Eurycoma Longifolia Research Articles

Eurycomanone from Eurycoma longifolia Jack upregulates neurotrophin-3 gene expression in retinal Müller cells in vitro.

Photoreceptor degeneration decreases light sensitivity and leads to vision loss and various retinal diseases. Neurotrophin-3, originating from Müller glial cells in the retina, plays a key role in protecting photoreceptors from damage induced by light or hypoxia. This neuroprotective approach is important because there are no established methods to regenerate lost photoreceptors. Dietary supplements are one of the useful methods for improving eye health. Eurycoma longifolia (E. longifolia) Jack, which is native to the tropical forest of Malaysia and other Southeast Asian countries, exhibits several medicinal properties. In the present study, we demonstrated that the water extract of E. longifolia roots enhanced neurotrophin-3 gene expression in primary rat Müller cells. Using a stepwise bioassay-guided fractionation and purification of E. longifolia root extracts, we isolated the active compound underlying neurotrophin-3 gene-enhancing activities. Mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectral data identified the compound as eurycomanone. This study provides evidence for the efficacy of E. longifolia and eurycomanone in enhancing neurotrophin-3 expression in Müller cells in vitro. Although the biological significance of this effect and its underlying mechanism remain to be elucidated, this study suggests that E. longifolia may be promising for improving eye health and must be further investigated.

Effect of pasak bumi (Eurycoma longifolia Jack), DHA, and seluang fish (Rasbora spp.) on neuroinflammation and neurotransmitter alterations in malnourished rats

Background: Malnutrition has detrimental effects on brain development, leading to neuroinflammatory and neurotransmitter disorders. A nutrient-rich diet is advocated to mitigate these effects. In South Kalimantan, natural resources such as pasak bumi (Eurycoma longifolia Jack.) and seluang fish (Rasbora spp.) are recognized for their potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of pasak bumi in comparison with seluang fish and DHA on neuroinflammation and neurotransmitter imbalances in malnourished rats. Methods: The study involved dividing malnourished rats into six experimental groups: (1) untreated control, (2) treated with pasak bumi extract, (3) treated with DHA, (4) treated with a combination of DHA and pasak bumi extract, (5) treated with seluang fish, (6) treated with a combination of seluang fish and pasak bumi extract; and a control group of normal rats receiving standard feed and placebo. The primary outcomes measured were levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and serotonin. Results: The study revealed that malnutrition in rats significantly elevated IL-6 and TNF-α levels. Treatments involving pasak bumi extract, both alone and in combination with DHA or seluang fish, reduced IL-6 levels. Similarly, combination of pasak bumi extract and DHA or seluang fish lowered TNF-α levels than single treatment of pasak bumi extract (p > 0.05). All treatments did not reduce the serotonin level. Conclusion: The findings of this study underscore the potent anti-inflammatory capabilities of pasak bumi extract, particularly when combined with DHA or seluang fish, in mitigating the inflammatory response in malnourished rats.

Trends in the Tissue Culture Techniques and the Synthesis of Bioactive Compounds in Eurycoma longifolia Jack-Current Status and Future Perspectives.

Over the last two decades, there has been a concerted effort by researchers to mass propagate Eurycoma longifolia and improve the yield of its very important and sought-after anti-cancer and aphrodisiac bioactive compounds. To achieve this, various techniques have been used to mass propagate and improve the yield of these bioactive compounds in tissue cultures. These techniques include the optimization of media conditions and application of various types and combinations of plant growth regulators (PGRs). In addition, some elicitation techniques have been used to improve the synthesis of these bioactive compounds. However, in comparison with other herbal species with similar economic importance, many techniques have not been applied to E. longifolia. Adopting the most recent methodologies would ensure efficiency and sustainability in the in vitro production of bioactive compounds in E. longifolia. Therefore, in this review, we present an up-to-date record on the success stories in the tissue culture techniques and synthesis of bioactive compounds. In addition, we attempted to identify some of the missing links on the road to the effective and sustainable biotechnological utilization of this super important biological resource.

