Shilajit

What it does

A mineral-rich resin formed from decomposed plant matter in high mountains, with fulvic acid and dibenzo-alpha-pyrones as its signature compounds. One RCT found a roughly 20% rise in total testosterone in middle-aged men over 90 days; the result has never been replicated by an independent group.

What the research says

• Raised total testosterone about 20% in healthy men aged 45-55 in one RCT

  Evidence: emerging. Pandit et al. 2016: 250 mg purified shilajit twice daily for 90 days beat placebo; extract supplied by the manufacturer; never independently replicated

• Improved muscle strength and fatigue resistance in one trial

  Evidence: emerging. Benefit seen at 500 mg/day but not 250 mg/day over 8 weeks; single trial only

• 2024 systematic review of 15 clinical studies was broadly positive

  Evidence: emerging. Consistent positive findings on energy, testosterone, and cognition, but the underlying trials are small and more large-scale RCTs are needed

One positive testosterone RCT from one group plus a cautiously positive 2024 systematic review, but no independent replication, small samples, and the human-trial evidence has not strengthened in the last two years.

Is it worth it?

Narrow but real signal for men 40+ with low-normal testosterone. Only worth a monitored 90-day trial with a third-party-tested, purified extract and baseline/post bloodwork.