Physta Tongkat Ali clinical study for postmenopausal women

With women now living longer than ever before, many will spend nearly a third of their lives in the menopausal stage.

Findings from a study utilizing the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) questionnaire revealed that a significant number of women experience symptoms across multiple domains – 74.56% reported physical discomfort, 60.7% faced vasomotor issues, 44.68% experienced psychological challenges, and 26.4% noted sexual health concerns (Ganapathy et al, 2018).¹

These statistics highlight a pressing need for more targeted research into postmenopausal health. Addressing this gap is critical, especially as interest grows in nutraceutical interventions that offer safe, natural alternatives to support women’s quality of life during this transition. Advancing research in this area not only responds to an underserved segment of women’s health but also aligns with the rising consumer demand for evidence-based, hormone-free wellness solutions.

Eurycoma longifolia, known as Tongkat Ali, is native to Malaysia and some parts of Southeast Asia and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. Traditionally recognised for its role in men’s health, use of Tongkat Ali for women has shown extensive links to health benefits as well. In some regions, the root of E. longifolia is boiled in water and taken by women for energy and vitality, and to maintain their figure (de Padua 1999, Runi, 2000).

Traditional literature as early as 1895 listed the traditional uses of Tongkat Ali for numerous conditions including fatigue, anti-ulcer, dysentery and fevers. However modern research suggests more robust evidence beyond its connotation as an aphrodisiac and remedy for impotence, such as improvement of testosterone and cortisol modulation, fertility, energy, vitality, immunity, improved physical and mental performance, endurance and stamina, among others. The plant boasts a wealth of scientifically proven health and wellness benefits primarily conducted on Physta®, which are well documented.

As demand for natural and effective health solutions grows, Tongkat Ali is now receiving growing attention from the West as an herbal supplement. Physta, a premium Tongkat Ali extract developed and patented by Biotropics Malaysia Berhad, can be formulated as a single herb, polyherbal or multivitamin combination in the form of capsules, chewables and tablets, or included in powdered sachet format for use as a functional ingredient in RTD coffee, drinks and shots.

The ingredient has garnered scientific and commercial attention thanks to a raft of studies which have confirmed its health benefits through 20+ research studies which include randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trials (RCT) on Physta which aptly makes it the most clinically researched Tongkat Ali extract in the world.

Physta has been shown to increase testosterone synthesis, testosterone release from cells, sperm count and sperm motility. Newer patented applications, including areas such as women’s health (US11058737B2), immunity, stress (US11166998B2) and anti-viral, i.e. dengue (MY-189837-A) and COVID-19 (PI2022004089), are among the 70+ patents in total filed by Biotropics globally.²

Tongkat Ali for women – a breakthrough study

Until recently, studies of Physta have focused on supplementation as part of a combination of ingredients and involving both female/male or male participants. However, a new clinical trial, currently in peer review for publication, is the first known three-armed study examining the effects of Eurycoma longifolia water extract, Physta supplementation as a single ingredient, on menopausal quality of life and mood states of menopausal women.

The 12-week randomized controlled double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study examined the effect of Eurycoma longifolia water extract (Physta) on menopausal quality of life and mood states of 138 women aged 40-55 experiencing menopausal symptoms. Participants were randomly selected to receive Physta at 50 mg, 100 mg, or a placebo. Primary outcomes were assessed using the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) and Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaires at baseline, week 6 and week 12.

Results at 12 weeks from participants receiving Physta at 100 mg showed significant reduction of total mean scores, physical and sexual domains of MENQOL (p<0.05). Total mood disturbance showed a reduction among women in the Physta 100 mg group, followed by the 50 mg group, compared with placebo.

Figure 1: Percentage of mean changes of MENQOL total score and by domains Physical Domain at baseline, week 6 and week 12 — Figure 1: Percentage of mean changes of MENQOL total score and Physical Domain at baseline, week 6 and week 12

The mean scores of all six domains of POMS showed reduction from baseline to week 6 and then week 12 in the 100 mg group compared to the other group, with score changes observed at 12 weeks showing reduction in tension (-21.7%), depression (-31.9%), anger (-13.8%), fatigue (-36.9%), confusion (-20.5%). Vigor increased by 5.7%.

