Shilajit for Men: Does It Boost Testosterone?

observational-study PMID: 26395129

Quick Summary: A study found that taking purified Shilajit for 90 days significantly increased testosterone levels in healthy, middle-aged men. This natural supplement might offer a way to support healthy hormone levels.

What The Research Found

This study looked at how Shilajit affects testosterone in men. The results showed that men taking Shilajit had a noticeable increase in their testosterone levels compared to those who didn't. Specifically, total testosterone, free testosterone, and DHEAS (another hormone related to testosterone) all went up.

Study Details

Who was studied: 63 healthy men, aged 45-55.

How long: The study lasted for 90 days (about 3 months).

What they took: Participants took 250mg of purified Shilajit twice a day (500mg total). Some men took a placebo (a dummy pill) instead.

What This Means For You

Potential Benefits: If you're a middle-aged man, Shilajit might help boost your testosterone levels naturally. This could potentially lead to increased energy, muscle mass, and improved overall well-being.

Important Note: This study focused on men aged 45-55. The results might be different for younger or older men, or for women.

Study Limitations

Who was studied: The study only included men aged 45-55, so we don't know if it would have the same effect on other age groups or women.

Short-term study: The study lasted only 3 months. We don't know the long-term effects of taking Shilajit.

More research needed: The study didn't explain how Shilajit boosts testosterone. More research is needed to understand the exact mechanisms.

Small sample size: The study included a relatively small number of participants, which means the results might not apply to everyone.

No conflict of interest disclosure: The study didn't disclose any potential conflicts of interest.

Observational Study: The study's methodology aligns with interventional RCTs, conflicting with its stated observational design.

Disclaimer: Always talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, including Shilajit. They can help you determine if it's right for you and safe based on your individual health needs.

Key Findings

The study found that purified Shilajit (250 mg twice daily) significantly increased total testosterone, free testosterone, and DHEAS levels in healthy men aged 45–55 over 90 days. Gonadotropic hormones (LH and FSH) remained stable, suggesting Shilajit may support androgen regulation without disrupting pituitary function.

Study Design

This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial (observational study per source classification) involving 63 healthy male volunteers aged 45–55. Participants were divided into two groups: one received Shilajit, and the other a placebo, for 90 days. Hormone levels were measured at baseline and post-intervention.

Dosage & Administration

Participants ingested 250 mg of purified Shilajit twice daily (total 500 mg/day) orally with water. The placebo group received identical capsules. Administration occurred over 90 consecutive days.

Results & Efficacy

Total testosterone increased by 23.5% in the Shilajit group vs. placebo (P < 0.05).
Free testosterone rose by 20.3% (P < 0.05).
DHEAS levels increased by 19.6% (P < 0.05).
No significant changes in LH or FSH levels, indicating no adverse feedback on hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis regulation.
All outcomes were statistically significant with P-values < 0.05, though effect sizes (e.g., confidence intervals) were not reported.

Limitations

Sample specificity: Limited to middle-aged men; results may not generalize to younger/older populations or women.
Short duration: 90-day follow-up may not capture long-term efficacy or safety.
Mechanistic gaps: The study did not explore how Shilajit influences hormone synthesis or regulation.
Small sample size: 63 participants reduce statistical power and generalizability.
Potential bias: Funding source and conflicts of interest were not disclosed.
Observational classification: The study’s methodology aligns with interventional RCTs, conflicting with its stated observational design.

Clinical Relevance

For middle-aged men seeking natural testosterone support, Shilajit (500 mg/day) may offer a safe, evidence-based option to enhance androgen levels without altering gonadotropic hormones. However, the lack of safety data, short duration, and narrow demographic scope warrant caution. Users should consult healthcare providers before use, particularly those with hormone-sensitive conditions. Larger, longer trials in diverse populations are needed to confirm these findings and assess practical applications.

Source: PubMed (2016)