What are the Side Effects of Tongkat Ali Coffee? Understanding the Risks

December 3, 2025 •

5 min read

Approximately 18% of adults in the United States report using herbal supplements, and with the rising popularity of Tongkat Ali coffee, it is crucial to understand the associated risks and potential side effects. This herbal remedy, combined with caffeine, can produce various physiological responses, some of which may be unwelcome or even dangerous, especially in unregulated products.

Quick Summary

This summary details the potential adverse reactions to Tongkat Ali coffee, including general herbal side effects and specific dangers from undisclosed pharmaceutical and heavy metal additives found in many unregulated products. It also covers drug interactions and safety precautions for consumers.

Key Points

Adulteration is a major risk: Unregulated Tongkat Ali coffee can contain undisclosed and dangerous pharmaceutical drugs, like sildenafil, or heavy metals.
Drug interactions are possible: Tongkat Ali can interact with medications for heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes, a risk amplified by undeclared ingredients.
Common side effects exist: Even genuine Tongkat Ali can cause mild side effects such as insomnia, restlessness, anxiety, and gastrointestinal upset, especially at higher doses.
Contaminants can cause serious harm: High levels of heavy metals like mercury and lead have been found in some unregulated products, leading to potential poisoning.
Liver and kidney concerns: While rare for genuine products at moderate doses, liver and kidney issues are possible, especially with adulterated products or pre-existing conditions.
Purchase with caution: Look for reputable brands with third-party testing (e.g., NSF, USP) to ensure product purity and avoid unregulated suppliers.

Common Side Effects of Tongkat Ali

Before considering the effects of Tongkat Ali coffee, it's important to understand the baseline side effects of the herb (Eurycoma longifolia) itself. While generally considered safe in moderate doses and for short-term use, some individuals may experience adverse reactions. These effects can often be attributed to its properties as an adaptogen and its potential to increase testosterone levels, which can disrupt the body's natural balance.

Hormonal and Psychological Responses

Insomnia and Restlessness: Tongkat Ali can have a stimulating effect, which may cause difficulty sleeping, especially if taken in the evening. This is often due to its impact on energy levels and hormone regulation.
Anxiety and Irritability: Due to its testosterone-boosting effects, some users report increased anxiety, restlessness, and even aggression. This is more likely at higher doses.
Increased Heart Rate and Blood Pressure: In a small percentage of people, Tongkat Ali may slightly increase heart rate and blood pressure, particularly at higher dosages.

Gastrointestinal Issues

Nausea and Abdominal Pain: Some individuals may experience stomach upset, nausea, or abdominal discomfort, particularly when starting a new supplement regimen.
Diarrhea: Digestive issues, including diarrhea, have been reported by a few users. This is more likely with lower-quality products that contain excessive binders like magnesium stearate, which can irritate the bowels.

The Critical Risks of Adulterated Tongkat Ali Coffee

While the side effects of pure Tongkat Ali are typically mild, the most significant dangers associated with Tongkat Ali coffee often stem from adulteration. The herbal supplement market, particularly for mixed products like coffee, is not strictly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States. As a result, many products, especially those sold online or from unverified sources, have been found to contain dangerous, undeclared ingredients.

Undeclared Pharmaceutical Drugs

One of the most alarming findings is the inclusion of prescription drug analogs for erectile dysfunction (ED), such as sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis). The FDA has issued warnings about these products, emphasizing the severe health risks they pose. People taking nitrates for heart conditions could experience a life-threatening drop in blood pressure if they consume these products unknowingly.

Heavy Metal and Contaminant Exposure

Studies have revealed that some Tongkat Ali products contain dangerously high levels of heavy metals like mercury and lead, likely from being sourced from polluted areas. Chronic exposure to these heavy metals can lead to mercury poisoning, which can cause neurological damage, memory problems, and kidney issues.

Other Adulterants and Risks

Binders and Fillers: Inexpensive products may use fillers like maltodextrin that can dilute the efficacy and potentially spike blood sugar levels.
Steroids: Some products have been found to be adulterated with unlisted anabolic steroids, which can be extremely harmful.
Cross-Contamination: Products manufactured in shared facilities may be contaminated with allergens, posing a risk to sensitive individuals.

Synergistic Effects of Caffeine and Tongkat Ali

Combining Tongkat Ali's stimulating properties with coffee's caffeine content can create a more potent effect, which is either desired or problematic depending on the user. For those sensitive to stimulants, the combination can amplify negative side effects like:

Jitteriness and Heightened Anxiety: Caffeine and Tongkat Ali both increase alertness. When combined, this can lead to an overstimulation that results in increased jitters, nervousness, and anxiety.
Exacerbated Insomnia: The stimulating effects of both compounds can make it significantly more difficult to fall and stay asleep if consumed later in the day.

