What is shilajit? Effects, use and what to look out for

Short answer: Shilajit (also called mumijo, Asphaltum punjabianum) is a brown-black, sticky substance that seeps out of rock crevices in high mountain ranges. It consists mostly of humic substances such as fulvic acid and humic acid, plus minerals. There are only a few small studies in humans, so little is certain about its effects. In the EU, shilajit is only allowed in food supplements.

Last updated: November 5, 2026 · Written by Florian Fermin

Shilajit has become very popular in recent years, especially on social media, where you often read big promises. In this article, we set out what is actually known: what shilajit is, what research in humans shows, how to use it, what you should know about safety, and what to look for when you buy it.

To be upfront: at GOYU we sell shilajit ourselves, as resin and as capsules. Wherever we mention our own products, you will see that straight away.

What is shilajit?

Shilajit is a brown to black, resinous substance that seeps out of rock in high mountain ranges (Agarwal et al., 2007). It is not a plant or a mushroom, but a mixture of broken-down plant remains, substances produced by microorganisms, and minerals from the rock.

Other names include mumijo (mainly in Germany and Eastern Europe), mumie and mineral pitch. Labels in the EU usually list the scientific name Asphaltum punjabianum.

According to a 2023 review, more than 80% of shilajit consists of humic substances, mainly fulvic acid and humic acid, and around 20% of minerals such as calcium, potassium and magnesium. It also contains amino acids and fatty acids, among other things. The composition varies by location and has never been fully mapped (Kamgar et al., 2023).

Where does shilajit come from and how is it formed?

Shilajit comes from steep rock faces in high mountain ranges. Chinese researchers found the sites in Tibet at altitudes of 2,000 to 4,000 metres, on sunny slopes of 60 degrees or steeper, in rock rich in organic carbon (Ding et al., 2020).

Exactly how shilajit forms is not yet entirely clear. The usual explanation is that plant remains between the rocks break down over centuries. After collection, the raw shilajit is purified into a glossy, sticky resin.

In Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system, shilajit is a so-called rasayana: something traditionally used to age with vitality (Wilson et al., 2011). That is traditional use, not a proven effect.

What forms of shilajit are there?

You can buy shilajit as resin (the resin itself), as capsules with shilajit extract, as powder or as gummies. Resin is the traditional form. Capsules are easier to dose and you don't taste anything.

You can see our forms side by side on the buy shilajit page.

What are the effects of shilajit according to research?

Little is certain about the effects of shilajit in humans. There are a handful of small studies, usually with one specific purified extract, lasting 4 to 13 weeks and only in men. One review describes the number of well-designed human studies as limited (Stohs, 2014); another finds the evidence for its traditional uses thin (Wilson et al., 2011).

These are the human studies we found in PubMed:

A 2023 systematic review looked at 52 studies of supplements sold as "testosterone boosters". Most showed no increase in total testosterone. The authors classify the purified shilajit extract from the Pandit study as "possibly effective" in a specific group of older men, just as they do, for example, ashwagandha in healthy men (Morgado et al., 2023). "Possibly" here means: too little research to know for sure. What you can do yourself for your testosterone is covered in testosterone and lifestyle.

Much of what you read online, for example about the brain or the energy metabolism of cells, comes from lab and animal studies. Interesting, but it says little about what shilajit does in humans.

Which health claims may be used for shilajit?

In the EU, food supplements may only use health claims that have been approved or are still awaiting assessment. For shilajit, we only use these claims:

• Shilajit supports mental and cognitive function*
• Shilajit supports fat and sugar metabolism*
• Shilajit supports sexual function in men and women*

* Health claim pending European assessment.

How do you take shilajit?

How you take shilajit depends on the form. Always follow the label of your own product, because doses differ by brand and by extract. For our products, the advice is:

• Shilajit Resin: use the spoon provided to take a pea-sized amount (about 100 mg) and dissolve it in warm, not boiling, water, tea or milk. 1 to 2 times a day, preferably during or just after a meal.
• Shilajit Extract Capsules (5% Fulvic Acid) 500 mg: 2 capsules, 1 to 2 times a day, preferably during or just after a meal.
• Shilajit Extract Capsules (50% Fulvic Acid) 500 mg: 1 capsule a day with water, preferably during or just after a meal.

Preferably don't use several shilajit products at the same time. A step-by-step guide, with tips on dissolving, taste and storage, is in how to take shilajit resin.

Is shilajit safe? Side effects and who should be careful

One review describes shilajit as safe based on animal and human studies (Stohs, 2014). Long-term studies in humans are lacking, though, and the biggest risk lies in quality: shilajit comes from rock and can contain heavy metals or other contaminants. The German consumer organisation Verbraucherzentrale therefore considers the safety of mumijo products insufficiently researched (Verbraucherzentrale, 2026).

