Shilajit
Shilajit

Background

Shilajit is a sticky substance that comes out of the cracks in high mountain ranges of Asia. It's made of animal, mineral, and plant material.

The exact makeup of shilajit depends on where it's found and the temperature. It typically contains vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and amino acids. It also contains the organic acids fulvic acid and humic acid. It's often used as an adaptogen in Ayurvedic medicine and has antioxidant effects.

People use shilajit for Alzheimer disease, athletic performance, male infertility, fractures, muscle strength, osteoporosis, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse shilajit with fulvic acid or humic acid. These are not the same.
When taken by mouth: Processed shilajit is possibly safe when used in doses of 2 grams daily for 45 days or up to 500 mg daily for up to 48 weeks. It seems to be well-tolerated. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if crude or unprocessed shilajit is safe or what the side effects might be.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if shilajit is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if shilajit is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Surgery: Shilajit might lower blood sugar and interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop taking shilajit at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Effectiveness

There is interest in using shilajit for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Likely effective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly effective Effectiveness definitions
Likely ineffective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly ineffective Effectiveness definitions
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions

Dosing & administration

Shilajit has most often been used by adults in doses of 200-500 mg by mouth daily for 8-48 weeks. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Shilajit might lower blood sugar levels. Taking shilajit along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

Herbs and supplements that might lower blood sugar: Shilajit might lower blood sugar. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might lower blood sugar too much. Examples of supplements with this effect include aloe, bitter melon, cassia cinnamon, chromium, and prickly pear cactus.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.
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