[FACT OR FAKE #92] Do Tongkat Ali And Kacip Fatimah Actually Work?
According to Tongkat Ali and Kacip Fatimah product manufacturers, these herbs can do anything from curing erectile dysfunction to boosting your performance in the gym, but what does science say? We dig through studies and research in this week's FACT OR FAKE to find out.
Cover image via happyhealthmy.blogspot.comTongkat Ali for men and Kacip Fatimah for women are both alleged libido boosting herbs native to Malaysia
Image via null
Both these herbs are considered medicines that work as tonic, energy enhancer, and also as an aphrodisiac, with Kacip Fatimah said to help in weight loss among women
Image via null
It's been claimed by Chris Kilham, the "Medicine Hunter," that "when people with low libido are given Tongkat Ali, it's Chinese New Year's fireworks in their pants"
Image via null
So what's the deal here? Does Tongkat Ali and Kacip Fatimah actually work? How much of the claims attributed to them is FACT or FAKE?
Well, various extracts of the roots of Tongkat Ali do have a history of folkloric use for the treatment of malaria, fever, fatigue, high blood pressure, impotency and loss of sexual desire. But folklore is not scientific evidence.
However, there has been some scientific research investigating potential health benefits of Kacip Fatimah
From various in vitro studies, the plant's extract has been [reported](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labisia_pumila#cite_ref-8) to display estrogenic activity, immunomodulation activity, and antioxidant activity. Other scientific research suggests that the plant has other uses, such as weight loss.
However, despite its long history of traditional use, the active components and mode of action have not been well studied, though some preliminary research has been published.
What about the supposed aphrodisiac effect? Well, a number of studies have explored this possibility, but almost all involved animals.
What about studies with people? Actually, not much.
That's not exactly the evidence needed to support the claims behind Tongkat Ali that it boosts male libido.
FAKE: In conclusion, it's safe to say, given the dubious amount of actual scientific studies carried out, that the alleged claims behind these herbs boosting male and female libido are sadly not true
While it wouldn't hurt to try if you feel that it could help your current situation, do remember that there are lots of fake products out there claiming to include Tongkat Ali as its principal ingredient but in fact consists of illegal substances
Late last year, police seized 40,000 sachets of [fake](http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/08/16/rm60000-packs-of-fake-tongkat-ali-ginseng-coffee-seized/) Tongkat Ali premixed coffee in Sabah, so do your homework before you purchase. The packaging of the fake premixed coffee was so similar with the original that purchasers would have difficulty telling them apart.
Sabah Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry Enforcement personnel checking sachets of the fake premix coffee.
Image via null
