FAQs: Purchasing & Legal Regulations of Tongkat Ali [Part 1]

Tongkat Ali occupies a complex regulatory landscape worldwide. In the United States and several other regions, it is marketed as a dietary supplement, whereas the European Union classifies it as an unauthorized novel food.

Although Tongkat Ali itself is not listed as a prohibited substance by WADA, a valid concern for athletes is the potential contamination found in some poorly manufactured or adulterated supplement products.

Legality & Doping Regulations

1. Can Athletes Take Tongkat Ali?

Yes, but caution is advised, especially for athletes subject to anti-doping rules. Some data suggest benefits for strength/endurance, or stress modulation, in specific groups.

However, the overall findings are mixed, suggesting its effects may depend on the individual. For example, while a small study in older adults showed gains, more recent work in younger, healthy athletes showed no clear advantage.

This implies that any androgenic effects may be more relevant in individuals who are not already at their peak (such as older adults or those with a low baseline status).

The main risk in sport remains adulteration or contamination of the final product, not the Tongkat Ali herb itself.

Choosing independently third-party tested products (banned-substance screening) and following federation guidance is prudent [1,2].

2. Does Tongkat Ali Show Up on Drug Test?

Standard workplace or sport toxicology panels do not target Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) or its natural constituents (e.g., quassinoids, eurycomanone).

These are not routine assay analytes. The practical risk does not come from Tongkat Ali's natural constituents, but from adulteration, some unscrupulous supplements can contain undeclared drugs or prohibited agents added illegally to the product.

Selecting brands that publish Certificates of Analysis (COAs) and use independent testing helps reduce false-positive risks from contamination [3,4].

3. Is Tongkat Ali a PED?

Tongkat Ali is not listed as an official performance-enhancing drug on the WADA/USADA prohibited lists.

Because it may influence hormonal pathways in some individuals, use in sport warrants care: the primary concern is undeclared substances found in poor-quality, unregulated products, which is a risk common to many supplements.

Preference for third-party tested supplements and adherence to event-specific rules is advisable. Current reference overviews provide context on potential effects and safety [5].

4. Is Tongkat Ali Allowed in the Military?

Generally not prohibited by most militaries. However, dietary supplements are not pre-approved by the FDA, and contamination/adulteration is a real-world risk. Selection of products with transparent COAs and independent testing is recommended.

Consultation with a military medical provider is advisable before use, especially when medications, medical conditions, or duty-specific regulations apply.

5. Is Tongkat Ali Banned by NCAA?

Current reviews and scientific articles focus on traditional use, safety, and potential benefits; they do not indicate an NCAA-specific prohibition on Tongkat Ali. Nonetheless, athletes should rely on third-party tested products (e.g., certified for banned substances) and verify current NCAA/ institutional policies, which can change [3,6,7].

6. Is Tongkat Ali Banned by USADA?

There is no evidence that Tongkat Ali or its primary constituents (e.g., quassinoids, eurycomanone) are on USADA/WADA prohibited lists.

The main risk for athletes is product adulteration with undeclared agents. Use of independently certified products and careful label scrutiny are prudent steps.

7. Is Tongkat Ali Banned by WADA?

Tongkat Ali is not currently listed on WADA’s prohibited list. Some reports describe biological changes that generally do not exceed testing thresholds; the practical risk remains contamination from non-compliant products.

Athletes typically favor supplements that are certified “banned-substance tested” and stay updated with the annually revised WADA list.

8. Is Tongkat Ali Banned in Europe?

This is a regulatory status, not a safety ban. In the EU, Tongkat Ali is classified as an unauthorized “novel food.” This means it cannot be legally marketed until it completes a specific pre-market safety assessment, which it has not yet done.

As a precaution, EFSA has highlighted the need for more safety data, citing a lack of long-term human studies and preliminary concerns (like possible genotoxicity signals in animal data), and products can be seized at borders by national authorities [8].

Popular summaries echo this status and the precautionary stance taken by regulators regarding safety and product purity [8,9,10].

