TONGKAT ALI (Eurycoma Longifolia)
Tongkat Ali or "Ali's Cane" is well known in Malaysia and Singapore for it's aphrodisiac effect. This usually unbranched, small tree can grow up to 12 meter tall with branches crowned by a rosette of leaves. Its alternate stalked pinnate leaves are up to 100 cm long. Its leathery leaflets are lance to egg shaped, dark green above and mid green below. Its bell shaped flowers are greenish-white to greenish-red or purple. The fruits are oblong, ripening yellow and then red. It grows in heath forest, sandy coast, sub-montane forest and the under storey of primary and secondary forests up to 1200 meter in height. It is abundant on well drained sandy soil. It can be found in many of the Asian countries including Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia and Philippines. It is critically endangered in the remaining forests of Singapore.
The young leaves are eaten raw to relieve stomach pains. The roots are used as an aphrodisiac based mostly on folklore, and they also contain anti-malarial compounds. A decoction of the root is used to reduce fevers, reduce high blood pressure and relieve gastric pains. The roots are also used to induce vomiting and poultice sores, ulcers and wounds. The bark is used for blood clotting in childbirth complications.
The young leaves are eaten raw to relieve stomach pains. The roots are used as an aphrodisiac based mostly on folklore, and they also contain anti-malarial compounds. A decoction of the root is used to reduce fevers, reduce high blood pressure and relieve gastric pains. The roots are also used to induce vomiting and poultice sores, ulcers and wounds. The bark is used for blood clotting in childbirth complications.