Does shilajit boost testosterone?
Weak EvidenceNO
Weak evidence from two small clinical trials suggests shilajit may modestly increase testosterone levels in healthy men. Studies are limited by small sample sizes, short durations, and manufacturer funding. The magnitude of testosterone increase may not be clinically meaningful.
The Verdict
Weak evidence from two small clinical trials suggests shilajit may modestly increase testosterone levels in healthy men. Studies are limited by small sample sizes, short durations, and manufacturer funding. The magnitude of testosterone increase may not be clinically meaningful.
What the Evidence Shows
Shilajit is a mineral-rich tar-like substance found in Himalayan rock formations, used in Ayurvedic medicine for vitality and male health. It contains fulvic acid, dibenzo-alpha-pyrones, and trace minerals. Two clinical trials have examined its effects on testosterone. A 2016 RCT in 96 healthy men (45-55 years) found that 250mg purified shilajit twice daily for 90 days increased total testosterone by 20% and free testosterone by 19% compared to placebo. An earlier 2010 study in 35 infertile men showed similar increases. While these results are statistically significant, important caveats exist: both studies were funded by shilajit manufacturers, sample sizes were modest, and the testosterone increases—while percentage-wise notable—kept values within normal physiological range rather than elevating them to supraphysiological levels. The proposed mechanisms (supporting Leydig cell function, increasing DHEA-S, reducing oxidative stress in testicular tissue) are plausible but inadequately validated. No studies have measured functional outcomes like muscle mass, strength, or sexual function alongside testosterone changes. Independent replication by non-manufacturer-funded researchers is critically needed. Product quality and standardization also vary enormously, with contamination concerns for products sourced from unregulated regions.
Evidence Quality
0
Meta-Analyses
2
RCTs
3
Observational
Important Caveats
- ⚠️ Both key studies were funded by shilajit product manufacturers
- ⚠️ Testosterone increases remained within normal physiological ranges
- ⚠️ No functional outcomes (strength, muscle mass) were measured alongside hormonal changes
- ⚠️ Product quality and contamination concerns exist for many commercial sources
Population Studied
Healthy men aged 45-55 and infertile men aged 25-45; sample sizes of 35-96 participants
Dosage
250mg purified shilajit (PrimaVie) twice daily (500mg total); standardized to minimum 50% fulvic acid
Duration
Clinical trials lasted 90 days; traditional use suggests longer-term consumption
Supporting Studies (2)
Clinical evaluation of purified shilajit on testosterone levels in healthy volunteers
RCTPandit S, Biswas S, Jana U, et al. · Andrologia (2016)
250mg purified shilajit twice daily for 90 days increased total testosterone by 20.45% and free testosterone by 19.14% compared to placebo in 96 healthy male volunteers aged 45-55.
View paper (DOI) →Processed shilajit supplementation in oligospermic males: effects on sperm parameters and testosterone
RCTBiswas TK, Pandit S, Mondal S, et al. · Andrologia (2010)
Shilajit supplementation (200mg twice daily for 90 days) increased total testosterone by 23.5% and sperm count by 61.4% in 35 infertile men compared to pre-treatment values.
View paper (DOI) →Contradicting Studies (1)
Testosterone boosting supplements: a critical review of marketed claims versus evidence
Meta-AnalysisClemesha CG, Thaker H, Samplaski MK. · World Journal of Men's Health (2020)
Critical review found that most marketed testosterone boosters, including shilajit, have insufficient evidence for clinically meaningful testosterone enhancement, with manufacturer-funded studies showing positive bias not replicated independently.
Why this disagrees:
Manufacturer-funded studies of testosterone supplements consistently show larger effects than independent research. Without independent replication, the reported 20% testosterone increase from shilajit should be viewed with skepticism.
Related Claims
Does boron supplementation increase testosterone?
Weak EvidenceWeak evidence suggests boron supplementation may modestly increase free testosterone, primarily by reducing sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). The effect size is small, study quality is low, and only a handful of trials exist with significant methodological limitations.
Does tongkat ali boost testosterone?
Moderate EvidenceModerate evidence that tongkat ali (Eurycoma longifolia) modestly increases testosterone in men with low or borderline-low levels, particularly in stressed or aging populations. Effects in young healthy men with normal testosterone are less clear. Quality and standardization of extracts vary significantly.