Shilajit Research

7 peer-reviewed studies supporting this intervention. Evidence rating: B

7 Studies
5 RCTs
0 Meta-analyses
2010-2023 Year Range

Study Comparison

Study Year Type Journal Key Finding
Neltner TJ et al. 2023 RCT Journal of dietary supplements Eight weeks of shilajit supplementation significantly increased serum Pro-C1alpha1, a biomarker of type 1 collagen synthesis, suggesting shilajit may support connective tissue health.
Pingali U et al. 2022 RCT Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology Shilajit supplementation dose-dependently preserved bone mineral density and reduced markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in postmenopausal women with osteopenia over 48 weeks.
Keller JL et al. 2019 RCT Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition Shilajit supplementation helped maintain muscular strength during fatiguing exercise and increased serum hydroxyproline levels, indicating enhanced collagen turnover and connective tissue adaptation.
Pandit S et al. 2017 Randomized controlled trial Andrologia Purified shilajit (250mg twice daily for 90 days) increased total testosterone by 19% and free testosterone by 20% in healthy men aged 45-55.
Stohs SJ et al. 2014 Review Phytotherapy Research Comprehensive safety review finding purified shilajit well-tolerated at doses up to 500mg/day for 90 days, with no clinically significant adverse effects in human studies.
Carrasco-Gallardo C et al. 2012 Review International Journal of Alzheimer's Disease Review of shilajit's neuroprotective potential, highlighting fulvic acid's ability to inhibit tau protein aggregation - a key mechanism in Alzheimer's disease.
Biswas TK et al. 2010 Clinical trial Andrologia Shilajit supplementation for 90 days improved sperm count by 61%, sperm motility by 37%, and serum testosterone by 23% in oligospermic men.

Study Details

Neltner TJ, Sahoo PK, Smith RW, et al.

Journal of dietary supplements

Key Finding: Eight weeks of shilajit supplementation significantly increased serum Pro-C1alpha1, a biomarker of type 1 collagen synthesis, suggesting shilajit may support connective tissue health.
View Summary

This randomized controlled trial examined whether 8 weeks of daily shilajit supplementation could influence type 1 collagen synthesis in healthy adults. Collagen is a critical structural protein in bones, tendons, ligaments, and skin, and its synthesis declines with age.

Participants receiving shilajit showed significantly elevated serum levels of Pro-C1alpha1, a validated biomarker that reflects new type 1 collagen formation. The placebo group showed no meaningful change in this marker over the same period.

These results provide early evidence that shilajit may promote connective tissue repair and maintenance by upregulating collagen synthesis. Type 1 collagen is the most abundant collagen in the human body, so increased production could benefit joint health, bone strength, and skin integrity. Further research is needed to determine whether these biomarker changes translate into measurable clinical improvements in tissue health.

Pingali U, Nutalapati C

Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

Key Finding: Shilajit supplementation dose-dependently preserved bone mineral density and reduced markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in postmenopausal women with osteopenia over 48 weeks.
View Summary

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effects of shilajit extract on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women diagnosed with osteopenia. Participants were randomized to receive either placebo or one of two doses of shilajit extract over a 48-week period.

The study found that shilajit supplementation produced dose-dependent improvements in bone mineral density at the lumbar spine and hip, while the placebo group continued to lose bone mass. Markers of oxidative stress and inflammation were significantly reduced in the shilajit groups compared to placebo.

These findings suggest that shilajit may help preserve bone health in postmenopausal women by reducing the oxidative stress and chronic inflammation that contribute to bone resorption. The dose-dependent response strengthens the case for a causal relationship between shilajit supplementation and bone-protective effects.

Keller JL, Housh TJ, Hill EC, et al.

Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition

Key Finding: Shilajit supplementation helped maintain muscular strength during fatiguing exercise and increased serum hydroxyproline levels, indicating enhanced collagen turnover and connective tissue adaptation.
View Summary

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated whether shilajit supplementation could attenuate fatigue-induced decreases in muscular strength and influence collagen metabolism. Recreationally active men were supplemented with either shilajit or placebo for 8 weeks and tested on fatiguing muscle protocols.

The shilajit group demonstrated better preservation of muscular strength following the fatiguing protocol compared to placebo. Additionally, serum hydroxyproline levels, a marker of collagen turnover, were significantly higher in the shilajit group, suggesting enhanced connective tissue remodeling.

These findings indicate that shilajit may support both muscular performance under fatigue and the structural adaptation of connective tissues. The increase in hydroxyproline suggests that shilajit promotes collagen synthesis or turnover, which could benefit recovery from exercise-induced muscle and tendon stress. This is one of the first studies to link shilajit supplementation to both functional performance and connective tissue biomarkers in a controlled setting.

Pandit S, Biswas S, Jana U, De RK, Mukhopadhyay SC, Biswas TK

Andrologia

Key Finding: Purified shilajit (250mg twice daily for 90 days) increased total testosterone by 19% and free testosterone by 20% in healthy men aged 45-55.
View Summary

This double-blind, placebo-controlled trial examined the effects of purified shilajit (Primavie) on testosterone levels in healthy male volunteers aged 45-55 years.

Participants took 250mg of purified shilajit twice daily for 90 consecutive days. The study measured total testosterone, free testosterone, DHEA, and gonadotropins at baseline and after treatment.

Results showed significant increases in both total and free testosterone compared to placebo, supporting traditional claims about shilajit's effects on male reproductive health.

Stohs SJ

Phytotherapy Research

Key Finding: Comprehensive safety review finding purified shilajit well-tolerated at doses up to 500mg/day for 90 days, with no clinically significant adverse effects in human studies.
View Summary

This review examined the safety and efficacy data for purified shilajit (PrimaVie) across multiple studies. The authors assessed clinical trials, toxicology studies, and traditional use evidence.

The review found consistent safety across human trials at doses of 250-500mg daily for periods up to 90 days. No significant adverse effects were reported in controlled studies.

The authors concluded that purified, processed shilajit appears safe for human consumption when quality-controlled products are used, though they noted the importance of avoiding raw, unprocessed shilajit due to contamination risks.

Carrasco-Gallardo C, Guzman L, Maccioni RB

International Journal of Alzheimer's Disease

Key Finding: Review of shilajit's neuroprotective potential, highlighting fulvic acid's ability to inhibit tau protein aggregation - a key mechanism in Alzheimer's disease.
View Summary

This review examined the scientific evidence for shilajit's potential cognitive and neuroprotective effects, with particular focus on Alzheimer's disease mechanisms.

The authors highlighted that fulvic acid, a major component of shilajit, has been shown to inhibit tau protein self-aggregation in vitro. Tau aggregation is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease pathology.

The review also discussed shilajit's antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory effects, and traditional use for cognitive enhancement. The authors concluded that while promising, more clinical research is needed.

Biswas TK, Pandit S, Mondal S, Biswas SK, Jana U, Ghosh T, Tripathi PC, Debnath PK, Auddy RG, Auddy B

Andrologia

Key Finding: Shilajit supplementation for 90 days improved sperm count by 61%, sperm motility by 37%, and serum testosterone by 23% in oligospermic men.
View Summary

This study evaluated the effects of processed shilajit on semen quality and reproductive hormones in 60 infertile men with oligospermia (low sperm count).

Participants received 100mg of processed shilajit twice daily for 90 days. The study assessed sperm count, motility, and morphology, along with testosterone, FSH, and LH levels.

Significant improvements were observed in all semen parameters and testosterone levels, suggesting shilajit may have therapeutic potential for male infertility.

Evidence Assessment

B Moderate Evidence

This intervention has moderate evidence from some randomized trials and consistent observational data, though more research would strengthen conclusions.