Author: The Beauty Nation

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is a type of palm native to the southeastern United States.

The berries of the plant are commonly used in supplements to improve prostate health, balance hormone levels, and prevent hair loss in men.

It’s also associated with other benefits, including decreased inflammation and improved urinary function.

Here are 5 promising benefits and uses of saw palmetto.

1. Prevents hair loss

Hair loss is a common condition that can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, certain medical conditions, hormonal changes, and the use of medications, such as stimulants and blood thinners.

Saw palmetto is often used to balance hormone levels and combat hair loss.

According to one review, saw palmetto may help block the activity of 5-alpha reductase (5α-R), an enzyme that converts testosterone into a hormone linked to hair loss called dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

It may also prevent hair loss by reducing the uptake of DHT in the hair follicles, which decreases its ability to bind to specific hormone receptors.

In one study, saw palmetto was effective at improving hair growth in 60% of men with male pattern baldness between the ages of 23 and 64.

Another study in 62 adults showed that applying saw palmetto topically for 3 months increased hair density by 35%.

2. Improves urinary tract function

Urinary tract symptoms are common among older men and can include issues like incontinence and difficulty urinating.

Saw palmetto may improve urinary symptoms associated with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) — a condition that causes an enlargement of the prostate gland and results in decreased urine flow.

One 12-week study in 92 men showed that taking two capsules daily of Prostataplex, a mix of herbal supplements that include saw palmetto, helped improve urinary tract symptoms associated with BPH.

Similarly, another study in 85 men over the age of 45 found that treatment with 160 mg of saw palmetto twice daily reduced lower urinary tract symptoms, increased urine flow, and improved overall quality of life after 6 months.

However, more research is needed to determine whether saw palmetto may also improve urinary tract function in the general population, including for those without prostate issues.

3. May support prostate health

The prostate is a small gland located between the bladder and the penis in men, which is responsible for maintaining sperm health.

Some research suggests that saw palmetto could support prostate health and may aid in preventing issues like BPH and prostate cancer.

According to one test-tube study, saw palmetto berry extract was able to decrease the growth of prostate cancer cells.

Another test-tube study showed that saw palmetto blocked the spread and growth of prostate cancer cells by deactivating specific receptors involved in cancer development.

Other human and animal studies indicate that it may be effective at reducing urinary symptoms and inflammation related to BPH as well.

Yet, some studies don’t associate saw palmetto with a lower risk of prostate cancer and observe that it may be ineffective at decreasing symptoms of BPH.

Further high-quality research is needed to evaluate how saw palmetto may affect prostate health in humans.

4. May decrease inflammation

Saw palmetto contains the antioxidants epicatechin and methyl gallate — compounds that prevent damage to cells, decrease inflammation, and protect against chronic disease.

Some research shows that saw palmetto may have anti-inflammatory properties, which could be beneficial in treating certain conditions.

For example, one study observed that giving saw palmetto extract to mice with enlarged prostate glands decreased swelling and several markers of inflammation, including interleukin 6 (IL-6).

Another study in obese rats with BPH found that saw palmetto was effective at decreasing inflammation and improving antioxidant status.

Although these results are promising, additional studies are needed to determine how saw palmetto may impact inflammation in humans.

5. May help regulate testosterone levels

Saw palmetto is often used by men looking to boost testosterone levels naturally.

Regulating testosterone levels can impact several aspects of health, including body composition, sex drive, mood, and cognition.

Testosterone levels decline with age, and some research shows that low levels of testosterone could contribute to conditions like heart disease.

Saw palmetto works by decreasing the activity of 5α-R — an enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), another sex hormone, to help preserve testosterone levels in the body.

One test-tube study found that the effectiveness of saw palmetto extract was comparable to finasteride in preserving testosterone levels. Finasteride is a medication used to treat hair loss and BPH by reducing the activity of 5α-R.

Another study in 40 men observed that treatment with saw palmetto decreased levels of DHT by 32% after 6 months, suggesting that saw palmetto was effective at maintaining testosterone levels.

