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Shilajit
Shilajit sits in an awkward spot.
- Evidence
- Mixed Evidence
- Category
- Men's Health
- Best form
- PrimaVie (Natreon's standardized purified extract, the form used in most published US clinical trials)
- Effective dose
- 250-500mg daily of a standardized purified shilajit extract (PrimaVie / Natreon dosing). The Pandit testosterone trial used 250mg twice daily.
- Lab tested
- 7 of 8 products
- Category
- Men's Health
- Best form
- PrimaVie (Natreon's standardized purified extract, the form used in most published US clinical trials)
- Effective dose
- 250-500mg daily of a standardized purified shilajit extract (PrimaVie / Natreon dosing). The Pandit testosterone trial used 250mg twice daily.
- Lab tested
- 7 of 8 products
Key takeaways
- →The strongest data is for testosterone in older men and sperm quality in oligospermic men, both from one research group using purified PrimaVie.
- →Energy, mitochondrial, and anti-aging marketing claims run far ahead of the human evidence. Treat them as speculative.
- →Adulteration with lead, arsenic, and mercury is the real safety issue. Only buy products with third-party heavy-metal testing or PrimaVie standardization.
- →Clinical doses are 250-500mg per day of a standardized purified extract. Avoid raw unbranded resin without a current certificate of analysis.
What Is Shilajit?
Shilajit sits in an awkward spot. There is real, published, placebo-controlled evidence that a standardized purified extract (PrimaVie, made by Natreon) raises total and free testosterone by clinically meaningful margins in middle-aged men, and a separate trial that improved sperm parameters in oligospermic men. That is more than most herbals in this category have. The catch is that almost all of that data comes from one Indian research group (Pandit, Biswas, and colleagues) using one branded extract, and it has not been independently replicated. The energy, mitochondrial, anti-aging, and ergogenic claims that dominate marketing have far thinner backing than the testosterone story.
Pandit 2016 in Andrologia ran a 90-day randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial in 75 healthy men aged 45 to 55. The shilajit group took 250mg twice daily of purified PrimaVie and saw significant increases in total testosterone, free testosterone, and DHEAS versus placebo. Biswas 2010 in Andrologia, the earlier oligospermia trial, gave 100mg twice daily of processed shilajit to 35 oligospermic men for 90 days. Twenty-eight completers showed a 61.4% increase in total sperm count, 37.6% increase in spermia, motility gains across multiple time points, and a 23.5% rise in serum testosterone. Both trials are real, both used purified standardized material, and both reported clean safety profiles. They are also small, single-center, and from related authors, so the right framing is "early signal worth following," not "proven."
Outside testosterone and sperm parameters, the evidence drops sharply. Keller 2019 in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition tested 8 weeks of PrimaVie at 250mg or 500mg daily in 63 active men and found that only the 500mg group, only in upper-tier performers, showed reduced fatigue-induced strength loss. That is a narrow positive, not a broad ergogenic finding. The mitochondrial, CoQ10-restoring, and "cellular energy" claims rest mostly on animal studies and mechanistic arguments around dibenzo-α-pyrones and fulvic acid. No quality human trial has shown subjective fatigue or "energy" improvements from shilajit in healthy adults. The longevity and anti-aging marketing has no controlled human trial support at all.
The single largest practical issue with shilajit is adulteration. Raw or improperly purified shilajit can contain meaningful amounts of lead, arsenic, and mercury (the resin concentrates trace metals from the rock it forms in) and several Ayurvedic supplement contamination studies have flagged shilajit specifically. The Stohs 2014 Phytotherapy Research safety review concluded that purified standardized products are well tolerated, but the safety profile does not transfer to unbranded "raw" resin sold on Amazon and Etsy. If you take shilajit, the only defensible approach is a product that uses PrimaVie or publishes a per-batch heavy-metal certificate of analysis. Treat any "pure Himalayan resin" without third-party testing as an unknown.
Does It Work? The Evidence
How A-F grades workTotal and free testosterone in healthy middle-aged men
Pandit et al. 2016 Andrologia (n=75, ages 45-55, 90 days, 250mg purified shilajit BID): significant increase in total testosterone, free testosterone, and DHEAS vs placebo. Single-center trial, not independently replicated.
Sperm count and motility in oligospermic men
Biswas et al. 2010 Andrologia (n=35 oligospermic men, 28 completers, 100mg processed shilajit BID for 90 days): +61.4% total sperm count, +37.6% spermia, motility improvements, +23.5% serum testosterone. Open-label baseline-comparison design, not placebo-controlled.
