sleep, etc. Every six months, I check my health by getting my blood tested, including my testosterone levels. I've noticed that when I lose weight, my testosterone drops more than you'd expect for my age and lifestyle. The craziest change in total testosterone has been from the mid-600s to the low-200s.

This drop in testosterone affected my life quality, but I have no interest in taking anabolic steroids or TRT (at such a young age). So, I started looking for natural ways to boost it. That's when I found out about Tongkat Ali, a natural supplement. I did my homework and decided to give it a try.

It wasn't easy to find a trustworthy brand, but eventually, I found Nootropics Depot. They test their supplements religiously (and those from competitors), and share their findings in-depth on Reddit. It looked like the obvious choice, so I placed an order. I'm usually doubtful about “testosterone boosting” supplements because most are, for lack of better words, absolute garbage. But let's talk about my experience with Tongkat Ali from Nootropics Depot, and find out if you should give it a shot.

So, sit back, grab some popcorn and let’s dive into my review of Nootropics Depot Tongkat Ali.

Practical Information about Nootropic Depot’s Tongkat Ali

Tongkat Ali from Nootropics Depot comes in two main types. There's a version with 100mg per tablet, having at least 10% Eurycomanone, which is the active component. Then there's another type with 200mg per tablet but only 2% Eurycomanone.

The first kind, with 100mg and 10% Eurycomanone, is more concentrated. This means it's stronger compared to the 200mg, 2% version.

Nootropics Depot sets itself apart by guaranteeing a percentage of Eurocomanone in their Tongkat Ali. They offer exact Eurycomanone levels, unlike other brands who just say '1:200 extracts', which give you a fraction of the potential results at best.

Here's what you need to know about each type:

• For the 100mg, 10% variant: You can get bottles with either 60 or 120 tablets. This is the stronger option, more potent due to the higher concentration of Eurycomanone.
• For the 200mg, 2% variant: Like the first type, it comes in bottles of 60 or 120 tablets. This one is milder, and suitable if you prefer a gentler effect.

Recommended Dosage: The suggested dose is one capsule daily, regardless of the type.

Supply Duration: Depending on your choice, a bottle can last you either two months or four months, aligning with the recommended dosage.

Where to Get It: If you're looking to buy the Tongkat Ali from Nootropics Depot you can do it directly on their website. They offer both variants - you can check out the 100mg, 10% option [here], and the 200mg, 2% option [here].

What is Tongkat Ali?

Tongkat Ali, a herbal supplement, comes from Southeast Asia. You can find it in the roots of a green shrub tree. It goes by several names, including Eurycoma Longifolia, Longjack, Pasak Bumi, and Tung Saw.

For a long time, people in many Asian countries have used Tongkat Ali to treat male infertility and erectile dysfunction. Its popularity as a supplement mainly comes from its potential to boost testosterone levels.

Studies suggest that Tongkat Ali can increase the amount of free testosterone in your body. It does this by separating it from its binding hormone, the sex hormone-binding globulin. So, what you can expect from Tongkat Ali is:

• A rise in total testosterone.
• An increase in the percentage of free testosterone.
• A decrease in sex hormone-binding globulin.

These findings are promising, showing Tongkat Ali's potential benefits. However, it's important to note that Tongkat Ali hasn’t been studied as extensively as some other supplements, like creatine. So, more research is needed to fully understand its effects. Luckily, there was an amazing volunteer (me) who decided to experiment with Tongkat Ali himself. 

My Selection of Tongkat Ali from Nootropics Depot

Deciding to fully explore Tongkat Ali's potential, I chose both variants from Nootropics Depot: the 100mg at 10% Eurycomanone and the 200mg at 2% Eurycomanone. The idea was simple: combining the strengths of both types would give me the best chance to evaluate its true effectiveness.

While the more concentrated 100mg version promised stronger effects, the 200mg offered a milder approach. This combination, I thought, would provide a comprehensive view of the supplement's impact.

It's important to note that, unlike some well-researched supplements like creatine with a clear dosage guideline, Tongkat Ali doesn't have a scientifically established 'best' dosage yet. So, choosing the right amount to take involves a bit of personal judgment based on available research.

In my routine, I took one of each type every morning before breakfast. For the first three weeks, I did this daily. Then, I shifted to a 5 days on (weekdays), 2 days off (weekends) schedule, which seemed to align best with the information I found.

Always do your research, this is merely what I did.

Four-Month Tongkat Ali Trial: My Personal Experience

For a solid four months, I put Nootropics Depot Tongkat Ali to the test. My goal? To get real, honest results – what changed, what didn't. During this period, I made sure everything else in my life stayed the same. My diet, exercise routine, sleep habits, and other supplements – I didn’t change a thing.

We all know the power of the placebo effect, so to really measure the impact of Tongkat Ali, I got my blood tested both before starting and after the four months. This was crucial to see any actual changes in my testosterone levels, and maybe other blood values too.

