Tongkat Ali product launched in India by Arka Biologics in Ahmedabad

AHMEDABAD: Move over, musli. Arka Biologics Pvt Ltd on Thursday introduced to India a product based on Tongkat Ali, a herb found in Malaysia and used as a health supplement for men. Launched in Gujarat initially, the company will spread to the top 100 cities of India in its second phase.

Pricing may be a consideration for Arka, since a 30-capsule bottle costs the equivalent of Rs 2,500-3,000 internationally. The introductory price in India is Rs 600.

According to the company, research across the world has proven that Tongkat Ali does not exhibit the so-called ‘doping effect’ but helps muscular strength improvement significantly in the back and leg.

"Tongkat Ali also helps in case of erectile dysfunction, which has become a lifestyle disease due to increased stress levels and depression among men," said Sandeep Gupta, director of Arka Biologics.

The company claims the product sold under the brand name Re-21 is safe and has no side effects. "Tongkat Ali herbs are clinically proven safe in the US, China and Malaysia," Gupta added. The company has also received Indian drug authorities’ approval under the health supplement category.