Shilajit is a natural, tar-like mineral resin found in mountainous regions, commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine. It contains minerals and compounds such as fulvic acid.

What are the potential benefits of Shilajit?

Emerging evidence suggests Shilajit may support cognitive function, testosterone-related markers in some men, bone health in postmenopausal women, and antioxidant capacity. Effects can vary by product quality and individual factors.

What is a typical Shilajit dosage?

Common supplemental amounts are about 250–500 mg per day of a purified extract, depending on the product. Follow the label and consider medical advice if you have health conditions.

Is Shilajit safe to take daily?

Purified Shilajit is generally used as a daily supplement, but quality matters because contamination can occur in unpurified products. Avoid use during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless advised by a clinician, and consult a healthcare professional if you take medications or have chronic conditions.

How do I choose a quality Shilajit supplement?

Choose products labeled as purified and tested for heavy metals and contaminants, ideally with third-party testing. Avoid raw or unprocessed Shilajit sold without safety testing information.

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Vitamin B

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

Vitamin B7 (Biotin)

Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)

Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin)

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)

Vitamin A & Carotenoids

Vitamin C

Vitamin D

Vitamin E

Vitamin K

Vitaminoids

Trimethylglycine (Betaine)

NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide)

Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ)

D-Chiro-Inositol

Coenzym Q10 (Ubiquinone)

Betaine HCL

Nicotinamide Riboside

Vitamin B8 (Myo-Inositol)

Choline

Citicoline (CDP-Choline)

Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinol)

Calcium

Calcium Alpha-Ketoglutarate

Magnesium

Magnesium Bisglycinate

Magnesium L-Threonate

Trace Minerals

Copper (Bisglycinate)

Chromium Picolinate

Manganese (Bisglycinate)

Zinc

Pentadecanoic Acid (C15:0)

Phosphatidylserine

R-Alpha Lipoic Acid

Black Cumin Oil

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Ceratiq wheat oil extract

Phospholipids

Algae Oil

Fish Oil

Conjugated Linoleic Acid

Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid

Alpha-Linolenic Acid

Gamma-Linolenic Acid

Omega-3

Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA)

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

AminoMar

Acetyl-L-Carnitine

PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid)

Essential Amino Acids

Conditionally Essential Amino Acids

L-Theanine

Non-Essential Amino Acids

Beta-Alanine

L-Cysteine Hydrochloride

Amino Acid Derivative

Taurine

Creatine (Hydrochloride)

L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate

Creatine (Monohydrate)

Akkermansia muciniphila

Lactobacillus Reuteri

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Bifidobacterium longum BB536

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Stinging Nettle Extract

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Red Beet Extract

Pine Extract (Pycnogenol)

Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins (OPC)

Ashwagandha Root Extract

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)

Citrus Sinensis Extract

Horsetail Stem Extract

Flax Seed Extract

Sulforaphane Glucosinolate

Garlic Extract

Black Pepper

Apricot Kernel Extract

Lovage

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Juniper Berry Extract

Bearberry Leaf Extract

White Kidney Bean Extract

Lady’s Mantle Extract

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St. John’s Wort Extract

Japanese Knotweed Extract

Hydroxytyrosol/tyrosol

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Flavon Glycosides

Gentian Root Extract

Griffonia simplicifolia Extract

Ajuga Turkestanica Extract

Amaranthus Leaf Extract

Banaba Extract

Boswellia Extract

Capsaicin

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Celery Extract

Ceylon Cinnamon Extract

Chamomile Extract

Charantin

Chinese Goldthread Root Extract

Citrus Aurantium Extract

Cocoa Extract

Cyanotis Arachnoidea Extract

Fadogia Agrestis Extract

Garcinia Cambogia Extract

Goldenrod Extract

Green Tea Extract

Guarana Extract

Horse Chestnut Extract

Grapefruit Seed Extract

Grape Vine Leaf Extract

Green Tea Polyphenols

Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG)

Adaptogens

Cordyceps sinensis extract

Ginsenoside

Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus)

Ginseng Extract

Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa)

Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)

Tribulus Terrestris Extract

Rhodiola rosea

Panax Ginseng Extract

Mushrooms

Reishi Extract

Astragalus Polysaccharides

Hyaluronic Acid

Glucosamine Sulfate

Chondroitin Sulfate

Glucosamine Sulphate 2KCL

Shilajit

Moderate study situation·7/10

A higher score indicates better study conditions, but not necessarily effectiveness.