Pumpkin seeds have many health benefits and nutrients packed into their small shape. They help boost immunity and metabolism, reduce weight, uplift mood, and improve sleep. Other benefits of pumpkin seeds include increasing testosterone levels in men, protecting against the progression of cancer and parasites, and eliminating kidney stones. Pumpkin seeds are good for you because they aid in hair growth, improving heart health, treating diabetes, protecting bone health, and faster healing of wounds.

What are Pumpkin Seeds?

Pumpkin seeds, also known as pepita, are the flat, oval-shaped seeds of the pumpkin or squash. They are light green on the inside, but their hull is white in color. They are a seasonal snack, consumed during autumn when most of the squash and pumpkin varieties are fully grown.

Most pumpkin seeds come with their shell or endosperm attached, particularly when they are eaten after being roasted, which is the most common way of consuming them. They can also be shelled, and the inner germ can be eaten as a healthy snack with less work and chewing involved.

Pumpkin Seeds Nutrition Facts

According to the USDA, pumpkin seeds are rich in nutrients like protein and unsaturated fats, namely omega-3 acid. The other nutrients present in pepita include manganese, tryptophan, calcium, potassium, magnesium, copper, phosphorus, zinc, and iron. It also contains smaller amounts of B complex vitamins, vitamin K, and vitamin A. Furthermore, pumpkin seeds have phytosterol, an organic compound that also contributes to their nutritional value.

Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds

Let’s take a closer look at the health benefits of pepita below.

1. Heart Health

Phytosterols and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, present in pumpkin seeds, can lower LDL cholesterol levels. These compounds can also prevent blood clots and atherosclerosis, thereby reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

2. Induce Sleep

If you’re feeling tired or stressed after a long day, you can turn to pumpkin seeds to calm yourself down and get a good night’s sleep. Pumpkin seeds are rich sources of magnesium and tryptophan, both of which have sedative and soothing qualities that stimulate sleep.

3. Improve Prostate Health

A report published in the Fitoterapia Journal that pumpkin seeds are good for relieving the symptoms of an enlarged prostate, primarily due to their high zinc content. They help keep the prostate healthy, which is one of the most common places for men to develop cancer. Also, low levels of zinc can lead to a drop in testosterone levels in men. Pumpkin seeds also ensure high fertility by boosting healthy sperm quality.

4. Hair Growth

Studies reveal that pumpkin seed oil is beneficial for hair growth in men. Low levels of androgen are believed to cause hair loss problems in males. The oil increases androgen levels in men. Thus, a handful of pumpkin seeds every day can prove to be beneficial for hair growth.

5. Anticancer Properties

Pumpkin seeds may help treat various types of cancer including stomach, prostate, lung, and colon cancer. The lignans in pumpkin seed extracts have anti-cancer and antioxidant properties. These seeds are also known to reduce the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women.

A population-based case-control study in German postmenopausal women, conducted by Dr. Ravi P Sahu, researchers at the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Ohio, USA, evaluated the correlation between phytoestrogen-rich foods and dietary lignans with breast cancer risk. The results provided sufficient evidence for the reduced postmenopausal breast cancer risk associated with increased consumption of pumpkin seeds.

6. Control Diabetes

The high magnesium content in pumpkin seeds aids in lowering the blood sugar levels in the body. By increasing insulin production and reducing oxidative stress in the body, they help prevent type 2 diabetes, as per a study published in the journal Advanced Pharmaceutical Bulletin in 2018.

7. Prevent Parasitic Activity

Pumpkin seeds are associated with anti-parasitic activity and have been used traditionally to eliminate tapeworms and other dangerous parasites in the body. For children, who are most susceptible to worms, pepitas provide a delicious snack and a very important defensive line against those worms, which can result in malnutrition, incorrect growth patterns, and even death.

8. Reduce Inflammation

Studies show that pumpkin seeds have anti-inflammatory properties, which is one of the common reasons why people eat this delicious snack. Arthritis pain can be debilitating, so adding good amounts of protein and anti-inflammatory compounds to your diet can help. This will also keep the tissues healthy.

