Shilajit is a natural, tar-like substance found in the upper reaches of the Himalayan mountains. Indian Ayurvedic medicine has used it for thousands of years as an aphrodisiac, a physical performance enhancer, and a potent healing remedy with widespread applications.
Shilajit is known by the locals as the “conqueror of mountains” and the “destroyer of weakness” because of its powerful effects on vitality and its ability to give the local Sherpas the almost supernatural strength and stamina they need to summit the peak.
Various references to the potent effects of Shilajit extend all the way back to ancient Greece. In fact, it’s believed the philosopher, Aristotle, introduced this elixir to Alexander the Great who fed shilajit to his armies to ensure victory on the battlefield.
During the middle ages another great conqueror, the mongul Genghis Khan, added Shilajit to the rations of his generals, personal guards and special units.
More recently, it’s believed to be one of the secret ingredients that helped Russian strongmen dominate powerlifting competitions for decades as well as one of the main fuel sources for Russian cosmonauts during the space race of the 1960’s.
While the legends of shilajit are certainly attractive, it means very little without scientific evidence to back them up.
Shilajit is composed of humus soil and organic plant material that has been compressed by layers of rock over thousands of years.
During warmer weather, shilajit leaks out of small cracks in the mountain side where it’s collected and purified into a digestible powder.
Because of the millennia spent compacting in the Himalayas, shilajit is extremely nutrient dense.
It contains 85 different essential minerals in their bio-available forms.
As you’ll see, recent researched performed on shilajit shows this remarkable amount of nutrition in one compound has far reaching health benefits; ones that confirm the ancient lore.
Shilajit combats chronic fatigue by balancing the stress hormone, cortisol. [1]
Fatigue fighting benefits of shilajit are also credited to its ability to prevent mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondria are the “powerplants” for every cell in the body and their health is a key determinant of your energy levels. [1]
Fulvic acid, one of the main compounds in shilajit, actively takes part in the transportation of nutrients into deep tissues of the body to help to overcome tiredness, lethargy, and chronic fatigue. [2]
Shilajit is shown to restore sperm production after exposure to fertility damaging chemicals. [3]
In one study, 60 infertile male patients were given 200mgs of Shilajit for 90 days. At the end of the study researchers found improvement in sperm count ( +61.4%), sperm mobility (+17.4%), and serum testosterone levels (+23.5%). There was also an 18.7 % decrease in Malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker for oxidative stress found in sperm. [4]
In healthy volunteers between the age of 45 and 45 years old, after 90 days 500mg of shilajit was shown to increase free testosterone levels by 17% and DHEAs, a precursor to testosterone, by 31%.[5]
Shilajit promotes muscle growth by activating genes responsible for muscle elasticity, repair, and regeneration. [6]
Shilajit activates pathways in the body that block the formation of cancer cells. [7]
Shilajit is shown to enhance the GABAergic system in the brain. GABA is a major neurotransmitter connected to relaxation and calm. [8]
One study published in the Phytotherapy Research Journal found compounds in shilajit significantly augmented learning acquisition and memory retrieval.[9]
Fulvic acid inhibits build up and promotes destruction of proteins in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s disease. [13]
Shilajit is proven to be a potent anti-viral compound to combat sickness. [10]
In one study, shilajit decreased stomach inflammation by 76.8%. [11]
Shilajit shows s anti-ulcer activity via a reduction in gastric acid secretion and pepsin levels. [11]
Shilajit provides pain relief by reducing inflammation. [14]
After 21 days, shilajit was shown to decrease alcohol intake via balancing the neurotransmitter dopamine. [12]
Acute treatment with Ashwagandha and Shilajit reversed alcohol withdrawal anxiety [12]
1. Surapaneni, D. K., Adapa, S. R., Preeti, K., Teja, G. R., Veeraragavan, M., & Krishnamurthy, S. (2012). Shilajit attenuates behavioral symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome by modulating the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and mitochondrial bioenergetics in rats. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 143(1), 91-99. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2012.06.002
