Shilajit in Andrology: Experimental Evidence, Clinical Studies, and Therapeutic Potential for Male Reproductive Health

Abstract

Background: Shilajit is a naturally occurring, mineral-rich organic exudate. Increasing scientific interest has focused on its potential role in male reproductive health, testosterone regulation, and fertility. A recent 2024 systematic review of 52 human studies evaluating 27 testosterone-boosting supplements identified Shilajit as one of the few supplements with possible efficacy in aging-related late-onset hypogonadism.

Objective: To summarize the experimental and clinical evidence regarding the pharmacological properties and andrological applications of Shilajit.

Methods: A review of published experimental and clinical studies from 1965 to 2024 was performed. Evidence included animal experiments, mechanistic studies, toxicology investigations, and human clinical trials evaluating the effects of Shilajit on reproductive function, endocrine parameters, oxidative stress, and related biological mechanisms.

Results: Early investigations established the scientific basis for Shilajit research. Gupta et al., (1965) first suggested anabolic activity through improved growth and food utilization in rats. Ghosal et al., (1976) demonstrated that Shilajit is a chemically complex natural substance containing numerous bioactive organic constituents. Experimental studies subsequently documented adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, antioxidant, neuropharmacological, and mitochondrial protective properties.

Reproductive studies consistently demonstrated beneficial effects on male fertility. In experimental animals, Shilajit increased spermatogenesis, sperm production, seminiferous tubular development, steroidogenic enzyme activity, testosterone synthesis, and fertility while protecting against toxin induced reproductive damage through antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and Nrf2-mediated mechanisms.

Human studies reported significant improvements in oligospermic men after three months of supplementation, including increases in sperm concentration (+61.4%), sperm count, motility, serum testosterone (+23.5%), and follicle-stimulating hormone, together with reduced seminal oxidative stress. A randomized placebo-controlled study in healthy men aged 45-55 years demonstrated significant increases in total testosterone, free testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone following three months of supplementation. Long-term animal toxicology studies demonstrated a favorable safety profile at doses up to 2,500 mg/kg/day.

Conclusions: Current evidence suggests that Shilajit possesses multiple pharmacological properties relevant to andrology, including androgenic, spermatogenic, antioxidant, adaptogenic, and mitochondrial protective effects. Clinical studies indicate potential benefits in improving testosterone concentrations and semen quality, particularly in men with oligospermia and age related testosterone decline.

Keywords: Shilajit; Andrology; Testosterone; Male Infertility; Oligospermia; Spermatogenesis; Hypogonadism; Antioxidants; Male Reproductive Health

Citation

Aamir Jalal Al-Mosawi. Shilajit in Andrology: Experimental Evidence, Clinical Studies, and Therapeutic Potential for Male Reproductive Health. WebLog J Ayurvedic Med. wjam.2026. j0801. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23307961