Eurycoma Longifolia – Why LJ100® is Worth the Cost

[aaronuconn]

Eurycoma Longifolia – Why LJ100® is Worth the Cost

Gather ‘round yall, time to learn why LJ100® should be part of your supplement arsenal - ya know, if you think an herb with 13 clinical studies showing effects such as increasing testosterone, reducing cortisol, enhancing sexual function, improving endurance, and improving mood is cool. If you read the aforementioned benefits and think you may be interested, create some space between your Tribulus and L-Arginine for a beneficial, and safe, nutraceutical.

LJ100® is a registered trademark of HP Ingredients. Companies, such as forum-favorite Aesthetic Distribution aka Olympus Labs, have utilized this extract in solo products as well as combo products. But what is it, and where does it come from?

Commonly referred to as Tongkat Ali, LJ100® is sustainably harvested from the rain forests of Malaysia. [1] But, if I still have your attention at this point, you may be wondering about more details into the effects this herb has. See below!

Effects

Ergogen

Dietary supplements will sometimes make claims based off of rodent studies. Sometimes that is all that is available. And although the murine model is a great starting place, it’s great to see research in healthy humans. This first piece of literature I want to share does exactly this.
14 healthy men (age 25.64 ± 3.73 years) were given 100mg/day of LJ100® or placebo and performed a 5 week strength training program. Just 100mg of LJ100® was able to show increased muscle mass and reduced body fat! We’re talking just 100mg was able to show recomp effects that we know aren’t easily attainable. [2]

When we think of Eurycoma Longifolia, we commonly think of the hormonal impact it has. We know that testosterone increases that aren’t supraphysiological aren’t correlated with increased muscle mass. Therefore, there’s more at play here with LJ100® then just increasing testosterone.

Also, this isn’t just an herb for men. Research was conducted on middle-aged women (aged 45-59) to determine the impact on strength parameters. Again, just 100mg of LJ100® was able to show benefits such as increased bench press, leg press, and once again, muscle size gain. [3]

Hormonal Impact

LJ100® is able to help promote an anabolic state. One study was able to show the impact that just (you guessed it) 100mg can have.

“30 male subjects (N=30) were recruited from a 24-hour mountain biking event. Subjects completed 4 laps (14.91 miles/lap) and provided 8 saliva samples over a 24h period. Subjects consumed 100mg of LJ100 (N = 15) or placebo (N = 15) approximately 30 minutes prior to endurance exercise. Cortisol levels were 32.3% lower in LJ100 to Placebo (0.552+0.665 versus 0.816+0.775 ug/dL, P < 0.05). Testosterone levels were 16.4% higher in LJ100 compared to Placebo (86.72+40.90 versus 72.47+33.77 pg/mL, P < 0.05).”[4]

How about the effects of 200mg/daily for 4 weeks?

“LJ100 group showed significant improvements for Tension (−11%), Anger (−12%), and Confusion (−15%) compared to placebo. Stress hormone profile (salivary cortisol and testosterone) was significantly improved by LJ100, with reduced cortisol (−16%) and increased testosterone (+37%).”[5]

Sexual Enhancement

The research I found on LJ100® and sexual function are done on men with an ailment prior to the study. I know, not perfect, but the results are still noteworthy. Both studies used 200mg/day with outstanding results. The first one evaluated 75 patients with idiopathic (unknown reasons why) infertility. The patients were given 200mg/day for 3 months. Sperm concentration increased 65.5%, percentage of sperm with normal morphology increased 94.9%, and even spontaneous pregnancies were achieved in 11 cases (unsure if this was a good thing or bad thing). [6]

The other study looked utilized 200mg/day in men with mild erectile dysfunction:

“LJ100 treatment group demonstrated statistically significant (p<0.05) higher scores than the placebo group at 12 weeks in the following endpoints: Erection Hardness Scale score, Aging Males Symptom Score, and the Sexual Health Inventory for Men… There is also a reducing trend of Fat Mass Loss (Dexa scan) in the LJ100 group in overweight subjects (>25kg BMI) of fat mass loss in waist and hips compared to placebo. Total Testosterone for LJ100 group increase from 359.23 to 396.46 (10.36% increase).”[7]

Dosing

From the above, it’s clear to see benefits with as little as 100mg/day or 200mg/day. Some people with deeper pockets may opt for an even higher dose to experiment. Research has shown upwards of 600mg/day had no adverse effect on blood profiles. Another cool point is that even though there is clear testosterone increases occurring, PSA levels don’t appear to be negatively impacted. [8]



