A Multifaceted Review of Eurycoma longifolia Nutraceutical Bioactives: Production, Extraction, and Analysis in Drugs and Biofluids

Abstract

Eurycoma longifolia Jack (known as Tongkat Ali) is a popular traditional herbal medicine, native to southeast Asia, that is well-known for its aphrodisiac as well as several other effects. Mostly, the root extract of E. longifolia is used as a folk medicine for sexual dysfunction, aging, anxiety, exercise recovery, fever, increased energy, and osteoporosis. These health effects led to the inclusion of E. longifolia in dietary supplements, particularly for bodybuilding purposes. These effects are mediated by a myriad of bioactive compounds belonging to quassinoids, canthin-6-one alkaloids, tirucallane triterpenes, squalene derivatives, and bioactive steroids. Among these phytoconstituents, quassinoids account for a large portion of E. longifolia root phytochemicals. Of these ingredients, eurycomanone, the major quassinoid in E. longifolia extract, accounts to a large extent for its health effects. This review capitalizes on the novel trends toward the production of E. longifolia bioactives using biotechnology and extraction optimization for best yields and recovery. Alongside, novel extraction methods, i.e., green techniques, of E. longifolia bioactives are described. Further, an overview of the different analytical approaches for the quality control assessment of E. longifolia plant material and nutraceuticals is presented alongside studies in body fluids to determine its pharmacokinetics and efficacy level. Such a compilation of analytical methods will help ensure safety and efficacy of that major drug.

Integrated comparative metabolite profiling via NMR and GC–MS analyses for tongkat ali (Eurycoma longifolia) fingerprinting and quality control analysis

“…4). A total of 59 VOCs were identified listed in Table 2 belonging to acids (3 compounds), alcohols (14), aldehyde/furans (10), aliphatic hydrocarbons (3), aromatic hydrocarbons (1), phenol/ethers (4), fatty acids/ esters (9), ketones (4), lactones (2), nitrogenous compounds (2), and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (7). A total of 133 volatiles were previously identified in E. longifolia extracts via SPME (carboxen/polydimethylsiloxane fiber) using a smell sensor equipped with a gas chromatographic stationary phases and lipid materials similar to the olfactory system 27 .…”

“…Asides from tongkat ali aroma components contributing to its flavor, root encompasses a wide range of non-volatile bioactive chemicals, including phenolics, triterpenes, alkaloids, and squalene derivatives 13 , 14 . One of the best platforms that can characterize such chemicals is NMR with numerous advantages of being high-throughput, highly reproducible, non-destructive, and universal with minimal sample preparation steps 15 .…”

In Vitro Safety & Quality Analysis on Three Species of Tongkat Ali Plants & Their In Vivo Elevation of Testosterone in Fowls

“…Most of the aphrodisiac studies were usually focusing on E. longifolia or, in combination with P. bullata and only very few studies on S. tuberosa. Studies have showed that E. longifolia able to increase serum testosterone levels in humans, as well as treat erectile function disorders, and improve sperm production [5,6]. Compared to E. longifolia, the more readily available species, P. bullata, and S. tuberosa are the less popular option in research studies on aphrodisiac plants even though they are being sold widely and with many returning customers.…”