Natural Ingredients · Mineral pitch
Shilajit
Not a plant: a mineral-organic exudate from mountain rock · also called Shilajit, mumie, momiai, mineral pitch, ZhaXun (Chinese-market extract)
Shilajit is a soft, black, sticky material that seeps from high mountain rock and is used in Ayurveda and other traditions. Laboratory studies have found toxic metals such as lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury and thallium in some samples, and quality varies a lot. Human trials are few, small and short, and several used branded products or had company funding. Single case reports describe a severe allergic reaction and, in pregnancy, high blood pressure with low potassium. This profile puts the safety evidence first.
General information, not medical advice. Last substantive update · Not medically reviewed. A named clinician has not signed off on this page. How this page is made
About Shilajit
Shilajit is a black mineral pitch sold as a supplement. Lab studies have found toxic metals in some samples. Human research is a handful of small trials, many on branded purified products, plus lab and animal work. Reported harms are single case reports and rat tissue changes. No trial shows it treats any illness.
What it is
Shilajit is a soft, black natural material harvested from rock at high altitude, above 2,000 m in one paper. It is not a plant, so there is no plant name or part. A 2025 review says its chemical makeup and origin are not known with certainty: some think it forms from plant residue or animal waste, others that it seeps from rock. More than 80% of its weight is humic substances and almost 20% calcium, potassium and magnesium. A 2026 DNA study of one set of processed samples found 50 plant groups.
Traditional use
Shilajit is described as an Ayurvedic rasayana (rejuvenating remedy), is used in Tibetan medicine (the extract ZhaXun for liver disorders) and in Persian medicine for bone repair. Traditional use is not proof it works or is safe.
What the research shows
One 90-day trial in healthy men aged 45 to 55 found higher testosterone with a purified extract, and a systematic review rated it possibly effective in men with late-onset low testosterone. A 48-week trial of 60 postmenopausal women found smaller bone density loss with an extract. One trial of 160 adults found tibia fractures united about 24 days faster. An 8-week trial in 63 men found less strength loss in a subgroup. A combination trial was funded by Kerry Inc., and one rat study by a shilajit resin company.
Quality and why samples differ
Samples differ strongly by region in phenolic acids, anions and metals, and one quality study describes low uniformity. Results for one form do not carry to another.
Regulatory status
We did not find a statement on shilajit from a regulator or health agency in the pages we could read. Memorial Sloan Kettering's page returned not found, and NCCIH and MedlinePlus were not read.
At a glance
Traditional uses history, not proof
- Described as an Ayurvedic rasayana (rejuvenating remedy).
- Reported use for male infertility by traditional healers of the Indian subcontinent.
- Used in Tibetan medicine; the extract called ZhaXun has been used for liver disorders.
- Used for bone repair in Persian medicine.
Studied for research
- Testosterone in healthy men (one trial), low
- Bone density after menopause (one trial), low
- Healing after a tibia fracture (one trial), low
- Strength after fatiguing exercise, very low
- Metabolic markers (combination product), insufficient
- Cancer, liver and fertility (cells and animals only), insufficient
Main compounds
- Humic substances, including fulvic acid (more than 80% of weight in one review)
- Calcium, potassium and magnesium
- Phenolic acids such as gallic acid
- Metals, including toxic ones, in varying amounts
Common forms
- Raw or purified resin
- Standardized extract
- Capsules and powder
- Combination products
Research links: Shilajit contamination and heavy metals · Fulvic acid and humic acid · Metals review 2024 (abstract) · Thallium in shilajit (abstract) · Anaphylaxis case report (abstract) · Research Library · Genes & Biomarkers Library
What it is and its history
- Accepted scientific name
- Shilajit
- Common names
- Shilajit (Sanskrit-derived, used in English); Mumie / mummy (English); Momiai (as in the Iranian trial paper); Mineral pitch (English); ZhaXun (Chinese-market name)
- Native range
- Found in about 20 regions of the world (review); Himalayan ranges and other high rocky areas in the sources read.
- Habitat
- Harvested from rock at high altitude, above 2,000 m in the Tibetan-medicine paper.
- What it looks like
- Note: A soft, black, sticky tar-like material (review and fulvic descriptions).
- Harvest and processing
- Harvested, then processed or purified into resin, powder or extract; details were not read.
- Look-alikes and adulterants
- Name: Other mineral-pitch products; Note: Mumijo, momiai and asphaltum may be different materials; not confirmed.; Name: Fake resin; Note: We did not find a source on counterfeit shilajit.
Traditional use and history history, not clinical proof
| Tradition or era | Documented use | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Ayurveda | Described as a rasayana (rejuvenating remedy) and Vajikarak (aphrodisiac); traditional healers of the Indian subcontinent reportedly used it for male infertility. | p26395129 |
| Tibetan and Chinese medicine | Tibetan medicine; the extract known in China as ZhaXun has historically been used for liver disorders. | p40957543 |
| Persian medicine | Oral use for bone repair. | p32310691 |
| Ancient Egypt (claim) | A 2025 review says it was the main constituent used for mummification by dynastic Egyptians; not checked elsewhere. | p38133965 |
Traditional use shows how it was used. It does not show that it works or is safe today.
What is inside, and how it may work
What it contains and how those compounds act in cells and animals. Laboratory and animal mechanisms are not proven effects in people.
Main compounds
| Compound | Family | Where it is concentrated | Activity studied | Level of evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Humic substances (including fulvic acid) | humic substances | More than 80% of weight in the review | Described as metal-binding; fulvic acid is also named as a marker. Their roles are not established. 9 14 15 | Review |
| Calcium, potassium, magnesium | minerals | Almost 20% of weight in the review | Calcium was found as a calcium-lactic acid complex in 12 samples. 9 11 | Lab |
| Phenolic acids (gallic, caffeic, others) | plant-type compounds | Gallic acid up to 2839 micrograms per gram in one Iranian sample | Antioxidant in the lab; amounts vary by region. 12 9 | Lab |
| Toxic metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury, thallium and others) | contaminants and natural elements | Varies by sample; see Safety. | Harmful at enough exposure; presence is the main quality concern. 7 8 1 11 | Lab |
Mechanisms, receptors and pathways
| Target or pathway | Gene or receptor | What was found | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muscle and skin connective-tissue and blood-vessel genes | extracellular matrix genes | More active in biopsies after weeks of supplementation in two small human studies; not a health outcome. 2 3 | Human biomarker |
| Inflammation and cell-death pathways (NF-kB, AKT, caspase-3) | NF-kB | Lowered in mice with drug-induced liver injury and in cell tests; not shown in people. 6 4 | Animal research |
| Gut bacteria | n/a | Three commercial samples had different effects on gut bacteria groups in a digestion model. 13 | Lab |
Absorption, metabolism and elimination
- Absorption
- Not studied in the sources read.
- Distribution
- Not studied.
- Metabolism
- Not studied.
- Elimination
- Not studied.
- Bioavailability
- Not established; a metal paper reports most metals sit in small humic complexes, but absorption in people was not tested.
Isolated compounds versus whole extracts
Raw resin, purified extracts, capsules and combination products are different. Most human trials used purified branded extracts; one used a branded resin and one used a very small amount inside a combination. Do not apply one result to another form.
Nutritional composition
Shilajit is not a nutrient. Its mineral content varies by sample and gives no proven nutritional benefit.
3 low certainty1 very low certainty5 not enough evidence
What was looked at
The 9 benefits and uses checked for Shilajit, each with how strong the evidence is. Tap one to open it.
- Testosterone and male hormonesLow certainty
- Muscle strength, fatigue and exercise recoveryVery low certainty
- Bone density after menopauseLow certainty
- Healing after a broken shin boneLow certainty
- Metabolic risk markers (combination product)Not enough evidence
- Skin blood flow and tissue gene activityNot enough evidence
- Cancer (cells and animals only)Not enough evidence
- Liver protection (mice only)Not enough evidence
- Male fertility (mice only)Not enough evidence
Lab markers tracked in the studies
Total testosteroneBone mineral densityTime to bone unionStrength decline after fatiguing exerciseSkin blood flowLiver enzymes (ALT and AST) in mice
What is Shilajit good for?
The uses people ask about and how strong the human evidence is for each. None is proven, and all must be read with the safety section.
Benefits, one by one
Each card is a research question, not a promise. Tap a goal to filter. Open a card to see the studies, doses and limits.
Testosterone and male hormones
Low certaintyOne 90-day trial in healthy men aged 45 to 55 found higher total testosterone, free testosterone and DHEAS than placebo with one purified shilajit extract. A systematic review rated that extract possibly effective for men with late-onset low testosterone, and said most other so-called boosters fail. This is a hormone number, not proof of better health.
