- A 2026 systematic review found nine preclinical studies and no clinical studies.[1]
- Lab studies report cancer-cell death at various concentrations.[1][2]
- One study found shilajit weakened two chemotherapy drugs in lung cancer cells.[3]
- Talk to your oncology team before taking any supplement during treatment.
Evidence at a glance
Laboratory cell studies and one animal model; no human studies of cancer outcomes. How ratings work: evidence rating system.
What the research has looked at
A systematic review published in January 2026 searched the medical literature for studies of shilajit and cancer. It found only nine that met its criteria: eight laboratory studies on cancer cell lines and one animal study in a bone cancer model. No clinical studies in people were eligible.[1] Across those studies, shilajit caused cancer cells to die or stop multiplying in a concentration-dependent way, with some apparent selectivity for cancer cells over normal cells.[1]
An example laboratory study
In one study, liver cancer cells (the Huh-7 line) were exposed to shilajit, described as mineral pitch, for 24 hours. The researchers reported increased cell death and reduced growth, linked to reactive oxygen species and changes in specific microRNAs.[2] Findings like this help researchers understand mechanisms. They don’t show what happens when a person swallows shilajit, because absorption, dose and the body’s own systems all change the picture.
An important caution about chemotherapy
A laboratory study on lung cancer cells found that shilajit on its own increased cell viability, and when combined with the chemotherapy drugs etoposide and cisplatin, it reduced their effect on the cells. The authors advised caution about combining shilajit with chemotherapy.[3] This is laboratory evidence, but it is exactly the kind of signal that matters. Please speak to your oncology team before taking shilajit, or any supplement, during treatment.
Why laboratory results don’t transfer to people
| Step | Shown for shilajit? |
|---|---|
| Kills cancer cells in a dish | Yes, in several cell lines[1] |
| Reaches tumours at effective levels in the body | No |
| Slows cancer in animals | One animal model[1] |
| Safe and effective in people | Not studied |
| Safe alongside cancer treatment | A laboratory warning signal[3] |
Many substances kill cancer cells in a dish, including some that are harmful to people. That is why laboratory findings are the first step in research, not a basis for treatment decisions. See human vs animal evidence.
Cancer claims and UK rules
Any claim that shilajit prevents, treats or “fights” cancer is a medicinal claim, which food supplements can’t make in the UK.[4] If you see such claims in an advert or on social media, they are both unsupported and unlawful; see how to report a misleading claim.
Where to find reliable cancer information
Your oncology team is the best source of advice about supplements during and after treatment, including whether anything you take could interact with your medicines. They can also explain which complementary approaches have evidence for managing side effects. Bringing the product and its label to an appointment makes that conversation easier.
What the reviewers concluded
The 2026 systematic review described shilajit as showing multi-targeted anticancer activity in experimental models, while stressing that the evidence is entirely preclinical and that the concentrations and preparations varied widely between studies.[1] In plain terms: interesting enough for further laboratory work, nowhere near ready for patients.
Spotting cancer misinformation
Be wary of any source that presents laboratory results as a cure, discourages conventional treatment, or sells a product alongside the claim. Reliable cancer information comes from your clinical team and established cancer charities.
The bottom line
Laboratory research on shilajit and cancer cells is genuine and may lead to further study, but there are no human studies, and one laboratory study raises a specific concern about chemotherapy. Shilajit should never be used in place of cancer treatment, and anyone in treatment should check with their oncology team before taking it.
Frequently asked questions
Can shilajit cure cancer?
No. There are no human studies of shilajit for cancer. Laboratory studies on cancer cells can’t show that it works in people.[1]
Does shilajit kill cancer cells?
Can I take shilajit during chemotherapy?
Speak to your oncology team first. One laboratory study found shilajit reduced the effect of etoposide and cisplatin on lung cancer cells.[3]
Are there any human trials of shilajit for cancer?
A 2026 systematic review found none.[1]
Can shilajit prevent cancer?
There is no evidence that it does. Prevention claims are medicinal claims that supplements can’t make.[4]
Why do some websites say shilajit fights cancer?
They extrapolate from laboratory studies. Cell results are an early research step, not proof of benefit.
Who should I ask about supplements during cancer treatment?
Your oncology team or specialist pharmacist.
Should cancer survivors take shilajit?
There is no evidence that it helps prevent recurrence. Discuss any supplement with your oncology or GP team, especially if you take ongoing medicines.
Is it harmful to try shilajit alongside cancer treatment?
It may be. One lab study found it reduced the effect of two chemotherapy drugs.[3] Ask your oncology team first.
Are cancer researchers still studying shilajit?
Laboratory research continues, and the 2026 review called for further studies before any clinical use.[1]
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.
- Cureus authors. Pre-clinical evaluation of shilajit in cancer: a systematic review. Cureus, 2026. doi:10.7759/cureus.101736. View source (opens in a new tab) [Systematic review (preclinical)]
- Pant K, Gupta P, Damania P, et al.. Mineral pitch induces apoptosis and inhibits proliferation via modulating reactive oxygen species in hepatic cancer cells. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2016. View source (opens in a new tab) [Laboratory study]
- Bağ FŞ, Ovalı F, Vatansev H. Antioxidant potential and chemotherapy-modulating effects of shilajit in A549 lung cancer cells. Türk Medline record. View source (opens in a new tab) [Laboratory study]
- Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. Borderline products: how to tell if your product is a medicine. GOV.UK. View source (opens in a new tab) [Regulator guidance]