9. Prevent Kidney Stones

Pumpkin seeds help reduce toxins in the body, due to their diuretic and antioxidant properties. They stimulate circulation and increase liver and kidney functions. Uric acid and various other toxins are therefore removed from the body, which means they cannot accumulate into dangerous kidney stones.

10. Good Source of Protein

Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of protein as 30% of pumpkin seed volume is made of it. Having a stable and adequate amount of protein in your diet is essential because proteins are made up of amino acids, which aid in boosting metabolism.

11. Prevent Osteoporosis

Pumpkin seeds are extremely popular due to their effects on osteoporosis. They have high levels of zinc, calcium, copper, and other minerals that are linked to increased bone density. Studies have shown that regular intake of pepitas can reduce bone weakness and the symptoms of osteoporosis.

12. Reduce Blood Pressure

High copper levels in pumpkin seeds increase red blood cell count in the body and improve the oxygenated passage of blood through the vessels. This activity, combined with the low-sodium content, can also improve heart health by reducing blood pressure.

How to Eat Pumpkin Seeds?

There are many ways to eat pumpkin seeds, but the healthiest way is to eat them raw.

• You can also roast or toast the seeds, add them to salads, bread, pesto, and more.
• Some people also add them to rice puddings, soups, and gravies for a crunchy texture.
• You can also sprout them and use them in place of other seeds like butternut squash seeds, acorns, and more.

Note: Before consuming pepitas, make sure they are not stale and have been properly washed and stored.

Word of Caution: Pumpkin seeds are very high in calories, so they can exacerbate obesity. Also, there has been limited evidence that they can cause ejaculation problems in men. 

Tongkat Ali is also known as ‘Pasak Bumi’ in Indonesia, Cay Ba Binh in Vietnam, Pin Yin: 东革阿里 or Dōng gé ālǐ in China, ‘Longjack’ in the United States or Europe and ‘Malaysian Ginseng’ or ‘Akar Ali’ by some locals.

Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma Longifolia) is mainly found in remote rainforests of Malaysia, Indonesia, and some parts of Southern Thailand.

Malaysia is the largest net exporter of Tongkat Ali in the world, with a world consumption of more than 70%.

There are three types of Tongkat Ali which are sold in the market today:

• Yellow Tongkat Ali – Eurycoma Longifolia
• Black Tongkat Ali – Polyalthia Bullata
• Red Tongkat Ali – Stema Tuberosa

Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma Longifolia) is a national heritage from a long history of tradition

Tongkat Ali has a long history of tradition, used by indigenous people for centuries and consumed daily by Malaysians in many forms.

A big part of the growing demand for Tongkat Ali in recent years is due to the advancement of science, innovation, and continuous human clinical trials to validate its wide range of health benefits.

Due to the strong demand for natural wellness, Malaysia’s Sovereign Wealth Fund, Khazanah, invested heavily in Tongkat Ali to scale up its production through technology and development activities.

The research and development of Tongkat Ali deliver promising results. It is now widely used in functional food, performance ingredients to enhance sports performance and daily dietary supplements.

Well, that’s the gist of it.

There are many untold stories and here is everything you need to know about Tongkat Ali in Malaysia.

Tongkat Ali demand is growing

The reason behind the growing popularity is due to Tongkat Ali’s versatility, efficacy, and more importantly, growing evidence of its health benefits by scientists and health experts.

At the same time, there is a growing trend among consumers who are seeking long-term health protection from natural resources.

With rising medical costs and the side-effect of non-organic supplements, consumers are seeking better and more proven alternatives in recent years.

Plant-based diets and natural products have been on the rise too, and the US sales figures showed an increasing trend against the backdrop of escalating healthcare costs in recent years.

The surge in herbal supplements such as Tongkat Ali is potentially driven by recent fear over the global pandemic too – which demands greater immunity protection from virus attacks.

The origin of Tongkat Ali

Tongkat Ali had a long history in Malaysia but let us talk about its initial discovery.

