Shilajit is a tar-like mineral pitch from Himalayan and Altai mountain rocks, composed of decomposed plant matter rich in fulvic acid and dibenzo-alpha-pyrones. Our research shows emerging evidence for testosterone support (a 2016 RCT found 19.14% testosterone increase at 250mg/day in healthy men) and mitochondrial function enhancement via electron transport chain optimization. The critical safety concern: raw/unprocessed shilajit contains heavy metals, free radicals, and mycotoxins. Only purified, standardized shilajit (PrimaVie brand) has clinical safety data.
Shilajit's primary active compound is fulvic acid — a humic substance that acts as an electron shuttle in mitochondria, enhancing the efficiency of the electron transport chain (complexes I-IV). This means cells produce more ATP per unit of oxygen consumed. For testosterone, the proposed mechanism involves: (1) protection of Leydig cells from oxidative damage via fulvic acid's antioxidant activity; (2) enhanced hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal signaling; (3) increased 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity (the enzyme that converts androstenedione to testosterone). Dibenzo-alpha-pyrones contribute to the CoQ10-enhancing effect.
Reviewed by the Scan Dose Research Team and Clinical Advisory Board | Last updated:
Not medical advice. Based on published clinical research and systematic reviews.