Shilajit is a traditional mineral-rich substance used for centuries in Ayurvedic and Himalayan medicine. In recent years, it has re-emerged as a popular supplement for energy, vitality, hormonal health, and longevity — especially among men, but increasingly among women as well. Interest has grown rapidly in regions such as Dubai and the UAE, raising important questions around safety, purity, dosage, and regulatory status.

This article functions as a comprehensive cluster reference covering what shilajit is, what it is used for, who it benefits most, how to take it safely, and where misuse or exaggerated claims commonly occur.

What Is Shilajit?

Shilajit is a sticky resin-like substance that seeps from rocks in high-altitude mountain ranges, particularly the Himalayas, Altai, Caucasus, and Tibetan plateaus. It forms over centuries from the gradual decomposition of plant matter under heat and pressure.

In traditional texts, shilajit is also referred to as:

• Mineral pitch

• Mumijo / Mumie

• Asphaltum

Its biological activity is largely attributed to fulvic acid, along with trace minerals, dibenzo-α-pyrones, and humic substances.

What Is Shilajit Used For?

Traditionally, shilajit has been used as a rejuvenative (rasayana) — meaning it supports strength, stamina, resilience, and healthy aging.

Modern usage typically focuses on:

• Energy and fatigue reduction

• Male reproductive and testosterone support

• Cognitive performance

• Mineral replenishment

• Adaptation to physical stress

Evidence-Based Benefits of Shilajit

1. Energy, Mitochondrial Function & Fatigue

One of shilajit’s most researched roles is its effect on mitochondrial energy production. Fulvic acid and associated compounds appear to support electron transport and ATP generation, which may explain reported improvements in fatigue and physical stamina.

This makes shilajit popular among:

• Individuals with chronic fatigue

• High-performing professionals

• Athletes and physically active adults

2. Shilajit Benefits for Men

Shilajit is most commonly marketed for men, particularly for:

• Testosterone support

• Sperm quality and fertility

• Muscle strength and vitality

These effects are most notable when shilajit is purified and standardized, and used consistently for several weeks.

3. Shilajit Benefits for Women

While less aggressively marketed to women, shilajit may offer indirect but meaningful benefits when used appropriately.

Potential benefits include:

• Improved energy and reduced fatigue

• Mineral support (iron, magnesium, trace elements)

• Cognitive clarity and stress resilience

Important: Shilajit does not contain hormones. Its effects are metabolic and mineral-based rather than estrogenic or androgenic.

4. Cognitive Function & Neuroprotection

Emerging research suggests shilajit may help inhibit abnormal tau protein aggregation, a process implicated in neurodegeneration. While this does not make it a treatment, it highlights potential long-term brain health relevance.

5. Antioxidant & Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Shilajit’s fulvic acid content contributes to antioxidant activity and may help reduce low-grade inflammation associated with aging and metabolic stress.

Forms of Shilajit: Resin, Capsules, Tablets & Gummies

The form of shilajit significantly impacts both effectiveness and safety.

Pure shilajit resin or standardized capsules are generally preferred over gummies for therapeutic use.

How to Take Shilajit & Best Time to Take It

Typical Dosage

Most studies use 250–500 mg per day of purified shilajit.

Best Time to Take Shilajit

• Morning or early afternoon

• With warm water or milk (traditional use)

• Avoid late evening due to potential stimulation

Consistency is more important than timing.

Shilajit Side Effects & Safety Concerns

Possible Side Effects

• Digestive upset

• Headache

• Increased heart rate in sensitive individuals

Safety Risks With Poor-Quality Products

One of the biggest concerns with shilajit is contamination.

Unprocessed or raw shilajit should never be consumed.

Who Should Avoid or Use Caution

Is Shilajit Banned in UAE?

Shilajit is not universally banned in the UAE, but availability depends on:

• Product formulation

• Level of purification

• Compliance with local supplement regulations

Products sold legally in Dubai and the UAE typically undergo municipal and health authority review. Consumers should avoid importing unverified products marketed as “original shilajit” without documentation.

Shilajit Price in UAE & Choosing the Best Brand

When evaluating shilajit price in UAE or selecting the best shilajit brand, look for:

• Purified and standardized extract

• Heavy metal testing certificates

• Transparent sourcing (e.g., Himalayan origin)

Popular brands such as Dabur Shilajit, Dabur Shilajit Gold, Kapiva Shilajit, and capsule formulations vary widely in potency and formulation.

Lower-priced options often reflect lower fulvic acid content or lack of testing.

Common Myths & Misuse

References

1. Agarwal, S. P., Khanna, R., Karmarkar, R., Anwer, M. K., & Khar, R. K. (2007). Shilajit: A review. Phytotherapy Research, 21(5), 401–405. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.2100

2. Pandit, S., Biswas, T. K., Debnath, P. K., & Saha, A. V. (2015). Chemical and pharmacological evaluation of shilajit. International Journal of Ayurveda Research, 6(2), 95–102.

3. Biswas, T. K., Pandit, S., Mondal, S., Biswas, S. K., Jana, U., Debnath, P. K., & Khuda-Bukhsh, A. R. (2010). Clinical evaluation of purified shilajit on testosterone levels in healthy volunteers. Andrologia, 42(1), 48–56. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0272.2009.00940.x

4. Carrasco-Gallardo, C., Guzmán, L., & Maccioni, R. B. (2012). Shilajit: A natural phytocomplex with potential procognitive activity. International Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 2012, 674142. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/674142

5. Wilson, E., Rajamanickam, G. V., Dubey, G. P., Klose, P., Musial, F., Saha, F. J., & Dobos, G. (2011). Review on shilajit used in traditional Indian medicine. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 136(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2011.04.033

6. NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). (2023). Ayurvedic supplements: What you need to know.

7. European Medicines Agency (EMA). (2022). Herbal substances and safety considerations. Herbal Medicinal Products Committee.