[1] LJ100 – HP Ingredients
[2] Hamzah, S and Yusuf, A. Published: British Journal of Sports Medicine (2003).BASEM Abstract. 37:465-466
[3] Sarina, M.Y. Published: 4th Asia-Pacific Conference on Exercise and Sport Science & 8th International Sports Science Conference (2009).
[4] Talbott S, Talbott J, Negrete J, Jones M, Nichols M, and Roza J.
Published: Journal of International Society of Sport Medicine 3 (1): S32 2006
[5] Shawn M Talbott, Julie A Talbott, Annie George, Mike Pugh
Published: Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 2013, 10:28
[6] Mohd Ismail Bin Mohd Tambi1, M. Kamarul Imran
Published: Asian Journal of Andrology (2010) 12: 376–380
[7] Udani J, Gruenwald J, Miller M, George A, Mufiza M, Abas A,
Published: Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Volume 2014, Article ID: 179529
[8] Safety – LJ100

[powercage]

I like that we have research threads

[OT2000]

While I appreciate the thread, I have always felt the the price wasn’t worth it. Ash has some similarities at a fraction of the cost of LJ100.

[powercage]

I still dont buy any body comp effects from a 16% increase in test, nor do I really understand why most people would need to blunt cortisol. Acute cortisol changes can be beneficial.

Sexual enhancement and mood Im more open to

[WaxyMaize]

I ordered some of that Authentic Tongat Ali... Didn't do **** for me besides a tiny bit of strength increase, increased hair and nail growth and a few random boners at work.

[powercage]

I ordered some of that Authentic Tongat Ali... Didn't do **** for me besides a tiny bit of strength increase, increased hair and nail growth and a few random boners at work.

spoon pic

[Synapsin]

I like that we have research threads

Me too, a step in the right direction for the forums imo. Great work Aaron.

[aaronuconn]

While I appreciate the thread, I have always felt the the price wasn’t worth it. Ash has some similarities at a fraction of the cost of LJ100.

Very pricey, but given the amount of positive research that's been conducted, it's one of those ingredients you can be assured is useful.

I still dont buy any body comp effects from a 16% increase in test, nor do I really understand why most people would need to blunt cortisol. Acute cortisol changes can be beneficial.

Sexual enhancement and mood Im more open to

I don't believe the body comp effects are related to the test increase (like KSM-66).

I ordered some of that Authentic Tongat Ali... Didn't do **** for me besides a tiny bit of strength increase, increased hair and nail growth and a few random boners at work.

What is "authentic Tongat Ali"? What brand?

Me too, a step in the right direction for the forums imo. Great work Aaron.

Thank you sir

[poison]

While I appreciate the thread, I have always felt the the price wasn’t worth it. Ash has some similarities at a fraction of the cost of LJ100.

Ash sucks, I'm really not a fan. It just makes me feel 'weird'. I'll have to try straight LJ100.

[compan]

Been using Blue Star Status and have really enjoyed the product. Taking it for the KSM and LJ100 combo. Been using it on a cut and I don't feel like my libido and strength are declining over time in the deficit as much. Can't really separate the mood benefits from the KSM though.

[OT2000]

Best LJ100/KSM combo by far is Test1fy imho. It has 3.2g Anacyclus Pyrethrum as well which is the og ABE ingredient.

One thought, I would be using 400-600mg LJ100 if you’re looking to maximize it versus the minimal dosage.

[VaughnTrue]

I am a fan of LJ100 but not at the price point it demands. Low dosing it (like almost every product on the market provides) is highly unlikely to do much at all, and dosing it "properly" is an insane investment for the potential benefits.

This is all assuming that the studies behind LJ100 are factual/not tainted as they are funded via the manufacturers in just about every case I've seen

[aaronuconn]

I am a fan of LJ100 but not at the price point it demands. Low dosing it (like almost every product on the market provides) is highly unlikely to do much at all, and dosing it "properly" is an insane investment for the potential benefits.

This is all assuming that the studies behind LJ100 are factual/not tainted as they are funded via the manufacturers in just about every case I've seen

Benefits are seen in as little as 100-200mg.

What is proper dosing in your opinion? And is there literature supporting that dose?

[MentalistMan]

I was taking 200mg of LJ100 and 600mg of KSM-66. Good combo.