Spatial Analysis of the Existence and Distribution of Medicinal Plants in Ghimbo Pomuan Customary Forest, Kampar Regency, Riau Province

Medicinal plants are included in the Non-Timber Forest Products group, which has a variety of benefits, especially for human life and high economic value. Its existence is abundant in one of the customary forests in Riau Province, Ghimbo Pomuan Customary Forest. For the preservation and planning of medicinal plant management activities, it is necessary to analyze the spatial distribution of medicinal plants and determine the relationship between accessibility factors and the presence of medicinal plants. This research aims to analyzed the spatial distribution pattern of medicinal plants, map the distribution of medicinal plants, and determine the factors that affect spatial distribution based on accessibility factors. This research was conducted between March and November 2023. This study found that Ghimbo Pomuan customary forest has 24 species of plants with a total of 324 medicinal plants.The seven medicinal plants with the highest number are kacip fatimah (Labisia pothoina) 106 individuals, mempening (Lithocarpus spp) 50 individuals, matoa (Pometia pinnata) 34 individuals, pasak bumi (Eurycoma longifolia) 32 individuals, binahong (Andredera cordifolia) 30 individuals, keladi tikus (Typhonium flagelliforme) 19 individuals and bintangur (Clophyllum soulatri) 9 individuals. The spatial distribution pattern of medicinal plants is clustered with the nearest neighbor index NNI 0.58. The most influencing factor is the distance from the river, which is then followed by the distance from the road and the distance from the settlement. The farther from the river, the number of medicinal plants tends to increase, the closer the distance from roads and settlements, the number of medicinal plants increases.

Anti-Diabetic Cure Plants In Sungai Kijang Pride

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a disease caused by a lack of the hormone insulin and generally consumes medication using chemical drugs due to the fast response in lowering blood sugar levels. However, the use of chemical drugs in the long term can have a negative impact on kidney performance. The way to minimize the negative impact is to use plants as medicine with the following considerations, that is: easy to obtain and minimal side effects. The tribe in Musi Rawas Utara Regency who still maintains the use of plants as medicine as a hereditary inheritance from their ancestors, namely the Anak Dalam Sungai Kijang Tribe in Sungai Kijang Village, Rawas Ulu District, so it is important to inform the wider community regarding this matter. The specific objectives of the study were to describe the types of medicinal plants, to describe the parts of the plants used, and to describe the processing methods for medicinal plants that have anti-diabetic potential. This research method focuses on the types, parts used, and ways of processing medicinal plants with potential anti-dibates for the Anak Dalam Sungai Kijang Tribe. Retrieval of data using observation sheets, questionnaires, interviews, and documentation. The data analysis used is descriptive with a qualitative approach. The results showed 14 types, namely Marasi, Plant Risih, Akar Timah, Pasak Bumi, Kratom, Akar Kuning, Sekubung, Mendururat, Kemeran, Lenteman, Passion, Okinawa Spinach, Kerisan, and Gembili. The organs used are stems, leaves, tubers, and roots. The processing method is washed, eaten immediately, cut, boiled, dropped into the eyes, drunk, and cleaned of the skin. Based on these results it can be concluded that nature always provides what is needed and that is the main principle of the Anak Dalam Sungai Kijang Tribe.

Efficient extraction of quassinoids and alkaloids from Eurycoma longifolia Jack roots using natural deep eutectic solvents and microwave-assisted extraction

Eurycoma longifolia Jack (EL) extracts have immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects and are utilized in the treatment of male sexual dysfunctions. Water-based extraction methods for hydrophobic and bioactive components of EL are often inefficient and energy-intensive. Therefore, this study aimed to develop an efficient and environmentally friendly method for extracting EL quassinoids and alkaloids using natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). The NADES-based MAE method employed an optimized NADES comprising choline chloride, citric acid, glucose, and water (CCGW). CCGW provided higher extraction yields of eurycomanone (EU, 1.608 ± 0.004 mg/g) and 9-methoxy-canthin-6-one (9MCO, 0.3022 ± 0.0007 mg/g) than water-based extraction under optimal MAE conditions, as determined using Box–Behnken Design of Response Surface Methodology. CCGW effectively extracted both polar quassinoids and less-polar alkaloids from EL roots. While concentrated NADES had an impact on RAW264.7 cell viability, the use of diluted CCGW did not enhance the cytotoxicity of both EU and 9MCO compared to their preparation in water. The anti-inflammatory activity of 9MCO, prepared in diluted CCGW, was equivalent to that of the compound prepared in water. The cytotoxicity of both compounds in Vero cells was higher when coupled with CCGW than their preparation in water. The NADES-based MAE method is an efficient approach for extracting bioactive components from EL.

Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali) enhances wakefulness during active periods but facilitates sleep during resting periods in C57BL/6 mice.

