Shilajit Mineral (Asphaltum punjabianum): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does shilajit work in the body?

Shilajit works primarily through its fulvic acid and dibenzo-alpha-pyrone content, which enhance mitochondrial function and cellular energy production. Fulvic acid acts as a carrier molecule, improving the bioavailability of minerals and nutrients at the cellular level. These compounds help optimize the electron transport chain in mitochondria, supporting ATP production. Additionally, shilajit provides over 80 trace minerals in ionic form. This mechanism explains its traditional use as a rejuvenative tonic and its researched effects on fatigue, cognitive function, and physical performance. Evidence level: C.

Does shilajit interact with any medications?

Shilajit has limited documented drug interactions, but caution is advised with certain medications. Due to its effects on testosterone levels, it may theoretically interact with hormone therapies or medications affecting the endocrine system. Those taking medications for gout or high uric acid should avoid shilajit, as it can elevate uric acid levels. Shilajit may also enhance iron absorption, potentially affecting iron-chelating medications. Always consult a healthcare provider before combining shilajit with prescription medications, particularly hormonal treatments or drugs affecting mineral metabolism. Evidence level: Traditional/C.

How much shilajit should I take daily?

The recommended adult dosage is 300-500mg of purified shilajit resin or 100mg of standardized extract daily. Traditional use typically divides this into two doses taken with warm water or milk. Standardized extracts are often dosed at 100mg to provide consistent fulvic acid content. Start with lower doses to assess tolerance, as shilajit can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some individuals. Quality matters significantly—only use purified, tested products to avoid heavy metal contamination. Evidence level: Traditional/C.

Is shilajit safe during pregnancy?

Shilajit is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The safety profile for pregnant women has not been established through clinical research, and traditional Ayurvedic texts advise against its use during this time. Shilajit's effects on hormones, particularly testosterone modulation, pose theoretical risks to fetal development. Additionally, the mineral content and potential for heavy metal contamination in unpurified products present unacceptable risks. Pregnant and nursing mothers should avoid shilajit and consult their healthcare provider for safe alternatives. Evidence level: Traditional.

Does shilajit increase testosterone levels?

Research suggests shilajit may support healthy testosterone levels in men, particularly those with low baseline levels. Studies indicate improvements in both total and free testosterone after regular supplementation. Shilajit also appears to improve sperm quality, including count and motility, likely due to its antioxidant properties and mineral content. These effects support its traditional use as a male reproductive tonic and aphrodisiac in Ayurveda. However, evidence is preliminary (Level C), and individuals with hormonal conditions should consult a healthcare provider before use.

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Shilajit is a natural mineral exudation used in traditional medicine as a rejuvenator and adaptogen [PMID:17295385], exhibiting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties [PMID:23733436].

Background

Shilajit (Asphaltum punjabianum) is a pale-brown to blackish-brown exudation of variable consistency that leaks from rock layers in mountain ranges, particularly the Himalayas and Hindukush [PMID:17295385, PMID:23668027]. It is composed of a complex mixture of organic humic substances, plant and microbial metabolites [PMID:17295385], and may contain at least 85 minerals in ionic form [PMID:26875561].

Traditional uses

Used for thousands of years as a rejuvenator ('rasayana'), adaptogen, and 'revitalizer' to enhance physical performance and relieve fatigue [PMID:17295385, PMID:21530631, PMID:23733436]. It is traditionally used for bone fractures, inflammatory ailments, and male reproductive health issues [PMID:23668027, PMID:29947420, PMID:32310691].

Active compounds

Key constituents include fulvic acid, humic acid, and dibenzo-α-pyrones [PMID:23733436, PMID:23668027]. Other identified components include flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, tannins, alkaloids, steroids, and glycosides [PMID:33502921].

Mechanism of action

Shilajit exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities [PMID:23733436]. It has been shown to induce dose-dependent inward currents by activating strychnine-sensitive glycine receptors on preoptic hypothalamic neurons [PMID:26875561] and may modulate the NF-κB/AKT/Caspase-3 axis for hepatoprotection [PMID:40957543].

Clinical evidence

Evidence BMale Androgenic Hormones

Purified Shilajit (250 mg twice daily for 90 days) significantly increased total testosterone, free testosterone, and DHEAS in healthy volunteers aged 45-55 [PMID:26395129].

Evidence BPostmenopausal Osteopenia

Standardized aqueous extract of shilajit dose-dependently attenuated bone mineral density (BMD) loss in the lumbar spine and femoral neck over 48 weeks [PMID:35933897].

Evidence BTibia Fracture Repair

Evaluated for efficacy and safety in tibia fracture healing in a randomized double-blinded trial [PMID:32310691].

Safety & adverse effects

The safety of shilajit is reported as well documented based on animal and human studies [PMID:23733436]. However, it contains approximately 65 heavy metals, including toxic metals such as Pb, As, Cd, and Hg, though humic substances may actively detoxify around 12 of these [PMID:38393486].

Evidence summary

Evidence consists of a mix of randomized controlled trials (B) for testosterone and bone density, and several reviews (C) and animal/in vitro studies (D) supporting its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 26395129 (2016) — Clinical evaluation of purified Shilajit on testosterone levels in healthy volunteers. · Andrologia
2.PMID: 23733436 (2014) — Safety and efficacy of shilajit (mumie, moomiyo). · Phytotherapy research : PTR
3.PMID: 17295385 (2007) — Shilajit: a review. · Phytotherapy research : PTR
4.PMID: 38133965 (2025) — A Comprehensive Review on Shilajit: What We Know about Its Chemical Composition. · Critical reviews in analytical chemistry
5.PMID: 35933897 (2022) — Shilajit extract reduces oxidative stress, inflammation, and bone loss to dose-dependently preserve bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with osteopenia: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. · Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

Shilajit Mineral

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Shilajit Mineral

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Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources

Shilajit Mineral

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Shilajit Mineral

Related Herbs

European Mistletoe

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Kapok

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources