The science of shilajit
Medically reviewed by Awaiting reviewer, MD · July 2026Shilajit is a bituminous mineral exudate whose active fraction is dominated by fulvic and humic acids, dibenzo-alpha-pyrones, and trace minerals. Modern research on shilajit is early: small trials, few replications, mostly on purified extracts. This page collects the primary sources so you can read them yourself.
Safety and contraindications
Purified shilajit at trial doses appears well tolerated in short-term studies. Unpurified product can contain heavy metals and mycotoxins. Do not take shilajit if you are pregnant, have hemochromatosis, take lithium, or take blood thinners without medical supervision. Watch for adverse events in the first two weeks: rash, nausea, headache. Stop and see a doctor if severe.
Related studies
A short reading list from the primary literature. We evaluate research on the hierarchy peer-reviewed RCT > systematic review > cohort > case series > mechanism-only. Brand claims are never counted as sources.
- Pandit S et al. Clinical evaluation of purified shilajit on testosterone levels in healthy volunteers. Andrologia, 2016. N = 75. [PubMed 26395129]
- Keller JL et al. The effects of purified shilajit on skeletal muscle adaptations. J Int Soc Sports Nutr, 2019. N = 63. [PubMed 30728074]
- Stohs SJ. Safety and efficacy of shilajit (mumie, moomiyo). Phytother Res, 2014. Narrative review. [PubMed 23733436]
- Carrasco-Gallardo C et al. Shilajit, a natural phytocomplex with potential procognitive activity. Int J Alzheimers Dis, 2012. Mechanism review. [PubMed 22482077]