Does Tongkat Ali Help With Hair Loss? Understanding the Potential Benefits

The Potential Benefits of Tongkat Ali for Treating Hair Loss

Hair loss can be a distressing condition that affects both men and women. While genetics play a major role, certain lifestyle factors may exacerbate hair thinning and impact the health of your scalp. Some research suggests that the herb tongkat ali (Eurycoma longifolia), native to Southeast Asia, may help.

What Causes Hair Loss?

There are various reasons why both men and women lose their hair. Some of the most common causes include:

• Genetics
• Aging and hormonal changes
• Stress
• Poor nutrition
• Medical conditions
• Medications
• Damage from styling and treatments

For some people, aging results in a gradual thinning of hair. The levels and ratios between hormones like testosterone, estrogen, and DHT also play a role. When these become imbalanced, excess hair shedding can occur.

How Tongkat Ali Might Help With Hair Growth

Tongkat ali is an herbal medicine that has traditionally been used as an aphrodisiac and energizer. Today, tongkat ali extract is commonly taken to enhance libido, sports performance, and overall vitality.

Some research indicates that tongkat ali may offer additional benefits, like promoting hair growth. Here’s how it might help:

• Contains compounds that may stimulate hair follicles
• Increases blood circulation to the scalp
• Helps regulate hormone imbalances related to hair loss
• Reduces stress hormones linked to excess shedding
• Provides essential nutrients that support healthy hair

Examining the Evidence for Tongkat Ali and Hair Growth

Most of the evidence around tongkat ali for treating hair loss involves animal research. However, several studies show promising effects:

• One study gave middle-aged mice an oral tongkat ali extract daily for 6 weeks. The treated mice showed faster hair growth and more hair follicles in the anagen (growing) phase compared to untreated mice.
• Another mouse study found that administering oral tongkat ali extract resulted in a longer anagen phase and shorter telogen (resting) phase of the hair growth cycle. Mice also exhibited a significant increase in the number and size of hair follicles.
• Multiple animal studies note increases in certain growth factors and signaling pathways involved in promoting hair growth after taking tongkat ali.

Other Herbs That May Stimulate Hair Growth

In addition to tongkat ali, some other traditional herbs used to treat hair loss include:

• Ginseng – Contain compounds called ginsenosides that may stimulate hair follicles and encourage regeneration.
• Ginkgo – Improves circulation to the scalp and possesses antioxidant effects that protect hair follicles.
• Green tea – Provides antioxidants like EGCG that neutralize damage from free radicals while supporting healthier hair.
• Gotu Kola – Used topically, gotu kola extract may protect against hair damage while promoting thicker, stronger hair strands.

Should You Take Tongkat Ali Supplements for Hair Health?

At this time, robust clinical evidence in humans showing tongkat ali’s effects on hair growth is lacking. Most data is limited to test tube and animal studies.

However, many of the proposed mechanisms make sense. For example, balancing hormone levels, reducing stress, improving circulation, and providing vital nutrients can benefit hair health.

Tongkat ali is also generally well-tolerated by healthy adults when taken short-term. So supplementation may be worthwhile, especially if thinning hair already causes you distress.

Dosage Recommendations

Optimal tongkat ali dosages are not established. But many supplements contain 200-300mg of extract, taken 1-2 times per day. Cycling the supplement (e.g. 5 days on, 2 days off) may help mitigate side effects.

Keep dosages on the lower end until you know how tongkat ali affects you. Allow several months to gauge the effects on hair thickness and growth.

Selecting a High Quality Tongkat Ali Supplement

Look for supplements certified for quality and safety. The extract ratio should be clearly listed (100:1 is typical). Tongkat ali is often combined with other traditional herbs touted to support hair health and hormonal balance in both men and women.

Lifestyle Measures Also Matter for Healthy Hair

While tongkat ali supplementation may help, certain lifestyle measures protect hair health. Be sure to:

• Follow a balanced whole food diet
• Take steps to manage stress
• Get enough sleep and physical activity
• Avoid very tight hairstyles that pull on hair
• Use gentle, non-damaging hair products

Implementing healthy lifestyle habits while avoiding triggers for hair loss sets the stage for thicker, faster-growing hair.

The Bottom Line

For some people struggling with thinning hair, tongkat ali may help. This traditional Southeast Asian herb offers a variety of proposed benefits related to hair growth and quality.

By potentially optimizing hormones, circulation, and other factors, tongkat ali could support a healthy scalp environment. Research specifically on hair loss is limited but shows promise.

Speak to your healthcare provider before taking tongkat ali supplements. While generally safe for healthy adults, take steps to ensure you choose a quality product. Give it several months before deciding if tongkat ali helps achieve your hair goals.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.