It is believed the first Tongkat Ali discovered in Malaysia dated as far as the early 1100s although there were no documented records to show sufficient evidence.

The first documented evidence was seen on a Tongkat Ali painting belonging to Major General William Farquhar, who was the Rajah of Malacca (a state in Malaysia) between 1803 to 1818.

The honorable man was also the first British Resident and Commandant of Singapore during the same period.

The painting of Tongkat Ali belonging to General William Farquhar signifies the importance of the plant in the 1800s.

He was believed to be one of the first Scottish to receive such a gift from the locals when the British landed their foothold in Malaysia in 1786.

It was believed by the locals that Tongkat Ali was a symbol of power for primal men, with its close association with masculinity and virility.

The painting of the Tongkat Ali plant is now stored and kept safely at the William Farquhar Collection of Natural History Drawings in Singapore as evidence of recognition in medicinal herbs.

The story behind the word “Tongkat Ali”

Now how did the word “Tongkat Ali” came about?

The word “Tongkat” is a Malay word for a walking stick. The usage of a walking stick by Malaysians (and possibly the British and Dutch) was common back in 1800 – 1900s.

Every man had a walking stick or at least was capable of producing one using his bare hands.

In the Asian culture where metaphors are frequently used in local conversations and folklores, the word “Tongkat” can often be misinterpreted as a hard erection.

On the other hand, the word “Ali” was believed originated from Sayyidina Ali Abi Talib, which is renowned as a paragon of manhood.

This is greatly influenced by the Gujaratis when Islam first arrived in Southeast Asia between 1160-1451s.

Soon the term “Tongkat Ali” was naturally accepted by the Chinese and Indian communities as herbal trading activities soared in the early 1800s.

In recent times, it is common for Malaysians to refer to Tongkat Ali as Akar Ali, which means Ali’s root.

After all, it is the root that brings scientifically proven health benefits, and not “sympathetic magic” that some would claim.

From traditional medicine to modern science…

Back in the early days before modern science, Tongkat Ali is widely consumed by Malaysians to treat many types of illnesses such as flu, cold, and others.

Every corner shop in Malaysia sells traditional herbs including Tongkat Ali and this tradition has been infused into Malaysians healthy diet for centuries.

It is not surprising to see a healthy 100-year-old man effortlessly paddling his trade or working daily, hidden away in the nook and crannies of bustling city life in Malaysia.

Tongkat Ali’s unique position as one of the popular herbs besides Ginseng is due to a unique bioactive compound – known as quassinoids, found by scientists to heal and improve health.

The other major bioactive compounds are the most potent in its roots which include eurycomaoside, eurycolactone, eurycomalactone, eurycomanone.

Malaysia is the best natural home to Tongkat Ali

There is a reason many believe that the best Long Jack products available in the market today are sourced from Malaysia.

Malaysia has been a natural home for Tongkat Ali due to its rich bio-diversity with some of the oldest tropical rainforests in the world.

Experts have found that the tropical rainforests in Malaysia have existed for 130 million years – making it older than the Amazon and the Congo.

Scientists found more than 185,000 species of fauna and 12,500 species of flowering plants in Malaysia and other deeper parts of Borneo. The forest reserves such as the Royal Belum State Park in Perak were even recognized by the UNESCO World Heritage as being some of the oldest forests in the world.

Being home to the oldest tropical rainforest has one unique advantage, as the soils are rich with nutrients, and minerals are known to humankind and are perfect for the proliferation of Tongkat Ali plants.

Although technically Tongkat Ali can grow in other tropical climate countries, the best Tongkat Ali plants grow more efficiently in their natural habitat which is abundant in natural minerals sourced from natural clean water.

The natural minerals found in soils unique to some of the deep rainforests in Malaysia are free from human contamination and pollutants that may decrease the amount or the quality of bioactive compounds found in the Tongkat Ali roots.

An ideal environment for thriving Tongkat Ali plants requires well-drained soil with a high organic matter content coupled with an annual rainfall of 2,000-3,000 mm in the optimal temperature range of 25–30ºC. For that, Malaysia provides the perfect tropical climate year on year.

