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Standardised and branded Shilajit extracts

A standardised shilajit extract is processed to contain fixed levels of selected components, such as a set fulvic acid percentage, so that every batch is consistent. Branded standardised extracts are sold to supplement makers as ingredients. Several published human trials, including studies of testosterone and exercise, used one such branded extract. That matters because trial results for a standardised extract can’t be assumed for other products.

Updated 4 October 2026Part of Shilajit Science

Key facts
  • Standardisation fixes the levels of selected components.
  • Several human trials used one branded extract.[1][2]
  • Results may not transfer to whole resin or other extracts.
  • “Clinically studied ingredient” claims need checking against the actual product.

What standardisation involves

A standardised extract is purified and then adjusted or selected so that specified components fall within set ranges. It improves batch-to-batch consistency and makes research easier to reproduce. The definition and consumer meaning are covered in what is a standardised shilajit extract?; this article focuses on branded extracts in research.

Branded extracts in the human trials

Trials that used a standardised extract
StudyTopic
Pandit et al., 2016[1]Testosterone in men aged 45–55
Keller et al., 2019[2]Strength and fatigue
Das et al., 2016 and 2019[3][4]Muscle and skin gene expression

Much of the human evidence therefore describes one type of preparation. Our evidence ratings note this caveat on every topic; see evidence by topic.

Why results may not transfer

A whole resin from a different source and process is a different material, even if both are called shilajit. Its composition may differ in ways that matter; see why research on one preparation may not apply to another and standardised extract vs whole resin.

Reading “clinically studied” claims

  • Which ingredient was studied?The exact extract named in the trial.
  • Is it in this product?At the same dose?
  • What was measured?And in whom?

See “clinically proven” claims.

Why standardisation helps research

Research needs the same material in every capsule, for every participant, across the whole trial. With a natural product whose composition varies from batch to batch, standardisation is how researchers achieve that. It also means another group can, in principle, repeat the study with the same ingredient. That reproducibility is a strength of the existing trials, even though it limits how far their results apply to other products.

The limits of relying on one extract

Strengths and limits of single-extract evidence
StrengthLimit
Consistent material across studiesResults describe that extract, not shilajit in general
Reproducible in principleLittle independent replication so far
Clear dosingDoses may not match products on sale

Funding and replication questions are discussed on who funds shilajit research and research funding and conflicts of interest.

Reading a product that names a branded extract

  1. Check the ingredient nameIt should match the extract used in the cited study.
  2. Check the dosePer serving, against the dose studied.[1][2]
  3. Check what was measuredAnd in whom; see how to read a study.
  4. Check the product’s own batch reportContaminants still need testing on the finished product.

Frequently asked questions

What is a branded shilajit extract?

A standardised shilajit ingredient sold under a trade name to supplement makers, with fixed levels of selected components.

Which extract was used in the testosterone trial?

A purified, standardised branded extract.[1] Products containing other shilajit may not match it.

Is a standardised extract better than resin?

It is more consistent and closer to what was studied, but no trial compares the two head to head.

Can a product claim clinical results if it uses whole resin?

The trials tested specific extracts, so results can’t simply be applied to a different material.

Are standardised extracts tested for contaminants?

They should be, like any shilajit. Ask for the finished-product batch report.

Where can I compare forms?

See shilajit forms.

Do all clinical trials of shilajit use the same extract?

Several of the published human trials used one standardised branded extract, which is why results may not apply to other products.[1][2]

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.

  1. Pandit S, Biswas S, Jana U, De RK, Mukhopadhyay SC, Biswas TK. Clinical evaluation of purified Shilajit on testosterone levels in healthy volunteers. Andrologia 48(5):570–575, 2016. PMID 26395129. View source (opens in a new tab) [Randomised controlled trial]
  2. Keller JL, Housh TJ, Hill EC, Smith CM, Schmidt RJ, Johnson GO. The effects of Shilajit supplementation on fatigue-induced decreases in muscular strength and serum hydroxyproline levels. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 16:3, 2019. doi:10.1186/s12970-019-0270-2; PMID 30728074. View source (opens in a new tab) [Randomised controlled trial]
  3. 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)]
  4. 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)]