Muscle strength retention under fatigue
Keller et al. 2019 J Int Soc Sports Nutr (n=63, 8 weeks PrimaVie at 250mg or 500mg daily): only the 500mg group, only in upper-tier performers, showed reduced fatigue-induced MVIC decline. Subgroup-only positive.
Subjective energy and fatigue in healthy adults
No placebo-controlled trial has shown improved subjective energy or reduced fatigue in healthy adults. Stohs 2014 review notes adaptogenic positioning but identifies the gap. Marketing claims outrun the human data.
Mitochondrial function and cellular ATP
Animal and in vitro work suggests dibenzo-α-pyrones may support electron transport, but no human RCT has measured mitochondrial endpoints (oxygen consumption, ATP, lactate kinetics) after shilajit supplementation.
Anti-aging and longevity
No controlled human trial has measured longevity-relevant endpoints (telomere length, biological age clocks, all-cause mortality) with shilajit. Traditional use claims do not substitute for clinical evidence.
| Grade | Claimed Benefit | Key Studies | Our Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | Total and free testosterone in healthy middle-aged men | Pandit et al. 2016 Andrologia (n=75, ages 45-55, 90 days, 250mg purified shilajit BID): significant increase in total testosterone, free testosterone, and DHEAS vs placebo. Single-center trial, not independently replicated. | Early Signal |
| C | Sperm count and motility in oligospermic men | Biswas et al. 2010 Andrologia (n=35 oligospermic men, 28 completers, 100mg processed shilajit BID for 90 days): +61.4% total sperm count, +37.6% spermia, motility improvements, +23.5% serum testosterone. Open-label baseline-comparison design, not placebo-controlled. | Early Signal |
| D | Muscle strength retention under fatigue | Keller et al. 2019 J Int Soc Sports Nutr (n=63, 8 weeks PrimaVie at 250mg or 500mg daily): only the 500mg group, only in upper-tier performers, showed reduced fatigue-induced MVIC decline. Subgroup-only positive. | Early Signal |
| D | Subjective energy and fatigue in healthy adults | No placebo-controlled trial has shown improved subjective energy or reduced fatigue in healthy adults. Stohs 2014 review notes adaptogenic positioning but identifies the gap. Marketing claims outrun the human data. | Not There Yet |
| F | Mitochondrial function and cellular ATP | Animal and in vitro work suggests dibenzo-α-pyrones may support electron transport, but no human RCT has measured mitochondrial endpoints (oxygen consumption, ATP, lactate kinetics) after shilajit supplementation. | Not There Yet |
| F | Anti-aging and longevity | No controlled human trial has measured longevity-relevant endpoints (telomere length, biological age clocks, all-cause mortality) with shilajit. Traditional use claims do not substitute for clinical evidence. | Not There Yet |
How to Choose: Forms, Doses & What Matters
Clinical dose: 250-500mg daily of a standardized purified shilajit extract (PrimaVie / Natreon dosing). The Pandit testosterone trial used 250mg twice daily.
Best forms: PrimaVie (Natreon's standardized purified extract, the form used in most published US clinical trials), Standardized purified resin or capsules with stated fulvic acid percentage and third-party heavy-metal testing, Capsules (more dose precision than loose resin), Resin (traditional format, but only acceptable if heavy-metal certificates of analysis are public)
Take 250-500mg per day of a standardized purified extract, ideally PrimaVie. The Pandit testosterone trial split the dose as 250mg in the morning and 250mg in the evening. Capsules are easier to dose precisely than resin. If you use resin, dissolve a rice-grain-sized portion (about 250-300mg) in warm water or tea once or twice daily. Take with or without food. Effects on testosterone and sperm parameters in the published trials emerged at 90 days, so do not expect a noticeable subjective response in the first few weeks. Check for a current certificate of analysis from the brand before your first bottle, and again if they change suppliers or batches.
Who Should Take Shilajit?
Men in their mid-40s and older who want to experiment with a non-pharmaceutical option for borderline-low testosterone, with the understanding that the evidence is one trial deep. Men with documented oligospermia working through a fertility plan with their doctor (the Biswas data is the most relevant here, but should not replace conventional fertility evaluation). Adults already drawn to traditional Ayurvedic preparations who want a defensible, lab-tested product rather than a random resin from social media. For most healthy adults seeking general energy or vitality, the evidence does not support shilajit over better-studied alternatives like ashwagandha or creatine.
Who Should Avoid It?
Not for everyone
Side Effects & Safety
Product Scores
8 products scored on dosing accuracy, third-party testing, cost per effective dose, and label transparency.
