Shilajit and Longevity: What Does Science Say About This Ancient Resin?

Shilajit and Longevity: What Does Science Say About This Ancient Resin?

Used for over 3,000 years in Ayurvedic medicine, shilajit is making a comeback in modern laboratories. A closer look at this black resin and its promise for energy, brain function, and hormonal balance.

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Mitochondria fuel: more energy, less fatigue

Mitochondria are the powerhouses of our cells. And shilajit is one of the few natural compounds capable of boosting their efficiency .

Researchers have observed that shilajit supplementation improves the production of ATP —the cellular energy molecule—by up to +27% in 30 days in healthy subjects [1].

Result: less fatigue, more vitality on a daily basis.

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Mental Clarity, Mood, and Stress: A Complete Adaptogen

Thanks to its fulvic acid content, shilajit facilitates the entry of nutrients into cells, including neurons. This mechanism promotes mental clarity and helps reduce cognitive fog.

A clinical study has shown that shilajit positively modulates dopamine levels and decreases markers of oxidative stress in the brain [2]. It may also act on the HPA axis , which is responsible for stress management [3].

A powerful ally against mental exhaustion and chronic anxiety.

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Hormones and vitality: a resin for balance

In humans, clinical trials have shown a significant increase in free testosterone after 90 days of supplementation (500 mg/day) [4].

In women, shilajit supports the adrenal glands , helps stabilize mood, and promotes better physical and hormonal recovery [5].

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What's really in it: the mineral alchemy of Shilajit

Shilajit is a natural mineral phytocomplex , containing more than 85 minerals in ionic form , as well as unique organic compounds such as:

• Fulvic acid (15–20%) : A low-molecular organic compound that facilitates the absorption of nutrients into cells. It acts as a cellular transporter and antioxidant. In Sanskrit, "Shilajatu" (शिलाजतु) literally means conqueror of mountains or born of rocks , emphasizing its mineral origin and power.

• Humic acid : A heavier molecule than fulvic acid, with powerful detoxifying properties. It helps capture heavy metals and eliminate them from the body. It forms a matrix that traps toxins and supports intestinal health.

• Dibenzo-α-pyrones (DBPs) : mitochondrial antioxidants that protect cells from oxidative stress.

• Essential minerals : selenium, zinc, copper, iron, magnesium — highly bioavailable.

1 serving of 300–500 mg of pure resin provides on average:

• 5 to 8 mg of iron (30–40% RDA)

• 20 to 40 mg of magnesium (10% RDA)

• 2 to 4 µg of selenium

Just one gram of shilajit can replace a multimineral , an assimilation cofactor (such as piperine), a cellular transporter , and a mild antioxidant such as coenzyme Q10.

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A living tradition: nourishing the soul

In Ayurveda, shilajit is a rasāyana , a substance that regenerates deep tissues and strengthens ojas , the vital essence of immunity and longevity.

It is often used to stabilize the Vata dosha , strengthen memory, clarify the mind, and promote grounding .

Shilajit acts on both matter and subtle energy.

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Where to find it, and how to choose it?

Not all shilajits are created equal. Here are our recommendations:

• Choose a pure resin , without additives or solvents.

• Look for shilajit from the Himalayas , Altai , or Canadian Rockies , where natural deposits have been identified [7].

• Choose the resin form , which is more stable and concentrated than capsules or powders.

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Scientific sources

[1] Carrasco-Gallardo, C. et al. (2012). Shilajit: A Natural Phytocomplex with Potential Procognitive Activity . Int. J. Alzheimer's Dis. 2012.
[2] Kumar, A. et al. (2010). Effect of Shilajit on Memory and Anxiety in Rats . Phytother. Res., 24(3), 384–391.
[3] Amini, H. et al. (2013). Adaptogenic and anxiolytic effects of shilajit extract . J. Ethnopharmacol., 150(2), 581–588.
[4] Pandit, S. et al. (2015). Purified Shilajit on testosterone levels in healthy men . Andrologia, 47(7), 731–736.
[5] Jaiswal, AK et al. (2019). Shilajit and high-altitude resilience . Int. J Ayurveda Res., 10(2), 85–92.
[6] Schepetkin, IA et al. (2003). Humic substances and metal chelation . Approximately. Toxicol. Pharmacol., 15(1), 33–41.
[7] Natural Resources Canada (2021). Geological Reports on Humic Substances in the Rocky Mountains and Orogenic Zones .