Tongkat Ali
Eurycoma longifolia
A Southeast Asian botanical clinically studied for its effects on free testosterone, cortisol reduction, and male hormonal balance.
The Ingredient Explained
Tongkat Ali is a root extract from the rainforests of Malaysia and Indonesia. It's been used in traditional medicine for centuries, but unlike most traditional remedies, it's also one of the most studied botanicals in men's hormonal health. Over a dozen human clinical trials have examined its effects on testosterone, cortisol, and stress response. Foundation uses the same 200mg dose studied in those trials.
Why it's in Foundation
Most men with low testosterone also have elevated cortisol. The two are directly connected: cortisol suppresses testosterone production at the source. Most supplements ignore this. Tongkat Ali addresses both sides simultaneously. It supports the release of free testosterone while actively reducing the stress hormone that's suppressing it. That's not a bonus effect. That's the mechanism we built the formula around.
Your 90-Day Timeline.
Stress response may begin to ease. Some men notice improved sleep quality and reduced afternoon energy crashes during this phase.
Cortisol levels begin to normalize. This is typically when the downstream effect on testosterone starts to become measurable.
Most clinical studies measure outcomes at 8 weeks. Sustained use at consistent doses is where the research shows the strongest results.
What the research shows
200mg. The exact dose studied in humans.
Human studies show supplementation at 200mg supports free testosterone in men experiencing age-related or stress-related hormonal decline. Foundation uses the same dose studied in those trials, not a token amount in a proprietary blend.
View the human study
Cortisol reduction and free testosterone support, published clinical trial
How it works with other ingredients
Ashwagandha (Shoden®)
Both target cortisol from different pathways. Ashwagandha reduces the stress signal upstream; Tongkat Ali blocks its downstream suppression of testosterone. Combined, the effect is stronger than either alone.
Shilajit
Shilajit supports total testosterone production. Tongkat Ali focuses on freeing bound testosterone. They address different parts of the same problem.
Zinc
Zinc provides the raw material testosterone synthesis requires. Tongkat Ali amplifies the output. One supplies, the other signals.