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Shilajit (Purified Mineral Pitch)
Himalayan mineral pitch rich in fulvic acid. The best evidence is a small testosterone RCT; strength, bone, and collagen signals exist but trials are small and product-specific.
What the evidence says
Shilajit doesn't have enough studies with structured effect-size data yet to pool a verdict. Browse the studies below for individual findings.
Most evidence is from high-quality randomised trials published 2007–2026 with a typical study size of 75 participants.
Based on 21 studies · 7 RCTs · 559 total participants
Confidence
Moderate confidenceBy outcome
Multiple purified-shilajit RCTs show testosterone, strength-retention, bone, and collagen benefits, but trials are small, mostly single-product, lack meta-analyses, and a testosterone-booster review questions the class.
No trials currently enrolling · 6 completed on ClinicalTrials.gov
1 of the completed trials have posted results
Registered trials show research momentum for Shilajit, not proof of effect — a registration is a plan, and posted results are sponsor-reported, not peer-reviewed. They are never counted toward the evidence rating above.
Browse these trials on ClinicalTrials.govClinicalTrials.gov · as of Oct 2026
Shilajit is a tar-like Himalayan exudate containing fulvic acid, humic substances, and trace minerals. The clearest human signal is a 90-day RCT (n=75) raising total and free testosterone; smaller RCTs suggest strength retention, preserved bone density, and a collagen-synthesis biomarker rise.
But trials are small, mostly run on a single branded product (PrimaVie), and lack meta-analyses — and a systematic review found most testosterone boosters fail. Energy and cognitive claims rest largely on reviews and animal data.
Quality also varies widely: only purified, lab-tested products should be used, as raw shilajit can carry heavy-metal contamination.
Supports cellular energy production
May support natural testosterone production
Enhances mineral absorption
How Shilajit works — from molecular targets to health outcomes. Click an edge to see supporting research.This visualization is in beta — pathways are being refined and expanded.
Avoid — insufficient safety data
May increase iron absorption
May affect blood sugar A grade for this interaction is held for clinical review and has not been validated, so no severity is given. The precaution still applies: ask a pharmacist about the exact supplement and medicine. Do not stop or change prescribed medicines based on this notice.
Tip: Normal; reduce dose if uncomfortable
Tip: Take with food
Shilajit has an evidence score of 5/10 — moderate evidence based on 21 indexed studies. Himalayan mineral pitch rich in fulvic acid. The best evidence is a small testosterone RCT; strength, bone, and collagen signals exist but trials are small and product-specific. Representative study: PMID 37697053.
The commonly studied dose of Shilajit is 300-500mg purified extract. Individual needs vary — start at the lower end of the range and adjust based on how you respond.
The best time to take Shilajit is in the morning. Taking it with food is preferred. Shilajit is a mineral-rich exudate containing fulvic acid, dibenzo-alpha-pyrones, and over 80 trace minerals.
Shilajit has a safety rating of "moderate". That is a category, not a measure of individual risk, and there are precautions worth knowing. Reported side effects are uncommon and include increased body heat, GI upset. Use caution if any of these apply to you: Hemochromatosis (high iron); Gout (may affect uric acid).
Maca
Too few graded studiesAndean root with modest evidence for improving sexual desire — small RCTs are encouraging but reviews still rate the overall evidence as limited.
Caffeine
Probably helpsBlocks adenosine receptors to boost alertness, reaction time, and endurance — an umbrella review of 21 meta-analyses found it ergogenic for endurance, strength and power.
Ashwagandha
Likely helpsReduces cortisol and anxiety while improving sleep quality and physical recovery in stressed adults.
Multivitamin
Too few graded studiesNutritional insurance that fills micronutrient gaps. In the large COSMOS trial, a daily multivitamin improved memory and slowed cognitive decline in older adults — but it did not reduce total cancer, cardiovascular disease, or mortality.
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Reviewed by Dr. Baher Al Hakim · Last reviewed May 2026 · evidence from 21 studies · how we score · editorial policy
This information is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.
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