Does Shilajit increase testosterone clinical evidence Andrologia 2016 study results fulvic acid Leydig cells mechanism

Does Shilajit Increase Testosterone? Clinical Evidence, Mechanisms & What Studies Actually Show (2026)

Written by Dr. Hamza — Nutraceutical Research Specialist, Golden Shilajit Official Research Team. Reviewed by the Golden Shilajit Research Team.

Does Shilajit Increase Testosterone? What the Clinical Evidence Shows

Some human studies have reported increases in testosterone-related markers under specific study conditions, but results should not be generalised to every user. The most cited trial used purified Shilajit at a specific dose over 90 days in a defined population — and the quality of the Shilajit used in research is a critical variable that most articles overlook.

The Clinical Evidence: What Studies Actually Show

Study 1: Andrologia (2016) — The Primary Human Trial

The most rigorous human clinical trial on Shilajit and testosterone was published in Andrologia in 2016 (Pandit et al.). Key details:

  • Design: Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised trial
  • Participants: 75 healthy male volunteers aged 45–55 years
  • Dose: 250mg of purified Shilajit twice daily (500mg/day total)
  • Duration: 90 days
  • Results in the study population:
    • Total testosterone increased by approximately 20% vs baseline in the treatment group
    • Free testosterone increased by approximately 19% vs baseline in the treatment group
    • DHEA increased by approximately 31% vs baseline in the treatment group
    • Gonadotropins (LH and FSH) showed no significant change
  • Important caveat: These are study-specific results in a defined population. They are not guaranteed individual outcomes and should not be interpreted as a universal percentage increase every user will experience.

Study 2: Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2010) — Fertility & Sperm Quality

A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology (Biswas et al., 2010) examined Shilajit’s effects on male fertility markers:

  • Participants: 60 infertile men
  • Dose: 100mg of processed Shilajit twice daily
  • Duration: 90 days
  • Results in the study population: Improvements in sperm count and motility, alongside testosterone changes
  • Important caveat: This study was conducted in infertile men — results cannot be generalised to the general population. Shilajit is not a treatment for infertility.

Study 3: Phytotherapy Research — Mitochondrial Function

Research published in Phytotherapy Research (Bhattacharyya et al., 2009) demonstrated that fulvic acid — the primary active compound in Shilajit — enhances mitochondrial electron transport chain activity, supporting cellular energy production in Leydig cells (the testosterone-producing cells in the testes). This is laboratory research, not a human clinical trial.

The Biological Mechanism: Why Shilajit May Affect Testosterone

1. Fulvic Acid and Leydig Cell Mitochondrial Support

Testosterone is synthesised in Leydig cells in the testes — an energy-intensive process dependent on mitochondrial function. Fulvic acid acts as an electron shuttle in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, potentially enhancing ATP production in Leydig cells and thereby supporting their capacity to synthesise testosterone.

2. Dibenzo-α-pyrones (DBPs) and StAR Protein

Shilajit contains dibenzo-α-pyrones (DBPs), which have been studied for their potential to influence StAR (Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory) protein expression. StAR protein controls the rate-limiting step in testosterone biosynthesis — the transport of cholesterol into the inner mitochondrial membrane where it is converted to pregnenolone, the precursor to testosterone.

3. Antioxidant Protection of Testicular Tissue

Oxidative stress in testicular tissue is associated with reduced testosterone production. Fulvic acid’s antioxidant properties — demonstrated in laboratory studies — may protect Leydig cells from reactive oxygen species, preserving their testosterone-producing capacity.

4. Trace Mineral Cofactors

Shilajit contains trace minerals including zinc and magnesium, which are cofactors in testosterone biosynthesis. Zinc deficiency is associated with reduced testosterone in research. Shilajit’s mineral profile may support the enzymatic pathways involved in steroidogenesis, particularly in individuals with dietary deficiencies.

What Shilajit Does NOT Do for Testosterone

  • It does not act like exogenous testosterone — Shilajit supports the body’s own production; it does not introduce synthetic hormones
  • It does not suppress the HPTA axis — unlike anabolic steroids, Shilajit does not suppress LH or FSH
  • Results are not immediate — the primary clinical trial showed results at 90 days; shorter trials show less consistent outcomes
  • It is not a treatment for hypogonadism — men with clinically low testosterone should consult an endocrinologist; Shilajit is a supplement, not a medical treatment
  • It is not a treatment for infertility — the fertility study was conducted in a specific clinical population; Shilajit should not be presented as a fertility treatment
  • Adulterated products will not replicate research results — the clinical trials used purified Shilajit with verified fulvic acid content

How Shilajit Compares to Other Natural Testosterone Supporters

Supplement Evidence Level Study Duration Mechanism
Shilajit RCT (human) 90 days Mitochondrial support, StAR protein, antioxidant
Ashwagandha RCT (human) 8–12 weeks Cortisol reduction, LH support
Tongkat Ali RCT (human) 4 weeks SHBG reduction, LH stimulation
Zinc RCT (human) Varies Enzymatic cofactor in steroidogenesis
Fenugreek RCT (human) 12 weeks 5-alpha reductase inhibition

Related reading: Shilajit vs Ashwagandha vs Tongkat Ali: Which Is Best for You?

