Shilajit, stress, anxiety and mood
There is no human evidence that shilajit reduces stress or anxiety or improves mood. Shilajit is traditionally described as an adaptogen, a substance said to help the body handle stress, and reviews summarise animal research across several of its proposed effects. No controlled human trial has measured stress, anxiety or mood. Anyone struggling with anxiety or low mood should seek support from a GP or a mental health service.
Shilajit, libido and sexual function
Evidence for shilajit and libido is limited. The clearest study is a small randomised, triple-blind trial in women, which reported improvements on a sexual function questionnaire. In men, the related evidence is indirect: a trial measured testosterone rather than libido. No study has shown that shilajit treats erectile dysfunction. Persistent changes in desire or sexual function deserve a conversation with a GP.
Shilajit, male fertility and sperm quality
Evidence for shilajit and male fertility is very limited. The main study gave processed shilajit to 35 men with low sperm counts for about 90 days and reported improvements in sperm count, motility and testosterone. It had no placebo group, so the changes can’t be confidently attributed to shilajit. No study has measured pregnancy rates. Couples trying to conceive should seek fertility assessment rather than rely on a supplement.
Shilajit, memory, cognition and Alzheimer’s research
There is no human evidence that shilajit improves memory, prevents dementia or treats Alzheimer’s disease. Interest comes from laboratory research suggesting that fulvic acid, a main component of shilajit, can interfere with the clumping of tau protein, a feature of Alzheimer’s disease, in a dish. A 2012 review called shilajit a potential procognitive compound worth studying. That is a research idea, not a demonstrated benefit.
Shilajit, iron levels and anaemia
There is no human evidence that shilajit raises iron levels or treats anaemia. Shilajit contains some iron from the rock it forms in, and classical texts describe iron-type shilajit as the most valued, but amounts per serving are small and vary between products. Animal research exists, including a 91-day rat safety study whose authors proposed shilajit for iron deficiency anaemia. Anaemia should be diagnosed and treated with proven approaches.
Shilajit, kidney and urinary health claims
Shilajit hasn’t been studied for kidney or urinary health in people. Claims that it supports the kidneys, bladder or prostate come from traditional use and marketing rather than research. The more important point runs the other way: people with kidney disease should be cautious, because damaged kidneys clear minerals and metals less effectively, and shilajit can contain both. Anyone with a kidney condition should speak to their kidney team before taking it.
Shilajit, blood sugar, cholesterol and weight
There is no good human evidence that shilajit lowers blood sugar, improves cholesterol or helps weight loss. These claims come mainly from animal studies. One human study involved overweight adults, but it measured muscle gene activity rather than weight, blood sugar or cholesterol. Metabolic health is rated “Preclinical only”. Anyone with diabetes should be especially careful, because supplements that affect blood sugar could interact with treatment.
Shilajit, energy, fatigue and mitochondrial function
Evidence that shilajit boosts energy or reduces fatigue in people is very limited. No controlled trial has measured everyday energy or fatigue. The closest human evidence is an 8-week trial in active men, in which those taking a standardised extract retained more muscle strength after a fatiguing exercise test. Claims about mitochondria and cellular energy come mainly from laboratory research.
Shilajit, exercise, strength and muscle
Shilajit and exercise has one randomised trial and one related biomarker study. In the trial, recreationally active men taking 500 mg a day of a standardised extract for 8 weeks retained more muscle strength after a fatiguing exercise test than those on placebo. A separate study found changes in muscle gene expression. Neither measured muscle growth, and the trial hasn’t been repeated, so the evidence is “Limited”.
Shilajit, inflammation, joints and pain
Evidence that shilajit reduces inflammation, joint pain or arthritis in people is very limited. Laboratory and animal research, including a study in dogs with arthritis, has reported anti-inflammatory effects. In humans, one trial in postmenopausal women reported changes in inflammation markers as a secondary measure. No controlled human trial has tested shilajit for joint pain or arthritis symptoms.