Shilajit
Also known as: mumiyo, mumie, shilajatu
Randomised trials report that purified shilajit extracts increased total and free testosterone in middle-aged men (250 mg twice daily for 90 days), attenuated lumbar spine and femoral neck bone loss in postmenopausal women (250–500 mg daily for 48 weeks), and increased serum pro-c1α1 (marker of type I collagen synthesis) after 8 weeks at 500–1000 mg/day. A recent systematic review classified purified shilajit extract as possibly effective for men with late-onset hypogonadism.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-14 · 5 indexed studies
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Overview
Shilajit is a natural, complex resin used in traditional medicine and sold as a dietary supplement. Human trials have tested standardized/purified extracts at daily doses from about 250 mg to 1000 mg for effects on testosterone, bone mineral density in postmenopausal osteopenia, and a circulating marker of type I collagen synthesis.
Mechanism & Function
Mechanism of Action
Reported mechanisms in the cited trials include antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, modulation of markers of bone turnover (decreased CTX‑1, RANKL; increased OPG), and upregulation of collagen synthesis markers. One trial reported increased circulating DHEAS alongside testosterone, suggesting effects on androgenic pathways.
Physiological Role
May act as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, modulate bone remodelling signalling and support collagen synthesis; some extracts have been associated with modest increases in circulating androgens in middle‑aged men.
Primary Pathways
Performance / Health Relevance
Evidence supports potential benefits for bone health in postmenopausal women, modest androgen increases in middle‑aged men, and increased biomarkers of collagen synthesis that could be relevant to connective tissue health. Direct performance outcomes (strength, endurance) are not established in the provided trials.
Evidence Review
Practical Use & Dosage
- Minimum Effective Dose
- 250 mg/day (some trials used 250 mg daily or 250 mg twice daily)
- Optimal Range
- 250–1000 mg/day as used in trials (250 mg twice daily; 250–500 mg/day; 500–1000 mg/day)
- Upper / Caution Level
- Not established
- Timing
- Used once or twice daily in trials; specific timing not established
- Best Format
- Standardized/purified aqueous or proprietary extracts as used in trials
- Bioavailability
- Some trials used branded/purified extracts; formulation differences may affect consistency
- Absorption Considerations
- Not specified in the provided abstracts
Safety & Interactions
Side Effects
- •No significant adverse events reported in the provided abstracts
Contraindications
- Safety in pregnancy and lactation not established in these trials
Drug Interactions
- •No drug interactions reported in the provided abstracts
Who Should Avoid
- •Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals (safety not established)
- •People with unknown sensitivity to shilajit components
Monitoring
Monitor clinical response and routine labs as clinically indicated; trials did not report systematic safety concerns but did not comprehensively assess all populations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Auto-generated from indexed evidence — dosage, safety, interactions, and more.
When is Shilajit typically used or indicated?
Shilajit is most commonly used for: Support for age-related declines (bone, hormones), General antioxidant / anti-inflammatory support, Support for connective tissue / collagen synthesis. May act as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, modulate bone remodelling signalling and support collagen synthesis; some extracts have been associated with modest increases in circulating androgens in middle‑aged men.
How does Shilajit work?
Reported mechanisms in the cited trials include antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, modulation of markers of bone turnover (decreased CTX‑1, RANKL; increased OPG), and upregulation of collagen synthesis markers. One trial reported increased circulating DHEAS alongside testosterone, suggesting effects on androgenic pathways.
What is the recommended dose of Shilajit?
The optimal range is 250–1000 mg/day as used in trials (250 mg twice daily; 250–500 mg/day; 500–1000 mg/day). with a minimum effective dose of 250 mg/day (some trials used 250 mg daily or 250 mg twice daily). Best taken: Used once or twice daily in trials; specific timing not established. Upper / caution level: Not established.
What are the side effects of Shilajit?
Reported side effects include: No significant adverse events reported in the provided abstracts. Monitoring: Monitor clinical response and routine labs as clinically indicated; trials did not report systematic safety concerns but did not comprehensively assess all populations.
Does Shilajit interact with medications?
Known or theoretical interactions: No drug interactions reported in the provided abstracts. Always check with a clinician before combining with prescription medication.
Who should avoid Shilajit?
Shilajit is generally not recommended for: Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals (safety not established); People with unknown sensitivity to shilajit components; and Safety in pregnancy and lactation not established in these trials.
How strong is the evidence for Shilajit?
Evidence level: Moderate (overall score 58/100), based on 5 indexed studies on SuppIndex.
Research & References (5)
Clinical evaluation of purified Shilajit on testosterone levels in healthy volunteers.
Randomised, double‑blind, placebo‑controlled trial of purified shilajit 250 mg twice daily for 90 days in healthy men aged 45–55 years examining androgenic hormones.
Do "testosterone boosters" really increase serum total testosterone? A systematic review.
Systematic review of marketed 'testosterone boosters' over two decades; assessed multiple products and extracts including purified shilajit (PrimaVie™).
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.
Randomised, double‑blind, placebo‑controlled trial in 60 postmenopausal women with osteopenia comparing placebo, 250 mg/day, and 500 mg/day shilajit for 48 weeks.
Effects of 12 Weeks of Chromium, Phyllanthus emblica Fruit Extract, and Shilajit Supplementation on Markers of Cardiometabolic Health, Fitness, and Weight Loss in Men and Women with Risk Factors to Metabolic Syndrome Initiating an Exercise and Diet Intervention: A Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.
Randomised, placebo‑controlled trial (166 enrolled, 109 completers) examining combined supplementation strategies during a 12‑week exercise and diet intervention; treatment arms included very small amounts of shilajit (6–12 mg) combined with chromium and Phyllanthus emblica.
Effects of 8 Weeks of Shilajit Supplementation on Serum Pro-c1α1, a Biomarker of Type 1 Collagen Synthesis: A Randomized Control Trial.
Randomised controlled trial in 35 recreationally trained men evaluating 8 weeks of 500 mg/day and 1000 mg/day shilajit versus placebo on serum pro‑c1α1 (type I collagen synthesis marker).
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Research Overview
Moderate EvidenceCite this ingredient
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Stable URL
https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/shilajit
SuppIndex. (2026). Shilajit: Evidence summary, dosage and clinical studies. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/shilajit
Based on 5 indexed studies · Evidence level: Moderate.
Goal Ratings
Stack Compatibility
Used alongside other supplements in at least one trial (very low microgram doses of shilajit combined with chromium and Phyllanthus emblica); interaction data limited.