Scientific Research

Shilajit: Proven Benefits

A compilation of 76+ peer-reviewed studies examining shilajit's effects across human biology. Browse by category to discover the benefits most relevant to your goals.

Disclaimer — None of the following information is medical advice. Information is for education and research purposes only. None of the following statements have been evaluated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. Any products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease. Please consult your medical professional before commencing any health protocol.

Cellular Energy, Mitochondrial & Foundation Health

Research suggests shilajit may support energy production and cellular function by improving mitochondrial efficiency and mineral transport.

  • May improve mitochondrial energy production [27][28][33]
  • May counteract exhaustion and fatigue [11][27]
  • May enhance bioavailability and retention of minerals within cells [19]
  • May promote deep, cellular remineralisation [3]

Physical Performance, Strength & Recovery

Studies indicate shilajit may support physical output and recovery, particularly under stress or exertion.

  • May improve muscular strength [11][17]
  • May improve recovery and athletic performance [17][33]
  • May improve pain tolerance [12][63]
  • May protect against high-altitude related illness, including hypoxia, AMS and HAPE [8]
  • May support acclimatisation to high altitudes [8]

Cognitive Function, Brain Health & Neuroprotection

Evidence suggests shilajit may support brain function, resilience, and cognitive clarity.

  • May protect against neurodegeneration and demonstrate neuroprotective properties [3][4][16][56][58][74]
  • May enhance memory [6][36]
  • May enhance learning retention [6]
  • May increase dopamine levels [6]
  • May restore blood-brain barrier integrity [56]

Stress, Anxiety, Mood & Mental Resilience

Research suggests shilajit may influence stress response, mood regulation, and nervous system balance.

  • May reduce anxiety [6][12][18][27][36][48][70]
  • May improve stress tolerance [27][33][60]
  • May present antipsychotic-like properties [57][69]
  • May reduce alcohol withdrawal and dependence symptoms [18]
  • Potentially displays positive effects against opioid withdrawal, dependence and tolerance [61]

Hormonal Health, Libido & Fertility

Studies indicate shilajit may support hormonal balance and reproductive health.

  • May increase androgenic hormones, including testosterone and DHEA [1][9]
  • May improve fertility [9][43][55]
  • May enhance libido [43]
  • May improve erectile function [38]

Immune Function, Disease Resistance & Antimicrobial Effects

Evidence suggests shilajit may influence immune response and microbial balance.

  • May positively modulate immune response [8][31][34][35][49][66][67]
  • May improve disease resistance [49]
  • May present antimicrobial properties [16][22][23]
  • May present antiviral properties [42][46]
  • May present antifungal properties [23][37]

Detoxification, Environmental Protection & Heavy Metal Binding

Research suggests fulvic acid in shilajit may assist in detoxification and protection from environmental toxins.

  • May detoxify and protect from heavy metals (fulvic acid binding capacity reported 5–100× stronger than clays) [19][24][26][43]
  • May bind to pesticides, including glyphosate, and block absorption [21]
  • Fulvic acid may neutralise glyphosate's antimicrobial effects, supporting gut flora [8][22]
  • May protect against and detoxify radiation (radionuclides) [20][44][54]
  • May mitigate graphene toxicity [75][76]

Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Ageing Properties

Studies suggest shilajit may combat oxidative stress and inflammation.

  • May present antioxidant properties [2][7][13][14][23][27][31][32][45][54][58][59]
  • May present anti-ageing properties [29][30]
  • May be cardioprotective [13][14][53]

Digestive, Liver & Metabolic Support

Evidence suggests shilajit may support digestion, liver function, and nutrient absorption.

  • May promote healthy digestion and absorption of foods [8]
  • May be liver-protective [7][39][40]
  • May present anti-ulcerogenic properties [50][68][73]
  • May improve iron absorption and bioavailability [8]
  • May support iron-deficiency anemia without causing iron toxicity [15]

Bone, Skin & Tissue Repair

Research suggests shilajit may support structural integrity and tissue regeneration.

  • May support bone health [45][47][64][72]
  • May improve wound healing [51][62][68][71]
  • Has been used to support healing of skin conditions, including psoriasis, eczema, seborrheic keratosis, pruritis and actinic keratosis [23][52]
  • May be photoprotective, potentially increasing UV tolerance and reducing skin damage [8]

Cellular Regulation (Preclinical)

Preclinical studies suggest fulvic compounds may influence abnormal cellular behaviour.

  • May inhibit proliferation of cancerous cells via apoptosis induction [7][65]
  • Fulvic acid may influence tumour healing pathways [7][25][41]

The Resin Behind The Research

Experience Verified Shilajit

Premium High-Altitude Shilajit Resin — independently lab tested for purity, potency, and fulvic acid content.