The effects of the Eurycoma longifolia (also known as Tongkat Ali [TA]) on sleep and wakefulness was evaluated in C57BL/6 mice. While TA has been used as an aphrodisiac in males, it exhibits various pharmacological effects. The most notable effect observed with TA was wake-enhancement during the second half of the active period, accompanied by significant elevations in core body temperature (CBT). In contrast, sleep was enhanced during the resting period (i.e., increase in rapid eye movement [REM] sleep and delta electroencephalography [EEG] power in non-REM sleep) with significant declines in CBT. The transition of TA's effects between resting and active periods was rapid. The results of the experiments in constant darkness indicate that TA prolongs the circadian tau and that this transition is governed by circadian clock mechanisms rather than light exposure. TA did not demonstrate efficacy in aiding sleep in an acute stress-induced insomnia model; thus, TA may be more suitable as a wake-enhancing agent for daytime sleepiness, as sleep propensity tends to accumulate towards the end of active period. Since TA amplifies the rest-activity pattern, prolongs circadian tau and increases REM sleep, thereby reversing some common symptoms seen in elderly subjects, it may also hold promise as a rejuvenating medicine.

Investigation of Eurycoma longifolia Extract on Alleviating Steatosis by Using In Vivo and In Vitro Steatotic Models: Mechanisms Through Activation of AMPK and Autophagic Flux

Investigation of Eurycoma longifolia Extract on Alleviating Steatosis by Using In Vivo and In Vitro Steatotic Models: Mechanisms Through Activation of AMPK and Autophagic Flux

Effects of Eurycoma longifolia Jack standardised water extract (Physta) on well-being of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women: protocol for a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel group study

IntroductionEurycoma longifolia Jack (EL), profoundly recognised as ‘Tongkat Ali’, is a medicinal herb originating from Southeast Asia. It is commonly used in traditional ‘antiageing’ treatments to address decreased energy, mood,...

Plant Inventory Constituent of Vegetation Structure of Balikpapan Botanical Garden Area Embung Wain Route East Kalimantan

Plants are important living things that have a role as oxygen providers for other living things. In addition, plants can also be stores of biomass and carbon stocks. The vegetation of the botanical garden area has great potential for maximizing the function of plants and as a place for the conservation of various types of plants. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct continuous inventory (monitoring) to prevent extinction and to update plant data that has never been identified. This research was conducted to identify plants in the Balikpapan Botanical Garden area, especially on the Embung Wain track, which is the first track frequented by visitors for education.Data retrieval using the method roams all regions on the track. The results of the study revealed as many as 117 species of plants, consisting of 59 families. The members of the plant family that are found are Asteraceae (6 species), Euphorbiaceae (6 types), Fabaceae (7 types), Moraceae (7 types), Poaceae (7 types), and Zingiberaceae (6 types). Endemic plants found in this area are Agathis borneensis, Diospyros borneensis, Diospyros celebica, Eusideroxylon zwageri, Etlingera balikpapanensis, and Eurycoma longifolia.

Improved Quality of Healed Wounds with Topical Application of Eurycoma Longifolia Jack Root Extract Hydrogel

INTRODUCTION: Collagen is the key component of the extracellular matrix that plays a critical role in the strength and quality of the healed wound. Eurycoma longifolia Jack root extract (TA) has been documented as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial agent that may improve the quality of healed wounds. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of topical application of TA hydrogel on the quality of the healed skin in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty male Sprague Dawley rats were grouped into 4 groups: Negative control, Hydrocyn® aqua gel positive control, vehicle (Xanthan) hydrogel, and Eurycoma longifolia Jack (TA) hydrogel. Treatments were applied twice daily starting on wounding day until day 21. An excisional wound was created on the back of 20 rats. Tissue samples of the healed skin were collected for histological examination by measuring the epidermal and dermal thicknesses and evaluating the collagen fibre quality by VVG stain. RESULTS: The TA hydrogel group had the thickest newly formed epidermis compared with the other experimental groups. For the dermal thickness, compared with the vehicle (xanthan) hydrogel group, TA hydrogel, and Hydrocyn aqua® gel positive control groups showed significantly increased thickness with p values 0.020 and 0.045, respectively. Histologically TA hydrogel group showed a significant increase in mixed-oriented collagen fibres, and fascicular collagen bundles and showed profound collagen density. CONCLUSION: TA hydrogel improved the quality of healed skin by increasing the epidermal/dermal thicknesses and enhancing the quality of newly produced collagen fibres. It can be considered a promising and effective wound-healing agent.

