Effects of Eurycoma Longifolia Jack supplementation combined with resistance training on isokinetic muscular strength and power, anaerobic power, and urinary testosterone: Epitestosterone ratio in young males

Abstract

Introduction: This study investigated the effects of resistance training and Eurycoma longifolia Jack supplementation on isokinetic muscular strength and power, Wingate anaerobic power, and testosterone: epitestosterone (T/E) ratio in young males. Methods: Forty young males were weight-matched and assigned into four groups: control (C), Eurycoma longifolia jack (ElJ), resistance training (RT), and Eurycoma longifolia Jack plus resistance training group (ElJ & RT). Participants in ElJ and ElJ & RT groups consumed 200 mg Eurycoma longifolia Jack daily, whereas participants in the C and RT groups consumed placebo capsules daily for 8 weeks. Resistance training program which consisted of 10 different exercises was conducted three times per week for 8 weeks. Participants' isokinetic muscular strength and power, anaerobic power, and urinary TE ratio were measured before and after the intervention period. This is a randomized placebo-controlled intervention study. Paired t -test and one-way analysis of variance were used for statistical analysis. Results: The mean average power of knee flexion at 300°/s in the RT and ElJ & RT groups was significantly ( P < 0.05) higher in the posttest compared with pretest. Wingate relative peak power in the RT group increased significantly ( P < 0.05) compared with respective pretest value, whereas peak power in the combined ElJ & RT group was significantly ( P < 0.05) higher in posttest compared with pretest. There was no significant difference in T/E ratio between pre- and posttests in all the groups. Conclusions: The prescribed resistance training program, either with or without ElJ supplementation, improved isokinetic power of the lower limb. Resistance training alone improved relative anaerobic power, whereas combined Eurycoma longifolia Jack and resistance training improved peak power output. ElJ consumption of 200 mg daily for 8 weeks did not affect the urinary T/E ratio.

The effect of Eurycoma Longifolia on the regulation of reproductive hormones in young males

“…The doses of EL used previously were low, mostly because of concern about possible toxic effects. The dosage of 600 mg EL (8.7 mg of eurycomanone) used in the current study increased testosterone level in young males (18–30 years) and demonstrates the steroidogenic effects of the herb on young males were dose‐related when compared with previous studies (Chen et al., 2014, 2019; Henkel et al., 2014; Talbott et al., 2013; Tambi et al., 2012; Udani et al., 2014). In addition, the efficacy of this dosage has not previously been reported despite a dose of up to 600 mg not producing any adverse effects (Tambi, 2005).…”

“…There is a general consensus that dosages between 200 and 400 mg of EL are able to increase testosterone levels in men and older men (30 to 72 years) with hypogonadism (Henkel et al., 2014; Talbott et al., 2013; Tambi et al., 2012; Udani et al., 2014). However, in young male adults (19–35 years), no changes in testosterone levels have been observed when supplemented with a similar dosage of EL (Chen et al., 2014, 2019). The doses of EL used previously were low, mostly because of concern about possible toxic effects.…”

“…Apart from exercise stimulus, consuming EL alone has been shown to be effective in restoring testosterone levels in older adults (Henkel et al., 2014; Talbott et al., 2013; Tambi et al., 2012; Udani et al., 2014) and those with late‐onset hypogonadism (LOH) (Tambi et al., 2012), hypertension and diabetes (Henkel et al., 2014) as well as individuals that are moderately stressed (Talbott et al., 2013). However, several studies have reported a lack of change in testosterone levels in healthy males aged between 19 and 55 years old when given EL (Chen et al., 2014, 2019; Ismail et al., 2012). The low dose of EL administered (between 200 and 400 mg) may be insufficient to increase the testosterone levels in a relatively younger population with normal testosterone levels.…”

Combined Effects of Exercise and Phytoanabolic Extracts in Castrated Male and Female Mice

“…The root extract showed positive effects in increasing the sexual activity in a pre-clinical study [ 22 ], and it was able to rise hormone levels in animal [ 27 ] and clinical studies [ 28 ]. Though, another clinical study detected no benefit for the extract supplementation on resistance exercise outcomes [ 29 ].…”

A review of the phytochemical compounds and pharmacological activities of Eurycoma longifolia

“…E. longifolia also called as bidaralaut and pasakbumi (Indonesia), tongkatali, lempedupahit, bedaramerah (Malaysia), Ian-don, piak and tung saw (Thailand), Cay babenh and bbabinh (Vietnam), tho nan (Laotian) (Jiraungkoorskul and Khanijo, 2016). E. longifolia is a slender, shrubby, tall and slow-growing tree andwell known as herbal medicine (Chen et al, 2019). Since old time, E. longifolia has been used as traditional medicine and nowadays this plant has been sold in the market with various form.…”