Shilajit

Updated June 29, 2026

Shilajit is a blackish-brown resinous exudate that seeps from rock crevices at high altitude in the Himalayas, Altai, and Caucasus ranges during summer months. It forms over centuries from the decomposition of plant material under pressure and geological heat. The substance has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years under the name ‘destroyer of weakness’ and has attracted serious modern scientific attention. Its primary active components are fulvic acid (comprising 60 to 80 percent of the purified resin), humic acid, dibenzo-α-pyrones, and a complex mixture of over 80 minerals in ionic form, including iron, zinc, magnesium, copper, and selenium in bioavailable concentrations.

The testosterone evidence is the strongest in male supplementation. A double-blind placebo-controlled trial published in Andrologia found that 250 mg of purified shilajit twice daily for 90 days increased total and free testosterone by 20 to 23 percent and DHEA-S by 31 percent in healthy men aged 45 to 55 with mildly low baseline values. A separate trial in infertile men showed significant improvements in sperm count, motility, and morphology. The proposed mechanism involves fulvic acid stimulating Leydig cell testosterone synthesis and reducing oxidative stress in testicular tissue.

Energy and mitochondrial function are equally well-studied. Fulvic acid enhances the electron transport chain and specifically improves CoQ10 bioavailability and efficacy — shilajit and CoQ10 together show synergistic effects in cellular energy production that exceed either alone. In a human trial with healthy volunteers, shilajit supplementation significantly reduced fatigue ratings and improved performance on physical endurance tasks. The mitochondrial mechanism operates through enhanced ATP production and improved oxygen utilisation at the cellular level.

Cognitive and adaptogenic effects are consistent with its traditional use. Animal studies show improved memory via increased acetylcholine levels in the brain. Fulvic acid specifically has been investigated for anti-Alzheimer’s properties, inhibiting tau protein aggregation in vitro and reducing amyloid-induced neurotoxicity in cell models. Human cognitive trial data is less developed but promising.

The standard dose of purified shilajit extract is 250 to 500 mg per day, dissolved in warm water or taken with meals. The key quality concern is purity — raw shilajit from unverified sources can contain heavy metals and mycotoxins. Look for purified, standardised resin from reputable manufacturers with third-party testing for contaminants. Powdered forms vary widely in quality. This is general information, not medical advice.