Other

    Shilajit

    Asphaltum punjabianum

    TL;DR

    Shilajit has a few small positive trials on testosterone and fatigue, and a real contamination problem — purified, tested product is non-negotiable.

    Ideal For

    • Middle-aged men interested in a testosterone-adjacent trial
    • People with persistent fatigue who use tested product

    Avoid If

    • You are pregnant or breastfeeding
    • You have hemochromatosis or iron overload
    • You cannot verify third-party heavy-metal testing

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Overview

    Shilajit is formed over centuries from compressed plant matter in rock crevices and has been used in Ayurveda as a rasayana (rejuvenator). Its bioactive markers are fulvic acid and dibenzo-alpha-pyrone chromoproteins, which act as mitochondrial electron-transport supports in preclinical work. Human evidence is thin but not empty: a 90-day randomized trial in healthy men aged 45-55 reported roughly a 20% rise in total testosterone with 250mg purified shilajit twice daily, a fatigue trial in chronic fatigue syndrome models showed symptom improvement, and small studies report improved muscle strength retention and collagen-related recovery after exercise. All are small, mostly single-center, and several were funded by extract manufacturers. The dominant safety issue is quality: raw shilajit can carry arsenic, lead, and mycotoxins, and only purified, third-party-tested material should be used. Claims about altitude sickness, cognition, and longevity remain traditional rather than evidenced.

    How It Works

    • Dibenzo-alpha-pyrones support mitochondrial electron transport and ATP production
    • Fulvic acid acts as a carrier molecule and antioxidant
    • Possible upregulation of steroidogenic gene expression in preclinical models
    • Supplies trace minerals including iron, magnesium, and zinc

    Benefits & Outcomes

    No linked outcomes yet. Research is ongoing.

    Health Concerns Addressed

    Low Testosterone (Male Hypogonadism)

    condition
    Mixed evidence
    Limited
    Effectiveness 3/5

    A single decent trial is intriguing but not enough — and product purity matters more here than in almost any other supplement.

    Supporting Research
    5 studies

    Clinical evaluation of purified Shilajit on testosterone levels in healthy volunteers

    Score: 6/10
    2016
    rct
    n=96

    Pandit S, Biswas S, Jana U +3 more

    Purified shilajit 250 mg twice daily for 90 days significantly increased total and free testosterone versus placebo in healthy men aged 45 to 55.

    View source

    The effects of Shilajit supplementation on fatigue-induced decreases in muscular strength and serum hydroxyproline levels

    Score: 5/10
    2019
    rct
    n=63

    Keller JL, Housh TJ, Hill EC +3 more

    Eight weeks of 500 mg/day shilajit helped maintain maximal voluntary strength after fatiguing exercise, while 250 mg/day did not.

    View source

    Safety and efficacy of shilajit (mumie, moomiyo)

    Score: 5/10
    2014
    systematic_review
    0

    Stohs SJ

    Raw or unprocessed shilajit may contain heavy metals, mycotoxins and free radicals.

    View source

    Clinical evaluation of spermatogenic activity of processed Shilajit in oligospermia

    Score: 4/10
    2010
    observational
    n=60

    Biswas TK, Pandit S, Mondal S +7 more

    Ninety days of processed shilajit improved sperm count, motility and testosterone in men with oligospermia.

    View source

    Shilajit: a natural phytocomplex with potential procognitive activity

    Score: 4/10
    2012
    systematic_review
    0

    Carrasco-Gallardo C, Guzman L, Maccioni RB

    Fulvic acid, the main active constituent of shilajit, inhibits tau aggregation in laboratory models.

    View source

    Safety Information

    Potential Side Effects

    {"GI upset, dizziness; heavy-metal exposure from unpurified products"}

    Contraindications

    {"Pregnancy","Hemochromatosis","Active gout (uric acid concerns)"}

    Drug Interactions

    • Iron supplements (additive iron load)
    • Antihypertensives (possible additive effect)
    • Diabetes medications (possible additive glucose lowering)

    Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

    Pregnancy: likely_unsafe

    Breastfeeding: insufficient_data

    Dosage Guidelines

    Dosage Used in Studies

    Consult healthcare provider

    Forms Compared

    Food & Timing

    Morning, dissolved in warm water or milk.

    Medical Disclaimer

    The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any supplement regimen.

    Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.