3 studiesPurified shilajit extract in the trial, taken twice a day for 90 days…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
One randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (healthy men aged 45 to 55) and a systematic review of testosterone boosters that rates one purified extract as possibly effective in men with late-onset hypogonadism. A rat study of resin samples also reported higher testosterone, but it was funded by a shilajit resin maker.
Results
Total testosterone, free testosterone and DHEAS rose significantly compared with placebo after 90 days (P < 0.05). LH and FSH were maintained. The abstract gives no numbers or group size.
Effect sizes as reported
Higher hormone levels than placebo; size not stated in the abstract
Why this rating
One small trial of one purified product, a blood marker rather than symptoms, and the abstract gives no group size or numbers. The review says most boosters fail.
Form and dose studied
Purified shilajit extract in the trial, taken twice a day for 90 days. Results do not carry to raw or other products.
Who was studied
Healthy men aged 45 to 55.
Limits
Hormone number only; no information on fertility, sexual function or long-term effects in men.
Why researchers looked
Shilajit is sold as a male vitality product, so researchers checked hormone levels.
Traditional use
Used in Ayurveda as a rasayana (rejuvenating remedy); described as an aphrodisiac in the mouse study paper (not proof of effect).
Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory
No mechanism for human hormone change is established in the sources read.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Shilajit quality varies and some samples contain toxic metals. See the Safety tab first.
Muscle strength, fatigue and exercise recovery
Very low certaintyAn 8-week trial in 63 young men found less strength loss after fatiguing exercise only in one subgroup at the higher amount. A 28-day open-label pilot in 25 men reported before-and-after gains, but with no comparison group these cannot be credited to shilajit.
3 studiesBranded purified product (8 weeks) and a branded resin (28 days), bot…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
One randomised trial (63 men, branded purified product, 250 or 500 mg a day) and one open-label pilot (25 men, branded resin, 500 mg a day) plus a muscle-gene study.
Results
In the randomised trial, strength fell by 8.9% with 500 mg versus 17.0% (250 mg) and 16.0% (placebo) in the stronger half of the men (p = 0.022 and 0.044). No difference between 250 mg and placebo. The pilot reported leg-press strength +12.94%, fatigue score -32.40% and CRP -25.35% over 28 days with no control.
Effect sizes as reported
Smaller strength loss in one subgroup at 500 mg; uncontrolled gains in the pilot
Why this rating
The main effect appeared only after splitting the men into groups, a second study had no control group, and both used branded products in young healthy men.
Form and dose studied
Branded purified product (8 weeks) and a branded resin (28 days), both studied in men.
Who was studied
Healthy, recreationally active men aged 21 to 55.
Limits
No women; short; no data on athletic results.
Why researchers looked
Shilajit is marketed as an energy and performance product.
Traditional use
Traditionally described as a rejuvenator and performance enhancer (the pilot study paper).
Proposed mechanism Human biomarker
Muscle biopsy work in overweight adults found more active connective-tissue genes after 8 weeks, which is a marker, not a performance result.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Shilajit quality varies and some samples contain toxic metals. See the Safety tab first.
Bone density after menopause
Low certaintyIn one 48-week trial of 60 postmenopausal women with osteopenia, bone density kept falling on placebo and the loss was smaller with a standardized shilajit extract, more so at the higher amount. It measured bone density and blood markers, not fractures.
1 studiesStandardized aqueous extract, 250 or 500 mg a day for 48 weeks.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
One randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 60 women aged 45 to 65.
Results
Bone density at the spine and femoral neck fell on placebo and was dose-dependently reduced with 250 or 500 mg of the extract (p < 0.001 at 24 and 48 weeks). Bone breakdown markers fell and hsCRP fell.
Effect sizes as reported
Smaller bone density loss than placebo
Why this rating
One small trial, no fracture outcome, one standardized extract, funding not stated in the abstract, and no repeat by other groups.
Form and dose studied
Standardized aqueous extract, 250 or 500 mg a day for 48 weeks.
Who was studied
Postmenopausal women aged 45 to 65 with osteopenia.
Limits
Fractures not measured; only 60 women.
Why researchers looked
Bone loss after menopause is linked to oxidative stress and inflammation, which shilajit extracts are said to reduce.
Traditional use
Persian medicine uses momiai for bone repair (fracture trial paper).
Proposed mechanism Human biomarker
The authors propose lower bone turnover, oxidative stress and inflammation; this is their interpretation of blood markers.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Shilajit quality varies and some samples contain toxic metals. See the Safety tab first.
Healing after a broken shin bone
Low certaintyIn 160 adults after surgery for a tibia fracture, bone union took 129 days with momiai capsules and 153 with placebo. Reported side effects did not differ.
1 studiesTwo 500 mg capsules for 28 days (as reported); product details not in…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
One randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial at three hospitals in Tehran.
Results
Mean time to bone union was 129 days versus 153 days (p < 0.049); adverse effects not significantly different (p = 0.839).
Effect sizes as reported
About 24 days faster mean union
Why this rating
One trial with a borderline p-value, a product not described in the abstract, and only 28 days of use; no repeat trial found.
Form and dose studied
Two 500 mg capsules for 28 days (as reported); product details not in the abstract.
Who was studied
Adults aged 18 to 60 after tibia fracture surgery.
Limits
Metal content of the product was not reported in the abstract.
Why researchers looked
Momiai has been used traditionally for bone repair in Persian medicine.
Traditional use
Used for bone repair in Persian medicine and locally for fractures (sources read).
Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory
Not established in the sources read.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Shilajit quality varies and some samples contain toxic metals. See the Safety tab first.
Metabolic risk markers (combination product)
Not enough evidenceA 12-week trial gave a combination of chromium, amla fruit extract and a very small amount of shilajit to people with metabolic risk factors. Some markers moved, but shilajit cannot be given credit and the trial was funded by a supplement company.
1 studiesA combination capsule; shilajit portion tiny.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
One randomised placebo-controlled trial of 166 adults (109 finished), alongside an exercise and diet programme.
Results
Some evidence (p < 0.05 or approaching it) of better markers with amla alone and with the combination versus placebo, more consistent at 6 than 12 weeks.
Effect sizes as reported
Mixed small differences
Why this rating
Shilajit was only 6 to 12 mg in a combination, many outcomes were tested, near-significant results were counted, and a company funded it.
Form and dose studied
A combination capsule; shilajit portion tiny.
Who was studied
Sedentary adults with at least two metabolic risk factors.
Limits
Cannot say anything about shilajit alone.
Why researchers looked
Shilajit has been described as having lipid-lowering and anti-inflammatory properties.
Traditional use
No traditional use for this was described in the sources read.
Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory
Not established.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Shilajit quality varies and some samples contain toxic metals. See the Safety tab first.
Skin blood flow and tissue gene activity
Not enough evidenceTwo small human studies looked at gene activity in biopsies. In healthy women, 14 weeks of shilajit improved skin blood flow at the higher amount. In overweight adults, muscle connective-tissue genes were more active. These are lab markers, not results people feel or see.
2 studiesPurified, standardized shilajit, 125 or 250 mg twice daily.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
One placebo-compared study in healthy women (skin) and one before-and-after study in overweight adults (muscle). Group sizes were not given in the abstracts.
Results
Skin blood flow improved at 250 mg twice daily compared with baseline or placebo; no adverse effects reported over 14 weeks. In muscle, 17 connective-tissue gene probe sets were more active after 8 weeks, with no change in blood sugar or fats.
Effect sizes as reported
Marker changes only
Why this rating
Small studies, group sizes not stated, gene activity rather than health outcomes.
Form and dose studied
Purified, standardized shilajit, 125 or 250 mg twice daily.
Who was studied
Healthy women; overweight or mildly obese adults.
Limits
No skin appearance or wound outcome measured.
Why researchers looked
Researchers wanted to see what shilajit does to tissue gene activity.
Traditional use
Not described in the sources read.
Proposed mechanism Human biomarker
Gene activity changes in blood-vessel and connective-tissue pathways were found in biopsies.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Shilajit quality varies and some samples contain toxic metals. See the Safety tab first.
Cancer (cells and animals only)
Not enough evidenceA 2026 systematic review found nine preclinical studies, eight in cells and one in an animal, and no clinical studies. Cells were killed in a dose-related way in the lab. This does not show that shilajit treats or prevents cancer in people.
1 studiesVaried preparations in the lab.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
Systematic review of nine preclinical studies; no human trial.
Results
All nine reported dose-related cell killing (IC50 31 to 1103 micrograms per mL, depending on cancer type and preparation).
Effect sizes as reported
No human result
Why this rating
Cells and one animal model only; the authors call clinical use speculative.
Form and dose studied
Varied preparations in the lab.
Who was studied
Cell lines and one animal model.
Limits
Not a treatment; do not use instead of cancer care.
Why researchers looked
Humic and fulvic substances are being tested in cell models.
Traditional use
Not described in the sources read.
