Pasak Bumi1
Eurycoma longifolia (Pasak bumi) is an herbal plant also known as tongkat ali, and has long been used in traditional medicine in Southeast Asia.2 In traditional medicine, particularly in Brunei, a decoction of Pasak Bumi root is used to reduce fever, relieve stomach pain, and as an aphrodisiac.5 Pasak Bumi root is well-known as a natural aphrodisiac to boost stamina and sexual desire (libido), and is believed to increase testosterone levels.2
Morphology of Pasak Bumi
The Pasak Bumi tree grows up to 15 meters tall, is unbranched, or has only 1–2 branches. The leaves are compound, long, and dense at the tips of the stems.4 The roots are woody, consisting of a strong taproot that grows vertically to support the trunk; they are light yellow in color.6
Pasak Bumi Active Compounds
Pasak Bumi root extract contains a bioactive peptide complex, namely eurypeptide.3
Health Benefits of Pasak Bumi
Eurypeptide can help stimulate an increase in levels of the hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which serves as a precursor for testosterone production in the body. This helps boost testosterone levels, which are essential for male reproductive and sexual function.3
Testosterone also plays a role in muscle mass development, physical performance, and libido (sexual desire). Eurypeptide can also suppress cortisol production, thereby helping to reduce stress symptoms and improve mood, which contributes to overall vitality.3
Literature Study on Stamina & Aphrodisiacs:
- Subjects: 105 male subjects aged 50-70 years with testosterone levels <300 ng/dL.
- Research dose: 100 or 200 mg/day of Tongkat Ali water extract, standardized to 0.8–1.5% eurycomanone
- Duration: 12 weeks
- Results: There was a significant increase in total testosterone levels at week 12 in the Pasak Bumi group compared to the placebo group. Scores for measures of aging and fatigue levels in men showed a significant decrease. DHEA levels and muscle strength also increased significantly in the Pasak Bumi group.3
Safety
Tongkat Ali and ginger are included in the Formularium Obat Herbal Asli Indonesia [PMK RI No. 6 Tahun 2016] with indications of erectile dysfunction. Results of oral toxicity tests in rats showed that the substance was practically non-toxic at a dose of 15,000 mg/kg body weight.4
Keywords: Pasak Bumi; Eurycoma longifolia; Increase Stamina; Aphrodisiac; Libido Enhancer; Fever
Footer References
- References
- Image: shutterstock.com
- Hidayati S, Zuhud EA, Adiyaksa IK, Manar PA. The ethnotaxonomy and bioecology of pasak bumi (Eurycoma longifolia Jack.).Journal of Natural Resources and Environmental Management. 2021; 11(2): 177-178. https://doi.org/10.29244/jpsl.11.2.177-178
- Chinnappan SM, George A, Pandey P, Narke G, Choudhary YK. Effect of Eurycoma longifolia standardised aqueous root extract-Physta® on testosterone levels and quality of life in ageing male subjects: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicentre study. Food Nutr Res. 2021; 65: 10.29219/fnr.v65.5647. doi:10.29219/fnr.v65.5647.
- Kementerian Kesehatan Republik Indonesia. Peraturan Menteri Kesehatan Republik Indonesia Nomor 6 Tahun 2016 tentang Formularium Obat Herbal Asli Indonesia. Kementerian Kesehatan RI; 2016.
- Uji T. Eurycoma longifolia Jack. In: de Padua LS, Bunyapraphatsara N, Lemmens RHMJ, eds. Plant Resources of South-East Asia No 12(1): Medicinal and Poisonous Plants 1. PROSEA Foundation; 1999. Accessed April 12, 2026. http://www.prota4u.org/prosea.