Tongkat Ali is also known as ‘Pasak Bumi’ in Indonesia, Cay Ba Binh in Vietnam, Pin Yin: 东革阿里 or Dōng gé ālǐ in China, ‘Longjack’ in the United States or Europe and ‘Malaysian Ginseng’ or `Akar Ali’ by some locals.

Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma Longifolia) is mainly found in remote rainforests of Malaysia, Indonesia, and some parts of Southern Thailand.

Malaysia is the largest net exporter of Tongkat Ali in the world, with a world consumption of more than 70%.

There are three types of Tongkat Ali which are sold in the market today:

• Yellow Tongkat Ali – Eurycoma Longifolia
• Black Tongkat Ali – Polyalthia Bullata
• Red Tongkat Ali – Stema Tuberosa

Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma Longifolia) is a national heritage from a long history of tradition

Tongkat Ali has a long history of tradition, used by indigenous people for centuries and consumed daily by Malaysians in many forms.

A big part of the growing demand for Tongkat Ali in recent years is due to the advancement of science, innovation, and continuous human clinical trials to validate its wide range of health benefits.

Due to the strong demand for natural wellness, Malaysia’s Sovereign Wealth Fund, Khazanah, invested heavily in Tongkat Ali to scale up its production through technology and development activities.

The research and development of Tongkat Ali deliver promising results. It is now widely used in functional food, performance ingredients to enhance sports performance, and daily dietary supplements.

Well, that’s the gist of it.

There are many untold stories and here is everything you need to know about Tongkat Ali in Malaysia.

Tongkat Ali demand is growing

The reason behind the growing popularity is due to Tongkat Ali’s versatility, efficacy, and more importantly, growing evidence of its health benefits by scientists and health experts.

At the same time, there is a growing trend among consumers who are seeking long-term health protection from natural resources.

With rising medical costs and the side-effect of non-organic supplements, consumers are seeking better and more proven alternatives in recent years.

Plant-based diets and natural products have been on the rise too, and the US sales figures showed an increasing trend against the backdrop of escalating healthcare costs in recent years.

The surge in herbal supplements such as Tongkat Ali is potentially driven by recent fear over the global pandemic too – which demands greater immunity protection from virus attacks.

The origin of Tongkat Ali

Tongkat Ali had a long history in Malaysia but let us talk about its initial discovery.

It is believed the first Tongkat Ali discovered in Malaysia dated as far as the early 1100s although there were no documented records to show sufficient evidence.

The first documented evidence was seen on a Tongkat Ali painting belonging to Major General William Farquhar, who was the Rajah of Malacca (a state in Malaysia) between 1803 to 1818.

The honorable man was also the first British Resident and Commandant of Singapore during the same period.

The painting of Tongkat Ali belonging to General William Farquhar signifies the importance of the plant in the 1800s.

He was believed to be one of the first Scottish to receive such a gift from the locals when the British landed their foothold in Malaysia in 1786.

It was believed by the locals that Tongkat Ali was a symbol of power for primal men, with its close association with masculinity and virility.

The painting of the Tongkat Ali plant is now stored and kept safely at the William Farquhar Collection of Natural History Drawings in Singapore as evidence of recognition in medicinal herbs.

The story behind the word “Tongkat Ali”

Now how did the word “Tongkat Ali” came about?

The word “Tongkat” is a Malay word for a walking stick. The usage of a walking stick by Malaysians (and possibly the British and Dutch) was common back in 1800 – 1900s.

Every man had a walking stick or at least was capable of producing one using his bare hands.

In the Asian culture where metaphors are frequently used in local conversations and folklores, the word “Tongkat” can often be misinterpreted as a hard erection.

On the other hand, the word “Ali” was believed originated from Sayyidina Ali Abi Talib, which is renowned as a paragon of manhood.

This is greatly influenced by the Gujaratis when Islam first arrived in Southeast Asia between 1160-1451s.

Soon the term “Tongkat Ali” was naturally accepted by the Chinese and Indian communities as herbal trading activities soared in the early 1800s.