Proposed mechanism Laboratory cell
Test-tube findings: reactive oxygen species, NF-kB signalling and cell cycle arrest.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Shilajit quality varies and some samples contain toxic metals. See the Safety tab first.
Liver protection (mice only)
Not enough evidenceIn mice given a toxic dose of acetaminophen, a shilajit extract used in China lowered liver enzymes and inflammation markers. No human trial exists. Separately, rat safety work found mild to moderate liver and kidney tissue changes (see Safety).
2 studiesA Chinese-market extract (ZhaXun).
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
One mouse and liver-cell study.
Results
Pretreatment lowered ALT by 75.0% and AST by 69.8% in mice at 0.4 to 1.6 g per kg.
Effect sizes as reported
Less injury in mice
Why this rating
Animals and cells; large amounts per kg; unrelated to human use.
Form and dose studied
A Chinese-market extract (ZhaXun).
Who was studied
Mice and HepG2 liver cells.
Limits
Do not treat liver problems with shilajit.
Why researchers looked
The extract is used in Tibetan medicine for liver disorders.
Traditional use
Described as historically used for liver disorders in Tibetan medicine (ZhaXun paper).
Proposed mechanism Laboratory cell
Authors propose effects on inflammation and cell-death pathways; shown in cells and mice only.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Shilajit quality varies and some samples contain toxic metals. See the Safety tab first.
Male fertility (mice only)
Not enough evidenceIn mice made infertile with cadmium, shilajit improved sperm and testosterone measures. No human fertility trial was found in what we read.
1 studiesDaily by mouth for 35 days in mice.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
One mouse study.
Results
Higher sperm production, testosterone, motility and fertility measures in cadmium-treated mice.
Effect sizes as reported
Better measures in mice
Why this rating
Mice with a toxic-metal injury; may not apply to men. Note that shilajit itself can contain cadmium (see Safety).
Form and dose studied
Daily by mouth for 35 days in mice.
Who was studied
Male mice.
Limits
No human data.
Why researchers looked
Traditional healers of the Indian subcontinent are reported to have used shilajit for male infertility.
Traditional use
Reported use for male infertility by traditional healers (mouse study paper).
Proposed mechanism Laboratory cell
Authors suggest an androgen-like effect; shown in mice only.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Shilajit quality varies and some samples contain toxic metals. See the Safety tab first.
Connections to the rest of health
How Shilajit connects to the rest of our health knowledge graph. Every link says what kind of connection it is. A safety link (for example to the liver) is a warning, not a benefit. A study that merely mentions a topic never creates a benefit link.
Explore every connection: goals, body systems, organs, symptoms, genes
A. Wellness goals
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male Hormonal Balance | Biological association | Low certainty | Testosterone and male hormones: One 90-day trial in healthy men aged 45 to 55 found higher total testosterone, free testosterone and DHEAS than placebo with one purified shilajit extract. A systematic review rated that extract possibly effective for men with late-onset low testosterone, and said most other so-called boosters fail. This is a hormone number, not proof of better health. | 20 19 22 |
| Sports Performance | Preliminary mechanism | Very low certainty | Muscle strength, fatigue and exercise recovery: An 8-week trial in 63 young men found less strength loss after fatiguing exercise only in one subgroup at the higher amount. A 28-day open-label pilot in 25 men reported before-and-after gains, but with no comparison group these cannot be credited to shilajit. | 14 27 2 |
| Energy Vitality | Preliminary mechanism | Very low certainty | Muscle strength, fatigue and exercise recovery: An 8-week trial in 63 young men found less strength loss after fatiguing exercise only in one subgroup at the higher amount. A 28-day open-label pilot in 25 men reported before-and-after gains, but with no comparison group these cannot be credited to shilajit. Skin blood flow and tissue gene activity: Two small human studies looked at gene activity in biopsies. In healthy women, 14 weeks of shilajit improved skin blood flow at the higher amount. In overweight adults, muscle connective-tissue genes were more active. These are lab markers, not results people feel or see. | 14 27 2 3 |
| Bone Health | Biological association | Low certainty | Bone density after menopause: In one 48-week trial of 60 postmenopausal women with osteopenia, bone density kept falling on placebo and the loss was smaller with a standardized shilajit extract, more so at the higher amount. It measured bone density and blood markers, not fractures. Healing after a broken shin bone: In 160 adults after surgery for a tibia fracture, bone union took 129 days with momiai capsules and 153 with placebo. Reported side effects did not differ. | 21 23 |
| Metabolic Health | Preliminary mechanism | Not enough evidence | Metabolic risk markers (combination product): A 12-week trial gave a combination of chromium, amla fruit extract and a very small amount of shilajit to people with metabolic risk factors. Some markers moved, but shilajit cannot be given credit and the trial was funded by a supplement company. | 17 |
| Weight Management | Preliminary mechanism | Not enough evidence | Metabolic risk markers (combination product): A 12-week trial gave a combination of chromium, amla fruit extract and a very small amount of shilajit to people with metabolic risk factors. Some markers moved, but shilajit cannot be given credit and the trial was funded by a supplement company. | 17 |
| Skin Health | Preliminary mechanism | Not enough evidence | Skin blood flow and tissue gene activity: Two small human studies looked at gene activity in biopsies. In healthy women, 14 weeks of shilajit improved skin blood flow at the higher amount. In overweight adults, muscle connective-tissue genes were more active. These are lab markers, not results people feel or see. | 3 2 |
| Cancer Support | Preliminary mechanism | Not enough evidence | Cancer (cells and animals only): A 2026 systematic review found nine preclinical studies, eight in cells and one in an animal, and no clinical studies. Cells were killed in a dose-related way in the lab. This does not show that shilajit treats or prevents cancer in people. | 4 |
| Liver Support | Preliminary mechanism | Not enough evidence | Liver protection (mice only): In mice given a toxic dose of acetaminophen, a shilajit extract used in China lowered liver enzymes and inflammation markers. No human trial exists. Separately, rat safety work found mild to moderate liver and kidney tissue changes (see Safety). | 6 22 |
| Male Hormonal Balance | Preliminary mechanism | Not enough evidence | Male fertility (mice only): In mice made infertile with cadmium, shilajit improved sperm and testosterone measures. No human fertility trial was found in what we read. | 18 |
B. Body systems
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Endocrine System | Biological association | Low certainty | Studied for: Testosterone and male hormones | 20 19 22 |
| Musculoskeletal System | Biological association | Very low certainty | Studied for: Muscle strength, fatigue and exercise recovery Studied for: Bone density after menopause | 14 27 2 21 23 3 |
| Cardiovascular System | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Metabolic risk markers (combination product) | 17 |
| Metabolism Weight | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Metabolic risk markers (combination product) | 17 |
| Skin | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Skin blood flow and tissue gene activity | 3 2 |
| Immune System | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Cancer (cells and animals only) | 4 |
| Liver Gallbladder | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Liver protection (mice only) | 6 22 |
| Reproductive System | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Male fertility (mice only) | 18 |
C. Body parts and organs
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liver | Adverse effect or risk | Very low certainty | Mild to moderate liver tissue changes after a single large amount. Mild to moderate tissue changes after a single large amount. Preparation or compound: Shilajit resin, rats |
22 |
| Kidneys | Adverse effect or risk | Very low certainty | Mild to moderate kidney tissue changes after a single large amount. Preparation or compound: Shilajit resin, rats |
22 |
| Immune system | Adverse effect or risk | Very low certainty | Anaphylaxis with shilajit as possible cofactor. Preparation or compound: Shilajit with food, one case |
16 |
I. Biomarkers
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total testosterone | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: raised. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 20 |
| Bone mineral density | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: less loss. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 21 |
| Time to bone union | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: shorter. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 23 |
| Strength decline after fatiguing exercise | Biological association | Very low certainty | Measured in trials: less decline. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 14 |
| Skin blood flow | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Measured in trials: improved. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 3 |
| Liver enzymes (ALT and AST) in mice | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 6 |
K. Biological pathways
L. Active compounds
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Humic substances (including fulvic acid) | Biological association | Review | Described as metal-binding; fulvic acid is also named as a marker. Their roles are not established. | 9 14 15 |
| Calcium, potassium, magnesium | Biological association | Lab | Calcium was found as a calcium-lactic acid complex in 12 samples. | 9 11 |
| Phenolic acids (gallic, caffeic, others) | Biological association | Lab | Antioxidant in the lab; amounts vary by region. | 12 9 |
| Toxic metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury, thallium and others) | Biological association | Lab | Harmful at enough exposure; presence is the main quality concern. | 7 8 1 11 |
Each connection is stored with the ingredient, the connected record, the kind of connection, the evidence status, the supporting studies, the preparation or compound involved, and a review date (last reviewed October 30, 2026).