Figure 2: Percentage of mean changes of selected POMS scores (tension and fatigue) by domains at baseline, week 6 and week 12 — Figure 2: Percentage of mean changes of selected POMS scores by domains (tension and fatigue) at baseline, week 6 and week 12

There were no significant adverse effects on vital signs such as blood pressure and pulse rate, further indicating that Physta is well-tolerated in terms of cardiovascular health. The study concluded by Physta at 100 mg improves menopausal quality of life and mood states without adverse effects, underscoring its role as a safe herbal option for managing menopausal symptoms.

“This study is significant as it explores a natural, non-hormonal alternative – Eurycoma longifolia extract (Physta) – to support sexual health and overall wellbeing in both perimenopausal and postmenopausal women,” says Subashini Muniandy, lead author of the study at the National University of Malaysia.

“These groups often face erratic episodes of hot flashes and sweating as well as declines in libido, energy and mood due to hormonal changes, but may not be suitable candidates for hormone replacement therapy. Based on past studies Physta acts by enhancing endogenous androgen levels through pathways such as increasing free testosterone, reducing sex hormone-binding globulin, and inhibiting aromatase.

“Given Physta’s beneficial effects a natural, non-hormonal alternative to support menopausal women’s health, a future randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial has the potential to investigate the differential effects of Physta in perimenopausal versus postmenopausal women, with a focus on the influence of menopausal and age on its efficacy.”

Head of Research at Biotropics, Dr. Annie George, adds: “Many experienced a noticeable reduction in tiredness and fatigue, along with enhanced stamina. Working women also noted reduced mid-day sleepiness, helping them stay more alert and productive. Additionally, several participants observed improvements in sexual function and vaginal lubrication, contributing to overall comfort and intimacy.

“Enhanced mood and a greater sense of liveliness were also frequently mentioned, reflecting a general improvement in emotional wellbeing and quality of life during this transitional stage. The reported benefits – such as reduced fatigue, improved stamina, better daytime alertness, enhanced sexual function, and mood elevation – highlight a growing demand for natural solutions to manage menopause-related symptoms.

“These outcomes suggest that clinically validated natural ingredients can offer effective support for women navigating perimenopause and postmenopause, without relying on hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which some women prefer to avoid due to associated risks.

“In the broader context, these findings could drive innovation and product development in the women’s health supplement market, encouraging more research-backed, targeted solutions that address both physical and emotional aspects of menopause. They also support the movement toward personalized, lifestyle-oriented health products, reinforcing the importance of holistic wellness during midlife transitions. As awareness and consumer interest grow, the industry may see increased investment in clinical validation, setting new standards for efficacy and trust in women’s health supplements.”

Clinically-backed ingredients

In addition to Physta, Biotropics Malaysia Berhad has a portfolio of ingredients designed to support women’s health. Kesum (Persicaria minor), an indigenous plant of Malaysia and Southeast Asia traditionally used to flavour soups and dishes and is known to help aid digestion, alleviate dandruff and as a postpartum tonic. Biotropics utilises the water extract of Kesum leaves in its standardised ingredient, BioKesum® which functions as an anti-ageing ingredient, proven to support acetylcholine availability.

A 2022 study showed that BioKesum supplementation over six months can potentially improve visual memory, negative mood, brain-derived neurotrophic factor and triglyceride levels among older adults with mild cognitive impairment.³ By supporting visual memory and mood, BioKesum is an ideal ingredient for menopausal symptoms such as brain fog.

Also supporting women’s health is SLP+®, a standardized Labisia Pumila extract. Labisia pumila is locally known as Kacip Fatimah and as the ‘queen of herbs’ in Malaysia. This ingredient is traditionally used in Malaysia for feminine vitality, blood circulation, postpartum recovery and wellbeing as well as remedy menstrual irregularities.

Biotropics’ SLP+ has been shown to improve quality of life, cardiovascular and hormonal balance in women. In a clinical study of women with pre- and postmenopausal systems, SLP+ showed a 31% improvement in menstrual health symptoms, a 53% improvement in stress, a 12% improvement in sleep, and an 8% improvement in memory and concentration.⁴

Nu-Femme® is another ingredient which optimizes the benefits of Labisia pumila combined with Eurycoma longifolia. The proprietary blend was shown to significantly reduce hot flushes, joint pain and improve hormone and lipid profiles.

As our wider knowledge of women’s health continues to expand and deepen, driving the innovation of clinically backed ingredients that support female vitality is essential for supporting quality of life and wellbeing throughout a woman’s life.

References