[aaronuconn]

I was taking 200mg of LJ100 and 600mg of KSM-66. Good combo.

Via Ferodrox? That's an excellent profile I recently became aware of.

[Bigdumogre]

1 Star thread
Company promo ———>

Not Srs good read and agree I love status for that combo

[aaronuconn]

1 Star thread
Company promo ———>

Not Srs good read and agree I love status for that combo

lol, not too many company's even sell a bulk LJ100 product

[VO2Maxima]

Nice write-up Aaron. Glad to see these kind of threads on the forum.

[MentalistMan]

Via Ferodrox? That's an excellent profile I recently became aware of.

Yep.

[Rob1882]

I have only ever used it in maybe 2 products the only one I can remember atm is Blue Up however :X

[XCriticalBenchX]

I like Kings Blood formula. I do like the fertility research on this ingredient for sperm motility.

Mike

[aaronuconn]

I have only ever used it in maybe 2 products the only one I can remember atm is Blue Up however :X

Is Blue Up LJ100 though? Not saying it's ineffective if it's not, just didn't think it was LJ100

[VaughnTrue]

Benefits are seen in as little as 100-200mg.

What is proper dosing in your opinion? And is there literature supporting that dose?

I haven't looked these up in a while, but who funded the study showing benefits in 100-200mg?

[aaronuconn]

I haven't looked these up in a while, but who funded the study showing benefits in 100-200mg?

Probably the supplier of LJ100... but what are you getting at? Are you saying the results aren’t valid because a supplier funded the study?

[poison]

Is Blue Up LJ100 though? Not saying it's ineffective if it's not, just didn't think it was LJ100

Looks like the same % of actives as LJ100.

[VaughnTrue]

Probably the supplier of LJ100... but what are you getting at? Are you saying the results aren’t valid because a supplier funded the study?

I'm not saying thats a guarantee, but it should cause one to pause


For example, here is a study using the same herb, but a different patented extract "Physta"

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4085925/

Conclusions:
Supplementation of ElJ i.e. Physta® at a dosage of 400 mg/day for 6 weeks did not affect the urinary T:E ratio and hence will not breach any doping policies of the International Olympic Committee for administration of exogenous testosterone or its precursor. In addition, the supplementation of ElJ at this dosage and duration was safe as it did adversely affect the liver and renal functions.

So of course there will be differences in the bioactive components in Physta and LJ100, but at 2-4x the dose you mentioned, zero hormonal change? This study is unfortunately only n=13, but to show no hormonal change is pretty interesting.


Now LJ100 claims to have 13 unique human clinical trials. Lets dive into some of those to see what those funding the studies are even claiming here.

Study #1 - LJ100® as a Potential Natural Energizer for Healthy Aging in Men.
M.I.M. Tambi, S. Othman AND J.M. Saad. Published: First Asian Andrology 2002

I can't find this full text anywhere (or a non-supplier abstract in pubmed/sciencefirst for that matter) but it is what it is.

This study investigated the effect of LJ100® on the testosterone hormone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA) and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels in human, as well as the Quality of Life (QOL) of subjects through PADAM score and Sexual Health Inventory Questionnaires (SHIQ). 30 men, aged between 31-52 years old were recruited in a randomized open trial. Subjects were supplied with 100mg of LJ100® for 3 weeks. SHIQ showed 62% of the subjects had increase or maximum score, with increased sexual desire and the success in the attempts at sexual intercourse. PADAM Score improve in 82% of the subjects, 91% improvement in physical component, 82% improvement in psychological component, and 50% improvement in vasomotor score. Analysis of DHEA showed gradual increase in the level to 47% after 3 weeks, suggesting LJ100 may influence DHEA production, which would in turn be aromatized to testosterone. SHBG analysis reduced in 66% of subjects after 3 weeks. Consequently, when SHBG declines, free testosterone index (FTI) goes up in 73% of the subjects.

n=30 which is nice, but it was an open trial study. Did they monitor their other supplement intake? No way to know.

The study shows they had an increase in libido, but only theorized that they'd actually increase their testosterone production via increased DHEA levels...but even that it's only a suggestion. Zero conclusive evidence.



Study #2 - The Ergogenic Effects of LJ100®
Hamzah, S and Yusuf, A. Published: British Journal of Sports Medicine (2003).BASEM Abstract. 37:465-466.

I can't seem to find this study in the British Journal of Sports medicine, despite it being published there...not sure what the deal is with that one.

