Overview

Shilajit is a sticky, tar-like substance found primarily in the rocks of the Himalayas, Tibet, and Altai mountains. The name translates from Sanskrit as "Conqueror of mountains and destroyer of weakness."

It is not an herb but a mineral-rich phytocomplex formed by the decomposition of plant matter over centuries. It oozes from rock crevices during the summer heat. Shilajit is exceptionally rich in Fulvic Acid and Humic Acid, along with over 84 ionic trace minerals.

Primary applications focus on revitalizing energy (mitochondrial support), improving male fertility and free testosterone levels, and acting as a powerful adaptogen and nutrient enhancer.

CRITICAL SAFETY NOTE: Raw shilajit often contains heavy metals, fungus, and free radicals. It MUST be purified. Evidence-based supplements use patented, purified forms like PrimaVie® to ensure safety and standardization.

Mechanisms of Action

Mitochondrial Energy (ATP): Shilajit works synergistically with Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). It enhances the mitochondrial electron transport chain, preserving CoQ10 in its active form and facilitating electron transfer. This directly increases ATP production, the cellular "energy currency."

Fulvic Acid Transport: Fulvic acid is a potent carrier molecule. It has low molecular weight and can easily penetrate cell walls, carrying minerals and nutrients with it. This improves the bioavailability of other supplements and food nutrients.

Steroidogenesis: Clinical studies show shilajit can increase the secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and total testosterone, likely through direct signaling to the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis and by reducing oxidative stress in the testes.

Effects and Benefits

Testosterone and Fertility

This is one of the few natural supplements with legitimate human clinical evidence for hormonal support.

A study by Pandit et al. (2016) on healthy men aged 45-55 found that 250 mg of purified shilajit taken twice daily for 90 days significantly increased total testosterone, free testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEAS) compared to placebo.

An earlier study (2010) on infertile men showed a 23.5% increase in total sperm production and a 61.4% increase in the total number of motile sperm, along with a significant rise in testosterone.

Physical Energy and Fatigue

Shilajit acts as an adaptogen, mitigating the effects of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) in animal models by preventing HPA axis dysfunction and mitochondrial collapse.

In human studies, it has been shown to improve exercise performance and reduce fatigue-induced muscle weakness, likely due to improved electrolyte balance and ATP retention.

Cognitive Health

Fulvic acid has been shown to prevent the aggregation of tau protein into neurofibrillary tangles - a key marker of Alzheimer's disease. While human cognitive trials are less extensive than fertility trials, the neuroprotective potential is significant.

Dosage and Forms

Standard Dosage: 250 mg to 500 mg daily of purified extract.

Standardization: Look for extracts standardized to at least 50% fulvic acid and roughly 10% Dibenzo-alpha-pyrones (chromoproteins). PrimaVie® is the form used in most successful clinical trials.

Forms:

• Resin: A black, tar-like goo. Traditional and potent, but messy. You dissolve a pea-sized amount in warm water or milk.
• Capsules: Powdered extract. Convenient and precise. Recommended for most users due to ease of dosing.

Timing: Taken with meals to enhance absorption. Can be taken in the morning or midday. It is generally not stimulating enough to disrupt sleep.

Safety and Interactions

Purity is Paramount

We cannot overstate this: Do not buy cheap, unbranded shilajit. Since it is harvested from rock crevices, raw shilajit naturally contains heavy metals (lead, arsenic, mercury) and mycotoxins. Legitimate products undergo rigorous purification processes to remove these contaminants while retaining the bioactive compounds.

Iron Levels

Shilajit contains significant amounts of iron and increases iron absorption. Men with Hemochromatosis (a genetic condition causing excess iron buildup) should avoid Shilajit or use it only under medical supervision to prevent fatal iron toxicity.

Interactions

May potentially interact with medications for diabetes (hypoglycemic effects) and high blood pressure (hypotensive effects). Monitor levels if on medication.

Research Strength and Limitations

Strength: Strong clinical evidence for male fertility and testosterone improvement (RCTs). Strong biochemical evidence for mitochondrial support.

Limitations: Many studies are funded by the patent holders of purified extracts (e.g., Natreon Inc.). While the data is peer-reviewed, independent replication is less common. Data on women is significantly sparser than for men.

Practical Considerations

For a "Mitochondrial Energy Stack," combine Shilajit (200mg) with CoQ10 (100mg) and PQQ (20mg). This combination addresses three distinct steps of cellular respiration.

For Testosterone, it pairs well with Tongkat Ali or Zinc, though one should be careful not to over-supplement minerals if using the resin.

The resin has a very strong, distinct earthy/bitter taste that many find unpleasant. Mixing with coffee or tea masks it well.

References

Pandit S, et al. Clinical evaluation of purified Shilajit on testosterone levels in healthy volunteers. Andrologia. 2016;48(5):570-575.

Biswas TK, et al. Clinical evaluation of spermatogenic activity of processed Shilajit in oligospermia. Andrologia. 2010;42(1):48-56.

Carrasco-Gallardo C, et al. Shilajit: a natural phytocomplex with potential procognitive activity. Int J Alzheimers Dis. 2012;2012:674142.