Shilajit

Other names Primavie

Shilajit is used by many people for its purported natural focus-boosting, memory-enhancing, mood-lifting, and energy-improving effects. But is it effective or are the good reviews due to hype and placebo effects? Read on to find out what the science says about Shilajit.

This nootropic has no healthy human placebo-controlled studies that meet our inclusion criteria. Negative side effects can occur if used carelessly, so make sure you’re aware of the risks of Shilajit.

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Benefits

Read about the effects of Shilajit in relation to the amount of evidence we've found

Why do people use shilajit?

People who self-experiment with shilajit often state they use it to improve their:

Energy
Physical performance
Mood
Memory
Focus

There is a lack of scientific evidence for the effectiveness of shilajit for any of these purposes, especially in healthy humans.

Can shilajit make you stronger?

Shilajit may be able to promote muscle strength, but more research is needed before it can be known if it is effective.

In a study in which 42 healthy recreationally-active men received shilajit, 500mg daily for 8 weeks was found to improve maximal muscular strength following a fatiguing protocol [1]. This means that supplementation with shilajit in high doses appears to improve strength performance in people who have already pushed themselves hard (to fatigue).

Can shilajit help you perform better cognitively?

No studies that examined the cognitive effects of shilajit in healthy humans have been published. It is not known whether it is an effective cognitive enhancer.

The author of one study concluded that shilajit exerted nootropic effects in rats [2]. Shilajit also has some neurochemical effects that make it a substance that should be investigated with further research.

However, no studies examined the cognitive effects of shilajit in healthy humans. The evidence available does not allow for confident valid conclusions as regards the efficacy of the substance as a cognitive enhancer in healthy humans.

Risks

The legality and side effects of Shilajit

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Shilajit

Which are the active ingredients in shilajit?

The active ingredients relevant to the cognitive and physical performance effects of shilajit are "dibenzo-α-pyrones (DBPs), DBP-Chromoproteins (DCP), Fulvic Acid and over 40 different minerals" [6][7].

Should you use shilajit?

One thing that is certain about the effects of shilajit is that we know relatively little about them. There is a lack of high-quality research, especially in healthy humans.

Because of the lack of research on shilajit, we never recommend that people use it.

If you have already decided to use it, here are some guidelines to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks.

How much and how often should you use shilajit?

People tend to use shilajit extract powder in doses between 250mg-2g daily or as-needed. This is also the dose-range that has been studied in humans and found safe if used for short periods of time.

What time of day should you take Shilajit?

There is no data on what the optimal time of day for the use of Shilajit is. Considering that it might increase your energy levels, it is likely best to take it in the morning as opposed to just before bed-time. There is no evidence that shilajit impairs sleep if taken before bed-time.

What substances may stack well with Shilajit?

There's no high-quality research on the effects of combining Shilajit with other substances, such as nootropic drugs or supplements. The safety and efficacy of the below-listed combinations are supported only by anecdotal reports. People tend to report better effects from Shilajit when they also use:

Ashwagandha
Rhodiola
Bacopa Monnieri
Sage
Caffeine

Before combining any drugs or supplements, talk with your trusted medical professional about the risks involved.

How does it feel when you take shilajit?

The following qualitative user experience reports and reviews are included to give you an understanding of what the experience of taking shilajit is like.

Anecdotal shilajit experience reports and reviews from Reddit

One person on Reddit said the following about their experience with Shilajit:

"It gives me a too intense feeling of stimulation along with anxiety." [8]

There has been another report of a person experiencing anxiety from Shilajit as a side effect. [9]

Another user was happier with their results:

"I surprisingly loved the effects."

And one other person on Reddit said:

"... since I started it I’m able to get tasks at work done better and generally am more social in conversations." [10]

One Redditor reported their energy, mood, libido all improved from Shilajit. [11]

And finally, several people reported they noticed no effects from Shilajit. [12]

Studies

Studies conducted on the effects of Shilajit in healthy humans

Last updated Saturday, June 10, 2023