Shilajit and tongkat ali are two of the most widely discussed natural supplements for testosterone support and energy. Shilajit is a resinous mineral exudate found in high-altitude rock formations, rich in fulvic acid, humic acids, dibenzo-alpha-pyrones, and trace minerals. Tongkat ali (Eurycoma longifolia) is a Southeast Asian root extract with a long history of traditional use for male vitality. Both have attracted clinical research attention, though neither carries the evidence base of pharmaceutical-grade hormone therapies.
This article compares what researchers have actually found about each supplement—covering proposed mechanisms, available human clinical data, energy effects, and real safety concerns. Neither product is a cure or a guaranteed solution, and understanding the honest state of the evidence is the most useful starting point for anyone considering them.
Key Takeaways
- Tongkat ali has a slightly larger clinical evidence base for testosterone support, including a meta-analysis [1] and a six-month RCT [2], but overall evidence quality for both supplements remains limited.
- Shilajit’s strongest human trial reported increases in total and free testosterone over 90 days in a placebo-controlled design [3], but this single small study needs independent replication.
- The mechanisms differ: shilajit targets mitochondrial energy support and mineral status; tongkat ali targets SHBG reduction and the hypothalamic-pituitary axis—making them functionally distinct rather than interchangeable.
- Purity is a critical concern for shilajit; heavy metal contamination in unprocessed products is a real risk—only use third-party tested, purified forms.
- Tongkat ali carries a small but documented risk of liver injury [4]; anyone with liver conditions or relevant medications should consult a doctor before use.
How Each Supplement Is Thought to Work
Shilajit’s proposed mechanisms center on its unique mix of bioactive compounds. Fulvic acid, one of its main constituents, is thought to help transport minerals across cell membranes and may support mitochondrial function—the cellular machinery responsible for generating ATP, the body’s primary energy currency. Dibenzo-alpha-pyrones are another class of compounds largely unique to shilajit, and researchers believe they interact with energy metabolism pathways in ways that may complement fulvic acid’s effects. The presence of trace minerals, including zinc and magnesium in potentially bioavailable forms, may also play a role in hormonal health, since these minerals are cofactors in testosterone biosynthesis and sperm production.
Tongkat ali’s active compounds include eurycomanone and a family of quassinoids. The predominant proposed mechanism is that these compounds may reduce the activity of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), a protein that binds to testosterone and renders it biologically unavailable. If SHBG is reduced, more free testosterone could circulate. Some research also suggests effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, which governs testosterone production upstream, though the precise pathways remain under investigation and are likely complex.
Shilajit and Testosterone: What Human Studies Show
The most rigorously designed human trial on shilajit and testosterone enrolled healthy male volunteers who received 250 mg of purified shilajit twice daily for 90 days in a double-blind, placebo-controlled format. Researchers reported statistically significant increases in total testosterone, free testosterone, and DHEA compared to placebo [3]. This is a meaningful result, but the trial was small and recruited a specific population of healthy men, so it may not generalize to all age groups or health conditions.
A more recent 28-day open-label pilot study assessed TruBlk shilajit resin for physical performance and blood biomarkers in healthy adults [5]. Open-label designs do not include a placebo control arm, which limits the strength of conclusions that can be drawn from them—participant expectation cannot be ruled out as a contributing factor. Earlier work found that processed shilajit improved sperm parameters in men with oligospermia, suggesting potential reproductive benefits beyond testosterone alone [6]. Animal studies have also shown shilajit to have protective effects on testicular function under toxic stress, including cadmium exposure [7] and chemotherapy-induced damage [8]; these findings are biologically interesting but cannot be directly applied to human outcomes.
In sum, the human evidence for shilajit and testosterone rests on a small number of trials with modest sample sizes. The 2016 placebo-controlled study [3] is the strongest available, and while the results are encouraging, independent replication in larger trials is still needed before firm conclusions are warranted.
Tongkat Ali and Testosterone: What Human Studies Show
Tongkat ali has a somewhat broader clinical literature. A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis of multiple clinical trials concluded that Eurycoma longifolia supplementation was associated with statistically significant improvements in serum total testosterone in men [1]. Pooling data across studies provides a more reliable estimate than any single trial, though the underlying studies still vary in quality and population.
A pilot study in men with late-onset hypogonadism found that a standardized water-soluble tongkat ali extract improved testosterone levels in a majority of participants over one month [9]. A more rigorous six-month double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT examined tongkat ali combined with concurrent exercise training in aging men with androgen deficiency. That study reported improvements in both testosterone levels and erectile function compared to the placebo-plus-exercise group [2], which is notable for its longer duration and controlled design.
It is worth contextualizing these findings against the wider supplement landscape. A 2024 systematic review evaluating so-called testosterone booster supplements found that evidence for many products in this category is weak, inconsistent, or derived from low-quality trials [10]. Tongkat ali fares comparatively better than many competitors reviewed, but this broader context is a reminder that marketing claims routinely outrun the clinical data.
Energy Effects: A Different Kind of Comparison
Both supplements are frequently marketed for energy, but their proposed mechanisms differ meaningfully. Shilajit’s energy-related claims are primarily tied to mitochondrial support—fulvic acid and dibenzo-alpha-pyrones may help cells produce ATP more efficiently. This is a plausible biological pathway, but direct human evidence specifically measuring energy or fatigue as a primary outcome in a placebo-controlled trial is still limited. The 28-day TruBlk pilot study evaluated physical performance markers [5], which offer one proxy for energy capacity, but an open-label design makes it difficult to separate genuine effects from participant expectation.
