Shilajit and fertility: from desire to conception

1) What is shilajit and why is it relevant to fertility?

Shilajit is an organo-mineral substance resulting from the slow decomposition of plant biomass, concentrated by geological pressure and the action of microorganisms. In its purified form, it typically contains:

• Fulvic acid : small chelating molecules that transport minerals across membranes and participate in cell signaling.
• Dibenzo-α-pyrones (DBPs) and associated protein complexes (DCPs): compounds studied for their interaction with the mitochondrial respiratory chain and their antioxidant and bioenergetic potential.
• Trace elements (Zn, Se, Mg, Fe, etc.): essential cofactors of many hormonal and antioxidant enzymes.

Why does this affect fertility? Because reproduction is a cellular endurance sport: producing hormones , building quality gametes , protecting DNA from oxidative stress , regulating inflammation , and fueling highly stressed mitochondria . The supposed mechanisms of shilajit revolve around these pillars:

• Mitochondrial energy production : supports ATP synthesis (useful for spermatogenesis, oocyte maturation, sperm motility).
• Hormonal regulation : modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HGP) axis, particularly testosterone in men in some studies.
• Antioxidant protection : limitation of oxidative damage affecting membranes, mitochondria and DNA of gametes.
• Bioavailable mineral intake : support for enzymes (e.g. Zn for spermatogenesis, Se for glutathione peroxidase).

2) Male fertility: energy, testosterone and sperm

2.1 How to popularize the effect in humans?

Think of spermatogenesis as a fine, demanding production line: hundreds of steps take place over approximately 70 to 90 days to produce motile, well-formed sperm with intact DNA. This line only runs if the factory has ATP (the cellular "fuel"), enzyme cofactors, and an antioxidant net that prevents "sparks" from degrading the genetic cargo. Shilajit compounds are being studied to better fuel the factory (mitochondria), regulate certain hormonal signals (HGH axis), and reduce the impact of free radicals.

2.2 Controlled clinical trials

Several clinical studies focus on adult men:

• Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (90 days, men 45–55 years): supplementation with purified shilajit 250 mg x2/day; results: significant increase in total and free testosterone . Source: Andrologia , 2015/2016. PubMed: 26395129 .
• Clinical study in oligospermic men : 100 mg x2/day for 90 days; +61% sperm concentration , +12% motility , +23.5% testosterone . Source: Andrologia , 2010. PubMed: 20078516 .

These results do not indicate that shilajit "cures" infertility, but that it can support certain key parameters (androgens, concentration, mobility). In practice, interest is mainly observed in contexts of chronic fatigue , high oxidative stress or subclinical micronutrient deficiencies .

2.3 Antioxidants, mitochondria and sperm DNA

The sperm membrane is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids: it is quickly oxidized if the antioxidant shield fails. Shilajit is regularly mentioned for its antioxidant and bioenergetic effects; some reviews (particularly clinical and preclinical) report an improvement in spermatogenesis and markers of oxidative stress in animals and humans. See the review on PubMed: 23733436 .

3) Female fertility: cycles, vitality and hormones

On the female side, the clinical literature remains limited . There are no large randomized trials (to date) demonstrating a direct improvement in pregnancy rates in women taking shilajit. On the other hand, several plausible mechanisms explain why support for mitochondrial energy , antioxidant defense , and micronutrition could be beneficial for oocyte quality, cycle regularity, and overall vitality.

Oocytes are energy-demanding cells, and mitochondrial quality influences their maturation. Shilajit's bioactive compounds (fulvic acid, DBPs) are being studied to modulate the respiratory chain, reduce certain markers of oxidative stress, and support antioxidant enzymes (via cofactors such as selenium or zinc). Direct human data in women are still lacking, but reviews synthesize favorable signals on vitality, anti-fatigue, and redox balance, which may indirectly benefit reproductive health. See for example: safety/efficacy review .

In practice, in women with irregular cycles related to stress or fatigue, shilajit is sometimes considered as an adjuvant to a global protocol (sleep, stress management, diet rich in polyphenols, gentle physical activity, omega-3, iron if deficient). In case of suspicion of PCOS, endometriosis, thyroid disorders or hyperprolactinemia, medical advice is required before any self-medication.

4) Ayurvedic tradition

In Ayurveda , shilajit belongs to the rasayana —substances intended to "nourish the tissues," including shukra dhatu (reproductive tissues). Traditionally, it is associated with herbs such as ashwagandha (stress balance, vigor), safed musli (sexual vitality), or shatavari (feminine tonic) depending on the profile. This holistic view is consistent with a modern idea: for fertility to be expressed, the entire physiological orchestra must be in tune (sleep, digestion, stress, immunity, cellular energy).