First, I'll share how I felt throughout these four months. Did I notice any changes in energy, mood, or overall health? Then, I'll get into the specifics – the actual blood test results. Did Tongkat Ali really make a difference? Let’s find out.

Also, stay tuned for a two-year update after discussing the benefits and side effects, providing an even more comprehensive view of the long-term effects.

Benefits of Tongkat Ali

Energy Boost

In just a week of taking Tongkat Ali, my energy levels shot up noticeably. Before, I often needed naps, especially after meals. That's completely changed now. I'm wide awake and ready for anything – work, study, relationships, you name it. It's like I've found a new drive for chasing goals and exploring passions.

The best example: I got the crazy idea to start a blog called Viking Beast Media. Here you are... reading my review about Nootropics Tongkat Ali supplements. On a website I built from scratch (without experience).

Stress Reduction

Tongkat Ali has been a game-changer in how I handle stress. I was never one to panic easily, but certain things like public speaking or meeting new people used to stress me out. Now, I find myself much more confident and relaxed in these situations. It's incredible how this supplement has boosted my confidence and overall life quality. I enjoy presentations and meeting new people now, mind-blowing to me.

Sex Life Improvements

Let's touch on a sensitive but vital topic: sex life. To be clear, I didn't have major issues, but I felt my libido wasn't where it should be for a 24-year-old, especially during dieting phases. Tongkat Ali made a noticeable difference:

• Faster arousal
• Stronger and longer-lasting erections
• Increased sperm volume (though I didn't exactly count)

Note: One quirky side effect - it takes me a bit longer to start peeing now.

Faster Strength Gains

After grinding in the gym for six long years, I've come to terms with the fact that strength gains are more of a marathon than a sprint. I’m all in for the long haul, giving every workout my all, even if it's just for those tiny, incremental wins. But here's the kicker: during these four months with Tongkat Ali, something shifted.

My strength levels got a serious boost. It wasn't just a subtle change either; it was like hitting a stride where every lift felt more powerful. I was nailing personal bests across the board, feeling a noticeable uptick in strength in every muscle group. It's that kind of progress that reminds me why I fell in love with lifting in the first place – the thrill of feeling undeniably stronger.

Body Composition Changes

Before starting with Tongkat Ali, my weight fluctuated between 86-87kg with about 12% body fat (abs, but not shredded). After four months, I weighed around 90kg, but my body fat percentage either stayed the same or dropped slightly. Considering the typically slow pace of change after years of training, this improvement was both surprising and welcome.

Side Effects of Tongkat Ali

Sleep Changes

Since I started taking Tongkat Ali, my sleep's been a bit off. I find myself waking up more often the night. It's not a big deal for me – I usually get up to pee, and fall back asleep as soon as I shut my eyes. Oddly enough, even with these nighttime interruptions, I'm feeling more energetic during the day.

Managing Nausea

Timing is key with Tongkat Ali. Taking it in the morning seems to be the best approach. But here's a heads-up: if you take it on an empty stomach, you might feel a bit sick. I learned this the hard way. Now, I make sure to take it with breakfast, and it works out fine. So, if you're thinking of trying Tongkat Ali, remember to pair it with some food to avoid any stomach upset.

1.5 Years on Tongkat Ali Update

It's been about a year and a half since I started with Tongkat Ali, and I've got to say, the journey's been pretty solid. All those benefits I talked about earlier? They've only gotten better. My energy's stayed up, and the improvements in my gym performance and overall health have been steady.

Now, about my sleep – it's totally back to normal. No more waking up at odd hours. It feels like my body's adjusted well to Tongkat Ali, and those initial sleep disturbances are a thing of the past.

As for my blood tests, everything looks good. The only change is in my testosterone levels, which have improved, but everything else has stayed the same. No weird side effects or anything unexpected.

I've also added my most recent testosterone levels from my blood test to the next section for you to check out.

My Blood Results Before and After Tongkat Ali

Let's look at the hard numbers from my blood tests to see what's been happening since I started on Tongkat Ali:

• Total Testosterone: It went up from 466 ng/dL to 578 ng/dL. That's a 24% increase, which is pretty impressive for a natural supplement.
• Free Testosterone: This is the stuff that counts for how I feel day to day. It rose from 37.9% to 64.4%. We're talking about a massive increase of 70% here.
• Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG): It actually went down from 42.6 nmol/L to 31.1 nmol/L, which is about a 27% decrease. Lower SHBG means more free testosterone is available in my system (as expected).

Now, if we get a bit more technical and look at the total times the free testosterone percentage, the numbers tell an even more exciting story. Before starting Tongkat Ali, my total multiplied by free testosterone was roughly 176.6 (using the initial 466 ng/dL total and 37.9% free). After 1.5 years, that calculation gives us a figure of 372.1 (with the updated 578 ng/dL total and 64.4% free).

That means my testosterone has essentially more than doubled, which is crazy to me.

