Shilajit is a sticky, dark resin that seeps from rock in high mountain ranges such as the Himalayas. It forms mostly from plant matter broken down over long periods, mixed with minerals from the rock. It has been used in Ayurveda for centuries as a rasayana, or rejuvenating remedy.
Older articles, including an earlier version of this one, listed “ten benefits”. Here we look at the same ten areas through what researchers have actually tested. The short answer is that the science is far smaller than the claims.
1. Memory and the brain
In lab experiments, fulvic acid, a major part of shilajit, stopped a protein called tau from clumping. Tau tangles are a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. The only human trial tested a blend of shilajit and B vitamins in 82 people with Alzheimer’s.
Because it was a blend, it can’t tell us what shilajit contributed. Read more in Shilajit and the brain.
2. Skin and ageing
Shilajit is described as a rejuvenator in Ayurvedic texts. In a 14-week trial, 45 women took a shilajit extract or placebo. Researchers measured skin blood flow and gene activity, but skin hydration and elasticity showed no difference from placebo. No study has measured wrinkles.
3. Iron and anaemia
Shilajit contains iron, but in small and variable amounts. In a 2003 study, healthy students took 2 g a day for 45 days. Their haemoglobin did not change. No study has tested shilajit in people with anaemia. See iron and anaemia.
4. The immune system
Mumijo, the Russian name for shilajit, has a folk history as a remedy for infections. Modern research is limited to the lab. Fulvic acid fractions from shilajit affected mouse immune cells in a dish. That is a long way from showing anything in people.
5. Tiredness and chronic fatigue
A 2012 study made rats swim daily to mimic chronic fatigue. Rats given shilajit beforehand showed fewer signs of fatigue. In people, a 2026 study of 25 men reported lower fatigue scores after 28 days. It had no placebo group and was run by the product’s maker. See energy and fatigue.
6. Altitude sickness
Shilajit comes from the mountains, so the link is easy to imagine. But no human or animal study has tested it for altitude sickness. The idea comes from a 2010 opinion article with no experiments. If you’re trekking, ascend slowly and follow medical advice. See altitude sickness.
7. Cancer
A 2026 systematic review found only nine laboratory and animal studies of shilajit and cancer. There are no human trials. Nobody with cancer should use shilajit in place of medical treatment.
8. Heart and blood fats
The 2003 student study reported lower cholesterol after 45 days at 2 g a day. Their cholesterol was normal to start with. A 2016 study at 500 mg a day found no change in blood fats. Blood pressure did not change in the 2003 study. See cholesterol.
9. Weight and exercise
A 2016 study in overweight adults looked at muscle gene activity. Their body weight stayed about the same. A 2019 trial in 63 young men measured strength lost during a tiring exercise test. A difference appeared only in the stronger half of the group. See exercise performance.
10. Testosterone and male fertility
In a 2016 randomised trial, men aged 45 to 55 took 250 mg of purified shilajit twice a day for 90 days. Their testosterone was higher than in the placebo group. In a 2010 study, 28 men with low sperm counts took 100 mg twice a day for 90 days. Their sperm count was 61% higher than at the start.
The testosterone trial hasn’t been repeated independently. The sperm study had no placebo group. See testosterone and fertility.
What does this add up to?
A few small trials, many animal studies and some areas with no research at all. Most human trials tested one standardised extract, so results may not carry over to other products. For a graded summary of each area, see our shilajit benefits page.
Hilasti’s shilajit is sold as a raw resin; see the shop.
This article is for information only and isn’t medical advice. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking a supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, take medication or have a health condition.
