Shilajit
A mineral-rich resinous substance that oozes from rocks in the Himalayas, formed over centuries from decomposed plant matter. Shilajit contains fulvic acid, dibenzo-alpha-pyrones (DBPs), and over 85 trace minerals. In Ayurveda, it is considered one of the most potent rejuvenation substances. Modern research confirms it enhances mitochondrial CoQ10 function, increases testosterone, and has nootropic effects through electron transport chain support.
Dosage
Standard: 250-500 mg purified resin daily. PrimaVie is the most studied branded extract. Take in the morning with warm water or milk. Resin form preferred over powder for purity. Effects build over 2-4 weeks. Always buy from reputable sources — contamination with heavy metals is common in cheap products.
Dosages shown are for research reference only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Half-Life
6-10 hours (fulvic acid components)
Administration
Oral (purified resin, capsules). Dissolve resin in warm water. Take in the morning.
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Mechanism of Action
Fulvic acid is the primary bioactive, acting as an electron shuttle that donates and accepts electrons — enhancing mitochondrial electron transport chain efficiency by facilitating electron transfer at Complex I and II, similar to CoQ10 but through a different (non-enzymatic) mechanism. DBPs (dibenzo-alpha-pyrones) protect CoQ10 from oxidation by scavenging radicals, extending its functional life in the reduced ubiquinol form. The combination increases ATP production in mitochondria. Fulvic acid also chelates minerals (iron, zinc, magnesium) via carboxyl and phenolic groups, forming soluble complexes that transport across cell membranes via divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) and other channels, improving bioavailability. It has direct antioxidant effects (scavenging ROS) and anti-inflammatory effects through inhibition of complement C3 activation and NF-kB.
Regulatory Status
Dietary supplement. Traditional Ayurvedic medicine. PrimaVie has clinical studies. Not FDA-approved for any medical condition.
Risks & Safety
Common
Mild GI discomfort, metallic taste.
Serious
Heavy metal contamination in unprocessed/cheap products (lead, arsenic, mercury). May increase iron absorption — caution with hemochromatosis. May lower blood pressure.
Rare
Allergic reaction, gout flare (increases uric acid in some people).
Compare Shilajit With
Research Papers
10Published: May 13, 2007
AI Summary
It has been found to consist of a complex mixture of organic humic substances and plant and microbial metabolites occurring in the rock rhizospheres of its natural habitat. Many therapeutic properties have been ascribed to it, a number of which have been verified by modern scientific evaluation.
Published: April 2, 2014
AI Summary
Various research studies indicate that shilajit exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, adaptogenic, immunomodulatory, and anti-dyslipidemic properties. Animal and human studies indicate that shilajit enhances spermatogenesis.
Published: June 21, 2016
AI Summary
Treatment with Shilajit for consecutive 90 days revealed that it has significantly (P < 0.05) increased total testosterone, free testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEAS) compared with placebo. Gonadotropic hormones (LH and FSH) levels were well maintained.
Published: December 21, 2025
AI Summary
In this review article, it is tried to gather chemical property information available regarding this soft, mysterious black material to clarify what it is composed of and what formulation commercial supplements and drugs based on Shilajit may have.
Published: October 18, 2022
AI Summary
Accelerated bone loss associated with aging and estrogen withdrawal is mediated in part by increased oxidative stress and inflammation.
Published: December 22, 2024
AI Summary
Findings showed that Shilajit is distributed in almost 20 regions of the world with uses against 20 health problems as traditional medicine. The levels of reported metals in Shilajit were found to be lower than the permissible limits set by WHO and FDA, except in few studies where exceeded levels were reported.
Published: June 13, 2011
AI Summary
Shilajit is a multi-component natural occurring mineral substance used in Ayurveda and Siddha systems of medicine which originated in India. Its source can be traced to the mountainous regions, where the hilly tribes first identified its beneficial use.
Published: August 7, 2024
AI Summary
Medications, including chemotherapeutic drugs, contribute to male infertility as external factors by inducing oxidative stress in testicular cells. Shilajit is a naturally occurring bioactive antioxidant used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat a variety of ailments.
Published: April 6, 2021
AI Summary
The size and number of gastric lesions were significantly reduced in the Shilajit and omeprazole groups compared to the positive control group, indicating a reduction in mucosal damage and the severity of edema and leukocyte infiltration in tissue sections.
Published: September 24, 2022
AI Summary
Correlation co-efficient analysis of hepatic and renal functional markers revealed a significant inter-association among these markers. Thus, the findings of this study substantiate the beneficial health effects of shilajit and promote its regular consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shilajit used for?
A mineral-rich resinous substance that oozes from rocks in the Himalayas, formed over centuries from decomposed plant matter. Shilajit contains fulvic acid, dibenzo-alpha-pyrones (DBPs), and over 85 trace minerals. In Ayurveda, it is considered one of the most potent rejuvenation substances. Modern research confirms it enhances mitochondrial CoQ10 function, increases testosterone, and has nootropic effects through electron transport chain support.
What are the side effects of Shilajit?
Common: Mild GI discomfort, metallic taste. Serious: Heavy metal contamination in unprocessed/cheap products (lead, arsenic, mercury). May increase iron absorption — caution with hemochromatosis. May lower blood pressure. Rare: Allergic reaction, gout flare (increases uric acid in some people).
How is Shilajit administered?
Shilajit is administered via oral (purified resin, capsules). dissolve resin in warm water. take in the morning..
What is the half-life of Shilajit?
The half-life of Shilajit is 6-10 hours (fulvic acid components).
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