Why Product Quality Determines Whether You Get Results

The clinical trials that reported testosterone changes used purified Shilajit with verified fulvic acid content. This matters because:

  • Raw, unpurified Shilajit contains heavy metals, microbial contaminants, and variable fulvic acid concentrations — it cannot be expected to replicate clinical trial results
  • Products with heavy metals above safe limits may actually suppress testosterone — lead and cadmium are documented endocrine disruptors
  • The Andrologia (2016) study used Shilajit standardised to a specific fulvic acid content — not a generic market product
  • A batch-specific COA from an accredited laboratory is the only way to verify what you are actually taking

Golden Shilajit Official products are independently tested by Eurofins Scientific (heavy metals and fulvic acid content) and Bureau Veritas (microbiological testing) on a batch-specific basis. Current batch: #SLJT01LQ. View documentation: Lab Reports & Certificate of Analysis.

Who May Be Most Interested in the Evidence?

The primary clinical trial focused on healthy men aged 45–55 — a population where age-related testosterone decline is a documented phenomenon. Other groups who commonly research Shilajit and testosterone include:

  • Men over 40 — testosterone declines gradually with age; the clinical study population was in this range
  • Athletes and active men — high training loads deplete minerals and elevate cortisol, both of which are relevant to the proposed mechanisms. See: Shilajit for Athletes: Performance & Recovery
  • Men experiencing low energy or stress — cortisol and testosterone have an inverse relationship; adaptogenic support is one of the proposed mechanisms
  • Men researching libido and hormonal support — testosterone is one of several factors involved in male sexual health. See: Shilajit for Sexual Health: Libido, Stamina & Performance

Important: Being in one of these groups does not guarantee a specific outcome. Individual response varies and depends on baseline health, product quality, consistency, and other factors.

Dosage Context

Research dosage: The Andrologia (2016) study used 250mg of purified Shilajit twice daily (500mg/day total) for 90 days.

Current Golden Shilajit guidance: 500mg of purified resin per day, or 5–10 drops per day for liquid drops. Dissolve resin in warm — not boiling — water. See: The Complete Shilajit Dosage Guide.

Consistent daily use over at least 8–12 weeks is associated with the most meaningful outcomes in available research. Individual results vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Shilajit increase testosterone?

A double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial published in Andrologia (2016) found statistically significant increases in total testosterone, free testosterone, and DHEA in healthy men aged 45–55 after 90 days of supplementation with purified Shilajit. These are study-specific results — not guaranteed individual outcomes. Individual response varies depending on baseline health, product quality, and consistency of use.

How long does Shilajit take to affect testosterone?

Significant testosterone changes were observed at 90 days in the primary clinical trial. Shorter trials show less consistent outcomes. Individual timelines vary. See: How Long Does Shilajit Take to Work?

Does Shilajit increase testosterone like steroids?

No. Shilajit supports the body’s natural testosterone production through mitochondrial and enzymatic mechanisms. It does not introduce exogenous hormones, does not suppress the HPTA axis, and is not associated with the side effects of anabolic steroids.

Does Shilajit increase DHEA?

The Andrologia (2016) study found increases in DHEA levels alongside testosterone changes in the study population. DHEA is a precursor hormone that supports testosterone production. These are study-specific findings — not guaranteed outcomes for every user.

Can Shilajit replace TRT?

No. Shilajit is a supplement that may support the body’s own testosterone production. It cannot replace medically prescribed testosterone replacement therapy. Men with clinically diagnosed hypogonadism should consult an endocrinologist.

Can Shilajit increase testosterone in young men?

The primary clinical trial focused on men aged 45–55. Younger men with healthy baseline testosterone may see different responses. The mitochondrial and antioxidant mechanisms are relevant at any age, but the effect size observed in research was in a middle-aged population with age-related decline.

Which Shilajit is best for testosterone support?

Purified Shilajit resin with independently verified fulvic acid content, tested by an accredited laboratory for heavy metals, and with batch-specific documentation. The clinical trials used standardised purified resin — not generic market products. Always check the COA before buying. See: How to Read a Shilajit Certificate of Analysis.

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