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Effect of Eurycoma longifolia on Stress Hormones and Psychological Mood State in Moderately Stressed Subjects
Author(s) -
Talbott Shawn,
Talbott Julie,
George Annie,
Pugh Michael
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.27.1_supplement.1076.2
Subject(s) - placebo , mood , testosterone (patch) , ginseng , libido , hormone , medicine , profile of mood states , traditional medicine , endocrinology , psychology , physiology , clinical psychology , alternative medicine , pathology
Eurycoma longifolia is a medicinal plant commonly called Tongkat ali (TA) and “Malaysian ginseng.” TA roots are a traditional “anti‐aging” remedy and modern supplements are intended to improve libido, energy, sports performance and weight loss. Previous studies have shown properly‐standardized TA to stimulate release of free testosterone, improve sex drive, reduce fatigue, and improve well‐being. We assessed stress hormones and mood state in 63 subjects (32 men and 31 women) screened for moderate stress and supplemented with a standardized hot‐water extract of TA root (PhystaTM, Biotropics Malaysia) or Placebo for 4 weeks. Significant (p<0.05) improvements were found in the Physta group for Tension (−11%), Anger (−12%), and Confusion (−15%). Stress hormone profile (salivary cortisol and testosterone) was significantly (p<0.05) improved by Physta supplementation, with reduced cortisol exposure (−16%) and increased testosterone status (+37%). These results indicate that daily supplementation with Tongkat ali (Physta) improves stress hormone profile and certain mood state parameters, suggesting that this “ancient” remedy may be an effective approach to shielding the body from the detrimental effects of “modern” chronic stress. This study was funded by Biotropics Malaysia and conducted by SupplementWatch