Evidence at a glance: what changed in 2 lab markers
Tap a number to show only those markers. Counts are markers, not people.
The evidence
The research centre for Shilajit. Every record here was checked against PubMed or the publisher's page; we never list a study we have not verified.
Evidence by outcome
Bars show how many studies we found for each outcome, not how well it works. People are added up across trials only (reviews are not added, to avoid double counting).
How we rate evidence
High certainty
Several well-run trials or reviews agree; further research is unlikely to change the picture much.
Moderate certainty
Good trials point the same way, but some doubt remains.
Low certainty
Small, short or inconsistent trials. The finding could change with better research.
Very low certainty
Very little or very weak human data. Treat as a possibility only.
Mixed findings
Trials or reviews disagree with each other.
Not enough evidence
Not enough human research to say either way.
Evidence against
Good research found no benefit, or found harm.
We take the reviewers' own risk-of-bias and GRADE statements where they exist, and otherwise judge from study size, design, consistency, directness and whether a product matches what is sold. Many publications do not make evidence high. Method note: We searched PubMed and read the abstracts of about 22 papers on shilajit, and tried to find a Memorial Sloan Kettering page (not found). Only abstracts were read. Certainty ratings are the compiler's own reading. Industry funding is flagged where the abstract states it. No study is cited that we could not verify.
Study library: every study we checked 27
| Study | Design | People | Product, dose, length | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aldakheel 2022 Rapid Determination and Quantification of Nutritional and Poisonous Metals in Vastly Consumed Ayurvedic Herbal Medicine (Rejuvenator Shilajit) by Humans Using Three Advanced Analytical Techniques. Biological trace element research · PMID 34800280 · DOI |
Laboratory analysis lab |
2 Two kinds of shilajit sold globally, from India and Pakistan |
Shilajit samples (LIBS, ICP and EDX methods) shilajit (mineral pitch) |
Both contained aluminium, strontium, manganese, barium, zinc, nickel, boron, chromium, lead, arsenic and mercury at amounts the authors say exceeded the standard permissible limit. Mercury and titanium were detected only in the Indian sample. n/a Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Nutrient and toxic element content Limitations: Two sample types only; the abstract does not give the limits used. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Das 2016 The Human Skeletal Muscle Transcriptome in Response to Oral Shilajit Supplementation. Journal of medicinal food · PMID 27414521 · DOI |
Clinical trial (not described as randomised in the abstract) |
Adults who were overweight or mildly obese (class I), United States | Purified standardized shilajit extract shilajit (mineral pitch) 250 mg twice daily 8 weeks, then 4 more weeks with exercise · vs Baseline visit comparison |
Supplementation was well tolerated, with no change in blood sugar or blood fats. Seventeen connective-tissue gene probe sets were more active in muscle after 8 weeks. Gene activity changes; no clinical outcome Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Muscle biopsy gene activity, blood sugar, blood fats, creatine kinase, myoglobin Limitations: Group size not in the abstract; compared with the same people before supplementation; gene activity is not strength or health. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Das 2019 Skin Transcriptome of Middle-Aged Women Supplemented With Natural Herbo-mineral Shilajit Shows Induction of Microvascular and Extracellular Matrix Mechanisms. Journal of the American College of Nutrition · PMID 31161927 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
Healthy adult women (number not given in the abstract) | Shilajit (purified, standardized) versus placebo shilajit (mineral pitch) 125 mg or 250 mg twice daily 14 weeks · vs Placebo |
No adverse effects reported in this period. At 250 mg twice daily, skin blood flow improved compared with baseline or placebo. Genes linked to blood vessel growth and connective tissue were more active. Improved skin blood flow at the higher amount Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Skin gene activity from biopsies, skin blood flow Limitations: Group size not in the abstract; gene activity and skin blood flow, not skin appearance or health outcomes; a short study. Funding and conflicts: NIH extramural and non-US government research support listed. Read: abstract |
| Das 2026 Pre-clinical Evaluation of Shilajit in Cancer: A Systematic Review. Cureus · PMID 41640940 · DOI |
Systematic review (preclinical) lab |
9 Nine preclinical studies (eight in cells, one animal) |
Shilajit preparations shilajit (mineral pitch) |
All nine reported dose-related cell killing (IC50 31 to 1103 micrograms per mL). No clinical studies were eligible and the authors call any translation speculative. n/a Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Anti-cancer effects Limitations: Cells and one animal model. Funding and conflicts: No financial support or relationships declared. Read: abstract |
| Ding 2024 Efficient generation of HPLC and FTIR data for quality assessment using time series generation model: a case study on Tibetan medicine Shilajit. Frontiers in pharmacology · PMID 39624838 · DOI |
Laboratory analysis lab |
Tibetan-medicine shilajit samples in three grades | Shilajit shilajit (mineral pitch) |
The paper describes the high altitude harvest (above 2000 m) and low uniformity of shilajit quality; its main aim was a data-generation method for grading. n/a Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Quality grading by chemical profile Limitations: A method paper. Funding and conflicts: No competing interests declared. Read: abstract |
| He 2026 Shilajit extract (ZhaXun) protects against acetaminophen-induced liver injury via modulation of the NF-κB/AKT/Caspase-3 axis. Journal of ethnopharmacology · PMID 40957543 · DOI |
Animal and cell study mouse |
Mice and liver cells with acetaminophen injury | Shilajit extract known as ZhaXun shilajit (mineral pitch) 0.4, 0.8 or 1.6 g per kg before the toxic dose Acute · vs Untreated injury group |
Pretreatment lowered ALT and AST by 75.0% and 69.8% and reduced inflammation and cell death markers. Less liver injury in mice Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: ALT, AST, inflammation and cell death markers Limitations: Mice and cells only; a large amount per kg. Funding and conflicts: No competing interests declared. Read: abstract |
| Hussain 2024 Hazardous or Advantageous: Uncovering the Roles of Heavy Metals and Humic Substances in Shilajit (Phyto-mineral) with Emphasis on Heavy Metals Toxicity and Their Detoxification Mechanisms. Biological trace element research · PMID 38393486 · DOI |
Narrative review lab |
Literature on shilajit and metals | Shilajit (all forms) shilajit (mineral pitch) |
Reports around 65 metals in shilajit, including toxic ones such as copper, aluminium, lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury. Reported levels were mostly below the WHO and FDA herbal limits it quotes, except in a few studies where they were exceeded. The authors say shilajit consumption without knowing metal levels is not safe. Humic substances may bind some metals but the data on this need clarifying. n/a Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Heavy metal content, toxicity, humic detox ideas Limitations: A literature review; limits quoted are the authors' own list. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Kamgar 2025 Quantifying of thallium in Shilajit and its supplements to unveil the potential risk of consumption of this popular traditional medicine. BMC chemistry · PMID 39827344 · DOI |
Laboratory analysis lab |
Natural shilajit and shilajit supplements from various regions | Shilajit and shilajit supplements shilajit (mineral pitch) |
Thallium up to 0.226 micrograms per gram in natural shilajit and up to 0.5 in supplements. One pill gave up to 0.095 micrograms. Some supplements held more than crude shilajit. The authors raise concern about long-term use and call for regular testing. n/a Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Thallium content Limitations: Measured amounts only; no limit comparison or human harm shown in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: No competing interests declared. Read: abstract |
| Kamgar 2025 A Comprehensive Review on Shilajit: What We Know about Its Chemical Composition. Critical reviews in analytical chemistry · PMID 38133965 · DOI |
Narrative review lab |
Literature on shilajit chemistry | Shilajit shilajit (mineral pitch) |
Its makeup is not known with certainty and its source is unknown (plant residues, animal waste or slow mineral exudate from rock). More than 80% of its weight is humic substances and almost 20% calcium, potassium and magnesium, plus amino acids, fatty acids, caffeic and gallic acid and some metals. n/a Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Chemical composition Limitations: Review of what is published; the authors say no full chemical analysis has been done. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Kamgar 2025 Screening and quantification of inorganic anions in Shilajit and its supplements. BMC chemistry · PMID 40223103 · DOI |
Laboratory analysis lab |
20 14 raw shilajit samples and 6 supplements |
Shilajit and supplements shilajit (mineral pitch) |
Amounts varied widely by origin (for example nitrate up to 9.504 mg per gram in raw samples). The authors say standard formulas and quality control are needed. n/a Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Inorganic anions (chloride, sulphate, nitrate, phosphate, fluoride) Limitations: Measures composition, not safety. Funding and conflicts: No competing interests declared. Read: abstract |
