Maca Root Vs Tongkat Ali: Similarities, Dissimilarities, Side Effects & Health Benefits

Herbal supplements have gained significant popularity as an alternative approach to address various health concerns. Two such herbal supplements that have garnered considerable attention are Maca Root and Tongkat Ali. 

So, what are the differences between maca root vs tongkat ali?

Maca root and tongkat ali are herbal supplements with similar effects on sexual function and physical performance. However, maca has brain health benefits, and Tongkat Ali increases testosterone levels, while maca does not. Tongkat Ali also helps with stress management.

This article will explore the potential benefits of maca root and tongkat ali, highlighting their differences and similarities.

What is Maca Root?

Maca root is a plant that fills in the Peruvian Andes mountains. The Andean public have used it for millennia as food and medication. Maca has a place with the cruciferous vegetable family, like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and kale. It contains supplements like fiber, nutrients, minerals, and bioactive mixtures like macamides and glucosinolates.

How Does Maca Root Work?

The exact mechanisms of how maca root works still need to be fully understood. However, it is believed that the bioactive compounds present in maca may have various effects on the body, such as influencing hormone balance, improving blood flow, and providing nutritional support.

What Is Tongkat Ali?

Tongkat ali, otherwise called longjack, is a home grown supplement derived from the underlying foundations of the Eurycoma longifolia plant, which is local to Southeast Asia. It has a long history of purpose in customary medication in nations like Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and others.

Tongkat ali has customarily been utilized to treat conditions like intestinal sickness, contaminations, fevers, male barrenness, and erectile brokenness. It contains a few mixtures like flavonoids, alkaloids, and cell reinforcements, accepted to add to its potential medical advantages.

How Does Tongkat Ali Work?

Tongkat ali is believed to work through its active compounds, which may affect the body. An expected system of activity incorporates its capacity to increase testosterone levels, work on male richness, diminish pressure chemical levels, and potentially upgrade body synthesis.

Nonetheless, the specific components actually should be completely perceived, and more examination is expected to decide the exact manner by which tongkat ali works.

Maca Root Vs Tongkat Ali 

Here is an overview of maca root Vs tongkat ali:

Similarities between Maca and Tongkat Ali:

• Sexual Function: Both maca and tongkat ali have been associated with improved libido and sexual drive.
• Physical Performance: Both herbs can enhance energy levels, stamina, and physical performance.

Differences between Maca and Tongkat Ali:

• Mechanism of Action: Maca increases libido but does not directly affect testosterone levels. tongkat ali, on the other hand, has been shown to increase testosterone production.
• Brain Health: Maca has demonstrated brain-protective effects and potential benefits for cognitive health, while tongkat ali does not provide this specific benefit.
• Stress Management: Tongkat ali has been shown to help reduce stress levels and improve mood, whereas maca does not significantly impact stress reduction.

Choosing Between Maca And Tongkat Ali

The choice between Maca and Tongkat Ali depends on your specific health goals and needs:

• If you primarily want to improve your hormonal profile, increase testosterone levels, and enhance physical performance, Tongkat Ali may be the better option.
• Maca may be the herb of choice if you are more focused on improving libido, increasing energy levels, and supporting brain health.
• It is possible to take Maca and Tongkat Ali together, as they do not have any known negative interactions. This combination may synergistically affect libido, hormone production, and energy levels.

It is vital to take note that both Maca and Tongkat Ali are, by and large, all around, endured and OK for most people. Notwithstanding, it is constantly prescribed to talk with a medical care specialist prior to beginning any new enhancements, particularly on the off chance that you have any basic ailments or are taking prescriptions.

Lastly, when purchasing Maca or Tongkat Ali supplements, choosing high-quality products from reputable brands that undergo independent testing for purity and potency is advisable.

Everybody’s body is exceptional, so it could be useful to explore different avenues regarding every spice independently to figure out which one turns out best for you or to join them for expected synergistic impacts.

Health Benefits

Maca Root’s Health Benefits

Libido and fertility: A few examinations recommend that maca may assist with working on sexual longing, erectile brokenness, and richness in all kinds of people. In any case, more examination is expected to affirm these impacts.

Menopause: Restricted research recommends that maca may assist with diminishing specific side effects of menopause, including hot blazes and rest aggravations. In any case, more proof is expected to lay out its viability.

