What Is Shiajit & What Is Shilajit Used For? + Scientific Research
I take shilajit primarily for its mineral content, especially the iron. I wanted a simple way to bring more minerals back into my diet, and shilajit stood out because it’s naturally rich and has been used for centuries. I’ve tried it in liquid form before, though it’s also available as a gel or paste.
I’m finishing the bottle of Black Lotus Shilajit then switching to Ajoblanco Shilajit. Ajoblanco Shilajit comes in paste form but if you are looking for pill form you could try Santegra Shilajit.
The taste is earthy — almost like dirt — but I don’t mind it. With the right ratio to water, it actually goes down pretty well. The texture and color remind me of molasses. I usually dilute about a teaspoon into 16 ounces of water and take it every other day.
What Is Shilajit Made Of?
Shilajit is a dark, sticky, resin‐like substance that seeps from rock crevices in high mountain ranges—most famously the Himalayas, but also the Altai, Caucasus, Pamir, and beyond.
It's the product of centuries—or even millennia—of decomposed plant material melding with mineral matter under pressure and microbial activity.
Rich in humic and fulvic acids (making up 60–80% of its bioactive content), along with minerals (calcium, magnesium, iron, trace elements), amino acids, fatty acids, polyphenols, and more.
What Is Shilajit Used For?
Anti-Aging & Longevity — The fulvic acid in shilajit has antioxidant properties and may protect cells from oxidative stress—though at high doses it could paradoxically increase oxidative stress.
Cognitive Support & Alzheimer’s — Lab studies suggest fulvic acid may disrupt amyloid and tau protein buildup linked to Alzheimer’s.
Testosterone & Male Fertility — A 2010 trial found that infertile men taking shilajit (100 mg twice daily for 90 days) experienced improvements in sperm count and motility. A 2016 study reported that shilajit significantly increased total and free testosterone.
Bone Health — A 2022 trial in post-menopausal women with osteopenia found that 500 mg/day of shilajit for nearly a year supported bone mineral density by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and bone turnover.
Muscle Strength & Fatigue — A randomized controlled trial in 2019 with 63 men showed that 500 mg/day improved muscle strength retention and recovery over 8 weeks compared to placebo and lower dose (250 mg).
Cholesterol & Metabolism — A small 2003 study (aged 16–30 participants) observed lowered cholesterol and triglyceride levels after 45 days of 2 g/day of shilajit—though results need validation. Research also suggests potential benefits for liver health and metabolic markers.
Viral Activity (Lab Studies) — Early lab tests found shilajit can inhibit viruses like herpes and RSV—but it’s a long leap from petri dish to human efficacy.
The Takeaway
There still aren’t many large-scale scientific studies on shilajit, but interest is growing as more people discover its traditional use and potential benefits. For me, the biggest draw is its rich mineral content — especially iron — which makes it an easy way to support my daily nutrition. I plan to experiment with different brands and forms to see what works best, and I’ll keep updating here with both my personal experience and any new research that comes out.
Let Us Know
Have you tried shilaji? Share your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to hear your experience!
Scientific Research
2022 — Pingali
Shilajit extract reduces oxidative stress, inflammation, and bone loss to dose-dependently preserve bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with osteopenia: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Postmenopausal women with osteopenia (aged 45-65) took either 250 mg or 500 mg/day shilajit extract vs placebo over 48 weeks; those on shilajit had better preservation (and even gain) of bone mineral density, reduced markers of inflammation and oxidative stress.
2019 — Keller
The effects of Shilajit supplementation on fatigue-induced decreases in muscular strength and serum hydroxyproline levels.
In a study of 63 young men, participants took either a placebo, 250 mg, or 500 mg of shilajit daily for 8 weeks. Those taking the higher dose kept more of their muscle strength after hard workouts and showed less muscle tissue breakdown compared to the other groups.
2016 — Pandit
Clinical evaluation of purified Shilajit on testosterone levels in healthy volunteers.
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in healthy men aged 45–55. Participants took 250 mg purified shilajit twice daily (500 mg/day) for 90 days. Results showed significant increases in total testosterone, free testosterone, and DHEA-S compared with placebo.
2010 — Biswas
Clinical evaluation of spermatogenic activity of processed Shilajit in oligospermia.
Infertile men (oligospermic) took 100 mg processed shilajit twice daily for 90 days; improvements seen in sperm count, motility, and testosterone.
2003 — Ethnopharmacology / Verywell Health citation
9 Benefits of Shilajit
A small study (16–30 participants) evaluated 2 g/day of shilajit for 45 days. Results showed lowered total cholesterol and triglycerides, though the trial was limited in size and quality. Further validation in larger, controlled studies is needed.
