What gene-expression research measures
Gene-expression studies measure which genes are switched up or down in a tissue. They can show that a substance has a biological effect, and they can suggest how it might work. They don’t show whether that effect improves health, appearance or performance, which needs studies of outcomes people actually experience.
The human studies
| Study | Tissue | What was measured |
|---|---|---|
| Das et al., 2016[1] | Skeletal muscle | Gene expression in muscle biopsies |
| Das et al., 2019[2] | Skin | Skin gene expression and blood flow over 14 weeks in women |
The skin study reported improved skin blood flow at the higher dose.[2] That’s a measurable change, but not one tied to an outcome such as appearance.
How we rate this evidence
Human data on biomarkers rather than outcomes sits in the “very limited” band of our evidence rating system. It earns that place because it comes from people, not animals, but it can’t support claims about muscle, skin or ageing on its own. See exercise and muscle and skin and hair.
Why results may not transfer
Both studies used a standardised extract. A whole resin from another source is a different material, so its effects can’t be assumed from these findings; see standardised and branded extracts and why research on one preparation may not apply to another.
How a gene-expression study works
- Baseline sampleA small tissue sample (biopsy) is taken before supplementation.
- SupplementationParticipants take the product, sometimes against a placebo, for a set period.
- Follow-up sampleA second biopsy is taken.
- AnalysisResearchers measure which genes changed activity between samples.
The result is a list of genes that went up or down. Interpreting that list depends on what those genes are believed to do, which is itself an inference.
From biomarker to outcome: the missing steps
| Step | Shown for shilajit? |
|---|---|
| Gene activity changes in tissue | Yes, in muscle and skin[1][2] |
| Protein or tissue changes follow | Partly; skin blood flow in one study[2] |
| A noticeable outcome improves | Not measured in these studies |
| Replicated by independent groups | No |
What future research would need
To turn these findings into usable evidence, studies would need to measure outcomes people care about, such as strength, skin appearance or recovery, in larger groups, against placebo, ideally run by independent groups and with products other than the single extract used so far. Our running list of these gaps is on what hasn’t been studied, and funding questions on who funds shilajit research.
Frequently asked questions
What did the shilajit muscle study find?
Changes in gene expression in skeletal muscle samples from people taking a standardised extract.[1] It didn’t measure strength or muscle size.
Does shilajit improve skin?
One human study reported changes in skin gene expression and blood flow.[2] It didn’t measure appearance, so a skin benefit isn’t established.
What is a biomarker?
A measurable biological sign, such as a gene-expression change. It can indicate activity but isn’t a health outcome.
Are gene-expression changes good or bad?
On their own they are neither. Their meaning depends on what happens to outcomes, which these studies didn’t measure.
Do these studies apply to any shilajit?
Not automatically. They used a standardised extract, and other products may differ.
Where is the outcome evidence?
See evidence by topic.
Why do researchers take biopsies?
To measure changes directly in the tissue of interest, such as muscle or skin, rather than relying on blood markers.
Who funded the gene-expression studies?
Funding is reported in each paper; we discuss supplier-funded research and why independent replication matters on who funds shilajit research.
Sources & further reading
Primary research, regulators and standards bodies are cited first. A source being listed here does not mean it supports every claim made by sellers; it supports the specific statement it is attached to.
- Das A, et al.. The human skeletal muscle transcriptome in response to oral Shilajit supplementation. Journal of Medicinal Food 19(7):701–709, 2016. doi:10.1089/jmf.2016.0010; PMID 27414521. View source (opens in a new tab) [Human study (gene expression)]
- Das A, El Masry MS, Gnyawali SC, et al.. Skin transcriptome of middle-aged women supplemented with natural herbo-mineral shilajit shows induction of microvascular and extracellular matrix mechanisms. Journal of the American College of Nutrition 38(6):526–536, 2019. doi:10.1080/07315724.2018.1564088; PMID 31161927. View source (opens in a new tab) [Randomised controlled trial (biomarkers)]