2. Meena, H., Pandey, H., Arya, M., & Ahmed, Z. (2010). Shilajit: A panacea for high-altitude problems. International Journal of Ayurveda Research, 1(1), 37. doi:10.4103/0974-7788.59942
3. Mishra, R. K., Jain, A., & Singh, S. K. (2018). Profertility effects of Shilajit on cadmium-induced infertility in male mice. Andrologia, 50(8). doi:10.1111/and.13064
4. Biswas, T. K., Pandit, S., Mondal, S., Biswas, S. K., Jana, U., Ghosh, T., . . . Auddy, B. (2010). Clinical evaluation of spermatogenic activity of processed Shilajit in oligospermia. Andrologia,42(1), 48-56. doi:10.1111/j.1439-0272.2009.00956.x
5. Pandit, S., Biswas, S., Jana, U., De, R. K., Mukhopadhyay, S. C., & Biswas, T. K. (2015). Clinical evaluation of purified Shilajit on testosterone levels in healthy volunteers. Andrologia, 48(5), 570-575. doi:10.1111/and.12482
6. Das, A., Datta, S., Rhea, B., Sinha, M., Veeraragavan, M., Gordillo, G., & Roy, S. (2016). The Human Skeletal Muscle Transcriptome in Response to Oral Shilajit Supplementation. Journal of Medicinal Food, 19(7), 701-709. doi:10.1089/jmf.2016.0010
7. Kececi, M., Akpolat, M., Gulle, K., Gencer, E., & Sahbaz, A. (2015). Evaluation of preventive effect of shilajit on radiation-induced apoptosis on ovaries. Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics,293(6), 1255-1262. doi:10.1007/s00404-015-3924-6
8. Durg, S., Veerapur, V., Thippeswamy, B., & Ahamed, S. (2015). Antiepileptic and antipsychotic activities of standardized Śilājatu (Shilajit) in experimental animals. Ancient Science of Life, 35(2), 110. doi:10.4103/0257-7941.171675
9. S. Ghosal, J. Lal, A. K. Jaiswal, S. K. Bhattacharya. Effects of shilajit and its active constituents on learning and memory in rats. Phytotherapy Research (Feb 1993), Volume 7, Issue 1 , Pages 29 – 34
10. Cagno, V., Donalisio, M., Civra, A., Cagliero, C., Rubiolo, P., & Lembo, D. (2015). In vitro evaluation of the antiviral properties of Shilajit and investigation of its mechanisms of action. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 166, 129-134. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2015.03.019
11. Goel RK, Banerjee RS, Acharya SB. Antiulcerogenic and anti-inflammatory studies with shilajit. J Ethnopharmacol. 1990 Apr; 29(1):95-103.
12. Banerjee, S., & Bansal, P. (2016). Effect of withinia somnifera and shilajit on alcohol addiction in mice. Pharmacognosy Magazine, 12(46), 121. doi:10.4103/0973-1296.182170
13. Cornejo, A., Jiménez, J. M., Caballero, L., Melo, F., & Maccioni, R. B. (2011). Fulvic Acid Inhibits Aggregation and Promotes Disassembly of Tau Fibrils Associated with Alzheimers Disease. Journal of Alzheimers Disease, 27(1), 143-153. doi:10.3233/jad-2011-110623
14. Gadaleta, Raffaella Maria, et al. “Exploration of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Mice: Chemically Induced Murine Models of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).” Current Protocols in Mouse Biology, Feb. 2017, pp. 13–28., doi:10.1002/cpmo.20.
Ouro Vitae, A First Finisher LLC Company, 900 Commonwealth Place PMB 2135 Virginia Beach, VA 23464
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
©2022 Ouro Vitae. All rights reserved.
1. Cavallini, G., Caracciolo, S., Vitali, G., Modenini, F., & Biagiotti, G. (2004). Carnitine versus androgen administration in the treatment of sexual dysfunction, depressed mood, and fatigue associated with male aging. Urology, 63(4), 641-646. doi:10.1016/j.urology.2003.11.009
2. Malaguarnera, M., Cammalleri, L., Gargante, M. P., Vacante, M., Colonna, V., & Motta, M. (2007). L-Carnitine treatment reduces severity of physical and mental fatigue and increases cognitive functions in centenarians: A randomized and controlled clinical trial. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 86(6), 1738-1744. doi:10.1093/ajcn/86.5.1738
3. Karlic, H., & Lohninger, A. (2004). Supplementation of l-carnitine in athletes: Does it make sense? Nutrition, 20(7-8), 709-715. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2004.04.003
4. Samimi, M., Jamilian, M., Ebrahimi, F. A., Rahimi, M., Tajbakhsh, B., & Asemi, Z. (2016). Oral carnitine supplementation reduces body weight and insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Clinical Endocrinology,84(6), 851-857. doi:10.1111/cen.13003
5. Sahlin, K. (2011). Boosting fat burning with carnitine: An old friend comes out from the shadow. The Journal of Physiology, 589(7), 1509-1510. doi:10.1113/jphysiol.2011.205815
