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The MAGIC of Tongkat Ali
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Tongkat Ali known scientifically as Eurycoma Longifolia is also known as "Long Jack", "Penawar Pahit", "Bedara Pahit", "Bedara Putih", "Lempudu Pahit" and "Bidara Laut" is one of the plants that is known to contain high medicinal value and is believed to have many curative powers. The Vietnamese call it Cay Ba Binh (The Plant which Cures 100 Diseases). The Sakai, an ethnic group in Sumatra, use the plant as an amulet to protect their people from the smallpox virus. Being a small plant, it can grow to about 10 metres in height and can be found mainly in Malaysia, Burma, Thailand, from Indochina to Sumatera and Borneo. This medicinal plant has a narrow leaf, about 5-20cm length and 1.5 - 6cm in width. The leaves are less green at the below surface. The flowers are heterosexual. The part that is often used for medication is the root. The taproot (aerial root) is yellowish in colour and has bitter taste. Traditionally, the entire plants can be used for medicinal purposes. A recent study carried out by Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM) showed that the leaves of Tongkat Ali contain anti-oxidant properties. FRIM has also done an observation of anti-oxidant activities for all parts of Tongkat Ali. Apart from the root, the barks and the leaves of Tongkat Ali, also contain an anti-oxidant properties. The aqueous and methanol extracts of Tongkat Ali showed an activity of scavenging superoxide and lipid peroxidation. This study proved that Tongkat Ali could inhibit the chain reaction of free radicals that could be harmful to the body system. Another study by the School of Pharmaceutical Science, Universiti Sains Malaysia(USM), also showed that Tongkat Ali has aphrodisiac properties. An experiment was carried out on impotent male rats. When given doses of the extract of Tongkat Ali root (0.5 g/kg/day) consistently for 12 weeks, the rats seemed to have a high level of ejaculation. Tongkat Ali can also reduce hypertension and is anti-malarial as it has a substance known as Eurycoma lactone.Traditionally, the root of Tongkat Ali is boiled and the water is taken as a health tonic. It is commonly used as a general tonic to treat high blood pressure, tuberculosis, fever, diarrhoea, jaundice and dysentery. It is a good source of anti-oxidant, provides and increases energy as well as stamina, improves blood circulation, reduces high blood pressure, anti-tumour, anti-viral activity, anti-ulcer, anti-malarial and increases sexual drive. Tongkat Ali is herbal in nature and an excellent supplement for a healthy and demanding lifestyle.
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Last updated : 26 November, 2004