9. Is Tongkat Ali Banned in Singapore?

It is not generally listed as a prohibited herb by HSA. However, specific products can face enforcement if they are unregistered, make medicinal claims, or are contaminated/adulterated.

Verification via HSA resources and selection of products with transparent testing are sensible safeguards.

10. Is Tongkat Ali Banned in Sports?

Not currently listed on WADA’s prohibited list. Still, supplement markets can be variable, and adulteration has been documented in various categories.

Athletes often choose products certified by reputable programs (e.g., NSF Certified for Sport / Informed-Sport) and follow their governing body’s guidance.

11. Is Tongkat Ali Legal?

Typically legal as a dietary supplement in many countries (e.g., U.S., U.K.), but the legality of any specific product depends on registration, compliant labeling, and absence of undeclared substances.

In the EU, sale as a supplement is restricted under the “novel food” framework. Preference for transparent, well-documented products supports safer use.

12. Why Is Tongkat Ali Banned?

It is not banned worldwide. Restrictions typically arise from: (1) Regulatory processes, such as the EU's 'novel food' classification which requires authorization before marketing, (2) Market quality issues, such as risks from contamination/adulteration in unregulated products (e.g., heavy metals, undeclared pharmaceuticals), and (3) limited long-term human safety data.

As a result, some regions restrict importation/sale to protect public health. Choosing products with independent testing and COAs mitigates common risks [9,10].

13. Is Tongkat Ali Legal in the UK?

Not a criminally banned ingredient, but generally classified as a “novel food.” Without authorization, sales of a food supplement can be restricted. Large platforms may control listings.

Checking FSA/MHRA updates and avoiding unapproved medicinal claims helps ensure compliance.

14. Is Tongkat Ali Legal in Canada?

Legal when sold as a licensed Natural Health Product (NPN). Consumers can verify the NPN and approved label. Certain extracts (e.g., LJ100) have received Health Canada safety confirmation and specific authorized claims at defined doses. [11]

15. Why Tongkat Ali Is Banned in Korea?

South Korea’s MFDS restricts/does not allow Tongkat Ali in foods/supplements due to safety concerns and the risk of adulteration. Authorities maintain lists of prohibited ingredients and issue public warnings against non-compliant imports.

This precautionary approach aims to protect consumers from harm from unapproved or unsafe products [12,13].

16. Is Tongkat Ali Legal in Ireland?

Similar to the EU framework, it sits in a gray zone as a “novel food.” Marketing as a supplement requires authorization; products making medicinal claims without approval can be classified as unlicensed medicines.

Personal importation may exist under strict safety and labeling conditions, but official guidance should be checked.

17. Is Tongkat Ali FDA Approved?

No, because the FDA does not 'approve' dietary supplements. Like all supplements in the U.S., Tongkat Ali is not FDA-approved as a drug. It is marketed under DSHEA, which means the FDA does not require pre-market approval for supplements as it does for pharmaceuticals [14,8,15].

Ban Reasons & Regional Restrictions

1. Why Did the EU Ban Tongkat Ali, and What Does the Research Really Say?

In the EU, Tongkat Ali is classified as an unauthorized novel food, so it cannot be marketed as a food or supplement without prior authorization.

Regulators cite safety uncertainties (e.g., possible genotoxic signals in animal data), variable product quality, and adulteration risks as reasons to apply the precautionary principle. Several member states have also enforced removals or destruction of non-compliant products at the border.

Popular explainers reflect this stance, but the definitive reference remains the EFSA scientific opinion. In short, the EU position is regulatory—not a judgment of efficacy—and it hinges on safety evidence, product standardization, and compliance pathways that have not yet been met for Tongkat Ali [10,16].

2. Why Is Tongkat Ali Banned or Hard to Find in Certain Regions Like the EU?

Availability is limited mainly because Tongkat Ali lacks an EU novel-food authorization. Without it, products cannot be sold legally as foods or supplements across the bloc.

Authorities also point to contamination/adulteration events and inconsistent quality controls, prompting seizures and removals.