This does not replace modern clinical science, but sheds light on empirical uses that are thousands of years old and which, when viewed in the context of biochemical mechanisms (mitochondria, antioxidants, minerals), become more understandable for a modern reader.

5) Modern testimonies

Many users report more regular cycles , increased libido , more stable energy , and improved recovery . These reports are helpful in understanding the experience , but they do not constitute proof . Perceived effects may include a mix of improved lifestyle, placebo effect, correction of an undiagnosed mineral deficiency, and actual benefits of purified shilajit.

Moral: let's value feelings, but let's stay scientific : when the issue is fertility, we rely on objective markers (spermogram, hormones, ultrasound, biomarkers of oxidative stress) and medical advice.

6) Practical use

6.1 Form, dosage, duration

Forms : Purified resin (to be dissolved). Common dosage : 250–500 mg/day , often in 1 or 2 doses with warm water. Duration : Major clinical trials lasted 90 days (≈ 3 months), aligned with a complete spermatogenesis cycle.

Timing : Morning and/or early afternoon (avoid too late if sensitive to stimulation). Windows : 8–12 week cycles, then reassessment based on goals, tolerance, and biomarkers. Hydration : Drink enough, as fulvic acid has a chelating action that is part of proper water metabolism.

6.2 Intelligent synergies (“stacks”)

• Men : shilajit + ashwagandha (stress), zinc (spermatogenesis cofactor), omega-3 (membrane fluidity), vitamin D (hormonal status), CoQ10 (mitochondria) if validated by the practitioner.
• Women : shilajit + omega-3 , B vitamins (methylation), dietary antioxidants (red fruits, green tea), iron if documented deficiency, magnesium for stress. In the case of an ART project, all "stacks" are done with the medical team.

6.3 Hygiene of life (the foundation)

• Sleep : 7–8 hours, regular rhythm; hormone production (testosterone, LH) is very sensitive to chronic deficiency.
• Stress management : breathing, cardiac coherence, daily walking; poorly regulated cortisol disrupts the HHG axis.
• Diet : rich in colorful plants (polyphenols), quality proteins, gentle cooking; limit “AGEs” (strong grilling).
• Physical activity : regular, without chronic excess intensity; too much training can cause androgens to drop.
• Toxic exposure : tobacco, solvents, endocrine disruptors; choose clean containers and cosmetics.

7) Safety and EFSA recommendations

Raw (unpurified) shilajit may contain heavy metals (Pb, Hg, As) or biological contaminants. A classic to know: the JAMA study on Ayurvedic products showing worrying levels of lead, mercury, arsenic in some of the samples. Reference: JAMA 2004, PubMed: 15598918 .

In Europe, Regulation (EU) 2023/915 sets maximum levels of contaminants in foodstuffs. This does not constitute a "health approval" for shilajit, but a safety framework on thresholds (e.g. heavy metals). Official text EUR-Lex (FR version): 2023/915 . No "fertility" claims are authorized by EFSA to date; shilajit remains a supplement , not a medicine.

Conclusion

Shilajit appears to be a potential fertility booster , particularly for men (testosterone and sperm parameters) when clinical dosages are respected and the duration of at least 8–12 weeks is respected. In women, direct data are still preliminary : we mainly consider plausible mechanisms (mitochondria, antioxidants, minerals) likely to contribute to oocyte quality and vitality, without concluding on their own on pregnancy rates.

Like any supplement, shilajit is part of a comprehensive lifestyle (sleep, stress management, diet, activity) and is chosen purified , standardized , with a batch COA . It does not replace a diagnosis or medical care , particularly in assisted reproduction. Used with discernment, it can become an ally in the field to support cellular energy, antioxidant protection and certain hormonal markers.

References

1. Shilajit and testosterone levels: Andrologia , 2015/2016. PubMed: 26395129
2. Shilajit and oligospermia in men: Andrologia , 2010. PubMed: 20078516
3. Heavy metal content in Ayurvedic products: JAMA , 2004. PubMed: 15598918
4. Safety/efficacy review (antioxidant, adaptogen, spermatogenesis): Journal of Ethnopharmacology (general review). PubMed: 23733436
5. Regulatory framework: Regulation (EU) 2023/915 (EUR-Lex)
6. (Optional, additional reading) Summary chapter on the energy and benefits of shilajit: ScienceDirect
7. (Optional) Recent systematic review (2024) on the efficacy/safety of shilajit: Journal of Population Therapeutics and Clinical Pharmacology