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Tongkat Ali, also known as Eurycoma longifolia, is a herbaceous plant native to Southeast Asia. It has traditionally been used in Southeast Asian cultures as a remedy for various health issues, including fatigue, loss of libido, and infertility. Hair loss is a common problem affecting millions of people worldwide, with causes ranging from genetics to hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, and medications.
Despite the availability of conventional treatments, many individuals still struggle to find effective remedies that can promote hair growth and prevent further hair loss. In this article, we will discuss Tongkat ali and the effects on hair loss and hair growth.
Anti-inflammatory Effects of Tongkat Ali
One potential benefit and effect of Tongkat Ali on hair loss and hair growth is its reported anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is a natural body response to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can damage hair follicles and contribute to hair loss.
Tongkat Ali has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which may help reduce inflammation in the scalp and promote healthy hair growth. It does this by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are proteins that signal the immune system to mount an inflammatory response.
In addition to reducing inflammation in the scalp, Tongkat Ali’s anti-inflammatory effects may also help improve blood flow to the hair follicles. Inflammation can damage the small blood vessels that supply nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles. Reducing inflammation may help improve blood flow and nutrient delivery to the hair follicles, promoting healthy hair growth.
Improved Circulation from Tongkat Ali
Another potential effect of Tongkat Ali on hair loss and growth is its reported ability to improve circulation. Good circulation is essential for healthy hair growth, as it helps deliver important nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles. Tongkat Ali has been shown to improve blood flow and circulation by dilating blood vessels and reducing vascular resistance. This increased blood flow may help deliver important nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles, promoting healthy hair growth.
Improved circulation may also help remove waste products from the scalp, promoting healthy hair growth. When waste products accumulate on the scalp, they can clog hair follicles and prevent the delivery of important nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles, contributing to hair loss.
Does Tongkat Ali Reduce Stress?
Reducing stress is another potential effect of Tongkat Ali on hair loss and growth. Stress is a common cause of hair loss and can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, leading to hair thinning and hair loss. Tongkat Ali has been reported to have anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects, which could help reduce stress-related hair loss.
Tongkat Ali may help promote healthy hair growth and prevent hair loss by reducing stress levels. Stress can also contribute to inflammation and oxidative stress, which can damage hair follicles and contribute to hair loss. Tongkat Ali may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the scalp by reducing stress levels and promoting healthy hair growth.
Increased Testosterone from Tongkat Ali
One potential effect of Tongkat Ali on hair loss and hair growth is its reported ability to increase testosterone levels. Testosterone is an androgenic hormone that plays a crucial role in hair growth and loss. Low testosterone levels have been associated with hair loss, while high testosterone levels have been linked to increased hair growth.
Tongkat Ali has been shown to increase testosterone levels in men with low testosterone levels, which could promote healthy hair growth. Testosterone helps regulate the hair growth cycle by stimulating hair follicles to enter the anagen (growth) phase, and a testosterone deficiency can lead to hair thinning and hair loss.
However, it’s important to note that the effects of Tongkat Ali on testosterone levels are still being studied and may need to be more significant to promote hair growth in individuals with normal testosterone levels. In addition, high levels of testosterone can also be converted into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that has been associated with hair loss. Therefore, monitoring testosterone and DHT levels when using Tongkat Ali to promote hair growth is important.
Lowered Cortisol Levels – Tongkat Ali and the Effects On Hair Loss And Hair Growth
Another potential effect of Tongkat Ali on hair loss and hair growth is its reported ability to lower cortisol levels. Cortisol is a stress hormone released in response to stress and can contribute to hair loss when levels are chronically elevated. Tongkat Ali has been reported to have adaptogenic properties, which means it helps the body adapt to stress and can potentially lower cortisol levels. By reducing cortisol levels, Tongkat Ali may help promote healthy hair growth and prevent hair loss associated with stress.
Chronically elevated cortisol levels can also contribute to inflammation and oxidative stress, which can damage hair follicles and contribute to hair loss. Tongkat Ali may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the scalp by reducing cortisol levels, promoting healthy hair growth.
Antioxidant Effects of Tongkat Ali
Tongkat Ali has been reported to have antioxidant effects, which may also promote healthy hair growth. Antioxidants help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which can contribute to inflammation and oxidative stress. Free radicals can damage hair follicles and contribute to hair loss, while antioxidants help protect hair follicles and promote healthy hair growth.
By reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, Tongkat Ali may help protect hair follicles and promote healthy hair growth. In addition, antioxidants may help improve circulation by protecting blood vessels from damage caused by free radicals. Improved circulation can help deliver important nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles, promoting healthy hair growth.
Increased Hair Thickness using Tongkat Ali
Tongkat Ali may increase hair thickness and volume, contributing to healthier-looking hair. Hair thickness refers to the diameter or width of individual hair strands, while hair volume refers to the overall amount of hair on the scalp. Tongkat Ali has been reported to promote healthy hair growth, which may increase hair thickness and volume over time. The potential mechanisms for this effect have yet to be fully understood.
Still, it may be related to Tongkat Ali’s reported ability to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and increase testosterone levels in men with low testosterone levels. Improved circulation can help deliver important nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles, promoting healthy hair growth. By reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, Tongkat Ali may help protect hair follicles and promote healthy hair growth.
Additionally, increased testosterone levels may stimulate hair follicles to enter the anagen (growth) phase, resulting in thicker and fuller hair.
When is the best time to take Tongkat Ali?
There is no specific “best” time to take Tongkat Ali because there is no standardized dosage or usage recommendation supported by extensive clinical studies. The timing and dosage can vary among individuals, and it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional before using such supplements, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.
If you’re interested in the scientific research on Tongkat Ali, you can refer to the following studies, but please note that they may not provide specific timing recommendations:
- Tongkat Ali as a Potential Herbal Supplement for Physically Active Male and Female Seniors—A Pilot Study: This study explores the effects of Tongkat Ali on stress hormones and overall well-being. Link to study
- Eurycoma longifolia Jack in managing idiopathic male infertility: A study that looks at the effects of Tongkat Ali on male fertility. Link to study
- Effect of Tongkat Ali on stress hormones and psychological mood state in moderately stressed subjects: A study examining the potential stress-reducing effects of Tongkat Ali. Link to study
It’s important to approach the use of herbal supplements with caution and consult with a healthcare professional. The efficacy and safety of Tongkat Ali can vary depending on factors like product quality and individual health conditions. Always follow the recommended dosage on the product label and consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Wrapping Up
Tongkat Ali has shown potential benefits for promoting healthy hair growth and preventing hair loss through various mechanisms. These mechanisms include improved circulation, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and, potentially, anti-androgenic effects. Tongkat Ali may also increase hair thickness and volume over time.
While Tongkat Ali may be beneficial for promoting healthy hair growth, it’s important to note that it may not be effective for everyone and should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional. In addition, addressing underlying health conditions or deficiencies may also be necessary for optimal hair health.
You may also be interested in our article on Cordyceps and the Effects on Hair loss and growth.