The Potential Benefits of Shilajit: What Science Says
Shilajit is a natural substance with a rich history spanning thousands of years in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. While modern scientific research is still ongoing and more studies are needed to fully understand its mechanisms and effects, emerging evidence suggests several potential benefits. Here's what current research reveals about this ancient remedy.
Understanding Shilajit's Active Components
Before exploring the benefits, it's important to understand what makes Shilajit potentially beneficial. The substance is composed of 60-80% organic matter primarily consisting of humic substances, including fulvic acid, along with 20-40% minerals and 5% trace elements. Fulvic acid, which accounts for a significant portion of quality Shilajit, is known for its strong antioxidant properties and is thought to be responsible for many of the substance's potential health effects.
1. Rich Mineral Profile and Nutritional Support
What the Research Shows:
Shilajit contains over 84 minerals in ionic form, making it a complex source of trace elements that may support overall nutritional intake. These minerals are present in forms that may be more easily absorbed by the body, potentially contributing to filling nutritional gaps in modern diets.
Traditional practitioners have long valued Shilajit as a comprehensive mineral supplement, and its diverse mineral content continues to attract interest from researchers exploring micronutrient deficiency and supplementation.
2. Energy and Physical Performance
What the Research Shows:
A study examining 63 recreationally-active men found that 8 weeks of Shilajit supplementation at 500 mg per day promoted the retention of muscular strength following a fatiguing protocol. The same study observed favorable muscle and connective tissue adaptations in participants taking the higher dose.
Traditionally, Shilajit has been used to support stamina and energy levels. The substance is thought to help restore energetic balance, and many users report experiencing increased vitality when incorporating it into their wellness routines. These effects may be related to Shilajit's potential influence on mitochondrial function, the cellular powerhouses responsible for energy production.
Important Context: While these findings are promising, the study had limitations in sample size and duration. More extensive research is needed to confirm these effects across diverse populations and activity levels.
3. Cognitive Function and Neuroprotection
What the Research Shows:
One of the most intriguing areas of Shilajit research involves its potential effects on brain health and cognitive function.
Research has shown that fulvic acid, the main active component of Shilajit, may block tau protein self-aggregation, which is significant because tau protein buildup is associated with neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease. Studies have demonstrated that Shilajit samples from different geographic origins showed protective effects against amyloid beta-induced cell death in human neuroblastoma cell lines.
Animal studies have found that processed Shilajit and its active constituents significantly enhanced learning acquisition and memory retrieval in rats. A recent study using zebrafish as a model organism found that Shilajit positively affected memory in subjects with induced amnesia, with treated fish showing improved memory performance and reduced oxidative stress in brain tissue.
Research on traumatic brain injury in rats demonstrated that Shilajit administration decreased brain edema, blood-brain barrier permeability, and intracranial pressure, suggesting neuroprotective effects.
Important Context: While these laboratory and animal studies show promise, human clinical trials specifically examining cognitive effects are still limited. The mechanisms observed in cell cultures and animal models don't always translate directly to human outcomes.
4. Antioxidant Properties
What the Research Shows:
Fulvic acid is recognized for its strong antioxidant actions, and studies on Andean Shilajit have shown ORAC antioxidant index values substantially higher than commonly recognized antioxidant-rich foods like noni and blueberries.
Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals—unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to aging and various health conditions. The antioxidant properties of Shilajit may support the body's natural defense systems against oxidative stress, which is implicated in numerous chronic conditions and the aging process itself.
5. Anti-Inflammatory Effects
What the Research Shows:
Shilajit is associated with potent anti-inflammatory effects through modulation of signaling pathways such as NF-κB and Nrf2/HO-1. Studies have shown that Shilajit inhibited the production of amyloid beta-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines in macrophages and in animal models of acute inflammation.
Chronic inflammation is increasingly recognized as a contributing factor to many modern health challenges, from cardiovascular issues to metabolic disorders. While Shilajit shows promise in laboratory settings, more human studies are needed to understand its practical anti-inflammatory applications.
6. Testosterone and Male Reproductive Health
What the Research Shows:
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated purified Shilajit in healthy male volunteers aged 45-55 years at a dose of 250 mg twice daily for 90 consecutive days. The treatment significantly increased total testosterone, free testosterone, and DHEA levels compared to placebo, while gonadotropic hormone levels remained well maintained.
Previous research with oligospermic patients found significant improvements in sperm count, motility, normal sperm morphology, and total testosterone levels after 90 days of Shilajit treatment.
Important Context: These studies provide preliminary evidence for Shilajit's potential role in supporting male hormonal health, but more extensive research with larger sample sizes is needed. Individual results may vary, and hormonal health is influenced by numerous factors beyond supplementation.
7. Potential Anti-Aging Effects
What the Research Shows:
The anti-aging potential of Shilajit is closely tied to its antioxidant content and its potential influence on cellular health. Shilajit has been traditionally classified in Ayurvedic medicine as a "rasayana"—a category of substances believed to promote longevity and vitality.
The combination of antioxidant properties, potential support for mitochondrial function, and the presence of dibenzo-alpha-pyrones and other bioactive compounds may contribute to cellular health over time. However, measuring true "anti-aging" effects in humans requires long-term studies that account for numerous variables.