| Kamgar 2026 Characterization of metal composition and molecular weight distribution in Shilajit. Journal of trace elements in medicine and biology : organ of the Society for Minerals and Trace Elements (GMS) · PMID 42364294 · DOI |
Laboratory analysis lab |
12 12 shilajit samples from different places |
Shilajit samples shilajit (mineral pitch) |
Toxic metals (including cobalt, nickel, lead, cadmium, mercury) were present below the toxicity thresholds the authors used. Most metals were attached to small humic-type complexes. n/a Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Metal content (ICP-MS) and how metals are bound Limitations: 12 samples cannot speak for the whole market; thresholds are the authors' choice. Funding and conflicts: No competing interests declared. Read: abstract |
| Kamgar 2026 Plant-derived phenolic acids in Shilajit: a comparative HPLC-MS/MS analysis across five regions. Scientific reports · PMID 41699045 · DOI |
Laboratory analysis lab |
11 11 samples from Iran, India, Nepal, Russia and Kyrgyzstan |
Shilajit samples shilajit (mineral pitch) |
Gallic acid was the most abundant (up to 2839.28 micrograms per gram in an Iranian sample). Amounts varied strongly by region. n/a Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Nine phenolic acids Limitations: Composition only; no health outcome. Funding and conflicts: No competing interests declared. Read: abstract |
| Kamgar 2026 From Phenolic Profile to Gut Function: Comparative Effects of Region-Specific Shilajit on Selected Culturable Intestinal Microbial Groups and β-Glucuronidase Activity-A Preliminary Study. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) · PMID 42357568 · DOI |
Laboratory study lab |
3 Three commercial shilajit samples (Russia, Nepal, Iran) in a digestion model |
Shilajit samples shilajit (mineral pitch) |
Samples had antimicrobial activity and affected gut bacteria groups differently depending on origin. n/a Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Effects on gut microbe groups and an enzyme Limitations: Preliminary test-tube study; not in people. Funding and conflicts: No conflicts declared. Read: abstract |
| Keller 2019 The effects of Shilajit supplementation on fatigue-induced decreases in muscular strength and serum hydroxyproline levels. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition · PMID 30728074 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
63 63 recreationally active men (mean age 21) |
PrimaVie shilajit (branded purified product) versus placebo shilajit (mineral pitch) 250 mg or 500 mg a day 8 weeks · vs Placebo |
In the subgroup with higher starting strength, the fall in strength after fatiguing exercise was 8.9% with 500 mg versus 17.0% with 250 mg and 16.0% with placebo (p = 0.022 and 0.044). No difference between 250 mg and placebo. Hydroxyproline was lower with 500 mg in that subgroup. Smaller strength loss in one subgroup at the higher amount only Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Muscle strength after a fatiguing exercise test, serum hydroxyproline Limitations: Main effects were seen only after splitting the men into subgroups; young healthy men; a branded product. The authors state no competing interests. Funding and conflicts: Authors declare no competing interests; a branded product is named. Read: abstract |
| Kohli 2026 Shilajit-analytical study to understand the phyto complex present in shilajit raw material, extract and resin by using hyphenated techniques. Journal of chromatography. A · PMID 41330163 · DOI |
Laboratory analysis lab |
Shilajit raw material, extract and resin | Shilajit shilajit (mineral pitch) |
Developed methods to measure the marker compounds and minerals for quality control. n/a Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Marker compounds (fulvic acid, hippuric acid, urolithin A) and 14 elements Limitations: A method paper. Funding and conflicts: No competing interests declared. Read: abstract |
| Losa 2019 Exercise-induced anaphylaxis with an Ayurvedic drug as cofactor: A case report. World journal of clinical cases · PMID 30863761 · DOI |
Case report |
1 43-year-old woman, Italy |
Shilajit taken with rice and tuna shilajit (mineral pitch) Single event |
She developed hives after rice, tuna and shilajit, then breathing difficulty, low blood pressure and loss of consciousness about an hour after sexual activity. Skin tests with shilajit were negative and a challenge with shilajit was not done. Tryptase stayed high. The authors considered exercise-induced anaphylaxis with possible mast cell activation. Single case Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), possible cofactor Limitations: One case. Shilajit was a possible cofactor, not proven the cause; she also ate rice and tuna. Funding and conflicts: No conflicts declared. Read: abstract |
| Martinez 2025 Effects of 12 Weeks of Chromium, Phyllanthus emblica Fruit Extract, and Shilajit Supplementation on Markers of Cardiometabolic Health, Fitness, and Weight Loss in Men and Women with Risk Factors to Metabolic Syndrome Initiating an Exercise and Diet Intervention: A Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Nutrients · PMID 40573153 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
166 166 sedentary adults with risk factors for metabolic syndrome (109 finished), all starting an exercise and diet programme |
Combination: chromium plus amla (Phyllanthus emblica) fruit extract plus a small amount of shilajit, or amla alone, versus placebo shilajit as part of a combination product Shilajit part: 6 mg or 12 mg a day inside the combination 12 weeks · vs Placebo |
Some evidence (p < 0.05 or approaching it) of better markers with amla alone and with the chromium, amla and shilajit combination compared with placebo; differences were more consistent at 6 than 12 weeks. Mixed small differences in markers Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Blood vessel stiffness, flow-mediated dilation, platelet aggregation, insulin sensitivity, blood fats, body composition Limitations: Shilajit was a very small part of a combination, so effects cannot be given to shilajit; many outcomes tested; results approaching significance counted; 57 of 166 did not finish. Funding and conflicts: Funded by Kerry Inc. (the abstract says the funder was not involved in design, analysis or writing; one author reports other supplement-industry research funding). Read: abstract |
| Mishra 2018 Profertility effects of Shilajit on cadmium-induced infertility in male mice. Andrologia · PMID 29947420 · DOI |
Animal study (mice) mouse |
Adult male mice with cadmium-induced infertility | Shilajit by mouth shilajit (mineral pitch) 50, 100 or 200 mg per kg 35 days · vs Cadmium-only mice |
Shilajit raised reproductive organ weights, sperm production and testosterone and improved sperm motility and fertility in the cadmium-treated mice. Better fertility measures in mice Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Sperm, testosterone, fertility Limitations: Mice with a toxic-metal injury; does not show an effect in men. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Morgado 2024 Do "testosterone boosters" really increase serum total testosterone? A systematic review. International journal of impotence research · PMID 37697053 · DOI |
Systematic review |
52 studies of 27 proposed testosterone boosters | Many supplements, including purified shilajit extract shilajit (mineral pitch) Varied · vs Placebo |
Most boosters failed to raise total testosterone. A purified shilajit extract (a named brand product) was rated possibly effective for men with late-onset hypogonadism. One purified extract rated possibly effective in one group Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Total testosterone versus placebo in athletes, men with late-onset hypogonadism, infertile men and healthy men Limitations: The rating rests on a very small number of shilajit trials; the abstract does not give effect sizes for shilajit. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Pandit 2016 Clinical evaluation of purified Shilajit on testosterone levels in healthy volunteers. Andrologia · PMID 26395129 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
Healthy volunteers aged 45 to 55 (number not given in the abstract) | Purified shilajit versus placebo shilajit (mineral pitch) 250 mg twice a day 90 days · vs Placebo |
Total testosterone, free testosterone and DHEAS rose significantly compared with placebo (P < 0.05). LH and FSH were well maintained. Higher hormone levels than placebo; no numbers in the abstract Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Total and free testosterone, DHEAS, LH, FSH Limitations: A hormone marker, not symptoms or health outcomes; the abstract gives no group size or numbers; one purified product. A later review names the product (a branded purified extract). Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Pingali 2022 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. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology · PMID 35933897 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
60 60 postmenopausal women aged 45 to 65 with osteopenia |
Standardized aqueous shilajit extract versus placebo shilajit (mineral pitch) 250 mg or 500 mg a day 48 weeks · vs Placebo |
Bone density fell on placebo and the loss was reduced in both extract groups in a dose-related way (p < 0.001 at 24 and 48 weeks). Bone turnover markers, oxidative stress (MDA, GSH) and hsCRP also moved in the extract groups (p < 0.001 for MDA and GSH). Smaller bone density loss than placebo Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Bone mineral density (spine and femoral neck), bone turnover markers, oxidative stress and inflammation markers Limitations: Small trial; bone density and blood markers, not fractures; one standardized extract; the abstract does not state who paid for it. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Rizun 2026 Biogeochemical Evaluation of Shilajit: Testosterone-Modulating Effects, In Vivo Toxicity and Lipid Profile Analysis. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) · PMID 42797531 · DOI |
