Shilajit for Testosterone: Does It Really Work?
Quick Summary: A study found that Shilajit, a natural substance, significantly boosted testosterone levels in middle-aged men. After 90 days, men taking Shilajit saw a noticeable increase in their testosterone compared to those taking a placebo.
What The Research Found
This research looked at how Shilajit affects testosterone levels in men. The study showed that taking Shilajit for three months led to a significant increase in both total and "free" testosterone (the testosterone that's available for your body to use). Men taking Shilajit saw their total testosterone increase by about 23.5%, while those on a placebo (a sugar pill) only saw a 7.9% increase. Free testosterone also increased significantly in the Shilajit group.
Study Details
- Who was studied: 60 healthy Indian men aged 45-55 who had slightly lower testosterone levels due to age.
- How long: The study lasted for 90 days (about three months).
- What they took: Participants took either 250mg of purified Shilajit extract twice a day (a total of 500mg daily) or a placebo. The Shilajit was standardized to contain 20% fulvic acid.
What This Means For You
- Potential Energy Boost: If you're a middle-aged man experiencing a natural decline in testosterone, Shilajit might help boost your energy levels and overall vitality.
- Not a Cure-All: This study suggests Shilajit can modestly increase testosterone, but it's not a replacement for medical testosterone therapy if you have a serious deficiency.
- Talk to Your Doctor: Always consult your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you have any health conditions or are taking other medications.
Study Limitations
- Specific Group: The study only included Indian men aged 45-55. The results may not be the same for women, younger men, or people from different backgrounds.
- Short-Term Study: The study lasted only three months, so we don't know the long-term effects or safety of Shilajit.
- Normal Testosterone Levels: The men in the study had normal, though slightly lower, testosterone levels. The effects on men with very low testosterone are unknown.
- Lifestyle Factors: The study didn't control for diet or exercise, which could have influenced the results.
Technical Analysis Details
Key Findings
The study demonstrated a statistically significant increase in total and free testosterone levels in middle-aged men after 90 days of purified Shilajit supplementation. Total testosterone rose by 23.5% (vs. 7.9% in placebo; p<0.001), while free testosterone increased by 19.6% (vs. 8.3% in placebo; p<0.001). No significant changes were observed in luteinizing hormone or follicle-stimulating hormone, suggesting Shilajit may act directly on testosterone synthesis or bioavailability rather than via hypothalamic-pituitary axis modulation.
Study Design
This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (RCT) conducted over 90 days with 60 Indian men aged 45–55 years. Participants were healthy but exhibited mild, age-related testosterone decline (baseline total testosterone: 300–500 ng/dL). They were randomized into Shilajit (n=30) or placebo (n=30) groups. Exclusion criteria included chronic illness, hormone therapy, or supplement use within 3 months. Primary outcomes were serum total/free testosterone levels measured at baseline, 45 days, and 90 days.
Dosage & Administration
Participants received 250 mg of purified Shilajit extract (standardized to 20% fulvic acid) orally twice daily with meals. The placebo was an identical inert capsule. Compliance was monitored via capsule counts (>95% adherence reported).
Results & Efficacy
Total testosterone increased from 412.3±38.7 ng/dL to 509.2±42.1 ng/dL in the Shilajit group (mean change: +96.9 ng/dL; 95% CI: 84.3–109.5; p<0.001), versus +32.4 ng/dL in placebo. Free testosterone rose from 8.2±0.9 ng/dL to 9.8±1.1 ng/dL (mean change: +1.6 ng/dL; 95% CI: 1.3–1.9; p<0.001). Effect sizes were large (Cohen’s d = 1.8 for total testosterone). No adverse events were reported.
Limitations
The sample size was small (n=60 total), limiting subgroup analysis. Participants were exclusively Indian men aged 45–55, reducing generalizability to other demographics or younger/older populations. The 90-day duration precludes conclusions about long-term efficacy or safety. Baseline testosterone levels were within normal range, so effects in clinically hypogonadal men remain unknown. No dietary or lifestyle controls were implemented, potentially confounding results.
Clinical Relevance
For supplement users, this study suggests purified Shilajit (500 mg/day) may modestly elevate testosterone in middle-aged men with age-related decline, potentially supporting energy or vitality. However, the absolute increase (+96.9 ng/dL) is insufficient to normalize levels in clinically low-testosterone cases. Users should not view it as a replacement for medical testosterone therapy. Given the narrow demographic, effects may not apply to women, younger men, or those with severe deficiency. Consultation with a healthcare provider is advised before use, particularly for individuals with prostate conditions. Further research in diverse populations and longer durations is warranted.
