Active Compounds in Eurycoma longifolia in Health Benefits

Eurycoma longifolia Jack, widely known as Tongkat Ali, grows across Southeast Asia and has long featured in traditional medicine. People use its roots to boost energy, enhance sexual health, and support overall wellness. Researchers have identified a variety of bioactive compounds in the plant, including quassinoids and alkaloids, which may explain many of its health-promoting effects. In this article, we explore the key active compounds in Tongkat Ali, their biological functions, and what science reveals about their potential benefits.

Phytochemical Overview

E. longifolia root extracts contain more than 65 distinct phytochemicals, according to analyses published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). NCBI+2PMC+2 These compounds fall into several major classes:

Quassinoids (a prominent class) PMC+1
Alkaloids, including canthin‐6‐one and β-carboline types PMC+1
Triterpenes / tirucallane derivatives PMC+1
Squalene derivatives PMC+1
Phenolics, lignans, glycosides (e.g., eurylophenolosides) PMC+1

From a functional perspective, these bioactives are believed to underlie the plant’s traditional uses (aphrodisiac effects, energy boost, anti-microbial, etc.). Healthline+1

Key Active Components and Their Roles

Quassinoids – The major category

One of the most studied classes in E. longifolia are quassinoids: highly oxygenated degraded triterpenoids, largely found in the family Simaroubaceae. PMC+1

Within this class:

Eurycomanone is often cited as the marker compound of the plant. PMC+1
Other compounds such as eurycomanol, eurycomalactone appear in the root extracts. Wiley Online Library

Functions & evidence:

Quassinoids from E. longifolia have been shown to exhibit antitumour, anti‐inflammatory, antimalarial and antiviral activities in vitro. PMC
Eurycomanone in particular has been linked (in lab studies) to steroidogenesis modulation, possibly explaining testosterone‐boosting claims. Wikipedia+1
As one review puts it: “Among these phytoconstituents, quassinoids account for a large portion of E. longifolia root phytochemicals.” PMC

Alkaloids – Canthin-6-one & β-carboline types

E. longifolia also contains multiple alkaloids:

Canthin-6-one alkaloids BioMed Central+1
β-carboline alkaloids PMC+1

These have been investigated for anti‐protozoal, antimicrobial and cytotoxic effects (in lab settings). BioMed Central

Triterpenes, Squalene derivatives & Others

Tirucallane‐type triterpenes: a class reported in E. longifolia roots. PMC+1
Squalene derivatives: also featured in phytochemical reviews. PMC
Phenolic glycosides and lignans: for example, in one study four new phenolic glycosides (eurylophenolosides A & B, eurylolignanosides A & B) were isolated; some of these inhibited nitric oxide release in inflammation‐model cells. PMC

Biological Activity & Mechanisms

While many of the compounds listed above are identified, linking them conclusively to human clinical effects is still in progress. Some notable findings:

Inflammation: Several isolated compounds (e.g., piscidinol A, 24-epi-piscidinol A, bourjotinolone A, scopoletin) from E. longifolia demonstrated inhibition of NO production and down-regulation of NF-κB signalling in LPS‐stimulated RAW264.7 cells. PMC
Testosterone/androgen effects: Some human trials with root extracts show mild increases in total testosterone in aging men; however free testosterone and SHBG changes are inconsistent. NCBI+1
Anti‐malarial/anti‐protozoal: The presence of quassinoids and alkaloids has been linked to anti‐protozoal action (e.g., against Blastocystis sp.). BioMed Central
Quality control, safety & dosage: The extracts are standardized in some cases (e.g., to eurycomanone content) for nutraceutical use, but regulatory oversight is still ongoing. ResearchGate+1

Considerations, Safety and Quality Control

The complex phytochemistry means that extraction method, root origin and standardization matter a lot for consistency. Studies point out quality control issues (e.g., adulteration, contamination) with E. longifolia herbal medicinal products. ResearchGate+1
Safety: While many users tolerate typical doses, side‐effects (nausea, abdominal discomfort, headache) have been reported. Long-term safety data are limited. NCBI
Mechanistic uncertainty: Although many compounds are isolated, relatively few human studies have linked isolated compounds to outcomes. One review states it is “not clear which of the identified compounds have the claimed biologic or clinical activities”. NCBI
Sustainability: Heavy root harvesting can impact plant populations; ethics and sustainability of sourcing should also be considered. Wikipedia

Implications for Use & Research Outlook

From a research and usage standpoint:

For researchers: The rich phytochemical profile (quassinoids, alkaloids, etc.) invites further mechanistic studies and clinical trials to isolate which compound(s) drive which effect.
For consumers/practitioners: If one chooses to use E. longifolia extract, selecting standardized, quality‐controlled products is advised; understanding that evidence for many claims remains preliminary.
For future development: Optimizing extraction methods (e.g., green extraction), improving standardization (marker compounds like eurycomanone), and linking chemistry to biological endpoints will be key. PMC+1

Conclusion

The root of E. longifolia contains a diverse array of active compounds—primarily quassinoids (with eurycomanone as a hallmark), alkaloids (canthin-6-one, β-carboline), triterpenes, squalene derivatives and phenolic glycosides. These phytochemicals provide a plausible scientific basis for many of the plant’s traditional uses (e.g., energy, sexual health, anti‐inflammatory).
However, linking specific compounds to definitive human clinical outcomes remains an ongoing challenge. Quality control, safety, and sustainability are equally important in translating this botanical into reliable and responsible applications.

References

Abubakar, B. M., Salleh, F. M., & Wagiran, A. (2017). Chemical composition of Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali) and the quality control of its herbal medicinal products. Journal of Applied Sciences, 17, 324–338.
Leitão, A. E., Vieira, M. C. S., Pelegrini, A., da Silva, E. L., & Guimarães, A. C. A. (2021). A 6-month, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial to evaluate the effect of Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali) and concurrent training on erectile function and testosterone levels in androgen deficiency of aging males (ADAM). Maturitas, 145, 78-85.
Ruan, J., Li, Z., Zhang, Y., Chen, Y., Liu, M., Han, L., … Wang, T. (2019). Bioactive constituents from the roots of Eurycoma longifolia. Molecules, 24(12), 2238. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24122238
Tran, T. V. A., Malainer, C., Schwaiger, S., Atanas, G. A., & Heiss, E. H. (2023). A multifaceted review of Eurycoma longifolia nutraceutical bioactives. Phytochemistry Reviews, 1–??. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11101-023-09800-4
Tongkat Ali – LiverTox. (2024). In NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK609015/