Animal study (rats) with product analysis rat |
Rats; samples of shilajit resin from different origins | Shilajit resin samples (orally) shilajit (mineral pitch) Single acute oral amounts up to 2000 mg per kg were tested (as the abstract states LD50 above this) 14-day observation · vs Control group |
No deaths or overt signs of toxicity. Tissue examination showed mild to moderate degenerative and necrotic changes in liver and kidney tissue without fibrosis. In an exploratory follow-up of two samples, total and free testosterone were about 2.5-fold and 3.5-fold higher than controls. Tolerated for one acute dose; tissue changes seen Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Acute toxicity, blood fats, testosterone, tissue examination Limitations: Rats; a single acute dose; the authors say tissue effects are not excluded and reversibility is unknown. The first author is the founder and CEO of a shilajit resin company, which funded the work (samples coded and tested blind in independent labs, per the paper). Funding and conflicts: Funded by Purblack Inc., a shilajit resin maker whose CEO is an author. Read: abstract |
| Sadeghi 2020 Efficacy of Momiai in Tibia Fracture Repair: A Randomized Double-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.) · PMID 32310691 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
160 160 adults aged 18 to 60 after surgery for a new tibia (shin bone) fracture, Tehran, Iran |
Momiai (shilajit) capsules versus placebo capsules shilajit (mineral pitch) Two 500 mg capsules (as the abstract states) 28 days · vs Placebo capsules |
Mean time to tibial union was 129 days with momiai and 153 days with placebo (p < 0.049). No significant difference in reported adverse effects (p = 0.839). 24 days shorter mean healing time Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Time to bone union on repeated X-rays; adverse effects Limitations: One trial; the abstract does not describe the product, its testing or metal content; union time judged on X-rays. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Stavropoulos 2018 Pseudohyperaldosteronism due to mumijo consumption during pregnancy: a licorice-like syndrome. Gynecological endocrinology : the official journal of the International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology · PMID 29933704 · DOI |
Case report |
1 37-year-old pregnant woman, Greece |
A herbal supplement called mumijo, taken for 6 months mumijo (identity vs shilajit not confirmed) 6 months |
After a work-up the authors diagnosed a licorice-like syndrome (pseudohyperaldosteronism) due to mumijo. Treatment was potassium and stopping mumijo. Single case Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: High blood pressure and low potassium (licorice-like syndrome) Limitations: One case. The abstract does not say that mumijo is the same material as shilajit, and gives no product analysis. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Ulug 2026 Shilajit as a Natural Product from Sedimentary Rocks: Biological Origin and Antioxidant Properties. Biochemical genetics · PMID 42496934 · DOI |
Laboratory and rat study lab |
Processed shilajit from the Pamir-Alai Mountains; healthy rats | Shilajit shilajit (mineral pitch) · vs Control group |
DNA analysis identified 50 plant groups. No significant difference in oxidative stress markers in healthy rat brain. n/a Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Plant DNA, antioxidant markers in rat brain Limitations: Lab and animal work; one set of processed samples. Funding and conflicts: No competing interests declared. Read: abstract |
| Velmurugan 2012 Evaluation of safety profile of black shilajit after 91 days repeated administration in rats. Asian Pacific journal of tropical biomedicine · PMID 23569899 · DOI |
Animal study (rats) rat |
Albino rats | Black shilajit shilajit (mineral pitch) 500, 2500 or 5000 mg per kg 91 days · vs Vehicle group |
No significant change in iron except in liver at 5000 mg per kg; organs looked normal except negligible changes in liver and intestine at the highest amount. No major organ harm at these amounts in rats Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Organ histology, tissue iron Limitations: Rats; the authors conclude it is safe for long-term use, which a rat study cannot show for people; amounts used are far above human trial amounts. Funding and conflicts: Non-US government research support listed. Read: abstract |
| Yadav 2026 Safety and Efficacy of TruBlk™ Shilajit Resin Supplementation on Physical Performance and Blood Biomarkers in Healthy Adults: A 28-Day Open-Label Pilot Study. Cureus · PMID 41613504 · DOI |
Open label single arm pilot |
25 25 healthy men aged 21 to 55 |
TruBlk shilajit resin (branded) shilajit (mineral pitch) 500 mg a day (250 mg twice daily) 28 days |
Within-group changes after 28 days: leg-press strength +12.94%, endurance +12.30%, grip +5.73%, VO2 max +1.36%, fatigue score -32.40%, CRP -25.35%, lean mass +1.5%. No serious adverse events; safety labs stayed in the normal range. Before-and-after changes, no comparison group Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Leg-press strength, endurance, grip strength, fatigue score, VO2 max, body composition, CRP, safety labs Limitations: Open-label with no control group, so placebo and training effects cannot be separated; 28 days; men only; a branded resin. Funding and conflicts: Authors declare no financial support or financial relationships; a branded product is named. Read: abstract |
What we do not know yet
- What the evidence supports: low certainty at best (testosterone, bone density, fracture healing); every other use is very low or insufficient.
- No trial of raw resin, no trial longer than 48 weeks, no independent repeat of the main trials.
- Metal content differs between samples and between studies; raw versus purified was not compared.
- No data on pregnancy, breastfeeding, children, kidney or liver disease; no source states iron or uric acid cautions.
- Regulator pages (NCCIH, MedlinePlus, LiverTox, LactMed) were not read or not found.
How new research is added
New studies are found by a saved PubMed search and placed in a review queue. A person reads each one before it changes any rating or safety wording.
Lab markers
What changed in blood or saliva tests during trials. A changed number is not the same as feeling or being healthier, and we give no "normal ranges".
Other 6
Total testosterone
Raised in trials
The main male sex hormone measured in blood.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
To see whether shilajit changes hormone levels.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Statistically significant, size not stated.
Safety implication
Hormone changes can matter if you have a hormone-related condition; ask a clinician.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | Significantly higher than placebo after 90 days (P < 0.05); no figures in the abstract. | Healthy men aged 45 to 55 | Purified shilajit 250 mg twice a day versus placebo |
Bone mineral density
Less loss in trials
A scan measure of how dense the bones are.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
Lower density means higher fracture risk.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Significant in one small trial; fractures not measured.
Safety implication
None found in the abstract; see Safety tab for quality issues.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | Density fell on placebo; loss was dose-dependently smaller with 250 or 500 mg extract at 24 and 48 weeks (p < 0.001). | 60 postmenopausal women with osteopenia | Standardized extract versus placebo, 48 weeks |
Time to bone union
Shorter in trials
Days until X-rays show a broken bone has knitted.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
A faster union means a shorter recovery.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Borderline p-value in one trial.
Safety implication
No difference in side effects reported.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23 | 129 days with momiai versus 153 days with placebo (p < 0.049). | 160 adults after tibia fracture surgery | Momiai 2 x 500 mg capsules daily for 28 days |
Strength decline after fatiguing exercise
Less decline in trials
How much leg strength drops after a hard exercise test.
Very low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
Smaller drop suggests less fatigue.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Significant only in a post-hoc subgroup.
Safety implication
None reported in the abstract.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | 8.9% with 500 mg versus 17.0% (250 mg) and 16.0% (placebo) in the stronger subgroup (p = 0.022, 0.044). | 63 recreationally active men | Branded purified shilajit for 8 weeks |
Skin blood flow
Improved in trials
How much blood moves through the skin, estimated from images.
Not enough evidenceResults and what it means
Why it was measured
To see whether shilajit changes small blood vessels.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Reported improved; numbers not in the abstract.
Safety implication
No adverse effects reported in 14 weeks.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Improved at 250 mg twice daily compared with baseline or placebo. | Healthy adult women | Shilajit 125 or 250 mg twice daily for 14 weeks |
Liver enzymes (ALT and AST) in mice
Lowered in trials
Blood enzymes that rise when liver cells are damaged.
Not enough evidenceResults and what it means
Safety
What studies and official sources say about side effects, medicines and who should check first. Each point shows what kind of evidence it comes from.
