Research Snapshot
Shilajit
A synthesis of the peer-reviewed evidence for Shilajit across physical energy, oxidation, inflammation and recovery, graded by scientific consensus and reviewed by our Scientific Advisory Board.
See the Research
Physical EnergyDoes Shilajit improve energy levels and reduce fatigue?
Evidence from 7 studies
What the research shows
Shilajit is effective in enhancing energy levels and reducing fatigue, supported by its ability to boost ATP production and modulate stress-related pathways. While it shows promise as a natural energy enhancer, further research is needed to fully elucidate its mechanisms and optimize its use in humans.
View the top studies
| S. Stohs et al. | 4 | 2017
Literature Review
Shilajit exhibits adaptogenic, antioxidant, antiinflammatory, immunomodulatory, antidiabetic, and neurological properties.
Journal of medicinal food | Amitava Das et al. | 23 | 2016
Non-Randomized Control Trial , Controlled experimental study
Oral Shilajit supplementation promotes skeletal muscle adaptation by upregulating ECM-related genes that control muscle mechanotransduction, elasticity, repair, and regeneration.
Diabetes care | Nidhi Saxena et al. | 19 | 2003
Rigorous Journal , Observational Study
Shilajit has been reported to possess adaptogenic activity, reverting a pathological state to a physiological one with increased nonspecific resistance.
Journal of medicinal food | Amitava Das et al. | 23 | 2016
Non-Randomized Control Trial
Oral Shilajit supplementation promotes skeletal muscle adaptation by upregulating ECM-related genes that control muscle mechanotransduction, elasticity, repair, and regeneration.
OxidationDoes Shilajit reduce oxidative stress?
Evidence from 9 studies
What the research shows
Shilajit has been consistently shown to reduce oxidative stress across various studies and conditions, including hypertension, diabetes, urolithiasis, osteoporosis, and in experimental models. Its antioxidant properties are evident through the modulation of oxidative stress markers and enhancement of antioxidant enzyme activities. These findings suggest that shilajit could be a valuable natural supplement for managing oxidative stress-related conditions.
View the top studies
Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology | Satish G Patil et al. | 0 | 2023
Randomized Control Trial (RCT)
Shilajit significantly decreases oxidative stress markers and increases antioxidant capacity in elderly hypertension patients.
Diabetes care | Nidhi Saxena et al. | 19 | 2003
Rigorous Journal , Observational Study
Shilajit has been reported to revert oxidative stress in diabetes to a physiological state with increased nonspecific resistance.
Journal Of Advance Researches In Medical Sciences | Mona Saxena et al. | 3 | 2014
Randomized Control Trial (RCT) , Controlled experimental study
Shilajit has antioxidant effects, preventing oxidative stress-induced initial stage of nidus formation in urolithiasis and recurrence of stone formation.
Polymers | Fawzia A. Alshubaily et al. | 9 | 2022
Non-Randomized Control Trial , Animal Trial
Shilajit water extract (SWE) and SWE/NCT conjugate may cause anti-osteoporotic activity by reducing oxidative stress, IL-6, and H2O2 while restoring antioxidant levels.
InflammationDoes Shilajit have anti-inflammatory properties?
Evidence from 11 studies
What the research shows
Shilajit exhibits significant anti-inflammatory properties across various biological models, including liver injury, neuroinflammation, and inflammatory bowel disease. Its mechanisms involve cytokine modulation, inhibition of inflammatory pathways, and reduction of oxidative stress. These findings support its potential as a natural anti-inflammatory agent in both traditional and modern medical contexts.
View the top studies
Journal of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences | Farhood Ghaaazi Firozsalari et al. | 5 | 2018
Randomized Control Trial (RCT) , Animal Trial
Shilajit reduces inflammation and liver damage caused by high-dose consumption of acetaminophen.
Journal of ethnopharmacology | R. Goel et al. | 85 | 1990
Non-Randomized Control Trial , Animal Trial , Highly Cited
Shilajit has significant anti-inflammatory effects in carrageenan-induced acute pedal oedema, granuloma pouch, and adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats.
Journal of Interdisciplinary Dentistry | S. Ezhilarasi et al. | 3 | 2020
In Vitro Trial
Shilajit extract has a comparable anti-inflammatory effect to diclofenac sodium, making it a viable alternative.
Journal of Kerman University of Medical Sciences | Zeinab Kordestani et al. | | 2024
In Vitro Trial
Shilajit may have promising anti-breast-tumor and anti-inflammatory activity through inhibition of the NF-β B signaling pathway.
RecoveryDoes Shilajit relieve fatigue?
Evidence from 6 studies
What the research shows
Shilajit is effective in relieving fatigue through mechanisms involving enhanced ATP production, mitochondrial function, and HPA axis modulation. Its adaptogenic properties make it beneficial for both physical and mental energy enhancement, with a good safety profile. Further well-controlled studies are needed to fully understand its effects and mechanisms.
View the top studies
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition | Joshua L. Keller et al. | 13 | 2019
Randomized Control Trial (RCT) , Very Rigorous Journal
Shilajit supplementation at 500 mg/d for 8 weeks promoted the retention of maximal muscular strength and decreased baseline serum hydroxyproline levels in recreationally-active men.
Phytotherapy Research | S. Stohs | 42 | 2014
Rigorous Journal , Literature Review
Shilajit is used as a'revitalizer', enhancing physical performance and relieving fatigue with enhanced production of ATP.
| S. Stohs et al. | 4 | 2017
Literature Review
Shilajit promotes physical and mental energy, enhances physical performance, and relieves fatigue in association with enhanced adenosine triphosphate production.
International Journal of Ayurveda Research | H. Meena et al. | 47 | 2010
Shilajit helps overcome tiredness, lethargy, and chronic fatigue, improving the ability to handle high-altitude stresses and stimulating the immune system.
Reviewed by Experts
Every research snapshot is checked by our independent Scientific Advisory Board: physicians, botanists and pharmacology researchers who verify the evidence grading and its interpretation.
Kerry Hughes
M.Sc., RH(AHG), FDN-P
Ethnobotanist & herbalist; Berkeley Herbal Center; principal at EthnoPharm.
View full profile →Lance Dreher
PhD, Nutritional Counseling
Performance nutrition & conditioning; four decades of applied training science.
View full profile →Dr. Lindsey Faucette
DO, FAAFP
Board-certified in Family & Integrative Medicine; Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine.
View full profile →Francisco Chacon
PhD, Plant Biology
Botanical natural products & phytochemistry researcher, Penn State University.
View full profile →Meet the full Scientific Advisory Board →
How We Grade Consensus
For each benefit we retrieve the relevant peer-reviewed literature and classify every study by whether its findings support (Yes), partially or conditionally support (Possibly), or do not support (No) the claim. The donut shows the share of studies in each category; N is the number of studies analyzed for that benefit.
Grades reflect the weight and direction of the current evidence, not a guarantee of outcome, and the interpretation is verified by the Scientific Advisory Board.