[quote]This study investigated the effect of the increase in testosterone levels, obtained byLJ100 on body composition and muscle strength and size in men. 14 healthy men (age 25.64 ± 3.73 years) performed an intense strength training program for 5 weeks. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups, where one group (n=7) consumed 100mg/day of LJ100 extract and the other group received placebo. Results suggest that LJ100 increased fat free mass, reduced body fat, increased muscle strength and size and thus may have an ergogenic effect.



So in this study they used only 100mg/day, and they claim the 100mg/day participants (n=7) experienced more weight loss & more muscle growth than placebo. No discussion on hormonal changes...interesting.


Study #3 - LJ100, a Potent Adaptogen, Maintains Healthy Aging in Men
Tambi, M.I. Kadir, A.B.

Can't find this full text anywhere either...

Claimed that users showed "high normal levels" of testosterone/DHEA in users...but has no control/placebo to compare to despite there being a placebo group present. They just claim they were "high normal" in comparison to baseline. Despite this, they mention that the "majority of LJ100 volunteers have high normal thyroxin compared to placebo". So they compared thyroxin to placebo, but not testosterone? Gotcha.


Study #4 - Effect of LJ100 on Anabolic Balance During Endurance Exercise
Talbott S, Talbott J, Negrete J, Jones M, Nichols M, and Roza J.
Published: Journal of International Society of Sport Medicine 3 (1): S32 2006

The study showed an increase of 16.4% for Testosterone. This is so insignificant it doesn't make sense for me to spend the 10 minutes looking further into it.


Study #5 - Effect of a 6-week Lifestyle Program on Mood State and Metabolic Parameters in Moderately Overweight Subjects
Shawn Talbott, Anne-Marie Christopulos, & Candice Ekberg.
Unpublished. (2007)

Unpublished. Next.


Study #6 - Effects of Strength Training and LJ100 Supplementation on Strength and Muscle Size in Middle-aged Women
Sarina, M.Y. Published: 4th Asia-Pacific Conference on Exercise and Sport Science & 8th International Sports Science Conference (2009).

This study is on middle aged women. Can anyone even find an abstract? I currently cannot. Were the women trained/experienced weight lifters/athletes? Had they ever touched weights before? No mention on hormone level changes that I can find.


Study #7 - Eurycoma longifolia Jack in Managing Idiopathic Male Infertility
Mohd Ismail Bin Mohd Tambi1, M. Kamarul Imran
Published: Asian Journal of Andrology (2010) 12: 376–380

75 patients with idiopathic infertility (low sperm concentration, low percentage motility and morphology of unknown causes) were given 200 mg of LJ100 daily for 3 months. LJ100 significantly improved the sperm quality in these patients, sperm concentration increase 65.5% (10.59 ± 2.06 to 17.53 ± 5.04), percentage of sperm with normal morphology increased 94.9% (5.28 ± 0.66 to 10.29 ± 2.52). Spontaneous pregnancies were achieved in 14.7% (11 cases) of couples in our study suggesting that LJ100 might be an option in the management of male infertility.

More sperm, healthier sperm...rock on! No mention on testosterone/hormonal changes.


Study #8 - LJ100 as testosterone booster for managing men with late-onset hypogonadism
I. B. M. Tambi1,2, M. K. Imran2 & R. R. Henkel3
Published: First International Journal of Angrologia 2011

76 patients suffering from late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) were given 200 mg of LJ100 for 1 month. LJ100 significantly (P < 0.0001) improved the Aging Male Symptom (AMS) score as well as the serum testosterone concentration. Before treatment only 10.5% of the patients did not show any complaint according to the AMS scale and 35.5% had normal testosterone levels, after the completed treatment 71.7% and 90.8% of the patients showed normal values, respectively. Serum testosterone raise from 5.66 nm to 8.31 nm (46.82% increase). Thus, LJ100 appears to be useful as a supplement in overcoming the symptoms of LOH and for the management of hypogonadism.

n=76...awesome!
Non-healthy men...they suffer from late onset hypogonadism...not so awesome.

If you have hypogonadism, this may really help out.


Study #9 - Randomized Clinical Trial on the Use of LJ100 for the Improvement of Quality of Life and Sexual Well-Being in Men
HP Ingredients supports sustainable wild-crafting, fair trade and socially responsible practices for indigenous collectors in Malaysia, where its raw botanical ingredients are harvested.

wait what? Thats literally all they quote on their own website.

Next.


Study #10 - Effect of LJ100 on Stress Hormones and Psychological Mood State in Moderately Stressed Subjects
Shawn M Talbott, Julie A Talbott, Annie George, Mike Pugh
Published: Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 2013, 10:28

64 subjects (32 men and 32 women) were randomized to receive 200 mg/day of LJ100 or placebo for 4 weeks. LJ100 group showed significant improvements for Tension (−11%), Anger (−12%), and Confusion (−15%) compared to placebo. Stress hormone profile (salivary cortisol and testosterone) was significantly improved by LJ100, with reduced cortisol (−16%) and increased testosterone (+37%). Conclusion: LJ100 appears to have significant potential for restoring hormone balance (cortisol/testosterone) and improving psychological mood state in humans exposed to various modern stressors, including aging, dieting, and exercise stress.

So they reduced their tension/anger/confusion, and increased their testosterone by 37%.

Were these participants "healthy" to begin with? Did they suffer from high anxiety/anger/confusion to begin with, thereby increasing natural cortisol and lowering testosterone? This study is underwhelming in total testosterone increase, and extra underwhelming due to lack of actual data.


Study #11 - Tongkat Ali as a Potential Herbal Supplement for Physically Active Male and Female Seniors
Ralf R. Henkel, Ruxiang Wang, Susan Bassett, Tao Chen, Na Liu, Ying Zhu, and Mohd Ismail Tambi
Published: PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH (2013)

13 physically active male and 12 physically active female seniors (57–72 years) were supplemented with 400mg LJ100 daily for 5 weeks.




In men, treatment with LJ100 for 5weeks resulted in the significant increases in Total Testosterone by 15.1%, Free Testosterone increase by 61.1% and muscular force increase by 16.6%. In addition, significant increases in the BUN (26.6%) and HGB concentrations (6.1%) were observed. In contrast, Creatine kinase activity declined by 43.4%, demonstrate that the muscles were not being damaged by the exercise

57-72 years of age...big old dose of 400mg/day...and they saw a 15.1% increase in testosterone along with a 61.1% increase in free testosterone. Not too shabby on the FT increases. I wonder what happens when you give this to a 20-40 year old male.


Study #12 - Effects of LJ100 on Sexual Performance & Well-being in Men with Reduced Sexual Potency
Udani J, Gruenwald J, Miller M, George A, Mufiza M, Abas A,
Published: Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Volume 2014, Article ID: 179529

Reduced sexual potency...again, non-healthy volunteers. Next.


Study #13 - Phytoandrogenic Properties of Eurycoma longifolia as Natural Alternative to Testosterone Replacement Therapy
George A, Henkel R
Published: Andrologia. Jan 2014


This isn't even a study. It's a theory. And they're claiming you can use LJ100 in place of TRT...bruhhhhhhhh



Study #14 - Immunomodulation in Middle-Aged Humans Via the Ingestion of LJ100/Physta® Standardized Root Water Extract of Eurycoma longifolia Jack —A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel Study
Annie George, Naoko Suzuki, Azreena Binti Abas, Kiminori Mohri
Published: Phytotherapy Research 2016

Safety study...great, it won't kill us.












the best we see is a 15-30% increase in testosterone and a 60% increase in free testosterone...in older men. You can get better results in older men with cheap as hell DHEA.



Maybe I'm not as big of a fan of LJ100 as I originally thought I was.

[aaronuconn]

I’ll take a look at that you put together VT later, but one thing to note (which I mentioned in the OP) is that body comp changes wouldn’t be dependent on testosterone increases. We know that in healthy individuals, increasing testosterone to levels that aren’t supraphysiological won’t yield muscle gain. Same ideology as ashwagandha

[VaughnTrue]

Can you find any study on eurycoma that provides significant body mass changes that wasn't funded by the manufacturer?

[aaronuconn]

Can you find any study on eurycoma that provides significant body mass changes that wasn't funded by the manufacturer?

Nope, but I’m not the one theorizing that the manufacturer is being dishonest.

There’s also a lot of anecdotal support for LJ100. So the studies + anecdote are enough for me

[VaughnTrue]

Nope, but I’m not the one theorizing that the manufacturer is being dishonest.

There’s also a lot of anecdotal support for LJ100. So the studies + anecdote are enough for me

that makes zero sense.

There are repeated studies showing no hormonal change. there is ONE study showing body mass change, and it's from the manufacturer.



Remember the anecdotal reports showing how amazing CEE was?