6. Soczynska, J. K., Kennedy, S. H., Chow, C. S., Woldeyohannes, H. O., Konarski, J. Z., & Mcintyre, R. S. (2008). Acetyl-L-carnitine and α-lipoic acid: Possible neurotherapeutic agents for mood disorders? Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs, 17(6), 827-843. doi:10.1517/13543784.17.6.827
7. Miyagawa, T., Kawamura, H., Obuchi, M., Ikesaki, A., Ozaki, A., Tokunaga, K., . . . Honda, M. (2013). Effects of Oral L-Carnitine Administration in Narcolepsy Patients: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Cross-Over and Placebo-Controlled Trial. PLoS ONE,8(1). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0053707
8. Cristofano, A., Sapere, N., Marca, G. L., Angiolillo, A., Vitale, M., Corbi, G., . . . Costanzo, A. D. (2016). Serum Levels of Acyl-Carnitines along the Continuum from Normal to Alzheimers Dementia. Plos One, 11(5). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0155694
. Fillit, H., & Hill, J. (2004). The Economic Benefits of Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors for Patients with Alzheimer Disease and Associated Dementias. Alzheimer Disease & Associated Disorders,18. doi:10.1097/01.wad.0000127492.65032.d3
10. Miyata, M., Yoshihisa, A., Yamauchi, H., Owada, T., Sato, T., Suzuki, S., . . . Takeishi, Y. (2014). Impact of sleep-disordered breathing on myocardial damage and metabolism in patients with chronic heart failure. Heart and Vessels, 30(3), 318-324. doi:10.1007/s00380-014-0479-6
11. Lango, R. (2001). Influence of ?-carnitine and its derivatives on myocardial metabolism and function in ischemic heart disease and during cardiopulmonary bypass. Cardiovascular Research, 51(1), 21-29. doi:10.1016/s0008-6363(01)00313-3
12. Vescovo, G., Ravara, B., Gobbo, V., Sandri, M., Angelini, A., Barbera, M. D., . . . Libera, L. D. (2002). L-Carnitine: A potential treatment for blocking apoptosis and preventing skeletal muscle myopathy in heart failure. American Journal of Physiology-Cell Physiology, 283(3). doi:10.1152/ajpcell.00046.2002
13. Shadboorestan, A., Shokrzadeh, M., Ahangar, N., Abdollahi, M., Omidi, M., & Payam, S. S. (2013). The chemoprotective effects of l-carnitine against genotoxicity induced by diazinon in rat blood lymphocyte. Toxicology and Industrial Health,31(12), 1334-1340. doi:10.1177/0748233713491811
14. Chowanadisai, W., Bauerly, K. A., Tchaparian, E., Wong, A., Cortopassi, G. A., & Rucker, R. B. (2009). Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Stimulates Mitochondrial Biogenesis through cAMP Response Element-binding Protein Phosphorylation and Increased PGC-1α Expression. Journal of Biological Chemistry,285(1), 142-152. doi:10.1074/jbc.m109.030130
15. Chowanadisai, W., Bauerly, K. A., Tchaparian, E., Wong, A., Cortopassi, G. A., & Rucker, R. B. (2009). Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Stimulates Mitochondrial Biogenesis through cAMP Response Element-binding Protein Phosphorylation and Increased PGC-1α Expression. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 285(1), 142-152. doi:10.1074/jbc.m109.030130
16. Stites TE, Mitchell AE, Rucker RB. Physiological importance of quinoenzymes and the O-quinone family of cofactors. J Nutr. 2000 Apr;130(4):719-27
17. Steinberg, F., Stites, T. E., Anderson, P., Storms, D., Chan, I., Eghbali, S., & Rucker, R. (2003). Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Improves Growth and Reproductive Performance in Mice Fed Chemically Defined Diets. Experimental Biology and Medicine, 228(2), 160-166. doi:10.1177/153537020322800205
18. Biswas, T. K., Pandit, S., Mondal, S., Biswas, S. K., Jana, U., Ghosh, T., . . . Auddy, B. (2010). Clinical evaluation of spermatogenic activity of processed Shilajit in oligospermia. Andrologia,42(1), 48-56. doi:10.1111/j.1439-0272.2009.00956.x
19. Surapaneni, D. K., Adapa, S. R., Preeti, K., Teja, G. R., Veeraragavan, M., & Krishnamurthy, S. (2012). Shilajit attenuates behavioral symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome by modulating the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and mitochondrial bioenergetics in rats. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 143(1), 91-99. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2012.06.002
20. Chang, C. S., Choi, J. B., Kim, H. J., & Park, S. B. (2011). Correlation Between Serum Testosterone Level and Concentrations of Copper and Zinc in Hair Tissue. Biological Trace Element Research,144(1-3), 264-271. doi:10.1007/s12011-011-9085-y
21. Plasma Steroid-Binding Proteins in Tumour Diseases. (1984). Molecular Aspects of Medicine, 371-380. doi:10.1016/b978-0-08-033239-0.50032-6