8. Cardiovascular Health Markers
What the Research Shows:
One study investigating 2 grams of Shilajit daily in otherwise healthy adults found that it was able to reduce triglycerides by 21.7%, LDL cholesterol by 22.6%, and VLDL cholesterol by 20.6%, while increasing HDL cholesterol by 5.8%.
These preliminary findings suggest potential cardiovascular benefits, though the mechanisms remain under investigation. As with other benefits, more research with diverse populations and longer study durations is necessary.
Important Considerations and Safety
Research Limitations
A 2024 systematic review of 15 studies involving 1,254 participants with various health conditions found that while Shilajit shows potential as a therapeutic agent, the need for high-quality research remains critical to substantiate findings and facilitate integration into clinical practice.
Most studies have been relatively small, short-term, or conducted in laboratory settings rather than large-scale human trials. This means while the research is promising, it's still in relatively early stages.
Quality and Purity Concerns
Shilajit naturally possesses around 65 heavy metals including potentially toxic ones like copper, aluminum, lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury. However, research has shown that the humic substances in Shilajit may actively help detoxify these heavy metals, and in most quality studies, reported metal levels were found to be lower than permissible limits set by WHO and FDA.
This underscores the critical importance of sourcing Shilajit from reputable suppliers who conduct third-party testing and follow proper purification protocols. Raw, untested Shilajit may contain contaminants that outweigh any potential benefits.
Side Effects
Clinical studies have reported that adverse events were generally mild and included gastrointestinal discomfort and headache, which were typically transient and resolved without medical intervention.
Who Should Exercise Caution
Individuals should consult healthcare professionals before using Shilajit, especially if they:
- Are pregnant or nursing
- Have existing health conditions
- Take medications that might interact with supplements
- Have a history of hormone-sensitive conditions
- Have cardiovascular concerns
The Bottom Line
Shilajit represents a fascinating intersection of traditional medicine and modern science. Current evidence demonstrates that Shilajit has significant potential as a therapeutic agent for managing chronic fatigue, cognitive decline, and male reproductive health, with a generally favorable safety profile.
However, it's crucial to maintain realistic expectations. While traditional use spanning millennia and emerging scientific evidence suggest genuine potential benefits, Shilajit is not a miracle cure. The research community emphasizes that high-quality studies with standardized Shilajit preparations, larger sample sizes, and longer durations are essential to fully understand its therapeutic potential.
At Sages of The Ages, we believe in honoring both ancient wisdom and modern science. We're committed to providing pure, carefully tested Shilajit while encouraging our community to make informed decisions. We recommend viewing Shilajit as one component of a holistic approach to wellness that includes proper nutrition, regular exercise, stress management, and appropriate medical care.
References
- Carrasco-Gallardo C, Guzmán L, Maccioni RB. Shilajit: A Natural Phytocomplex with Potential Procognitive Activity. International Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. 2012. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3296184/
- Kim S, Seo C, Park H, et al. Shilajit, a Natural Phytocomplex Acts as a Neuroprotective Agent Against Amyloid Beta-induced Cytotoxicity and Inflammation. Perspectives in Integrative Medicine. 2024;3:114-22.
- Research Breakdown on Shilajit. Examine.com. September 2025. Available from: https://examine.com/supplements/shilajit/research/
- Keller JL, Housh TJ, Hill EC, et al. The effects of Shilajit supplementation on fatigue-induced decreases in muscular strength and serum hydroxyproline levels. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2019;16(3). Available from: https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12970-019-0270-2
- Ali SM, et al. Systematic Review of Shilajit: Clinical Efficacy and Safety. Journal of Pharmaceutical Technology, Clinical Practice. 2024;31(6):1464-1471.
- Pandit S, Biswas S, Jana U, et al. Clinical evaluation of purified Shilajit on testosterone levels in healthy volunteers. Andrologia. 2016;48(5):570-575.
- Iqubal A, Qadir A. Clinical studies and safety evidence for human consumption of Shilajit: a herbo-mineral compound with multifaceted health benefits. International Journal of Basic & Clinical Pharmacology. 2025;14(4):630.
- Aadil N, et al. Hazardous or Advantageous: Uncovering the Roles of Heavy Metals and Humic Substances in Shilajit. Biological Trace Element Research. 2024;202(12):5794-5814.
- Jaiswal AK, Bhattacharya SK. Effects of shilajit and its active constituents on learning and memory in rats. Phytotherapy Research. 1993;7:29-34.
- Khaksari M, Mahmmodi R, Shahrokhi N, et al. The Effects of Shilajit on Brain Edema, Intracranial Pressure and Neurologic Outcomes following the Traumatic Brain Injury in Rat. Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences. 2013;16(7):858-864.
- Gupta P, Chatterjee D, Chatterjee S, Jash R. Investigating the Nootropic Effects of Shilajit on Hyoscine-Induced Zebrafish Model. Current Functional Foods. 2025;3(2):e250624231300.
This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The benefits discussed are based on preliminary research, traditional use, and emerging scientific evidence. Individual results may vary. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any new supplement regimen, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking medications.