What published human studies on shilajit have actually found, and where the research is still limited.
Every study below is peer-reviewed and linked to its original source, so you can read it yourself.
Not every study carries the same weight. We label each one so you can see how strong the evidence is.
Participants are randomly given shilajit or a placebo. This is the most reliable kind of study.
Everyone receives shilajit and is compared with their own starting point. Useful, but less conclusive.
Measures changes inside tissue, such as which genes are active. It shows how something may work, not a felt benefit.
Most of these trials used one standardised purified shilajit extract. Results from one extract do not automatically apply to every shilajit product.
Compared with placebo, the shilajit group had significantly higher total testosterone, free testosterone and DHEAS. LH and FSH stayed within normal levels.
One trial, in one age group. It has not yet been widely repeated.
Pandit S, et al. Andrologia, 2016. View study
After a fatiguing exercise test, men taking 500 mg/day lost less maximal strength (about 9% decline vs 16% with placebo). They also had lower resting levels of hydroxyproline, a marker of collagen breakdown. The 250 mg dose did not differ from placebo.
The strength effect was seen in the stronger half of participants and only at the higher dose.
Keller JL, et al. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 2019. View study
Bone density at the spine and hip declined in the placebo group. That decline was smaller in both shilajit groups, with a dose-dependent effect. Markers of oxidative stress and inflammation also improved compared with placebo.
The longest trial on this list. Larger studies are needed to confirm it.
Pingali U, Nutalapati C. Phytomedicine, 2022. View study
At 250 mg twice daily, skin blood flow (microperfusion) improved compared with placebo. Skin samples showed higher activity of collagen-related genes. No adverse effects were reported.
Skin hydration, elasticity and water loss did not differ from placebo.
Das A, et al. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 2019. View study
Compared with their starting values, total sperm count rose by 61.4% and serum testosterone by 23.5%. Liver and kidney markers were unchanged.
There was no placebo group, so these results are early evidence only.
Biswas TK, et al. Andrologia, 2010. View study
Muscle samples showed higher activity of genes linked to connective tissue (extracellular matrix), such as collagen, elastin and fibronectin. It was well tolerated, with no changes in blood glucose, lipids or muscle-damage markers.
Measures gene activity, not strength or performance.
Das A, et al. Journal of Medicinal Food, 2016. View study
A side-by-side view of the studies above.
| Area | Study type | People | Daily dose | Length | Main finding |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male hormones | RCT, double-blind | Men 45–55 | 500 mg | 90 days | Higher total & free testosterone vs placebo |
| Muscle strength | RCT | 63 men | 250 / 500 mg | 8 weeks | Strength better retained at 500 mg |
| Bone density | RCT, double-blind | 60 women | 250 / 500 mg | 48 weeks | Less bone density loss vs placebo |
| Skin | RCT | 45 women | 250 / 500 mg | 14 weeks | Improved skin blood flow at 500 mg |
| Sperm parameters | Uncontrolled | 28 men | 200 mg | 90 days | Higher sperm count vs baseline |
| Muscle tissue | Mechanism | Overweight adults | 500 mg | 8–12 weeks | Connective-tissue genes more active |
The trials above used purified, tested shilajit. Raw or unprocessed resin can contain heavy metals or contaminants. That is why every one of our batches is tested by an independent third-party lab and is traceable. You can request the certificate of analysis for any batch.