[Literature research and discussion on properties of a new oversea-introduced traditional Chinese medicine Malaysian ginseng(Tongkat Ali)].

Tongkat Ali(Eurycoma longifolia Jack.) is a medicinal plant of Simaroubaceae in Southeast Asia, with centuries of medicinal history. Rich clinical and pharmacological research results have been attained for this plant, which demonstrates diverse and definite effects and high safety, showcasing advantages and broad market prospects to be introduced as a new medicinal plant. Currently, E. longifolia is cultivated in Hainan and Guangdong in China. However, it has not been utilized for the medicinal purpose in China, and the systematic study on its traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) properties remains to be carried out. This paper comprehensively reviews and analyzes the application history, clinical trials, biological activities, chemical composition, and safety of Tongkat Ali and probes into its TCM properties. The results suggest that Tongkat Ali is sweet, bitter, pungent, and plain, with tropism to the kidney, spleen, and liver meridians. Tongkat Ali has the main functions of tonifying kidney and replenishing essence, invigorating spleen and replenishing Qi, and soothing liver and relieving depression. The clinical applications of Tongkat Ali encompass kidney essence deficiency, sex apathy, spleen Qi deficiency, fatigue, liver depression and Qi stagnation. The recommended dosage and usage of this medicine are 2-10 g daily and decoction with water, respectively. This study aims to facilitate the compatible use and product development of Tongkat Ali while providing reference for introducing it as a new TCM resource and studying the TCM properties of ginseng plants abroad.