Shilajit is one of the most hyped supplements in the Indian market — and also one of the most counterfeited. Walk into any supplement shop or scroll through Amazon India and you'll find dozens of shilajit products making dramatic testosterone and vitality claims. What does the actual science say?
Shilajit has genuine evidence for improving testosterone levels and male fertility in clinical studies. However, product quality is a major concern — purified, standardised shilajit resin from reputable sources is essential. Most cheap shilajit products are either fake or unstandardised.
What Is Shilajit?
Shilajit is a sticky, tar-like resin that seeps from rocks in mountain ranges (Himalayas, Altai, Caucasus) during warm months. It forms over centuries from the decomposition of plant matter. In Ayurveda, it is revered as a Rasayana — a rejuvenating substance that promotes vitality, longevity, and ojas.
The primary active compound is fulvic acid (60–80% in authentic shilajit), along with over 84 trace minerals in ionic form. Fulvic acid is a potent antioxidant and a carrier molecule that enhances nutrient absorption at the cellular level.
Evidence-Based Benefits for Men
Testosterone Support
The most robust clinical evidence for shilajit in men relates to testosterone. A 2015 randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in Andrologia found that 250mg purified shilajit twice daily for 90 days significantly increased total testosterone (↑20.45%), free testosterone (↑19%), and DHEA-S in healthy men aged 45–55. These are meaningful increases — comparable to ashwagandha's testosterone effects.
Male Fertility
A 2010 study in an Ayurvedic medicine journal found shilajit supplementation significantly improved sperm count, motility, and morphology in infertile men after 90 days. A later study found similar improvements alongside increased testosterone.
Energy & Fatigue Reduction
Fulvic acid's role in mitochondrial function may explain shilajit's traditional use for energy and stamina. A 2012 study in rats found shilajit prevented mitochondrial dysfunction induced by chronic fatigue. Human studies are limited but preliminary evidence is positive.
Cognitive Function
Fulvic acid has been shown in cell studies to prevent the aggregation of tau proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease. Human clinical evidence remains limited, but the mechanistic basis for cognitive benefits is plausible.
The Quality Problem
This is where most articles fail Indian consumers. Raw shilajit collected from mountains contains heavy metals (arsenic, lead, mercury) and mycotoxins. It must be purified and standardised before consumption. Many cheap products on the Indian market are:
- Adulterated with non-shilajit fillers
- Unpurified raw resin with heavy metal contamination
- Non-standardised — no quality control over fulvic acid content
- Entirely fake — shilajit lookalikes made from humic acids or asphalt derivatives
How to Buy Safe, Genuine Shilajit
- Choose purified resin over powder or capsules where possible — authenticity is easier to verify
- Look for third-party testing certificates and heavy metal testing results
- Reputable brands: Dabur Shilajit Gold (purified), Upakarma Ayurveda Shilajit, Patanjali Shilajit (resin form)
- Avoid suspiciously cheap options — good quality shilajit costs ₹500–1,500 for a meaningful supply
Dosage
Clinical studies used 250–500mg/day of standardised, purified shilajit. Take with warm water or milk. Duration of use in studies: 60–90 days. Traditional Ayurvedic texts recommend seasonal use — 3 months in winter and autumn.