Main points to know 8
- Metals in shilajit: lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury, thallium and more. Laboratory studies have found toxic metals in shilajit. A 2024 review reports around 65 metals including copper, aluminium, lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury, mostly below the WHO and FDA herbal limits it quotes but above them in a few studies, and says that using shilajit without knowing its metal levels is not safe. One analysis of two widely sold types (India and Pakistan) found lead, arsenic and mercury above the limits it used, while another of 12 samples found toxic metals below its thresholds. Thallium was found in natural shilajit and in supplements, sometimes more in the supplements. The tests disagree because samples and methods differ, and no test can tell you what is in your jar. Product analysis 7 1 11 8
- Raw, unpurified shilajit: no source we read says it is safer or cleaner. Raw resin, purified extract and capsules were all analysed in different papers, and the sources we read did not compare raw with purified material for metals. A claim that purification removes metals was not verified. Most human trials used a purified or standardized product (several named brands), so their results say nothing about a raw lump. No evidence 7 14 27 21
- A life-threatening allergic reaction (one case). One woman developed hives and then trouble breathing, low blood pressure and loss of consciousness after eating rice, tuna and shilajit, with sexual activity an hour later. Skin tests with shilajit were negative and a shilajit challenge was not done, so shilajit was a possible cofactor, not a proven cause. For trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or collapse, call emergency services. Case report 16
- High blood pressure with low potassium in pregnancy (one case, product not confirmed). A pregnant woman who took a supplement called mumijo for 6 months developed high blood pressure and low potassium, a licorice-like syndrome that settled after stopping it. The report does not confirm that mumijo is the same as shilajit. Case report 24
- Kidney and liver tissue changes in rats. In rats given resin samples as a single large amount, no animals died, but tissue examination showed mild to moderate degenerative and necrotic changes in liver and kidney, which the authors say do not exclude tissue effects. A 91-day rat study found organs mostly normal at high amounts. Rats are not people, and the first study was funded by a shilajit resin company. Animal research 22 26
- Iron and uric acid cautions: no source we read states them. We looked for statements on iron overload, anaemia and gout or uric acid and found no human data and no source we read stating a caution. Shilajit contains iron among its elements, and one rat study measured iron and saw no major change except in the liver at the highest amount. If you have iron overload, gout, kidney stones or kidney disease, ask a clinician before using any shilajit product; the absence of data is not proof of safety. No evidence 22 26 7
- Human trials were short and small. The longest was 48 weeks. Trials reported no significant extra side effects, but they were small, mostly used branded purified products, and were not designed to find rare harms. The combination trial was funded by a supplement company and one rat study by a shilajit maker. Controlled trial 23 21 27 17 3
- No health-agency statement found. We did not find a statement on shilajit from a regulator or health agency in what we could read (a Memorial Sloan Kettering page returned not found; NCCIH and MedlinePlus pages were not read). Products are sold as supplements, quality is not checked before sale, and makeup varies strongly by place. No evidence 9 5
Side effects 5
| Effect | How often | Severity and recovery | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allergic reaction including anaphylaxis (one case) Shilajit was a possible cofactor with other foods and activity. | One case report; no rate | severe Treated in hospital in the report | Case report 16 |
| High blood pressure with low potassium (one case, mumijo) Not confirmed to be the same material as shilajit. | One case report; no rate | moderate Improved after potassium and stopping mumijo | Case report 24 |
| Side effects in trials Small and short trials; they cannot rule out rare or long-term harm. | No significant difference from placebo in the tibia fracture trial; no reported adverse effect in the 14-week skin study; well tolerated in two other studies | mild or none reported Not reported | Controlled trial 23 3 2 27 |
| Liver and kidney tissue changes in rats Authors say reversibility was not established. | Seen in a rat study; not tested in people | mild to moderate Not known | Animal research 22 |
| Metal exposure from the product itself See the Contamination part below. | Depends on the sample | unknown Not applicable | Product analysis 7 1 8 |
Liver
We found no human report of liver injury from shilajit in what we read. Rat tissue examination after one large amount showed mild to moderate degenerative and necrotic changes in liver and kidney, and a 91-day rat study found negligible liver changes at the highest amount. The mouse liver-protection result is not a human finding. LiverTox was not read. 22 26 6
How often. No human rate is known.
Monitoring. No agency monitoring advice was read. Anyone with liver or kidney disease should ask a clinician first.
This is a safety connection. It is not evidence that Shilajit supports liver health.
Medicines and supplements 3
| With | Why it matters | Importance | Evidence | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Testosterone, hormone treatments and hormone-sensitive conditions prescription | One trial found higher testosterone and DHEAS with a purified shilajit extract. | Could matter if you have a hormone-related condition or take hormone treatment; no interaction study exists. | Human biomarker Low certainty 20 19 | Ask your clinician before using shilajit if you have a hormone-related condition or take hormone treatment. |
| Medicines in general prescription | No interaction with medicines is described in the sources we read. | Unknown. Absence of data is not proof of safety. | No evidence Not enough evidence 9 | Tell your pharmacist you use it. See how interactions work in the related links. |
| Potassium-lowering medicines, licorice products or blood pressure medicines prescription | One case report of a licorice-like high blood pressure and low potassium picture with mumijo. | Unconfirmed link; a single case in pregnancy. | Case report Very low certainty 24 | Mention it to your clinician if you have high blood pressure or low potassium. |
Who should check first 5
| Situation | Advice | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Pregnancy | Not studied in controlled trials. One pregnant woman who took mumijo developed high blood pressure and low potassium. Lack of evidence is not proof of safety; ask your doctor. | Case report 24 |
| Breastfeeding | No data found in the sources read. Ask your doctor. | No evidence |
| Children | No data found in the sources read. Not studied. | No evidence |
| History of anaphylaxis, mast cell problems or exercise-induced allergy | One case report links shilajit to anaphylaxis as a possible cofactor in a woman with a possible mast cell activation problem. Ask an allergist. | Case report 16 |
| Iron overload, gout, kidney or liver disease, hormone-sensitive conditions, surgery | No source we read gives advice for these. Ask a clinician, and tell the surgical team about any supplement. | No evidence 22 26 |
Overdose, product quality and regulators
Summary. Shilajit is a mineral-organic material, so toxicity questions are about contaminants as well as the material itself. Single large amounts did not kill rats (LD50 above 2000 mg per kg) but caused tissue changes in liver and kidney. Human poisoning from shilajit alone was not found in what we read.
Animal. A rat study (14 days) and a 91-day rat study; see Safety points. Amounts used are far above human trial amounts.
Human doses studied. Human trials used 250 to 500 mg a day of purified products for up to 48 weeks, and 6 to 12 mg inside one combination. These are what studies used, not advice.
High dose or long term signals. No long-term human data beyond 48 weeks. Repeated use of a metal-containing product could add metal exposure (the thallium paper raises this concern).
Overdose response. If you think someone has been poisoned, call your poison centre (1-800-222-1222 in the US).
Genotoxicity. Not read.
Toxic or hazardous parts. Not a plant.
Shilajit is dug from rock in many countries and its makeup differs by origin. Quality is the biggest practical safety question.
Heavy metals. A review reports about 65 metals including lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury, aluminium and copper, mostly below quoted limits but above them in a few studies. One 12-sample analysis found toxic metals below its thresholds; another on two commercial types found lead, arsenic and mercury above limits. 7 11 1
Thallium. Up to 0.226 micrograms per gram in natural shilajit and up to 0.5 in supplements; some supplements had more than crude shilajit. 8
Large differences between samples. Phenolic acids, anions and metals varied strongly by region and between raw samples and supplements, and a quality study describes low uniformity of quality. 12 10 5
Mixed identity. The material may include plant residues (50 plant groups in one set of samples) and its source is not agreed. Mumijo or momiai on a label may not be the same material. 25 9
| Body | Action | Date |
|---|
When to get medical help
- Trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, widespread hives or fainting after taking shilajit: call emergency services.
- Severe headache, very high blood pressure, muscle weakness or palpitations: seek urgent medical care.
- If you think someone has been poisoned, call your poison centre (1-800-222-1222 in the US).
Stop using the product and contact a clinician or emergency service. In the US, Poison Control is 1-800-222-1222.
General information only, not medical advice. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before use, especially with medicines, in pregnancy or with a health condition. See the Natural Remedy Safety guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is shilajit?
Shilajit is a soft, black, sticky material that seeps from high mountain rock. It is not a plant. A 2025 review says its makeup is not fully known: more than 80% of its weight is humic substances (which include fulvic acid) and almost 20% is calcium, potassium and magnesium. Its origin is debated.
Is shilajit safe?
Not simply. Human trials were small and short and reported few problems, but laboratory studies have found toxic metals such as lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury and thallium in some samples, and single case reports describe a severe allergic reaction and high blood pressure with low potassium. Safety depends heavily on the exact product.
Does shilajit contain heavy metals?
Studies say yes, in varying amounts. A review reports around 65 metals including lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury, mostly below the limits it quotes but above them in a few studies. A 12-sample study found toxic metals below its thresholds, while a study of two widely sold types found some above limits. See the related page on shilajit contamination.
Is raw shilajit more dangerous than purified shilajit?
Can shilajit cause an allergic reaction?
One case report describes a woman with hives, trouble breathing, low blood pressure and fainting after shilajit, rice and tuna, followed by sexual activity. Shilajit was a possible cofactor, not a proven cause. Call emergency services for trouble breathing or swelling of the face or throat.
Is shilajit safe if I have gout or too much iron?
Does shilajit raise testosterone?
Does shilajit help muscle strength or bone health?
Evidence is limited. A trial in 63 men found less strength loss only in a subgroup at the higher amount. In 60 postmenopausal women, bone density loss was smaller with an extract over 48 weeks, and after tibia surgery bone union was about 24 days faster in one trial. None is firmly established.
Is shilajit the same as fulvic acid?
Is shilajit safe in pregnancy or breastfeeding?
It has not been studied in controlled trials. One pregnant woman who took mumijo developed high blood pressure and low potassium, although the report does not confirm mumijo is shilajit. Ask your doctor.
Does shilajit fight cancer or protect the liver?
What do health agencies say about shilajit?
