Shilajit for skin and hair
Evidence for shilajit and skin is very limited, and for hair there is none. One human study in adult women found changes in skin gene expression and improved skin blood flow at the higher dose of a standardised extract over 14 weeks. It didn’t measure wrinkles, appearance or skin conditions. No study has looked at hair growth or hair loss, so claims about hair rest on marketing alone.
Shilajit for women: evidence overview
For women, shilajit has two small randomised trials on different outcomes. One, in postmenopausal women with low bone density, found less bone density loss over 48 weeks. The other examined sexual function in women. A third study measured skin biomarkers. Each topic has a single study, so women’s health rates “Limited” at best. Shilajit shouldn’t be used in pregnancy or breastfeeding, because safety hasn’t been established.
Shilajit and testosterone: what the evidence shows
Shilajit and testosterone has one randomised, placebo-controlled trial behind it. In healthy men aged 45 to 55, a purified, standardised shilajit extract taken at 250 mg twice daily for 90 days was associated with higher total testosterone than placebo. A smaller uncontrolled study in men with low sperm counts also reported hormone changes. The finding hasn’t been independently repeated, so the evidence is “Limited”, not proven.
Shilajit for men: evidence overview
For men, shilajit has a handful of small human studies. The best are a randomised trial on testosterone in men aged 45 to 55 and an 8-week trial on muscle strength after fatigue. A smaller uncontrolled study looked at sperm quality. No topic has been independently replicated, so the strongest areas rate “Limited”. Many popular claims, including those for libido, energy, stamina and prostate health, have weaker evidence or none.
Shilajit and immune function
There is no human evidence that shilajit strengthens the immune system. Immune claims rest on laboratory and animal research and on traditional and review-level statements, such as a 2010 review that described shilajit as stimulating the immune system without trial data. No controlled human trial has measured infections, immune function or recovery after taking shilajit, so immune function is rated “Preclinical only”.
Shilajit and sleep
Shilajit has not been studied for sleep. No human trial has measured sleep quality, sleep duration or insomnia in people taking shilajit, and we found no relevant laboratory work. Some articles claim it improves sleep, but those claims rest on general statements about stress or energy, not data. If you have trouble sleeping, the established approaches, and a GP for persistent problems, are the place to start.
Shilajit and cancer: what lab studies do and don’t show
Shilajit has not been shown to prevent or treat cancer in people. Laboratory studies have found that shilajit can kill or slow the growth of several types of cancer cells in a dish, and a 2026 systematic review found nine such preclinical studies but no clinical studies at all. One laboratory study also found shilajit reduced the effect of two chemotherapy drugs on lung cancer cells. Anyone having cancer treatment should speak to their oncology team before taking shilajit.
Shilajit and gut health
There is no human evidence that shilajit improves gut health. Traditional Persian medicine used shilajit, known as moomiaii, mainly for digestive complaints, and laboratory and animal research has looked at effects such as protection against stomach ulcers. No controlled human trial has measured digestion, gut symptoms or the gut microbiome after taking shilajit, so gut health is rated “Preclinical only”.
Shilajit and altitude sickness
There are no controlled human trials testing shilajit for altitude sickness. The idea comes mainly from a 2010 review by researchers at India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation, which proposed shilajit as a supplement for people going to high altitude based on its traditional use and assumed properties. Altitude sickness can become dangerous, so shilajit should never replace gradual acclimatisation, medical advice or descending when symptoms worsen.
Shilajit and bone health
Shilajit and bone health has one randomised trial behind it. In postmenopausal women with low bone density, a standardised shilajit extract taken for 48 weeks was associated with less loss of bone mineral density than placebo, mainly at the higher dose. It is a single study in one group, using one extract, so it supports a “Limited” rating. It doesn’t show that shilajit prevents fractures or treats osteoporosis.