• Heavy metals: in samples of shilajit from India and Pakistan, researchers found lead, arsenic and mercury, among others, above the usual standards (Aldakheel et al., 2021). A review of the available measurements mostly found levels below the standards, but not always (Hussain and Saeed, 2024).
• Mineral oil: the German testing laboratory CVUA Stuttgart examined twelve mumijo products in 2026. It found no excessive heavy metals, but four products contained conspicuous amounts of mineral oil (MOSH), and one product was judged unsafe because of its MOAH content (Verbraucherzentrale, 2026).
• Pregnancy: doctors described a 37-year-old pregnant woman who took mumijo for six months and developed high blood pressure and a low potassium level. This resolved after she stopped (Stavropoulos et al., 2018). It is a single report, but there is no research in pregnant women.
• Medication: humic acids can bind substances. Whether that affects the absorption of medicines or nutrients in humans has not been properly studied (Verbraucherzentrale, 2026).
• Animal research: in a 2026 rat study, all animals survived a single high dose, but the researchers did see mild to moderate changes in liver and kidney tissue. They consider research into long-term use necessary (Rizun et al., 2026).

So check with your doctor or pharmacist first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take medication, have high blood pressure or have a chronic condition. Supplements are not intended for children. Our labels also say: "Do not exceed the recommended daily dosage. Consult your physician before use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition."

What is known about side effects is covered in shilajit side effects; how to judge the quality and authenticity of shilajit is covered in shilajit quality: heavy metals, lab tests and real or fake.

Is shilajit allowed in the EU?

Yes, but only in food supplements. In the European Commission's Novel Food Catalogue, shilajit (Asphaltum punjabianum, mumijo) is listed as "not novel in food supplements": it was already used in supplements before 15 May 1997. As or in ordinary foods, shilajit is a novel food according to the German authority BVL, and EU authorisation is needed first (European Commission, Novel Food Catalogue).

Fulvic acid as a separate ingredient is a different story. Both isolated and non-isolated fulvic acid are listed in the same catalogue as novel foods that are not authorised. Fulvic acid occurs naturally in shilajit; the label of an extract states how much. We don't sell a separate fulvic acid supplement.

In France, shilajit, also under the names mumijo and Asphaltum bitumens, is listed in the ingredient list of Compl'Alim, the French government's platform for notifying food supplements, without a novel food flag (Compl'Alim).

Buying shilajit: what should you look for?

When buying shilajit, mainly look at four things: the name and form on the label, an analysis for contaminants, a clear dose, and no promises that aren't allowed.

1. Name and form: the label should state Asphaltum punjabianum and whether it is resin or extract.
2. CoA with heavy metals: ask for the certificate of analysis (CoA) of the batch, with measured values for lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic. In the EU, the maximum levels for food supplements are 3.0 mg/kg lead, 1.0 mg/kg cadmium and 0.10 mg/kg mercury (Regulation (EU) 2023/915). Also check the detection limit: "not detected" with a detection limit of 2 mg/kg says little about mercury. How to read such a document is explained in how to read a CoA.
3. Content and dose: for an extract, the label should state the fulvic acid content per capsule, plus a clear daily dose.
4. No miracle promises: phrases such as "boosts your testosterone" or "gives you instant energy" are not allowed on a supplement in the EU. If you see them, the supplier is not taking the rules very seriously.

All our forms are on the buy shilajit page. Want to see the CoA for your batch? Email support@getgoyu.com with the product name and the lot number on your packaging.

Summary in 3 points

• Shilajit (mumijo, Asphaltum punjabianum) is a resinous substance from high mountains that consists mostly of humic substances such as fulvic acid, plus minerals.
• There are only a few small studies in humans, mainly in men and with one specific extract. So little is certain about its effects.
• In the EU, shilajit is only allowed in food supplements. Choose a product with a CoA for heavy metals, follow the label, and check with your doctor first if you are pregnant or take medication.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between shilajit and mumijo?

There is no difference: mumijo is the name used mainly in Germany and Eastern Europe. Both names refer to Asphaltum punjabianum.

What does shilajit taste like?

Shilajit resin tastes earthy, smoky and bitter. In tea with a little honey, the taste is less noticeable. In capsules, you don't taste anything.

How long does a jar of shilajit resin last?

With our 50-gram jar and 100 to 200 mg a day, it lasts 250 to 500 days. A jar of 60 capsules lasts 15 to 30 days with the 5% capsules and 60 days with the 50% capsules.

Is shilajit sold at Kruidvat?

Our Shilajit Extract Capsules 5% are also sold at Kruidvat. You can find all three forms, including the resin and the 50% capsules, in our web shop.

Can I take shilajit if I'm pregnant?

There is no research on this, and there is a report of a pregnant woman who developed high blood pressure and a low potassium level after taking mumijo for months. So don't use shilajit without talking to your doctor or midwife.