We did not find a statement from a regulator or health agency in the pages we could read. It is sold as a supplement, and quality is not checked before sale.
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Editorial transparency
- Written by
- AlternativeMed editorial team. Research compiled with AI assistance, then checked against PubMed records.
- Medical review
- None. This page has not been reviewed by a physician or pharmacist.
- First published
- 2026-10-30
- Last substantive update
- 2026-10-30
- How we research
- We searched PubMed and read the abstracts of about 22 papers on shilajit, and tried to find a Memorial Sloan Kettering page (not found). Only abstracts were read. Certainty ratings are the compiler's own reading. Industry funding is flagged where the abstract states it. No study is cited that we could not verify.
- How we rate evidence
- See "How we rate evidence" in the Evidence tab.
- Independence
- No product is promoted on this page. No affiliate links are shown.
Sources 27
Each source was opened and checked. Where we read only the abstract, it says so. The small numbers in the text point here.
- Aldakheel RK, Gondal MA, Alsayed HN et al. Rapid Determination and Quantification of Nutritional and Poisonous Metals in Vastly Consumed Ayurvedic Herbal Medicine (Rejuvenator Shilajit) by Humans Using Three Advanced Analytical Techniques.. Biological trace element research. 2022. PMID 34800280. DOI 10.1016/j.jpba.2020.113153. (abstract)
- Das A, Datta S, Rhea B et al. The Human Skeletal Muscle Transcriptome in Response to Oral Shilajit Supplementation.. Journal of medicinal food. 2016. PMID 27414521. DOI 10.1089/jmf.2016.0010. (abstract)
- Das A, S El Masry M, Gnyawali SC et al. Skin Transcriptome of Middle-Aged Women Supplemented With Natural Herbo-mineral Shilajit Shows Induction of Microvascular and Extracellular Matrix Mechanisms.. Journal of the American College of Nutrition. 2019. PMID 31161927. DOI 10.1111/j.1600-0625.2011.01309.x. (abstract)
- Das SS, Ramkumar M, Singh H et al. Pre-clinical Evaluation of Shilajit in Cancer: A Systematic Review.. Cureus. 2026. PMID 41640940. DOI 10.7759/cureus.101736. (abstract)
- Ding R, He S, Wu X et al. Efficient generation of HPLC and FTIR data for quality assessment using time series generation model: a case study on Tibetan medicine Shilajit.. Frontiers in pharmacology. 2024. PMID 39624838. DOI 10.1016/j.trac.2020.115901. (abstract)
- He SQ, Yang SY, Li Y et al. Shilajit extract (ZhaXun) protects against acetaminophen-induced liver injury via modulation of the NF-κB/AKT/Caspase-3 axis.. Journal of ethnopharmacology. 2026. PMID 40957543. DOI 10.1016/j.jep.2025.120612. (abstract)
- Hussain A, Saeed A. Hazardous or Advantageous: Uncovering the Roles of Heavy Metals and Humic Substances in Shilajit (Phyto-mineral) with Emphasis on Heavy Metals Toxicity and Their Detoxification Mechanisms.. Biological trace element research. 2024. PMID 38393486. DOI 10.1016/j.desal.2009.11.037. (abstract)
- Kamgar E, Zembrzuska J, Zembrzuski W et al. Quantifying of thallium in Shilajit and its supplements to unveil the potential risk of consumption of this popular traditional medicine.. BMC chemistry. 2025. PMID 39827344. DOI 10.1016/j.foodchem.2014.10.065. (abstract)
- Kamgar E, Kaykhaii M, Zembrzuska J. A Comprehensive Review on Shilajit: What We Know about Its Chemical Composition.. Critical reviews in analytical chemistry. 2025. PMID 38133965. DOI 10.1080/10408347.2023.2293963. (abstract)
- Kamgar E, Zembrzuska J, Lorenc W et al. Screening and quantification of inorganic anions in Shilajit and its supplements.. BMC chemistry. 2025. PMID 40223103. DOI 10.1016/S0278-6915(01)00028-X. (abstract)
- Kamgar E, Angaïts A, Zembrzuska J et al. Characterization of metal composition and molecular weight distribution in Shilajit.. Journal of trace elements in medicine and biology : organ of the Society for Minerals and Trace Elements (GMS). 2026. PMID 42364294. DOI 10.1016/j.jtemb.2026.127913. (abstract)
- Kamgar E, Spryszyńska A, Zembrzuska J et al. Plant-derived phenolic acids in Shilajit: a comparative HPLC-MS/MS analysis across five regions.. Scientific reports. 2026. PMID 41699045. DOI 10.3390/antiox9060479. (abstract)
- Kamgar E, Gumienna M, Górna-Szweda B et al. From Phenolic Profile to Gut Function: Comparative Effects of Region-Specific Shilajit on Selected Culturable Intestinal Microbial Groups and β-Glucuronidase Activity-A Preliminary Study.. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). 2026. PMID 42357568. DOI 10.1590/s1516-89132010000100026. (abstract)
- Keller JL, Housh TJ, Hill EC et al. The effects of Shilajit supplementation on fatigue-induced decreases in muscular strength and serum hydroxyproline levels.. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2019. PMID 30728074. DOI 10.1093/oxfordjournals.bmb.a072570. (abstract)
- Kohli HK, Somasekhar V, Reddy MD et al. Shilajit-analytical study to understand the phyto complex present in shilajit raw material, extract and resin by using hyphenated techniques.. Journal of chromatography. A. 2026. PMID 41330163. DOI 10.1016/j.chroma.2025.466570. (abstract)
- Losa F, Deidda M, Firinu D et al. Exercise-induced anaphylaxis with an Ayurvedic drug as cofactor: A case report.. World journal of clinical cases. 2019. PMID 30863761. DOI 10.12998/wjcc.v7.i5.623. (abstract)
- Martinez V, McAngus K, Dickerson BL et al. Effects of 12 Weeks of Chromium, Phyllanthus emblica Fruit Extract, and Shilajit Supplementation on Markers of Cardiometabolic Health, Fitness, and Weight Loss in Men and Women with Risk Factors to Metabolic Syndrome Initiating an Exercise and Diet Intervention: A Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.. Nutrients. 2025. PMID 40573153. DOI 10.1111/j.1753-4887.1999.tb06909.x. (abstract)
- Mishra RK, Jain A, Singh SK. Profertility effects of Shilajit on cadmium-induced infertility in male mice.. Andrologia. 2018. PMID 29947420. DOI 10.1111/and.13064. (abstract)
- Morgado A, Tsampoukas G, Sokolakis I et al. Do "testosterone boosters" really increase serum total testosterone? A systematic review.. International journal of impotence research. 2024. PMID 37697053. DOI 10.1038/s41443-023-00763-9. (abstract)
- Pandit S, Biswas S, Jana U et al. Clinical evaluation of purified Shilajit on testosterone levels in healthy volunteers.. Andrologia. 2016. PMID 26395129. DOI 10.1111/and.12482. (abstract)
- Pingali U, Nutalapati C. 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.. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology. 2022. PMID 35933897. DOI 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154334. (abstract)
- Rizun N, Stanković V, Bradić J et al. Biogeochemical Evaluation of Shilajit: Testosterone-Modulating Effects, In Vivo Toxicity and Lipid Profile Analysis.. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland). 2026. PMID 42797531. DOI 10.1186/s12872-022-02706-6. (abstract)
- Sadeghi SMH, Hosseini Khameneh SM, Khodadoost M et al. Efficacy of Momiai in Tibia Fracture Repair: A Randomized Double-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.). 2020. PMID 32310691. DOI 10.1089/acm.2019.0453. (abstract)
- Stavropoulos K, Sotiriadis A, Patoulias D et al. Pseudohyperaldosteronism due to mumijo consumption during pregnancy: a licorice-like syndrome.. Gynecological endocrinology : the official journal of the International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology. 2018. PMID 29933704. DOI 10.1080/09513590.2018.1480713. (abstract)
- Ulug A, Yildiz Dalginli K, Ozdemir Degirmenci F et al. Shilajit as a Natural Product from Sedimentary Rocks: Biological Origin and Antioxidant Properties.. Biochemical genetics. 2026. PMID 42496934. DOI 10.17221/28/2019-CJFS. (abstract)
- Velmurugan C, Vivek B, Wilson E et al. Evaluation of safety profile of black shilajit after 91 days repeated administration in rats.. Asian Pacific journal of tropical biomedicine. 2012. PMID 23569899. DOI 10.1016/S2221-1691(12)60043-4. (abstract)
- Yadav D, Mishra S, Shah KM et al. Safety and Efficacy of TruBlk™ Shilajit Resin Supplementation on Physical Performance and Blood Biomarkers in Healthy Adults: A 28-Day Open-Label Pilot Study.. Cureus. 2026. PMID 41613504. DOI 10.7759/cureus.102372. (abstract)
