Evidence at a glance
One small randomised trial on sexual function in women; indirect hormone data in men. How ratings work: evidence rating system.
The trial in women
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Participants | Women with sexual dysfunction[1] |
| Design | Randomised, triple-blind, placebo-controlled |
| Measured | A validated sexual function questionnaire |
| Main finding | Improvements compared with placebo |
| Limits | Small and single-centre; needs replication |
Triple-blinding, where participants, researchers and analysts don’t know who received what, is a strength, because sexual function questionnaires are sensitive to expectation.
The evidence in men
There is no controlled trial measuring libido or sexual function in men as its main outcome. The testosterone trial in healthy men aged 45–55 measured hormone levels, not desire or performance.[2] Testosterone and libido are related, but higher hormone levels in a blood test don’t necessarily translate into noticeable changes in desire. See testosterone.
Erectile dysfunction
Shilajit is sometimes promoted for erections. No trial has shown that it treats erectile dysfunction, and claims to treat ED are medicinal claims that food supplements can’t make.[3] Erectile problems can be an early sign of heart disease, diabetes or circulation problems, and effective treatments are available. A GP appointment is the right first step.
Traditional reputation
Shilajit’s reputation as a vitality tonic comes from Ayurveda, where it is classed as a rasayana.[4] Modern marketing translates that into “natural Viagra”-style claims. Tradition explains the interest, but only controlled trials can show an effect; see tradition vs clinical evidence.
Why libido changes
Desire is affected by stress, sleep, relationships, mood, medicines such as some antidepressants, hormonal changes including menopause, and conditions such as diabetes. Because so many factors are involved, and expectation plays a big part, supplement testimonials about libido are especially unreliable. Persistent changes are worth discussing with a GP, who can look for treatable causes.
Safety notes
Products marketed for sexual enhancement are a known risk area for adulteration with undeclared medicines in the wider supplement market. That makes buying a documented, batch-tested shilajit product especially important. If you take medicines for blood pressure, heart conditions or erectile dysfunction, check with a pharmacist before adding any supplement; see medication interactions and adulterated shilajit.
Libido claims and UK rules
“Boosts libido” is a health claim that needs authorised wording in UK marketing.[5][6] Claims to treat erectile dysfunction or sexual dysfunction are medicinal claims.[3]
How sexual function is measured
Sexual function trials usually rely on validated questionnaires that ask about desire, arousal, satisfaction and related experiences over a set period. These tools are well established, but they depend on self-report, which is why blinding and a placebo group are essential. The trial in women used this approach with triple-blinding,[1] which is a genuine strength. What it can’t tell us is whether the effect lasts, whether it applies to women without sexual dysfunction, or whether other shilajit products behave the same way.
Relationships, stress and desire
Changes in desire often reflect what is going on in life: stress at work, tiredness, relationship difficulties, a new baby, or health worries. Talking with a partner, addressing sleep and stress, and seeking couples or psychosexual therapy can help more than any supplement. A GP can refer to specialist services where appropriate.
What would strengthen the evidence
Larger trials in both men and women, run by independent groups, lasting several months, and using validated measures of desire and function would move libido beyond “Limited”. Trials comparing different shilajit products would also help.
Libido and the menopause
Lower desire is common around the menopause and can relate to hormonal changes, sleep and vaginal dryness. HRT and other treatments may help, and a GP can talk through options. Shilajit hasn’t been studied for menopause-related changes in desire. Vaginal dryness in particular is common and very treatable, and sexual health services can also help.
The bottom line
Libido is one of the few shilajit topics with a well-blinded randomised trial, but it is a single small study in women. In men, the evidence measures hormones, not desire, and there is no evidence for erectile dysfunction. Talk to a GP about persistent changes, and treat shilajit as an experiment at most.
Frequently asked questions
Does shilajit increase libido?
One small randomised, triple-blind trial in women reported improvements on a sexual function questionnaire.[1] In men, there is no direct libido trial.
Does shilajit help erectile dysfunction?
No trial has shown this, and ED treatment claims are medicinal claims.[3] See a GP, as ED can signal heart or circulation problems.
Is shilajit natural Viagra?
No. It works nothing like prescription ED medicines, and no trial supports that comparison.
Does shilajit improve sexual stamina?
Not studied as an outcome.
Does shilajit work for women’s libido?
One small trial is encouraging, but it needs repeating.[1]
How long does shilajit take to affect libido?
There is no reliable evidence on timing.
Can shilajit be taken with Viagra?
No interaction study exists. Ask a pharmacist before combining any supplement with ED medicines.
Why are sexual-enhancement supplements risky?
The wider market has a history of adulteration with undeclared medicines, so choose a batch-tested product.
Can antidepressants affect libido?
Yes, some can. Discuss this with your GP rather than adding supplements.
When should I see a GP about libido?
If changes are persistent, distressing or accompanied by other symptoms.
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.
- Mosavi et al.. Effects of oral Shilajit tablets on sexual function and sexual quality of life among reproductive-aged women: a triple-blind randomized clinical trial. Traditional Medicine Research 8(11):66, 2023. View source (opens in a new tab) [Randomised controlled trial]
- 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]
- 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]
- Wilson E, Rajamanickam GV, Dubey GP, et al.. Review on shilajit used in traditional Indian medicine. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 136(1):1–9, 2011. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2011.04.033; PMID 21530631. View source (opens in a new tab) [Review]
- Department of Health and Social Care. Great Britain nutrition and health claims (NHC) register. GOV.UK. View source (opens in a new tab) [Official register]
- Committee of Advertising Practice. UK Code of Non-broadcast Advertising (CAP Code), Section 15: Food, food supplements and associated health or nutritional claims. asa.org.uk. View source (opens in a new tab) [Advertising code]