The Scorecard: 8 Products Compared
PrimaVie Shilajit 250mg, 90 capsules
Nootropics Depot$24.99 ÷ 46 days at 500mg/day (2 servings × 250mg)
Nootropics Depot's PrimaVie SKU is the closest match available in the US to what was actually tested in published shilajit clinical trials
Prices checked 2026-04-28. Cost shown is per clinically effective daily dose, not per pill.
MST PrimaVie Shilajit 250mg, 60 capsules (BSCG Certified)
MST Nutrition
$24.99 ÷ 30 days at 500mg/day (2 servings × 250mg)
If you compete in a tested sport, BSCG certification is the strongest assurance available for a shilajit product
Prices checked 2026-04-28. Cost shown is per clinically effective daily dose, not per pill.
PrimaVie Shilajit 250mg, 30 capsules
Nootropics Depot$12.99 ÷ 15 days at 500mg/day (2 servings × 250mg)
Use the 30-count once to confirm tolerance, then switch to the 90-count for ongoing use
Prices checked 2026-04-28. Cost shown is per clinically effective daily dose, not per pill.
100% Pure PrimaVie Shilajit 250mg, 60 capsules
Antler Farms
$29.95 ÷ 30 days at 500mg/day (2 servings × 250mg)
A clean PrimaVie option, but you pay for the brand wrapper rather than additional testing rigor
Prices checked 2026-04-28. Cost shown is per clinically effective daily dose, not per pill.
Men's Shilajit with PrimaVie, 60 capsules
Youtheory
$19.99 ÷ 30 days at 500mg/day (2 servings × 250mg)
Best option if you want a PrimaVie product from a mainstream retailer rather than a specialty supplement vendor
Prices checked 2026-04-28. Cost shown is per clinically effective daily dose, not per pill.
Pure Himalayan Shilajit Grade A Resin, 30g
Pure Himalayan Shilajit
$39.95 ÷ 100 days at 300mg/day (1 serving × 300mg)
Among unbranded resin products this is one of the better-documented options, but it is still a step below standardized PrimaVie capsules for evidence alignment
Prices checked 2026-04-28. Cost shown is per clinically effective daily dose, not per pill.
Himalayan Shilajit Resin, 10g
Lost Empire Herbs
$39.95 ÷ 33 days at 300mg/day (1 serving × 300mg)
If you specifically want resin and care most about heavy-metal documentation, Lost Empire's Prop 65 'A' rating is among the best in the category, though you pay for it
Prices checked 2026-04-28. Cost shown is per clinically effective daily dose, not per pill.
Pure Himalayan Shilajit Resin, 15g
Cymbiotika
$79.00 ÷ 50 days at ~300mg/day (0.6 servings × 500mg)
Pay-for-the-brand option; the testing is reasonable but you can buy a clinical-trial-equivalent PrimaVie product for a fraction of the per-dose cost
Prices checked 2026-04-28. Cost shown is per clinically effective daily dose, not per pill.
Full Comparison
| Category | PrimaVie Shilajit 250mg, 90 capsules Nootropics Depot | MST PrimaVie Shilajit 250mg, 60 capsules (BSCG Certified) MST Nutrition | PrimaVie Shilajit 250mg, 30 capsules Nootropics Depot | 100% Pure PrimaVie Shilajit 250mg, 60 capsules Antler Farms | Men's Shilajit with PrimaVie, 60 capsules Youtheory | Pure Himalayan Shilajit Grade A Resin, 30g Pure Himalayan Shilajit | Himalayan Shilajit Resin, 10g Lost Empire Herbs | Pure Himalayan Shilajit Resin, 15g Cymbiotika |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand Score | 91/100Winner | 90/100 | 86/100 | 84/100 | 78/100 | 76/100 | 73/100 | 70/100 |
| Dosing & Form | 23/25Winner | 23/25 | 23/25 | 23/25 | 19/25 | 17/25 | 17/25 | 17/25 |
| Purity | 23/25 | 25/25Winner | 23/25 | 19/25 | 19/25 | 21/25 | 21/25 | 19/25 |
| Value | 22/25Winner | 19/25 | 17/25 | 19/25 | 21/25 | 19/25 | 16/25 | 13/25 |
| Transparency | 23/25Winner | 23/25 | 23/25 | 23/25 | 19/25 | 19/25 | 19/25 | 21/25 |
| Cost/Day | $0.54 | $0.84 | $0.87 | $1.00 | $0.67 | $0.40Winner | $1.21 | $1.58 |
| Dose/Serving | 250mg | 250mg | 250mg | 250mg | 250mg | 300mg | 300mg | 500mg |
| Form | PrimaVie purified shilajit capsule (50% fulvic acid, dibenzo-α-pyrone standardized) | PrimaVie purified shilajit capsule (50% fulvic acid) | PrimaVie purified shilajit capsule (50% fulvic acid) | PrimaVie purified shilajit capsule (50% fulvic acid) | PrimaVie purified shilajit capsule | Resin (rice-grain-sized scoop, ~300mg per dose) | Resin (rice-grain-sized scoop, ~300mg per dose) | Resin (scoop, ~500mg per dose) |
| Third-Party Tested | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | No | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Proprietary Blend | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does shilajit actually raise testosterone?
