Andrew Huberman on Tongkat Ali
12 episodes · 17 references · 2021–2025
- Huberman takes 400mg Tongkat Ali daily and reports it lowered his sex hormone binding globulin, freeing up more testosterone - He consistently recommends it for increasing free testosterone and mild libido enhancement in both men and women, including those on SSRIs - No evidence of him recommending against it or stopping use; only caution is insomnia if taken too late in the day
Consumption
- Takes 400mg of Tongkat Ali per day, early in the day due to its stimulant effect - Reports it effectively lowered his sex hormone binding globulin based on personal bloodwork - Has used it long-term for vitality and continues taking it with no adverse bloodwork findings
Benefits
- Lowers sex hormone binding globulin, increasing free testosterone and potentially estrogen levels - Has pro-fertility, pro-free testosterone, and subtle aphrodisiac effects supported by multiple studies - Works as a mild libido enhancer, particularly effective for people taking SSRIs
Best Practices
- Recommended dose is 400mg per day taken once early in the day to avoid sleep disruption - Some people take 400–800mg per day depending on individual needs - Works by liberating bound testosterone through reduction of sex hormone binding globulin
Cautions
- Can cause excessive alertness and insomnia if taken too late in the day - Huberman specifically advises early-day dosing to mitigate the stimulant effect - No other significant side effects or contraindications mentioned across 15 references
“I take 400 milligrams of tongkat ali per day. I take it early in the day because it has a bit of a stimulant effect.”
Tools for Hormone Optimization in Males | Dr. Kyle Gillett
“The two things that were effective for me were 400 milligrams of Tongkat Ali... it's supposed to lower sex hormone binding globulin.”
Andrew Huberman - TRT, PEDs, Maxing Out Natural T, Supplements, Diet, Sleep & Hormones Deep Dive
“I've used Tongkat Ali for vitality for a long time. I continue to use these and my bloodwork says it's fine and I enjoy them.”
Health Effects & Risks of Kratom, Opioids & Other Natural Occurring Medicines | Dr. Chris McCurdy
“It turns out that 400 milligrams per day of something called Tongkat Ali, which is a form of ginseng, can actually help increase levels of free testosterone.”
Maximizing Productivity, Physical & Mental Health with Daily Tools
“I also take Tongkat Ali. That has lowered my sex hormone binding globulin, freeing up a bit more testosterone.”
Supplements for Longevity & Their Efficacy | Dr. Peter Attia
“Tongkat ali has been shown in several studies to have some pro-fertility, pro-free testosterone, and subtle aphrodisiac effects.”
The Science of How to Optimize Testosterone & Estrogen
“There are a lot of men and women taking Tongkat Ali to reduce sex hormone binding globulin levels to increase testosterone and estrogen in some cases libido and so forth.”
How to Optimize Fertility in Males & Females
“There are some reports of Tongkat Ali increasing libido and sexual function.”
The Science of Love, Desire and Attachment
“...400 milligrams per day... taken as once a day early in the day... has been shown to increase free testosterone by way of reducing something called sex hormone binding globulin.”
How to Optimize Fertility in Males & Females
“People take this anywhere from 400 to 800 milligrams a day. It liberates some of the bound testosterone and allows more free testosterone to be available.”
The Science of How to Optimize Testosterone & Estrogen
“Tongkat Ali taken in 400 milligram per day capsules can increase the amount of free, meaning unbound testosterone by lowering sex hormone binding globulin.”
The Science of Love, Desire and Attachment
“People take this anywhere from 400 to 800 milligrams a day. It liberates some of the bound testosterone and allows more free testosterone to be available.”
How to Optimize Testosterone & Estrogen | Huberman Lab Essentials
“I've previously talked about Tongkat Ali taken in 400 milligram per day capsules as a means to increase the amount of free, meaning unbound, testosterone.”
The Science of Love, Desire & Attachment | Huberman Lab Essentials