Note: these are personal results, and they're not part of a formal scientific study. But that said they're real numbers from my life, showing some pretty significant changes since adding Tongkat Ali to my routine.

Tongkat Ali Pricing: Value and Quality at Nootropics Depot

When it comes to pricing for Nootropics Depot's Tongkat Ali, the cost reflects the quality and assurance you're getting:

• 100mg with 10% Eurycomanone: You're looking at $39.99 for 60 capsules or a better deal of $69.99 for 120 capsules. Opting for the larger bottle brings the daily cost down to roughly $0.58.
• 200mg with 2% Eurycomanone: This variant is priced at $19.99 for a 60-capsule bottle or $34.99 for 120 capsules, which works out to about $0.29 per day for the bigger bottle.

While these prices might seem steep compared to some other options out there, it's important to note that Nootropics Depot doesn't just talk the talk. They back up their products with rigorous lab testing to ensure what's on the label is what's in the bottle—something not all supplement companies can claim.

For me, that level of quality and transparency is well worth the investment. Based on my experience and the clear benefits I've detailed, I firmly believe that Nootropics Depot offers the best value on the market.

How do I stack Tongkat Ali with other supplements?

I stack Tongkat Ali with other Nootropics Depot supplements:

Cistanche Tubulosa: improving testosterone, increasing strength, a better body composition, more energy, better mood, and improved cognitive abilities (like memory).

For an in-depth review click here. To check it on the site click here.

Ashwagandha KSM-66: improving sleep quality, decreasing anxiety, better stress control, improving testosterone levels/ muscle & strength gains, more energy, and better mood.

For an in-depth review click here. To check it on the site click here.

Epicatechin: boosting athletic performance, decreasing/ eliminating muscle soreness, a faster rate of muscle/ strength gain, a better body composition, retaining muscle during off times, improved cognitive abilities, better mood, and possibly improving testosterone.

For an in-depth review click here. To check it on the site click here.

Longvida Curcumin: reducing inflammation, reducing pain, improving cognitive abilities (memory/focus), and potentially a better mood/ faster muscle gains.

For an in-depth review click here. To check it on the site click here.

Green Tea Extract 45% EGCG: Improving metabolic function, faster fat loss, better skin, reducing inflammation, and overall health.

For an in-depth review click here. To check it on the site click here.

Horny Goat Weed (if needed): sexual health (mainly improved blood flow to the penile tissue), reducing anxiety, better mood, and possibly improving testosterone/reducing inflammation and pain/ more energy.

For an in-depth review click here. To check it on the site click here.

Wrapping Up: My Take on Tongkat Ali from Nootropics Depot

After sharing this journey with you, here's my straightforward take: Tongkat Ali from Nootropics Depot is a yes from me. I started off skeptical—let's face it, the world of natural supplements is full of big promises with little delivery. But Tongkat Ali? It's been a different story.

This supplement has earned its spot as the MVP of my daily routine. It's not just the increase in testosterone on my blood tests; it's about feeling mentally and physically strong, having the energy to chase what matters, and improving my quality of life, all naturally.

I'll keep this article updated with any new insights or changes in my experience.

If you want to try it out for yourself, you can check out my Tongkat Ali supplements here.

You could repeat my experiment and do a blood test before/after a certain period.

Oh, and remember:

Never be afraid to sail against the tide. ~ Viking Beast Media

Q/A on Tongkat Ali from Nootropics Depot

Does Nootropics Depot Tongkat Ali work instantly?

You may start feeling the effects of Nootropics Depot Tongkat Ali anywhere between a few days to a few weeks. In general, for most people, Tongkat Ali will be noticeable rather quickly.

Nootropics Depot Tongkat Ali 2% Eurycomanone versus 10% Eurycomanone?

The 200mg capsules of Nootropics Depot Tongkat Ali at 2% Eurycomanone will have "milder effects" compared to the 100mg capsules at 10% Eurycomanone. It's a matter of personal preference.

Some may prefer the stronger concentration, while others opt for the gentler option. I take both, because I'm a savage.

What is the best dosage of Nootropics Depot Tongkat Ali?

The suggested starting point is one capsule daily. It's the same for both the 100mg and 200mg variants. If you're comfortable, you can also experiment with taking one of each type daily.

After a few weeks, it's best to start cycling the doses—like 5 days on and 2 days off or 3 weeks on and 1 week off.

Relevant Studies

1. "An evidence-based systematic review of tongkat ali (Eurycoma longifolia) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration" from PubMed: Study Link‍
2. "Tongkat Ali as a potential herbal supplement for physically active male and female seniors--a pilot study" from PubMed: Study Link
3. "Effect of Tongkat Ali on stress hormones and psychological mood state in moderately stressed subjects" from NCIB: Study Link
4. "A 6-month, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial to evaluate the effect of Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali) and concurrent training on erectile function and testosterone levels in androgen deficiency of aging males (ADAM)" from PubMed: Study Link