Try Lab Tested Shilajit
4.9  |  Based on 10,500+ customers
[1]Clinical evaluation of purified Shilajit on testosterone levels in healthy volunteers
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26395129/
[2]Therapeutic Potential of Fulvic Acid in Chronic Inflammatory Diseases and Diabetes
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jdr/2018/5391014/
[3]Shilajit: A Natural Phytocomplex with Potential Procognitive Activity
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3296184/
[4]Fulvic acid inhibits aggregation and promotes disassembly of tau fibrils associated with Alzheimer's disease
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21785188/
[5]Complement-fixing activity of fulvic acid from Shilajit and other natural sources
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19107845/
[6]Effects of Shilajit on memory, anxiety and brain monoamines in rats
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/275715043_Effects_of_Shilajit_on_memory_anxiety_and_brain_monoamines_in_rats
[7]Mineral pitch induces apoptosis and inhibits proliferation via modulating reactive oxygen species in hepatic cancer cells
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4882837/
[8]Shilajit: A panacea for high-altitude problems
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2876922/
[9]Clinical evaluation of spermatogenic activity of processed Shilajit in oligospermia
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20078516/
[10]Safety and efficacy of shilajit (mumie, moomiyo)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23733436/
[11]The effects of Shilajit supplementation on fatigue-induced decreases in muscular strength and serum hydroxyproline levels
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30728074/
[12]Glycine- and GABA-mimetic Actions of Shilajit on the Substantia Gelatinosa Neurons of the Trigeminal Subnucleus Caudalis in Mice
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3222798/
[13]Shilajit: evaluation of its effects on blood chemistry of normal human subjects
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22557121/
[14]Cardioprotective effect of mumie (shilajit) on experimentally induced myocardial injury
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24448712/
[15]Evaluation of safety profile of black shilajit after 91 days repeated administration in rats
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3609271/
[16]Mumijo Traditional Medicine: Fossil Deposits from Antarctica (Chemical Composition and Beneficial Bioactivity)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3139983/
[17]The Human Skeletal Muscle Transcriptome in Response to Oral Shilajit Supplementation
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4948208/
[18]Effect of Withania Somnifera and Shilajit on Alcohol Addiction in Mice
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4883068/
[19]Humic + Fulvic acid mitigated Cd adverse effects on plant growth, physiology and biochemical properties of garden cress
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8044109/
[20]Direct and Indirect Detoxification Effects of Humic Substances
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/348643071_Direct_and_Indirect_Detoxification_Effects_of_Humic_Substances
[21]Adsorption of Glyphosate by Humic Substances
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jf950620x
[22]Neutralization of the antimicrobial effect of glyphosate by humic acid in vitro
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24268342/
[23]Effects of Fulvic Acid on Skin: A brief literature review
https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Effects-of-Fulvic-Acid-on-Skin-Karr/7444ac717fe63124d0bc952d52c8567dca65c52b
[24]Effects of a fulvic acid on the adsorption of mercury and cadmium on goethite
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12663188/
[25]Yuan, Shenyuan; Fulvic Acid, 4 1988; in Application of Fulvic acid and its derivatives in the fields of agriculture and medicine; First Edition: June 1993
https://www.purefulvicminerals.com/wp-content/uploads/fulvicacidii-1.pdf
[26]Effect of fulvic acids on lead-induced oxidative stress to metal sensitive Vicia faba L. plant
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00374-012-0662-9
[27]Shilajit attenuates behavioral symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome by modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and mitochondrial bioenergetics in rats
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22771318/
[28]Effect of humic substances on mitochondrial respiration and oxidative phosphorylation
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0048969787905213
[29]Therapeutic Potentials of "Shilajit Rasayana" - A Review
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/266968908_Therapeutic_Potentials_of_Shilajit_Rasayana-A_Review
[30]Spectroscopic characterization of fulvic acids extracted from the rock exudate Shilajit
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0146638008002647
[31]Effect of fulvic and humic acids on performance, immune response and thyroid function in rats
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21073632/
[32]Effects of shilajit on biogenic free radicals
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ptr.2650090113
[33]Beneficial Effect of Processed Shilajit on Swimming Exercise Induced Impaired Energy Status of Mice
https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/BENEFICIAL-EFFECT-OF-PROCESSED-SHILAJIT-ON-SWIMMING-Bhattacharyya-Pal/bec16b0361d61d278d096d2489cdae108836cb07
[34]Effect of Shilajit on Mouse Peritoneal Macrophages
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ptr.2650070608
[35]Chemistry of shilajit, an immunomodulatory Ayurvedic rasayan
https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1351/pac199062071285/pdf
[36]Effects of shilajit and its active constituents on learning and memory in rats
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ptr.2650070109
[37]Antifungal activity screening and hplc analysis of crude extract from Tectona grandis, Shilajit, Valeriana wallachi
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/283779525_Antifungal_activity_screening_and_hplc_analysis_of_crude_extract_from_Tectona_grandis_Shilajit_Valeriana_wallachi
[38]Parasympathomimetic effect of shilajit accounts for relaxation of rat corpus cavernosum