Shilajit is a natural mineral-rich resin used in Ayurvedic medicine, supported by emerging evidence for benefits in cognition, testosterone, bone health, and antioxidant capacity.

Longevity Testosterone Booster Anti-inflammatory Cognitive Enhancement Antioxidant Bone Health Neuroprotective

dose range

250–500 mg

1–2 doses per day with meals

Consumption

Take orally with meals to enhance absorption and reduce GI discomfort. Use purified Shilajit products only.

Not fat-soluble.

Best time

Taking with food preferred. Split into two doses if using the higher end of the supplemental range.

Description

Shilajit is a tar-like substance found mainly in the Himalayas, traditionally used in Ayurveda. Rich in minerals and fulvic acid, it is gaining popularity as a dietary supplement for longevity, vitality, and multiple health benefits.

benefits

Main effects with level of evidence

Moderate

Note on evidence

There are several human studies supporting Shilajit’s effects on testosterone and bone health, with additional mechanistic and animal evidence for cognitive and other benefits. Safety data emphasize the need for purification; long-term safety is not yet fully established.

Cognitive Function and Neuroprotection

Limited

Shilajit and its major component, fulvic acid, may support memory and inhibit aggregation of tau protein implicated in Alzheimer’s disease.

Particularly relevant for: Aging adults · Individuals interested in neuroprotection

2 · PMC 5 · PubMed

Supports Testosterone Levels

Moderate

Clinical trials suggest Shilajit supplementation may increase total and free testosterone and DHEAS in middle-aged men.

Particularly relevant for: Men concerned about hormonal health

3 · PubMed 7 · Examine.com

Bone Health Support

Limited

Daily Shilajit extract has been shown to help preserve bone mineral density and reduce bone turnover in postmenopausal women.

Particularly relevant for: Postmenopausal women · Individuals at risk for osteoporosis

4 · PubMed

Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects

Limited

Shilajit has high antioxidant activity and some anti-inflammatory properties, which help mitigate oxidative stress.

Particularly relevant for: Individuals seeking antioxidant support

2 · PMC 5 · PubMed 7 · Examine.com

Safety & Information

Important safety information & known risks

For educational purposes only • not medical advice

Most adverse effects relate to contamination, allergic reactions, or drug interactions; purified preparations appear safe in short-term studies.

warning notices

Adverse effects include rare allergic reactions and risk of contamination with unpurified Shilajit.
Possible drug interactions with antidiabetic medications and immunosuppressants.
Avoid unpurified Shilajit due to potential contamination with heavy metals and other toxins.
Do not use Shilajit if pregnant or breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data.
Use Shilajit only under clinician supervision if taking immunosuppressants or diabetes medications, due to potential interactions.
Monitor for allergic reactions; discontinue use if symptoms such as rash, itching, or swelling occur.

Known interactions with medications

immunosuppressants
diabetes medications

Contraindications / special precautions

pregnancy
breastfeeding
known allergy to Shilajit

interactions

Important interactions between active ingredient ↔ supplement / medication / food

Shilajit may interact with blood sugar-lowering medications, immunosuppressants, and potentially substances containing iron or affecting mineral absorption.

Potential potentiation of immunosuppressant effects

drug · Immunosuppressants

CautionLimited

Why

Shilajit may modulate the immune system; animal studies show immunostimulatory effects, which could interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.

recommendation

Use Shilajit only with medical supervision if taking immunosuppressants.

6 · NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)

May enhance hypoglycemic effect of diabetes medications

drug · Diabetes medications

CautionLimited

Why

Limited data suggest Shilajit may lower blood glucose levels, which could potentiate anti-diabetic drugs and cause hypoglycemia.

recommendation

Monitor blood sugar more closely and consult your physician before use.

6 · NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)

mechanisms of action

Brief explanations of how it works

Fulvic Acid Activity

Fulvic acid, a major constituent of Shilajit, is believed to contribute to its antioxidant, neuroprotective, and mineral-transporting properties, including tau protein inhibition.

2 · PMC 5 · PubMed