Sources

1. Agarwal SP, Khanna R, Karmarkar R, Anwer MK, Khar RK. Review of shilajit, its origin and composition. Phytother Res. 2007;21(5):401-405. doi:10.1002/ptr.2100. PubMed 17295385
2. Kamgar E, Kaykhaii M, Zembrzuska J. Review of the chemical composition of shilajit. Crit Rev Anal Chem. 2025;55(3):461-473 (online 2023). doi:10.1080/10408347.2023.2293963. PubMed 38133965
3. Ding R, Zhao M, Fan J, Hu X, Wang M, Zhong S, Gu R. Geological study of the formation and sites of shilajit in Tibet. Chin Med. 2020;15:65. doi:10.1186/s13020-020-00343-9. PubMed 32612671
4. Wilson E, Rajamanickam GV, Dubey GP, et al. Review of shilajit in traditional Indian medicine. J Ethnopharmacol. 2011;136(1):1-9. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2011.04.033. PubMed 21530631
5. Stohs SJ. Review of the safety and research on shilajit. Phytother Res. 2014;28(4):475-479. doi:10.1002/ptr.5018. PubMed 23733436
6. Pandit S, Biswas S, Jana U, De RK, Mukhopadhyay SC, Biswas TK. Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of purified shilajit and testosterone in healthy men aged 45 to 55. Andrologia. 2016;48(5):570-575. doi:10.1111/and.12482. PubMed 26395129
7. Keller JL, Housh TJ, Hill EC, Smith CM, Schmidt RJ, Johnson GO. Randomised, placebo-controlled study of shilajit and strength loss after fatigue in 63 men. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2019;16(1):3. doi:10.1186/s12970-019-0270-2. PubMed 30728074
8. Neltner TJ, Sahoo PK, Smith RW, et al. Randomised, placebo-controlled study of 8 weeks of shilajit and the blood marker pro-c1α1 in 35 trained men. J Diet Suppl. 2024;21(1):1-12 (online 2022). doi:10.1080/19390211.2022.2157522. PubMed 36546868
9. Yadav D, Mishra S, Shah KM, Reddy ST, Gupta R, Pandey P. Open-label pilot study without a control group of 28 days of shilajit resin in 25 healthy men. Cureus. 2026;18(1):e102372. doi:10.7759/cureus.102372. PubMed 41613504
10. Morgado A, Tsampoukas G, Sokolakis I, Schoentgen N, Urkmez A, Sarikaya S. Systematic review of 52 studies of supplements sold as testosterone boosters. Int J Impot Res. 2024;36(4):348-364 (online 2023). doi:10.1038/s41443-023-00763-9. PubMed 37697053
11. Aldakheel RK, Gondal MA, Alsayed HN, Almessiere MA, Nasr MM, Shemsi AM. Lab analysis of metals in shilajit from India and Pakistan. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2022;200(9):4199-4216 (online 2021). doi:10.1007/s12011-021-03014-4. PubMed 34800280
12. Hussain A, Saeed A. Review of heavy metals and humic substances in shilajit. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2024;202(12):5794-5814. doi:10.1007/s12011-024-04109-4. PubMed 38393486
13. Stavropoulos K, Sotiriadis A, Patoulias D, et al. Case report of a pregnant woman with high blood pressure and a low potassium level after taking mumijo. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2018;34(12):1019-1021. doi:10.1080/09513590.2018.1480713. PubMed 29933704
14. Rizun N, Stanković V, Bradić J, et al. Animal study of a single high dose of shilajit in rats. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2026;19(9):1486. doi:10.3390/ph19091486. PubMed 42797531
15. Verbraucherzentrale. Mumijo bei Darmproblemen? Including the results of CVUA Stuttgart (2026). Status October 13, 2026. verbraucherzentrale.de
16. European Commission. Novel Food Catalogue: Asphaltum punjabianum (mumijo, shilajit), status "not novel in food supplements" (POL-NF-00522); fulvic acid (POL-NF-00369) and non-isolated fulvic acid (POL-NF-11602), status "novel food, not authorised". Accessed November 5, 2026.
17. French Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty. Compl'Alim, ingredient Shilajit (mumijo, Asphaltum bitumens). Accessed November 5, 2026. compl-alim.beta.gouv.fr
18. European Commission. Regulation (EU) 2023/915 on maximum levels for certain contaminants in food, Annex I, entries 3.1.28 (lead), 3.2.21 (cadmium) and 3.3.2 (mercury) for food supplements. EUR-Lex
19. GOYU, product pages for Shilajit Resin, Shilajit Extract Capsules (5% Fulvic Acid) 500 mg and Shilajit Extract Capsules (50% Fulvic Acid) 500 mg (directions for use, composition and warning), accessed November 5, 2026.

You can find all forms of our shilajit on the buy shilajit page.

This article is for informational purposes and is not medical advice. Dietary supplements are not a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. If in doubt, during pregnancy, or when taking medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist.