Shilajit Effects on Testosterone
Written by Ben Bunting: BA, PGCert. (Sport & Exercise Nutrition) // British Army Physical Training Instructor // S&C Coach.
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Shilajit is a natural substance that is found in the rocks of the Himalayas and Hindukush ranges in the Indian subcontinent.
It is a mixture of organic humic substances and plant and microbial metabolites that occur in the rock rhizospheres of its natural habitat.
For thousands of years, shilajit has been used as a rejuvenator and adaptogen in traditional medicine systems in many countries.
Modern scientific research has verified many of its therapeutic properties, which include healing and rejuvenating effects on the body.
Shilajit is considered a miraculous substance with many health benefits, sometimes referred to as 'rasayanam', meaning revitalizor and energy booster, providing boosts both physically and mentally.
Shilajit has also demonstrated that it can raise testosterone levels among men, but these results are only available in one study, and there are causes for concern.
Shilajit in traditional Indian medicine
Shilajit is a natural mineral substance that has been used in Ayurveda and Siddha medicine for centuries.
It is known as a rejuvenator and is believed to prevent ailments and enhance quality of life.
While shilajit has a long history of use in traditional Indian medicine, there is a lack of scientific evaluation and systematic documentation. Further studies are needed to establish its bioactivity and potential as a rasayana.
Increased Sperm Count
Shilajit is used in Ayurveda to improve sperm count and fertility, decrease inflammation in the body, act as an effective aphrodisiac, lower cholesterol levels, protect against altitude sickness and provide support against anemia; and boost cognitive function and lower the risk of dementia.
Shilajit is a black tar-like substance containing ionic minerals as well as triterpenes and amino acids.
One study found that Shilajit increased total sperm counts among men with low levels of testosterone - known as Oligospermia - when taken either as a placebo or 250mg of purified Shilajit for 90 days.
Oligospermia improved after treatment while researchers noted how Shilajit helped maintain levels of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), both necessary components in testosterone production.
If you want to give Shilajit a try, make sure you purchase from a reliable supplier. Preferably find one that only uses raw shilajit and has lab test results as proof.
Increased Testosterone Levels
Testosterone is the primary sex hormone in men. When testosterone levels decrease, this can negatively impact sex drive, muscle mass and strength gains, bone density levels, mood stability and cognitive functions. Shilajit is an herbal remedy purported to increase testosterone levels naturally.
Testosterone levels drop as we age, leading to muscle atrophy and strength losses. To combat this loss of strength and mass, many choose supplements; however, incorrect usage could prove harmful.
Shilajit is one such natural substance which shows promise to increase testosterone levels in healthy adults
Studies demonstrate its positive effect on improving sperm count, motility and serum testosterone levels while supporting healthy libido and maintaining an ideal pH balance in bloodstreams.
This study was randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled, with a dosage of 250mg twice a day. After 90 consecutive days of treatment, the results showed a significant increase (P < 0.05) in total testosterone, free testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEAS) compared to the placebo group.
Additionally, gonadotropic hormones (LH and FSH) levels remained well maintained. Shilajit has been shown to have a positive effect on male androgenic hormones.
Their research differs from other studies as it utilized an ultra-purified form of shilajit, thus guaranteeing its safety and efficacy.
Study limitations
However, it is easy to run away with this evidence, but be aware that this is just one study, furthermore, the manufacturers of the supplement that was used financed the research.
As a result, there is the possibility of some form of bias in the results.
"We acknowledge Natreon Inc, Premise No: 02-360, Rishi Tech Park (Ground Floor), Action Area 1D, Newtown, Kolkata 700 156, for financial support to carry out the study."
The effects of shilajit on muscle
The effects of 8 weeks of Shilajit supplementation were studied in 63 recreationally-active men.
The men were split into three groups and given either a high dose (500 mg/day) or a low dose (250 mg/day) of Shilajit, or a placebo.
After 8 weeks, the post-supplementation adjusted mean percent decline in MVIC was significantly less for the high dose group than both the low dose and placebo groups.
In addition, the adjusted mean post-supplementation baseline HYP for the high dose group was significantly lower than both the low dose and placebo groups. These results demonstrate that Shilajit supplementation at 500 mg is beneficial for muscle and connective tissue adaptations.
Study limitations
As with the study on testosterone, this body of research was funded by the manufacturer of the supplement that was used. This opens itself up to bias.
Shilajit as an anti-oxidant
Shilajit, a natural substance found in the Himalayas, has been studied for its effects on blood chemistry in humans.
In a study of normal volunteers, taking two grams of Shilajit daily for 45 days did not result in any significant changes in physical parameters such as blood pressure, pulse rate, or body weight.
However, there was a significant reduction in serum triglycerides and cholesterol levels, along with an improvement in HDL cholesterol and antioxidant status.
These results suggest that Shilajit may have hypolipidemic and strong antioxidant properties.
Safety of Shilajit
Shilajit, also known as mumie or moomiyo, has been used for centuries to treat a variety of illnesses and conditions.
While there have been limited human studies on the effects of shilajit, recent research involving animals and in vitro systems has shown promising results.
Shilajit has been found to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, adaptogenic, immunomodulatory, and anti-dyslipidemic properties.
It has also been shown to enhance spermatogenesis and physical performance while reducing fatigue.
The key constituents responsible for these effects are believed to be dibenzo-α-pyrones and fulvic acid and their derivatives.
However, more well-controlled human and animal studies using standardized products are needed to fully understand the potential benefits of shilajit.
Conclusion
Testosterone is essential to men's health in many ways, including muscle mass and strength, bone density, mood regulation and cognitive performance.
Low testosterone levels can have adverse consequences in these areas; Shilajit has been shown to support healthy testosterone levels through stimulating the hypothalamus and pituitary glands according to one published Andrologia study.
Additionally it has also been used successfully to increase sperm count as well as combat male infertility by increasing motility.
However, it must be noted that these studies were funded by the company that provided the supplement to be researched.