Protecting Your Health: A Comparison

To highlight the critical difference between a potentially legitimate supplement and a risky, unregulated one, consider the following comparison.


Feature	Reputable, Third-Party Tested Tongkat Ali Supplement	Unregulated Tongkat Ali Coffee Product
Ingredients	Clearly listed, typically standardized root extract. Pure Eurycoma longifolia.	Varies widely. Often contains undeclared fillers, heavy metals, or potent pharmaceutical drugs.
Side Effects (Genuine Herb)	Mild gastrointestinal upset, insomnia, restlessness, or irritability, mainly at higher doses.	Unpredictable and potentially severe. Symptoms could include dangerous drops in blood pressure, heart complications, and heavy metal poisoning.
Regulation	Tested by third-party certifiers (like NSF, USP) for purity and potency.	Not regulated. No guarantee of what is in the package, or if it has been tested for safety.
Drug Interactions	Possible interactions with heart, diabetes, and immunosuppressant medications. Needs doctor's clearance.	Very high risk of unknown and potentially fatal interactions, especially with nitrates for heart conditions.
Usage Guidelines	Clear dosage instructions, usually 200-400 mg daily. Often recommended for cycling.	Lacks clear, safe guidelines due to unknown ingredients. Doses may be inconsistent and dangerous.

How to Reduce Your Risk

If you are considering Tongkat Ali coffee, it is crucial to prioritize safety above all. The safest route is to avoid unregulated herbal coffee products altogether. If you still wish to explore the benefits of Tongkat Ali, follow these guidelines:

Choose Third-Party Tested Products: Look for supplements that have been independently tested and certified by organizations like NSF International, USP, or ConsumerLab. This verifies that the product's contents match the label and are free from harmful contaminants.
Consult a Healthcare Provider: Talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions (including heart, liver, or kidney issues) or are taking any medications. This is critical to avoid dangerous interactions.
Monitor Your Body: Start with a low dose and pay close attention to how your body reacts. If you experience any adverse effects, stop using the product immediately and seek medical advice.
Cycle Your Intake: Some experts suggest cycling Tongkat Ali (e.g., 4 weeks on, 1 week off) to prevent the body from building a tolerance and to minimize potential long-term side effects.

Conclusion

While genuine Tongkat Ali is associated with relatively mild side effects like insomnia, restlessness, and minor gastrointestinal discomfort, the true danger of Tongkat Ali coffee lies in the potential for product adulteration. Unregulated products, especially those sold online, may contain undeclared and potent pharmaceutical drugs or toxic heavy metals, posing severe and even life-threatening health risks, particularly for individuals with underlying medical conditions. To safeguard your health, it is essential to exercise extreme caution, choose only reputable and third-party tested supplements, and consult with a healthcare professional before use. The risks of consuming adulterated herbal coffee far outweigh any potential benefits, and prioritizing product transparency and safety is paramount.

Visit the FDA's website for information on warning letters concerning adulterated products

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before taking any supplements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Tongkat Ali can have a stimulating effect, and when combined with caffeine, it can significantly interfere with sleep patterns, potentially causing insomnia or restlessness, especially if consumed in the afternoon or evening.

The most severe risk comes from unregulated products containing undeclared pharmaceutical ingredients (such as sildenafil) or heavy metals like lead and mercury, which can cause dangerous health complications.

While some studies indicate pure, standardized Tongkat Ali is relatively safe for the liver and kidneys in short-term, moderate doses, the risk increases with long-term use, higher doses, or especially with adulterated products containing impurities or other drugs.

Pregnant or nursing women, children, and individuals with heart disease, high blood pressure, liver or kidney disease, or hormone-sensitive cancers should avoid Tongkat Ali. Anyone on prescription medication should also consult a doctor due to potential drug interactions.

Without laboratory testing, it is impossible to know if a product is contaminated. The best way to reduce risk is to purchase from reputable companies that provide independent, third-party certification for purity and quality.

Tongkat Ali can interact with blood pressure and blood sugar medications. In adulterated coffee products, the presence of undisclosed drugs like sildenafil can cause serious interactions, including dangerously low blood pressure, especially for those on nitrate medications.

Some users have reported experiencing increased anxiety, irritability, and restlessness when taking Tongkat Ali, particularly at higher dosages.