Energy and mood: Some evidence suggests that maca may help improve energy levels and enhance mood. A few examinations have shown it manages work out instigated exhaustion and further develops state of mind and energy scores. In any case, further exploration is expected to reach authoritative determinations.

Other potential benefits: Primer investigations on creatures recommend that maca may have benefits for mental capability, harmless prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), wound mending, and aggravation. Nonetheless, these discoveries have not been affirmed in human examinations and require further examination.

Tongkat Ali’s Health Benefits

Increase testosterone levels and improve male fertility: Tongkat ali has been shown to increase testosterone levels in men with low levels of this hormone. It may also improve sperm motility and concentration, thereby enhancing male fertility.

Relieve stress: Tongkat ali may help lower stress hormone levels, reduce anxiety, and improve mood. Some studies have shown positive effects on stress reduction, but more research is required.

Improve body composition: Tongkat ali is often claimed to enhance athletic performance and increase muscle mass. It contains compounds that might assist with further developing energy usage, diminish exhaustion, and further develop perseverance. Notwithstanding, more examination is expected to comprehend its consequences for body piece completely.

Side Effects 

Maca Root

Maca root is generally considered safe for most people when consumed as part of a regular diet or as a supplement of up to 3 grams per day for up to 4 months. However, one case study reported increased blood lead concentration after consuming a maca supplement. 

Tongkat Ali

The available studies on tongkat ali in humans have not reported any significant side effects. However, a 2021 report by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Panel on Nutrition raised concerns about the potential of tongkat ali to induce DNA damage in the stomach and duodenum tissues when consumed at a high dose. 

Therefore, the safety of tongkat ali at various dosage levels and conditions of use has not been well established. It’s important to note that tongkat ali supplements are not well regulated, and some may contain contaminants like mercury. 

Precautions And Warnings

Maca root:

• Maca may interact with certain medications, particularly blood thinners. If you are taking blood thinners, it is advisable to avoid maca or consult with your healthcare provider.
• Men with elevated blood PSA levels should avoid maca as it may interfere with the condition.
• Exercise caution if you have known allergies to plants in the brassica family, as maca root belongs to this family. Discontinue use and seek medical attention if you experience any signs of an allergic reaction.
• Maca extracts might act like estrogen, so individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions like breast, uterine, and ovarian cancers or endometriosis should avoid it.
• More research is needed to determine the safety of maca during pregnancy, nursing, and for individuals with liver or kidney diseases.
• Higher doses of maca root may cause digestive discomfort. Adjust the dosage or discontinue use if you experience bloating gas or upset stomach.

Tongkat Ali:

• Avoid tongkat ali if you are allergic to it or its ingredients. Seek medical help if an allergic reaction occurs.
• Avoid tongkat ali if you have certain medical conditions, such as prostate or male breast cancer, diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, kidney disease, or if you are taking immunosuppressant medications.
• Tongkat ali may lower blood glucose levels. Monitor blood sugar if you have diabetes and consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate dosage adjustments.
• Tongkat ali, especially in high doses, may cause severe insomnia or sleep disturbances. Reduce dosage or discontinue use if significant sleep problems occur.
• Avoid tongkat Ali during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Consult with a healthcare provider for suitable alternatives.

How To Use 

Maca Root

Maca root is available in various forms, such as capsules and powders. It has a nutty, butterscotch-like taste and can be added to smoothies, oatmeal, baked goods, and more. The optimal dosage for medicinal use has not been established, but studies have generally used 1.5–3 grams of maca root powder per day. 

Tongkat Ali:

Due to limited research, the optimal dosage of tongkat ali has not been well established. Some studies have used dosages ranging from 200 mg to 400 mg per day. However, it’s important to follow the specific instructions and dosage recommendations provided by the manufacturer of the tongkat ali supplement you choose. 

It’s advisable to start with the lowest effective dose and gradually increase, if necessary, under the guidance of a healthcare professional. It’s also worth noting that the long-term use of tongkat ali has not been extensively studied, so its safety over extended periods is unknown.

Maca Root Vs Tongkat Ali: Bottom Line

In conclusion, maca root and tongkat ali are two herbal supplements that have been traditionally used for various health benefits. 

However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.