In recent times, it is common for Malaysians to refer to Tongkat Ali as Akar Ali, which means Ali’s root.

After all, it is the root that brings scientifically proven health benefits, and not “sympathetic magic” that some would claim.

From traditional medicine to modern science…

Back in the early days before modern science, Tongkat Ali is widely consumed by Malaysians to treat many types of illnesses such as flu, cold, and others.

Every corner shop in Malaysia sells traditional herbs including Tongkat Ali and this tradition has been infused into Malaysians healthy diet for centuries.

It is not surprising to see a healthy 100-year-old man effortlessly paddling his trade or working daily, hidden away in the nook and crannies of bustling city life in Malaysia.

Tongkat Ali’s unique position as one of the popular herbs besides Ginseng is due to a unique bioactive compound – known as quassinoids, found by scientists to heal and improve health.

The other major bioactive compounds are the most potent in its roots which include eurycomaoside, eurycolactone, eurycomalactone, eurycomanone.

Malaysia is the best natural home to Tongkat Ali

There is a reason many believe that the best Long Jack products available in the market today are sourced from Malaysia.

Malaysia has been a natural home for Tongkat Ali due to its rich bio-diversity with some of the oldest tropical rainforests in the world.

Experts have found that the tropical rainforests in Malaysia have existed for 130 million years – making it older than the Amazon and the Congo.

Scientists found more than 185,000 species of fauna and 12,500 species of flowering plants in Malaysia and other deeper parts of Borneo. The forest reserves such as the Royal Belum State Park in Perak were even recognized by the UNESCO World Heritage as being some of the oldest forests in the world.

Being home to the oldest tropical rainforest has one unique advantage, as the soils are rich with nutrients, and minerals are known to humankind and are perfect for the proliferation of Tongkat Ali plants.

Although technically Tongkat Ali can grow in other tropical climate countries, the best Tongkat Ali plants grow more efficiently in their natural habitat which is abundant in natural minerals sourced from natural clean water.

The natural minerals found in soils unique to some of the deep rainforests in Malaysia are free from human contamination and pollutants that may decrease the amount or the quality of bioactive compounds found in the Tongkat Ali roots.

An ideal environment for thriving Tongkat Ali plants requires well-drained soil with a high organic matter content coupled with an annual rainfall of 2,000-3,000 mm in the optimal temperature range of 25–30ºC. For that, Malaysia provides the perfect tropical climate year on year.

Research involving animal models has shown that Catuaba bark may enhance erectile strength by widening blood vessels, allowing more blood to flow to the penis. Catuaba may even have some neurological benefits due to its antioxidant content. It’s been observed to increase the brain’s sensitivity to dopamine, which makes sex more pleasurable.

Catuaba is very popular among young Brazilian couples because it’s used as a sexual stimulant or just as a general energy formula. When we speak of natural sex enhancement in Brazil, the first word that comes to everyone’s lips is “Catuaba.” Catuaba (scientific name, Trichilia catigua) is known all over the world as the Brazilian “blue pill” without the harmful side effects. Some catuaba even contains yohimbine, another natural aphrodisiac.

Natural Remedy from Brazil:

Vitroman Brazilian Catuaba contains a Brazilian herb that is known as an herbal supplement deriving from a small tree native to the Brazilian landscape. It has yellow and orange flowers and bears an oval-shaped, yellowish-brown fruit. Its bark is well known for its uncommon antiviral and antibacterial qualities.

Brazilian herbalists believe that the composition or color of a fruit or herb, or the color of its extract, indicates the organ upon which it operates — the organ to be cured or remedied. The extract of Catuaba bark is red, which links it to the blood, liver and circulatory system.

What can I experience?

1. Achieves an erection, increases desire and regains lost sexual function.
2. Stimulates central nervous, boosts energy level and also improves mood.
3. Controls pain and fights fatigue.
4. Fights depression, anxiety.
5. Provides energy and immune support.
6. Promises for helping to prevent the opportunistic HIV infection.

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