SupplementPreliminary evidenceEnergy

Shilajit (mumijo)

Mineral-pitch resinous Ayurvedic and Central Asian remedy with preliminary RCT signal for T modulation and exercise tolerance.

Why

Shilajit (mumijo in Russian/Central Asian medicine) is a tarry resinous material seeping from Himalayan, Caucasian and Altai rocks, used in Ayurvedic and Russian medicine for energy and longevity. Modern RCT evidence is small but increasing, the Pandit 2016 RCT reported T elevation in healthy adult men over 90 days, and the Keller 2019 RCT supported retention of muscle strength after exercise. Quality varies widely; heavy-metal and contamination concerns require third-party tested purified shilajit.

How it works

Fulvic and humic acid content modulates mitochondrial function via electron-transport-chain support, with antioxidant effects on muscle and CNS. Dibenzo-α-pyrones may modulate androgen synthesis. Multiple trace minerals contribute.

Expected onset · T markers over 8–12 weeks; energy and exercise effects within 4–8 weeks

How to take

Dosage

Purified shilajit extract: 250 mg twice daily (Pandit dose). Some products go up to 500 mg twice daily.

Timing

Divided morning and evening with food

On the label

Third-party tested purified shilajit (Primavie is a studied branded extract); stated fulvic acid content. Avoid bulk crude shilajit.

Ideal for

Adults exploring Ayurvedic energy support; men with subclinical low testosterone seeking nutritional adjuncts under specialist guidance; active adults seeking exercise-recovery aids.

Safety

Quality is the principal limit: heavy metal (lead, arsenic, mercury), free-radical and microbial contamination has been documented in unpurified bulk material. Buy only third-party-tested purified shilajit. Iron-overload disorders: contraindicated (shilajit is iron-rich). Caution with diabetes (hypoglycaemic effect) and antihypertensives. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: avoid (limited data plus quality concerns).

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Evidence

At a glance

Pandit 2016 Andrologia RCT (n=75 healthy men): purified Shilajit 250 mg twice daily for 90 days raised free testosterone by 17.4% and total testosterone by 23.5% vs placebo. Keller 2019 supported retention of strength after eccentric exercise. Preliminary evidence, no Cochrane review, EMA HMPC monograph or EFSA-authorised health claim covers this indication; cited RCTs are small or in non-tier-1 journals. Useful as honest reference rather than evidence-grade recommendation.

Limitations

Preliminary evidence, no Cochrane review, EMA HMPC monograph or EFSA-authorised health claim covers this indication; cited RCTs are small or in non-tier-1 journals. Useful as honest reference rather than evidence-grade recommendation.

Where to get it

Shop Shilajit (mumijo) on Amazon

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