Shilajit

Shilajit is an organic-mineral material of largely biological origin that forms slowly in crevices of stony mountains and appears as a sticky exudate or dark powder ^[1]. Its composition is dominated by humic substances, chiefly humic and fulvic acids, and it also contains dibenzo-alpha-pyrones along with numerous minerals and trace elements ^[1]. Because it is a natural product, its makeup differs considerably by source and locality ^[1].

Deposits are found in several mountain systems, most famously the Himalayas but also ranges across Central Asia, and the material is known regionally by names such as mumijo and moomiyo ^[1]. It has featured for a very long time in Ayurvedic and other traditional practices, where it was classed as a rasayana, or rejuvenating tonic, and used for a wide range of complaints ^[1].

Contemporary studies, many in animal or laboratory models, describe antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, adaptogenic, and immune-modulating properties, with the dibenzo-alpha-pyrones and fulvic acid regarded as the main active constituents ^[1]. A small randomized trial in middle-aged men reported that a purified shilajit preparation raised total and free testosterone compared with placebo ^[2], and a systematic review of testosterone-boosting supplements judged purified shilajit possibly effective in men with late-onset hypogonadism while noting the overall evidence base is modest ^[3]. Human data remain limited, and larger controlled trials using standardized extracts are generally called for ^[1].

Shilajit is sold as a dietary supplement in resin, powder, and capsule forms rather than as an approved medicine, and it is not tightly regulated ^[3]. The most consistently raised safety issue is contamination; unprocessed or poorly sourced material can carry heavy metals such as lead, so purification and testing are considered important, and purified products are preferred ^[1].

Purified, tested shilajit is generally well tolerated. Raw or unpurified material is the main concern because it can contain heavy metals, fungi, or other contaminants. Possible side effects include GI upset; people with iron overload conditions like hemochromatosis should be cautious because shilajit adds iron and can chelate metals.