Effect of Eurycoma longifolia standardised aqueous root extract-Physta ® on testosterone levels and quality of life in ageing male subjects: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicentre study.
Level 2 - randomized trial
Individual randomised controlled trial with a placebo comparator
PubMed 34262417 · doi:10.29219/fnr.v65.5647
What was done
A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicentre trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of a standardised aqueous root extract of Eurycoma longifolia (Physta) over 12 weeks. The study enrolled 105 male subjects aged 50 to 70 years with baseline serum total testosterone <300 ng/dL and BMI 18–30.0 kg/m². Participants were randomised to receive Physta 100 mg, Physta 200 mg, or placebo daily. Primary endpoints were changes in serum total and free testosterone levels. Secondary endpoints included SHBG, DHEA, cortisol, HbA1c, IGF-1, thyroid function, Ageing Male Symptoms (AMS) score, Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) score, muscle strength, and standard safety labs.
What was found
The abstract reports significance values without absolute numeric values or confidence intervals: - Total testosterone increased significantly vs. placebo at week 12 (P < 0.05) in the 100 mg group and at weeks 4 (P < 0.05), 8 (P < 0.01), and 12 (P < 0.001) in the 200 mg group. - Free testosterone showed no significant between-group differences compared to placebo, though within-group increases were significant across time points in both active groups. - Total AMS and FSS scores decreased significantly (P < 0.001) both within-group and between-group in both active groups at all time points. - DHEA levels increased within-group (P < 0.05) from week 2 onwards in both active groups. - Cortisol decreased significantly (P < 0.01) in the 200 mg group, and muscle strength increased within-group (P < 0.001) at week 12 in both active groups. - No significant changes occurred in SHBG, and no clinically relevant safety changes were observed.
Why it matters
This trial suggests that standardised Eurycoma longifolia supplementation can elevate total testosterone and reduce age-related symptoms and fatigue in hypogonadal older men over a 12-week period.
Limits
The abstract omits baseline values, absolute changes, and variance metrics. Free testosterone did not differ significantly from placebo between groups. The sample size is modest (105 participants across three arms), the intervention duration was limited to 12 weeks, and the population was restricted to men aged 50–70 with testosterone <300 ng/dL.
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