In vitro and In vivo Investigations on Anti-Hyperuricemic Activity of Commercial Preparations of Persicaria minor (Biokesum®) and Eurycoma longifolia (Physta®)

Background: Eurycoma longifolia Jack (Simaroubaceae) root extracts and Persicaria minor Huds. (Polygonaceae) leaf extracts are known to exhibit antioxidant activity, while their antihyperuricemic effects remain unclear. Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the anti-hyperuricemic activity of Biokesum® (extract of P. minor) and Physta® (extract of E. longifolia). Methods: In vitro anti-hyperuricemic activity for Biokesum® and Physta® was measured by xanthine oxidase inhibition based on a biochemical enzymatic assay at concentrations of 1, 10, and 100 μg/mL. In vivo anti-hyperuricemic activity was assessed in potassium oxonate-induced hyperuricemia Sprague-Dawley rat model. Biokesum® at doses of 100, 300, and 500 mg/kg and Physta® at doses of 300 and 500 mg/kg were administered for 7 days to the hyperuricemic rats. Serum uric acid was measured on days 0, 1, 3, and 7, and liver xanthine oxidase activity was measured on day 8. Allopurinol was used as positive control in both in vitro and in vivo investigations. Results: Based on xanthine oxidase biochemical enzymatic assay, IC50 of Biokesum® and Physta® were 88.6 μg/mL and > 100 μg/mL respectively. In hyperuricemic rats, Biokesum® and Physta® significantly reduced the serum uric acid by 5.6% and 5.5% respectively at 300 mg/kg (p < 0.05) and 9.8% and 9.0% respectively at 500mg/kg (p < 0.001) compared to untreated rats. Significant liver xanthine oxidase inhibition at 37.5% and 34.1% were observed in rats treated with Biokesum® and Physta® respectively. Conclusion: The study has demonstrated hyperuricemic activity of Biokesum® and Physta®, clinical studies in hyperuricemia-related diseases population are required to further confirm the activity.

Do "testosterone boosters" really increase serum total testosterone? A systematic review.

Testosterone boosters are heavily marketed on social media and marketplaces to men with claims to significantly increase testosterone. Lax industry regulation has allowed sales of supplements to thrive in the absence of verification of their purported benefits. Our primary objective was to systematically review all data published in the last two decades on testosterone boosters and determine their efficacy. Our outcome of interest was total testosterone increase versus placebo in four different populations: male athletes, men with late-onset hypogonadism infertile men and healthy men. Following search and screening, 52 studies were included in our review, relating to 27 proposed testosterone boosters: 10 studies of cholecalciferol; 5 zinc/magnesium; 4 Tribulus terrestris and creatine; 3 Eurycoma longifolia and Withania somnifera; 2 betaine, D-aspartic acid, Lepidium meyenii and isoflavones; while the remainder were single reports. Our findings indicate that most fail to increase total testosterone. The exceptions were β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate and betaine, which can be considered effective for male athletes. Eurycoma longifolia, a blend of Punica granatum fruit rind and Theobroma cacao seed extracts (Tesnor™) and purified Shilajit extract (PrimaVie™) can be considered possibly effective for men with late-onset hypogonadism; Eurycoma longifolia and Withania somnifera possibly effective for healthy men; and a non-hormonal aromatase inhibitor (Novadex XT™) possibly effective for male athletes.

Seed morphology and germination of pasak bumi (Eurycoma longifolia)

Eurycoma longifolia is a traditional medicine plant with numerous bioactive components. Because of its medicinal properties, particularly its aphrodisiac properties, pasak bumi has seen a tremendous increase in demand and is now threatened with extinction in the wild. As a result, species must be protected as soon as possible through propagation techniques. The research was conducted to determine the success of pasak bumi propagation using various media combinations. In this study, 360 pasak bumi seeds were sown in four different germination media: pure sand (M1), a 1:1 v/v soil and sand mixture (M2), a 1:1 v/v sand and rice husk mixture (M3), and a 1:1 v/v sand and compost mixture (M4). Seedlings were weaned at 8 weeks of age using three different media treatments: soil and carbonized rice husk 1:1 (M1), pure carbonized rice husk (M2), and a mixture of sand and soil 1:1 v/v (M3). To analyze the data, a non-factorial completely randomized design was used. The results showed that a combination of sand and soil media resulted in the highest average percentage of germination (34%). The variance results revealed that the planting medium had no significant effect on shoot growth but did affect the number and length of roots. The pure carbonized rice husk medium produces the best growth parameters.