While some reports highlight traditional use and emerging research, regulators require robust human safety dossiers and standardized manufacturing before approval.

Until then, access remains restricted, and consumers may encounter delistings or border actions. This is a regulatory precaution to protect public health, not a global ban [8,10,16].

Where to Buy Tongkat Ali

1. Does CVS Sell Tongkat Ali?

No. CVS doesn’t list a dedicated Tongkat Ali/Longjack page online. Availability is hit-or-miss; consider GNC, Walgreens, or Walmart, which do list it.

2. Does GNC Sell Tongkat Ali?

Yes. GNC carries Tongkat Ali/Longjack, including well-known extracts like LJ100 (e.g., NutraBio LJ100) online.

3. Does Walgreens Sell Tongkat Ali?

Yes. Walgreens lists Longjack (Tongkat Ali) supplements online. Availability varies by store.

4. Does Walmart Sell Tongkat Ali?

Yes. Walmart’s site has multiple Tongkat Ali/Longjack options.

5. Is It Safe to Buy Tongkat Ali From Platforms Like Lazada or Amazon?

Potentially safer if you buy from verified brand stores and check for standardized extracts (e.g., LJ100®, Physta®), COAs, and return policies.

Example: a brand named Vinatura Supplements or Akarali, which both sell online. Avoid sellers with sparse reviews or unrealistic claims.

6. Is Buying Tongkat Ali From Lazada or Other Online Retailers Safe?

It can be safe if you use official brand stores and compare labels/tests. Be cautious; counterfeit/under-dosed products have been discussed in regional forums.

7. Where Can I Buy Authentic Tongkat Ali in the UK?

Try reputable online stores: Akarali ships from a UK hub (Royal Mail), and Amazon UK carries established brands.

8. Where Can I Buy Tongkat Ali in Malaysia?

Direct from Malaysian producers/official stores such as Akarali, mainstream pharmacies (Guardian/Watsons) carry limited selections.

9. Where Can I Buy Tongkat Ali in South Africa?

Dis-Chem stocks Tongkat Ali/Longjack (e.g., Biogen Tongkat Ali) online and in select stores.

10. Where Can I Buy Tongkat Ali in the Philippines?

Watsons PH lists Tongkat Ali combos (e.g., Enduranz). Selection varies by branch; check online first.

11. Where to Buy Tongkat Ali in the USA?

GNC, Walgreens, Walmart, and Amazon all carry it; iHerb also ships widely. Look for standardized extracts and brand-posted testing (such as Vinatura Supplements and Nutricost).

12. Where Can I Buy Authentic Tongkat Ali in Vietnam or Bali?

For Vietnam, Akarali lists a local distributor in Ho Chi Minh City; many buyers also order from global stores (iHerb/Amazon). In Bali, niche shops sell powder, but quality varies—prefer recognized brands.

13. Where Can I Find a Trusted Place to Buy Tongkat Ali in Perth, Australia?

Vinatura Supplements, Akarali operates in Australia (Perth contact) and ships domestically; local supplement shops also stock Tongkat Ali.

14. Where Can I Buy Genuine Tongkat Ali if I’m in the UK, US, or Other Countries?

Use official brand sites or major platforms with verified stores (Vinatura Supplements, Akarali global shop, Amazon, iHerb). Check for standardized extracts and COAs.

15. Is Tongkat Ali Available in Mercury Drug?

Not reliably listed online. Availability appears limited; try Watsons PH or reputable online sellers instead.

16. Where Can I Buy Authentic Tongkat Ali if I’m in Finland, Thailand, or Other Countries?

Look for global retailers that ship to you (Vinatura Supplements, iHerb, Amazon). In markets with many local brands, prioritize standardized extracts and posted lab tests.

17. Where Can I Buy Tongkat Ali From a Reputable Source?

Checklist: buy from official brand stores, look for standardized extracts (e.g., LJ100®, Physta®), third-party testing/COAs, clear return policies, and consistent labeling. Example reputable outlets include Vinatura Supplements and iHerb’s top-rated listings.