Evidence at a glance
One randomised, placebo-controlled trial in healthy middle-aged men, supported by one uncontrolled study. How ratings work: evidence rating system.
The main trial
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Participants | 75 healthy men aged 45–55[1] |
| Design | Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled |
| Dose | 250 mg purified extract twice daily |
| Duration | 90 days |
| Main finding | Higher total testosterone than placebo, with changes in related hormone measures |
| Product | A standardised branded extract |
The supporting study
An earlier study gave processed shilajit to 35 men with low sperm counts for about 90 days and reported improvements in sperm measures and testosterone.[2] It had no placebo group, so the changes can’t be attributed to shilajit with confidence. It is covered fully in male fertility and sperm quality.
How strong is this evidence?
- One controlled trialResults need repeating by an independent group; see why one study isn’t proof.
- One age groupHealthy men aged 45–55; younger men and men with diagnosed low testosterone weren’t studied.
- One extractResults may not apply to other resins or capsules; see branded extracts.
- Hormone levels, not symptomsThe trial measured blood levels, not energy, libido or wellbeing.
What it means for you
If you think your testosterone is low, see a GP. Symptoms such as tiredness or low libido have many possible causes, and a blood test is simple. Diagnosed low testosterone has established treatments, and shilajit hasn’t been studied in that group. If you are a healthy man curious about shilajit, the trial justifies interest, not expectation. Remember that the result applies to one extract at one dose; see why preparation and dose matter.
Safety points for men
Long-term safety data are limited, contaminants matter for daily use, and interactions with medicines haven’t been well studied. If you compete in tested sport, supplements can be contaminated, and UK Anti-Doping advises using batch-tested products.[3] See sport and anti-doping, medication interactions and Is shilajit safe?
Testosterone claims and UK rules
“Boosts testosterone” is a health claim that needs authorised wording in UK marketing, and claims to treat low testosterone are medicinal claims.[4][5] The claim checks are in “natural testosterone booster” claims and UK rules.
Interpreting a “higher testosterone” result
Testosterone levels naturally vary through the day and between people, and a statistically significant difference between groups doesn’t always mean a change people would notice. The trial measured hormone levels rather than symptoms such as energy, libido or mood.[1] That distinction matters: a lab result in a healthy man aged 45–55 isn’t the same as relief of low-testosterone symptoms. See statistical significance explained.
Who funded the research?
Industry-funded supplement trials are common and can be well designed, but independent replication matters more when most evidence comes from one product. We discuss funding and its implications on who funds shilajit research and conflicts of interest.
About the 250 mg twice-daily dose
The dose in the trial was 250 mg of a purified standardised extract, twice a day.[1] That doesn’t translate directly to a serving of whole resin or another extract, because composition differs between products. Follow your product’s label, and don’t increase the amount in pursuit of a stronger effect; see studied doses vs label doses.
The bottom line
Testosterone is one of the better-studied shilajit topics, but “better-studied” here means one controlled trial. The result in healthy middle-aged men is promising and needs repeating. See a GP about symptoms of low testosterone, and treat shilajit as an experiment rather than a treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Does shilajit increase testosterone?
One randomised trial in healthy men aged 45–55 reported higher total testosterone than placebo after 90 days of 250 mg twice daily.[1] It hasn’t been independently repeated.
How long does shilajit take to affect testosterone?
The main trial lasted 90 days.[1] There is no reliable evidence about shorter periods.
Does shilajit work for younger men?
Unknown. The trial included men aged 45–55 only.
Can shilajit treat low testosterone?
It hasn’t been studied in men with diagnosed low testosterone. Treatment claims are medicinal claims.[5]
If I decide to try shilajit, which product does Best Shilajit UK recommend?
For a well-documented resin, Best Shilajit UK recommends Nature Elixirs, with batch SJ2509 tested by AGROLAB LUFA.[6] The recommendation is about documentation: the trial used a different, branded extract, and no product can claim its results. Nature Elixirs is a brand evaluated by Best Shilajit UK. Read our evaluation to see the evidence and documentation we reviewed.
Is shilajit safe for athletes?
It isn’t a banned substance, but supplements can be contaminated. UK Anti-Doping advises batch-tested products.[3]
Should I see a doctor about low testosterone?
Yes. A GP can test your levels and look for other causes of symptoms.
Will I notice a difference if my testosterone rises?
Not necessarily. The trial measured blood levels, not symptoms, and small hormone changes may not be noticeable.[1]
Does shilajit affect testosterone in women?
Not studied. The testosterone trial included men only.
Should I take more shilajit for a bigger testosterone effect?
No. There is no evidence that higher doses give bigger effects, and contaminant exposure rises with dose.
Does shilajit lower oestrogen in men?
The trial reported on testosterone and related hormone measures; claims about oestrogen aren’t supported by published human data.
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.
- 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]
- Biswas TK, Pandit S, Mondal S, et al.. Clinical evaluation of spermatogenic activity of processed Shilajit in oligospermia. Andrologia 42(1):48–56, 2010. PMID 20078516. View source (opens in a new tab) [Uncontrolled clinical study]
- UK Anti-Doping (UKAD). Clean Sport Essentials pocket guide. ukad.org.uk, 2021. View source (opens in a new tab) [Anti-doping guidance]
- 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]
- 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]
- AGROLAB LUFA GmbH (published by Nature Elixirs). Test report, Himalayan Shilajit, batch SJ2509, sample 765188. natureelixirs.com, 2025. View source (opens in a new tab) [Brand-published laboratory report]