Secondary metabolites from Aspergillus terreus F6-3, a marine fungus associated with Johnius belengerii

Two new terrein derivatives asperterreinones A-B (1–2), one new octahydrocoumarin derivative (±)-asperterreinin A (6), along with seventeen known compounds, were isolated from Aspergillus terreus F6–3, a marine fungus associated with Johnius belengerii. The structures of 1, 2, and 6 were established on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR, mass spectroscopy, comparative electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra analysis, density functional theory calculation of 13C NMR, and DP4+ probability analysis. Among all the isolates, eurylene (7), a constituent of the Malaysian medicinal plant Eurycoma longifolia, was obtained from a microbial source for first time. In the in vitro bioassay, 11 and 13 showed potent inhibitory activity against the Escherichia coli β-glucuronidase (EcGUS) with IC50 values of 27.75 ± 0.73 and 17.73 ± 0.81 μM, respectively. It was the first time that questinol (11) and (±)-aspertertone B (13) were reported as potent EcGUS inhibitors.

The effect of adaptogenic plants on stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Stress is a substantial part of life, however, persistent stress can disturb the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis leading to different diseases. Adaptogenic herbs are considered to have a stress-relieving effect via decreasing cortisol levels. We assessed the effect of adaptogenic plants on cortisol pathway (cortisol and ACTH levels) and on psychological stress levels of mentally stressed healthy adults, based on the results of randomized controlled trials published until June 25th, 2023. Twenty-five studies on nine adaptogenic herbs - Bacopa monnieri, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Eurycoma longifolia, Gynostemma pentaphyllum, Lepidium peruvianum, Ocimum sanctum, Panax ginseng,Rhodiola roseaandWithania somnifera- were processed in the systematic review. The results onWithania somniferawere meta-analyzed. Significant serum cortisol level decrease (MD = -3.27 ug/dL, 95%CI:−4.62––1.92, p = 0.003) and clinically relevant Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) score decrease were observed in the Withania somnifera-treated group compared to the placebo group after 56 or 60 days treatment.

In Vitro and In Silico Analysis of the Anticancer Effects of Eurycomanone and Eurycomalactone from Eurycoma longifolia.

Eurycomanone and eurycomalactone are known quassinoids present in the roots and stems of Eurycoma longifolia. These compounds had been reported to have cytotoxic effects, however, their mechanism of action in a few cancer cell lines have yet to be elucidated. This study was aimed at investigating the anticancer effects and mechanisms of action of eurycomanone and eurycomalactone in cervical (HeLa), colorectal (HT29) and ovarian (A2780) cancer cell lines via Sulforhodamine B assay. Their mechanism of cell death was evaluated based on Hoechst 33342 assay and in silico molecular docking toward DHFR and TNF-α as putative protein targets. Eurycomanone and eurycomalactone exhibited in vitro anticancer effects manifesting IC50 values of 4.58 ± 0.090 µM and 1.60 ± 0.12 µM (HeLa), 1.22 ± 0.11 µM and 2.21 ± 0.049 µM (HT-29), and 1.37 ± 0.13 µM and 2.46 ± 0.081 µM (A2780), respectively. They induced apoptotic cancer cell death in dose- and time-dependent manners. Both eurycomanone and eurycomalactone were also predicted to have good inhibitory potential as demonstrated by the docking into TNF-α with binding affinity of -8.83 and -7.51 kcal/mol, respectively, as well as into DHFR with binding affinity results of -8.05 and -8.87 kcal/mol, respectively. These results support the evidence of eurycomanone and eurycomalactone as anticancer agents via apoptotic cell death mechanism that could be associated with TNF-α and DHFR inhibition as among possible protein targets.

Anti-Inflammatory, Antinociceptive, Antipyretic, and Gastroprotective Effects of Eurycoma longifolia Jack Ethanolic Extract.

