Overview

Eurycoma longifolia is a tall evergreen shrub-tree commonly found in Southeast Asia. It's a protected species with a history of use as an aphrodisiac.

The root of Eurycoma longifolia contains several chemicals that have different effects in the body. Some of the chemicals seem to affect how the body produces the hormone testosterone and might increase testosterone levels in the body.

Eurycoma longifolia is used for erectile dysfunction (ED), male infertility, increasing sexual desire in healthy people, and boosting athletic performance, but there's no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for

  • Increasing sexual desire in healthy people. Taking Eurycoma longifolia by mouth seems to improve sexual desire.

Possibly Ineffective for

  • Athletic performance. Taking Eurycoma longifolia by mouth doesn't seem to help athletes run farther or improve overall physical fitness.

There is interest in using Eurycoma longifolia for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Eurycoma longifolia is possibly safe when taken in doses of 200 mg daily for up to 9 months or 400 mg daily for 3 months. It is possibly unsafe to use larger amounts. Some Eurycoma longifolia supplements have been found to contain mercury or lead. Taking too much Eurycoma longifolia might lead to mercury or lead poisoning or other side effects. Sildenafil (Viagra), a prescription drug, has also been found in some Eurycoma longifolia supplements.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Eurycoma longifolia is possibly safe when taken in doses of 200 mg daily for up to 9 months or 400 mg daily for 3 months. It is possibly unsafe to use larger amounts. Some Eurycoma longifolia supplements have been found to contain mercury or lead. Taking too much Eurycoma longifolia might lead to mercury or lead poisoning or other side effects. Sildenafil (Viagra), a prescription drug, has also been found in some Eurycoma longifolia supplements.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Eurycoma longifolia is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Interactions

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Propranolol (Inderal) interacts with Eurycoma Longifolia

    Taking Eurycoma longifolia with propranolol seems to decrease how much propranolol is absorbed by the body. This might decrease the effects of propranolol.

    Minor Interaction

    Be watchful with this combination

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates) interacts with Eurycoma Longifolia

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Eurycoma longifolia might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2A6 (CYP2A6) substrates) interacts with Eurycoma Longifolia

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Eurycoma longifolia might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) substrates) interacts with Eurycoma Longifolia

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Eurycoma longifolia might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Testosterone interacts with Eurycoma Longifolia

    Taking Eurycoma longifolia may increase testosterone levels. Taking Eurycoma longfolia along with testosterone might increase testosterone levels too much and increase the chance of side effects.

Dosing

Eurycoma longifolia has most often been used by adults in doses of 100-200 mg by mouth daily for up to 9 months. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
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