Does Shilajit Increase Testosterone Levels? Know Science!
Shilajit, a natural compound found in the Himalayas and a few other specific regions, is believed to rejuvenate men’s health. It has been a part of ayurvedic therapy for hundreds of years for its purported ability to improve reproductive health, physical performance, cognitive functions, and energy levels. Aside from these, given its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, shilajit is also said to increase testosterone levels in men.
We have researched the various studies associated with Shilajit, whether this herb actually increases testosterone, the science behind its touted benefit on male health, and more. Let’s find out what’s happening.
Major Concern With Shilajit
As mentioned earlier, Shilajit is a resin-like compound that seeps from sedimentary rocks in different regions in the Himalayas. This is where the major issue with this compound lies.
Even though shilajit occurs naturally and packs components like fulvic acid, humic acid, dibenzo-α-pyrones (DBPs), DBP chromoproteins (DCPs), and more than 40 trace minerals, these components vary drastically depending on which region or area it is formed due to changing environmental factors. Meaning- that shilajit from Region A may not have the same composition as that of Region B or C, which are nearby. It would largely depend on what kind of plant or animal compound, minerals, or other biological factors it has been exposed to.
The varying nature of its composition makes it difficult to run a proper scientific investigation on Shilajit, and as a result, it lacks human research. This is one of the biggest reasons why you will not see it on the labels of the popular testosterone boosters as they aim to deliver a transparent, well-researched, and reliable formula to their customers.
Shilajit And Testosterone: Existing Scientific Studies And Issues
We have done thorough research for months on shilajit’s association with testosterone. We found very little data that can confirm that this ingredient has testosterone-boosting benefits. Let’s take a look at the studies first, and then we will also explain the underlying issues with these studies.
A clinical trial was conducted where around 60 men with infertility were supplemented with a processed form of Shilajit for 3 months. At the end of the trial, the researchers found a significant improvement in sperm parameters along with a rise in serum testosterone and FHS levels.
The same group of researchers conducted another intervention a few years later. This study was to evaluate the effects of purified Shilajit on testosterone concentration in healthy men between 45 to 55 years of age group. Daily intake of shilajit for 90 days showed a significant improvement in testosterone levels. Shilajit also helped maintain the levels of LH and FSH.
However, the biggest issue here is you will not know the shilajit that the researchers used in the experiment is the same as what you will use, given the variation in their components. This means there is no certainty that it is going to have the same positive impact on you.
A more recent study demonstrated some beneficial effects of shilajit supplementation on muscle strength. It showed that a dose of as much as 500 mg may help reduce fatigue and improve muscle capability which helps increase the physical performance thus indirectly supporting testosterone production.
Another important thing that we want to bring forth is that Shilajit hasn’t offered any additional benefit that makes a significant difference in testosterone health. You can get all of what Shilajit can do with many other reliable and extensively researched ingredients that are deemed both safe/ dependable and efficient.
For instance, one of the sources mentions that most of Shilajit’stestosterone-boosting ability is attributed to its stack of minerals. However, some highly potent testosterone-enhancing minerals like boron, zinc, magnesium, or chromium are included in the best supplements like TestoPrime or TestoMax. Their formula thus gives an overall boost to your health while tackling your low testosterone issues.
How Safe Is Shilajit
The straight fact is Shilajit does not have a consistent form that can be standardized. Because of its fluctuating essence, the compound also lacks enough studies and cannot even be assessed for safety aspects or labelled as safe, although none of the studies have reported any adverse effects on health. Due to limited evidence, certain countries have also flagged the usage of certain herbal products, and Shilajit is one of them.
Conclusion
While a handful of studies have demonstrated the positive effects of Shilajit on testosterone levels, it lacks rigorous studies that can support its capability as well as safety.
Moreover, there are solid reasons why none of the best testosterone boosters in the market have it in their formula. First, given its varying nature, it is extremely difficult to constantly source the same kind of shilajit that can show the exact benefit as the previous bundle. This makes it hard to determine whether Shilajit can be relied upon. Aside from that, it offers nothing different than what many other clinically proven herbs or minerals used by testosterone-boosting formulas bring to the table.
So, if you are looking to upturn your testosterone output, then we would recommend you go with the herbal extracts that are widely recognized to be safe and effective. You can also consider taking a whole formula as in the case of the testosterone-boosting supplements rather than individual ingredients for a holistic health benefit.