Tongkat ali (Eurycoma longifolia Jack) (ELJ) is a plant in the Simaroubaceae family. Its roots are used in traditional Thai medicine to treat inflammation, pain, and fever; however, the antiulcer abilities of its ethanolic extract have not been studied. This study examined the anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, antipyretic, and gastroprotective effects of ethanolic ELJ extract in animal models and found that ELJ effectively reduced EPP-induced ear edema in a dose-dependent manner and that a high dose of ELJ inhibited carrageenan-induced hind paw edema formation. In cotton-pellet-induced granuloma formation, a high dose of ELJ suppressed the increases in wet granuloma weight but not dry or transudative weight. In the formalin-induced nociception study, ELJ had a significant dose-dependent inhibitory impact. Additionally, the study found that yeast-induced hyperthermia could be significantly reduced by antipyretic action at the highest dose of ELJ. In all the gastric ulcer models induced by chemical substances or physical activity, ELJ extracts at 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg also effectively prevented gastric ulcer formation. In the pyloric ligation model, however, the effects of ELJ extract on gastric volume, gastric pH, and total acidity were statistically insignificant. These findings support the current widespread use of Eurycoma longifolia Jack in traditional medicine, suggest the plant's medicinal potential for development of phytomedicines with anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and antipyretic properties, and support its use in the treatment of gastric ulcers due to its gastroprotective properties.

UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS combined with network pharmacology for exploring antiinflammatory mechanism of Eurycoma longifolia

To explore the mechanisms that mediate the anti-inflammatory activity of Eurycoma longifolia. Kunming mouse models of xylene-induced ear swelling and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute pneumonia were used to compare the anti- inflammatory activities of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Eurycoma longifolia. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS was used to identify the chemical composition in the ethanol extract of Eurycoma longifolia, based on which the potential antiinflammatory targets of Eurycoma longifolia were screened using the databases including SwissADME, SwissTargetPrediction, and Genecards. The String database was used to generate the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, and Cytoscape was used for network topology analysis and screening the core targets. The enrichment of the core targets was analyzed using Metascape database, the core components and targets were docked with Autodock software, and the docking results were visualized using Pymol software. In a RAW264.7 cell model of LPS-induced inflammation, the Griess reagent was used to measure NO level, and Western blotting was performed to detect the expression levels of MAPK1, JAK2, and STAT3 proteins to verify the anti- inflammatory mechanism of Eurycoma longifolia. The ethanol extract (75%) of Eurycoma longifolia (ELE) was the active site, which contained a total of 37 chemical components. These chemical compounds and diseases had 541 targets, involving the JAK/STAT3, cAMP and other signaling pathways. Twelve indicator components were identified, which all showed good results of molecular docking with two core targets involved in the signaling pathways. In the cell validation experiment, treatment of the cells with low-, medium-, and high-dose ELE significantly reduced NO release in the cells, and ELE at the medium dose significantly decreased the cellular expressions of JAK2 and STAT3. The anti-inflammatory activity of Eurycoma longifolia is attributed primarily to its active ingredients bitter lignin and alkaloids, which may regulate the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway by targeting JAK2 and STAT3.

In Vitro Safety & Quality Analysis on Three Species of Tongkat Ali Plants & Their In Vivo Elevation of Testosterone in Fowls

Eurycoma longifolia, Polyathia bullata, and Stema tuberosa are three species of plants sharing the synonym of "Tongkat Ali" and commonly known as Tongkat Ali Putih, Tongkat Ali Hitam, and Tongkat Ali Merah, respectively. However, less study has been done on its effectiveness to increase testosterone by P. bullata and S. tuberosa compared to E. longifolia. In this study, all three types of Tongkat Ali were compared for their testosterone elevations in fowls. The roots of the plants were encapsulated and given to fowls. Before being tested on animals, the capsules' content was analyzed on a few safety and quality parameters, i.e., pH and moisture tests, heavy metal content, microbial load, and steroid presence. A total of 12 mg of each Tongkat Ali powdered material included in a capsule and given to 14 fowls for 30 days. The outcome showed an increase in testosterone in fowls with the highest value of 9.73 ± 1.20 nmol/L obtained by P. bullata, followed by E. longifolia and S. tuberosa, 7.70 ± 0.59 nmol/L, and 6.25 ± 0.70 nmol/L, respectively compared to the control of only 4.08 ± 0.85 nmol/L. The results showed that P. bullata and S. tuberosa were safe to consume (in vitro) and able to increase testosterone level in the fowls (in vivo). Thus, it also provide added information on the less studied Tongkat Ali plants and their potential as an aphrodisiac plants.