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23060465/
[39]Hepatoprotective effects of Shilajit on high fat-diet induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in rats
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32083445/
[40]Protective Roles of Shilajit in Modulating Resistin, Adiponectin, and Cytokines in Rats with Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35258780/
[41]Mumio (Shilajit) as a potential chemotherapeutic for the urinary bladder cancer treatment
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34799663/
[42]Antiviral activity of natural humic substances and shilajit materials against HIV-1: Relation to structure
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33065073/
[43]Profertility effects of Shilajit on cadmium-induced infertility in male mice
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947420/
[44]Evaluation of preventive effect of shilajit on radiation-induced apoptosis on ovaries
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26530234/
[45]Shilajit extract reduces oxidative stress, inflammation, and bone loss to dose-dependently preserve bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with osteopenia: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35933897/
[46]In vitro evaluation of the antiviral properties of Shilajit and investigation of its mechanisms of action
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25792012/
[47]Accelerating effect of Shilajit on osteogenic property of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36153551/
[48]Activation of Strychnine-Sensitive Glycine Receptors by Shilajit on Preoptic Hypothalamic Neurons of Juvenile Mice
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26875561/
[49]Protective efficacy of Shilajit enriched diet on growth performance and immune resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila in Oreochromis mossambicus
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30102974/
[50]Antiulcerogenic and antiinflammatory studies with shilajit
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2345464/
[51]Development of dual crosslinked mumio-based hydrogel dressing for wound healing application: Physico-chemistry and antimicrobial activity
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378517321007584
[52]Skin Transcriptome of Middle-Aged Women Supplemented With Natural Herbo-mineral Shilajit Shows Induction of Microvascular and Extracellular Matrix Mechanisms
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07315724.2018.1564088
[53]Effect of shilajit on the heart of Daphnia: A preliminary study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22529672/
[54]Ameliorative efficacy of bioencapsulated Chironomous larvae with Shilajit on Zebrafish (Danio rerio) exposed to Ionizing radiation
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28697403/
[55]The spermatogenic and ovogenic effects of chronically administered Shilajit to rats
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16698205/
[56]The Effects of Shilajit on Brain Edema, Intracranial Pressure and Neurologic Outcomes following the Traumatic Brain Injury in Rat
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23997917/
[57]Antiepileptic and antipsychotic activities of standardized Silajatu (Shilajit) in experimental animals
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26865744/
[58]Novel Nutraceutical Compounds in Alzheimer Prevention
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35204750/
[59]Oxidative stress induced by lead and antioxidant potential of certain adaptogens in poultry
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21170243/
[60]Adaptogenic activity of Siotone, a polyherbal formulation of Ayurvedic rasayanas
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11218827/
[61]Traditional Chinese and Indian medicine in the treatment of opioid-dependence: a review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25050276/
[62]Ferulic Acid Induces Keratin 6α via Inhibition of Nuclear β-Catenin Accumulation and Activation of Nrf2 in Wound-Induced Inflammation
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33922346/
[63]Mumijo attenuates chemically induced inflammatory pain in mice
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25830280/
[64]Efficacy of Momiai in Tibia Fracture Repair: A Randomized Double-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32310691/
[65]Mummy Induces Apoptosis Through Inhibiting of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) in Human Breast Cancer Cells
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34466597/
[66]Immunostimulant effect of a mixed herbal extract on infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) vaccinated chickens in the context of a co-infection model of avian influenza virus H9N2 and IBDV
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32563798/
[67]Characterization and biological activities of humic substances from mumie
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12926866/
[68]Phenol-Rich Compounds Sweet Gel: A Statistically More Effective Antibiotic than Cloxacillin Against Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27695634/
[69]Role of humic acid on oral drug delivery of an antiepileptic drug
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20815797/
[70]Evaluation of the Anxiolytic Activity of NR-ANX-C (a Polyherbal Formulation) in Ethanol Withdrawal-Induced Anxiety Behavior in Rats
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20953426/
[71]The Effect of Mummy on Some Indices of Wound Healing in Mice
https://jkmu.kmu.ac.ir/article_17387.html
[72]Reparative regeneration of the bone tissue under the effect of mumie-asyl
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/530633/
[73]Ulcer healing activity of Mumijo aqueous extract against acetic acid induced gastric ulcer in rats
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25709338/
[74]Erchuan Wang et al, Humic acid, 3 (1991)
[75]Humic acid acts as a natural antidote of graphene by regulating nanomaterial translocation and metabolic fluxes in vivo
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24857237/
[76]Mitigation in Multiple Effects of Graphene Oxide Toxicity in Zebrafish Embryogenesis Driven by Humic Acid
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26171725/