In one well-designed 90-day placebo-controlled trial in men aged 45 to 55, purified shilajit at 250mg twice daily significantly increased total testosterone, free testosterone, and DHEAS versus placebo (Pandit 2016, Andrologia). That result has not been independently replicated outside the same research group. Treat it as an early signal worth following, not proven biology. If your goal is testosterone support and you want better-studied options, ashwagandha and resistance training have stronger evidence.
What is PrimaVie and why does the brand matter?
PrimaVie is the branded purified shilajit extract made by Natreon. It is the version used in most US clinical trials, including the Keller 2019 muscle-strength study, and it has documented heavy-metal testing. Generic 'pure Himalayan resin' products may or may not be the same thing. Buying a PrimaVie product is the easiest way to be sure the material in the bottle resembles what was tested in trials.
Is raw shilajit resin safe?
Sometimes. The problem is you usually cannot tell from outside the bottle. Shilajit forms in rock and concentrates trace minerals, and unpurified or improperly purified resin has been documented to contain lead, arsenic, and mercury at levels that matter with daily use. If a brand sells resin without publishing a current per-batch certificate of analysis covering heavy metals, treat it as unknown. The Stohs 2014 review specifically distinguishes between purified standardized products and raw material, and the safety record only applies to the former.
Will shilajit boost my energy or cure fatigue?
There is no quality human trial showing improved subjective energy or reduced fatigue in healthy adults. Most of that marketing rests on animal data, mechanistic arguments about fulvic acid and dibenzo-α-pyrones, and tradition. Honest framing: maybe, but the evidence is not there yet. If your goal is energy, look at sleep, iron status if you are deficient, caffeine, and creatine before shilajit.
How long does shilajit take to work?
The published testosterone and sperm trials ran for 90 days before measuring outcomes. If you are taking shilajit for those reasons, give it at least 8 to 12 weeks of consistent dosing before deciding whether it is doing anything. Subjective effects in the first week or two are most likely placebo or noise.
Can I take shilajit with testosterone replacement or fertility medications?
Talk to your doctor first. There is no human data on shilajit combined with prescription testosterone, clomiphene, anastrozole, or other fertility drugs. The pharmacology is not well characterized enough to predict interactions. If you are already on a managed protocol, do not add shilajit without your prescriber's input.
Is shilajit safe for women?
The published clinical evidence is almost entirely in men, with the testosterone and sperm endpoints driving most of it. There is no good safety or efficacy data for women, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and the heavy-metal contamination concern applies to everyone. Women interested in adaptogenic or mineral-supplement effects have better-studied options.
Sources
- Pandit S, Biswas S, Jana U, et al. Clinical evaluation of purified Shilajit on testosterone levels in healthy volunteers. Andrologia. 2016;48(5):570-5.
- Biswas TK, Pandit S, Mondal S, et al. Clinical evaluation of spermatogenic activity of processed Shilajit in oligospermia. Andrologia. 2010;42(1):48-56.
- Stohs SJ. Safety and efficacy of shilajit (mumie, moomiyo). Phytother Res. 2014;28(4):475-9.
- Keller JL, Housh TJ, Hill EC, et al. The effects of Shilajit supplementation on fatigue-induced decreases in muscular strength and serum hydroxyproline levels. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2019;16(1):3.
- Das A, Datta S, Rhea B, et al. The Human Skeletal Muscle Transcriptome in Response to Oral Shilajit Supplementation. J Med Food. 2016;19(7):701-9.
- Wilson E, Rajamanickam GV, Dubey GP, et al. Review on shilajit used in traditional Indian medicine. J Ethnopharmacol. 2011;136(1):1-9.
- Saper RB, Phillips RS, Sehgal A, et al. Lead, mercury, and arsenic in US- and Indian-manufactured Ayurvedic medicines sold via the Internet. JAMA. 2008;300(8):915-23.
FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products discussed on this page are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.