Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali)

Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali) is not consumed as a food for macronutrient value; it is used as a herbal supplement derived primarily from the root. Its pharmacological relevance lies in its bioactive compounds rather than conventional nutritional content. Key Bioactive Compounds: • Quassinoids (bitter terpenoids): - Eurycomanone: principal bioactive quassinoid, ~0.4–1.6% w/w in standardized root extracts (e.g., Physta® standardized to ≥0.8% eurycomanone); responsible for anti-estrogenic, cytotoxic, and anti-inflammatory activities - 13α(21)-Epoxyeurycomanone: ~0.2–0.5% in root extracts; contributes to anticancer and anti-malarial effects - Eurycomanol and eurycomalactone: present in lower concentrations (~0.05–0.3%); support anti-proliferative activity - Pasakbumin A (eurycomanone) and Pasakbumin B: sometimes used interchangeably with eurycomanone/epoxyeurycomanone in literature • Canthin-6-one alkaloids: - 9-Methoxycanthin-6-one: ~0.01–0.1% in root; NF-κB inhibitory and anti-inflammatory - 9-Hydroxycanthin-6-one, canthin-6-one-3-oxide: trace amounts; contribute to antimicrobial and cytotoxic effects - β-Carboline alkaloids (e.g., 7-methoxy-β-carboline-1-propionic acid): present in trace quantities • Squalene-type triterpenes: - Tirucallane-type triterpenes (e.g., eurylene, longilene peroxide): trace to minor concentrations; reported anti-malarial activity • Biphenylneolignans: - 2,2'-Dimethoxy-6-methylbiphenyl-3,6'-diol and related compounds: trace amounts; antioxidant potential • Glycosaponins: - Present in minor quantities; may contribute to adaptogenic properties Mineral and Macronutrient Content (per dried root powder): - Protein: ~5–8% (not a significant dietary source) - Carbohydrates: ~50–65% (predominantly fiber and structural polysaccharides) - Fat: ~1–3% - Ash/minerals: ~3–6%; trace minerals include potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc (no standardized amounts; not nutritionally significant at typical supplement doses of 200–400 mg/day) - No appreciable vitamin content Bioavailability Notes: - Eurycomanone has moderate oral bioavailability in animal models (~11.8% in rats), with rapid absorption (Tmax ~2–4 hours) and predominantly renal excretion - Water-soluble quassinoids are better extracted via hot-water or standardized aqueous extraction (traditional preparation), which is reflected in most commercial 100:1 or 200:1 concentrated extracts - Canthin-6-one alkaloids are relatively lipophilic and may have different absorption kinetics; limited human pharmacokinetic data available - Standardized extracts (e.g., LJ100/Physta®, standardized to 22% eurypeptides, 40% glycosaponins, and ≥0.8% eurycomanone) are most studied in clinical trials and offer more predictable bioavailability - Co-administration with food may modestly improve absorption of lipophilic alkaloid fractions, though specific food-effect studies are lacking - Heavy metal contamination (lead, mercury) has been reported in non-standardized or adulterated products, making third-party tested, standardized extracts important for safety