Can't remember hearing of it before. Did a bit of Googling. Here are a few links I found.
Wikipedia on Eurycoma_longifoliaEffects of a Proprietary Freeze-Dried Water Extract of Eurycoma longifolia (Physta) and Polygonum minus on Sexual Performance and Well-Being in Men: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled StudyTongkat Ali as a potential herbal supplement for physically active male and female seniors--a pilot study.Sounds interesting but I would note a couple of cautions: 1) some products claiming to contain extracts of the herb were found to be spiked prescript
ion drugs, 2) most of the researchers who write about
the stuff report potential conflicts of interest related to their funding -- just something to bear in mind-- and 3) the recent research seems mildly hopeful but a lot more is needed to really say anything one way or the other.
The stuff seems relatively safe if bought from a legit source. It may provide a useful placebo effect if nothing else and it might actually work.
But, on the other hand, there's nothing wrong with those pills your doctor might prefer you try. If your insurance won't pay for the prescript
ion pills ask your doctor about
a script
for generic sildenafil (Revatio) which is cheaper than the other PDE5i drugs. (It's the same drug as Viagra only in a different dose.)