Eurycoma longifolia—Infused Coffee—An Oral Toxicity Study

Abstract

Coffee infused with the additive Eurycomalongifolia, also known as Tongkat ali (TA), has become widely available in the Malaysian market. Safety evaluations for consumption of the products have been called for due to the herbal addition. This study investigates the acute, subacute and chronic effects of a commercial TA coffee in Sprague Dawley rats when given in a single, repeated and prolonged dosage. The dosages of 0.005, 0.05, 0.30 and 2 g/kg body weight (BW) were used in the acute study and 0.14, 0.29 and 1 g/kg BW were used in the repeated dose studies. The in-life parameters measured were food and water intake, body weight and clinical observations. Blood were collected for hematology and clinical biochemistry analyses. All animals were subjected to full necropsies. Non-toxicity-related changes were observed in the food and water consumption parameters. Body weight showed normal increments and none of the animals had any clinical signs of toxicity. Microscopically assessed organ tissues did not reveal any abnormalities. There was significant decrease of platelet count in all the chronic study male treated groups. Significant elevation of renal profile parameters in both gender groups given 0.29 g/kg BW, along with liver and lipid profile elevation in some female groups of the chronic study were noted. No dose-dependent relationship was apparent in the dosage range tested, though these changes may suggest an initial safety indication to the TA coffee. The study concludes that the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) for this commercial TA coffee was 1 g/kg BW.

The Effect of Eurycoma longifolia Jack Tongkat Ali Hydrogel on Wound Contraction and Re-Epithelialization in In Vivo Excisional Wound Model

“…The results of both (TA) and vehicle hydrogels were non-irritant as shown in Figure 4 and Tables 2, 3. E. longifolia Jack (TA) queues extract was tested by Ahmad et al, which was safe like our alcohol extracted E. longifolia Jack (TA) [35]. This suggests extraction method has no effect on the safety profile of E. longifolia Jack (TA).…”

“…The roots of E. longifolia Jack (TA) are the most important part of the plant. Many studies have shown that the root has anti-malarial, aphrodisiac, anti-osteoporosis, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects [35]. All these pharmacological effects are attributed to the availability of bioactive compounds, which are concentrated in the root.…”

Preparation of Euyrycoma Longifolia Jack (E.L) Tongkat Ali (Ta) Root Extract Hydrogel for Wound Application

“…Eurycoma longifolia Jack Tongkat Ali roots are the most important part of the plant, many studies have shown that the root has anti-malarial, aphrodisiac, anti-osteoporosis and anti-inflammatory effects 27 . Recently many studies have proved that the ethanol extract of Tongkat Ali roots possesses antioxidant and antibacterial properties against strains B. cereus, S.aureus, S. typhi 28 and Streptococcus mutans 29 .…”

Dietary or Nutritional Supplements Associated Adverse Effects and Toxicity

“…In addition, Tongkat has been also documented for its antioxidative properties due to high concentrations of superoxide dismutase [55,56]. Notably, it has gained considerable attention in Malaysia where it is used as health additive in coffee and other drinks [57].…”