Tongkat ali’s energy effects, to the extent they occur, are considered a downstream consequence of hormonal changes rather than a direct stimulant action. Higher free testosterone can improve motivation, physical capacity, and recovery, and some studies suggest tongkat ali may modulate cortisol response under stress—but neither supplement behaves like caffeine or other direct stimulants. For men with genuine testosterone deficiency, any meaningful hormonal improvement might plausibly improve energy as a secondary benefit. For men with normal testosterone levels, expected energy gains from either product would likely be modest.
Head-to-Head: Which Has Stronger Evidence?
A direct comparison is difficult because no clinical trial has tested shilajit against tongkat ali simultaneously. Looking at each body of evidence independently, tongkat ali currently has more human clinical data, including a six-month randomized controlled trial [2] and a pooled meta-analysis [1], giving it a marginally stronger evidence base specifically for testosterone support. Shilajit’s best human data comes from a single placebo-controlled trial [3], making it harder to draw firm conclusions from the literature alone.
That said, these are not simple alternatives to one another. Their mechanisms are biologically distinct: shilajit’s mineral and mitochondrial angle differs from tongkat ali’s proposed hormonal axis effects. Some individuals combine the two, though no clinical data exists on combined use, and layering supplements without guidance adds uncertainty about both safety and interactions. Neither should be positioned as a substitute for evidence-based medical treatment in men with clinically diagnosed hypogonadism.
Safety, Purity, and Who Should Be Careful
Shilajit’s most significant safety issue is product quality. Raw or poorly processed shilajit can contain heavy metals—including lead, arsenic, and mercury—as well as mycotoxins and other contaminants. Purchasing only purified, independently third-party tested products is essential. The 28-day TruBlk study found no significant adverse changes in blood biomarkers over its short duration [5], which is reassuring but insufficient to characterize long-term safety. People with hemochromatosis, chronic kidney disease, or conditions affected by mineral intake should exercise particular caution and consult a physician before use.
Tongkat ali carries its own safety considerations. A 2024 case report documented tongkat ali-induced liver injury in a patient who developed hepatotoxicity after supplementation [4]. Herb-induced liver injury is rare across most botanical supplements but is a documented risk class. Anyone with pre-existing liver conditions, individuals taking medications metabolized by the liver, or anyone who experiences symptoms such as jaundice, dark urine, fatigue, or upper-right abdominal discomfort should discontinue use immediately and seek medical evaluation. Both supplements also require physician oversight for men with hormone-sensitive conditions, including prostate cancer or a history of it.
🛒 Where to Buy Shilajit
- Pürblack Live ResinLab-tested / studied
resin, ~300-500 mg/day — Premium purified resin, third-party heavy-metal tested; widely regarded as a reference-quality resin. - Nootropics Depot PrimaVie ShilajitClinically studied
capsules, 250 mg — PrimaVie, the standardised shilajit extract used in published human trials. - Zazzee Shilajit 40:1 Extract
capsules, 40:1 extract — Standardised to 50% fulvic acid. - Swanson Shilajit Extract
capsules, 400 mg, 60 count — Budget option from a long-established supplement brand.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Shilajit quality varies widely — always choose a product with a published third-party heavy-metal test (COA) before buying.
A Note on the Evidence
Neither shilajit nor tongkat ali is approved by the FDA to treat low testosterone or any medical condition, and the human clinical evidence for both remains limited in scale and replication. Men with hormone-sensitive conditions such as prostate cancer, pre-existing liver or kidney disease, or those taking prescription medications should consult a physician before using either supplement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does shilajit actually raise testosterone in humans?
One double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found that 500 mg/day of purified shilajit for 90 days significantly increased total testosterone, free testosterone, and DHEA compared to placebo in healthy men [3]. This is a promising finding, but it comes from a single small study and has not yet been widely replicated in independent trials.
Does tongkat ali raise testosterone?
A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials found that Eurycoma longifolia supplementation was associated with statistically significant increases in serum total testosterone in men [1]. A six-month randomized controlled trial also reported improved testosterone and erectile function in aging men with androgen deficiency who took tongkat ali alongside exercise training [2].
Can I combine shilajit and tongkat ali?
No clinical trial has studied the combined use of shilajit and tongkat ali, so nothing definitive can be said about the safety or efficacy of that pairing. If you are considering combining them, consult a healthcare provider first, particularly if you have underlying health conditions, take any medications, or are concerned about hormone-sensitive conditions.
Which is better for energy—shilajit or tongkat ali?
Neither works as a direct stimulant. Shilajit’s energy-related hypothesis involves mitochondrial support via fulvic acid and dibenzo-alpha-pyrones, while tongkat ali’s potential energy effects are considered downstream of testosterone and cortisol changes. No head-to-head human trial measuring energy as a primary outcome has been conducted for either supplement.
Is tongkat ali safe for the liver?
Clinical trials of tongkat ali have generally not reported serious liver adverse events, but a 2024 case report documented a case of hepatotoxicity attributed to tongkat ali supplementation [4]. Herb-induced liver injury is rare but real. If you have pre-existing liver disease, take hepatically metabolized medications, or develop symptoms like jaundice or dark urine, stop use and see a doctor.
How do I know if shilajit is free of heavy metals?
Raw shilajit from unregulated sources can contain lead, arsenic, and mercury. A 28-day study using a commercially processed shilajit resin reported no significant adverse changes in blood biomarkers [5], but this was a short open-label pilot. Your best protection is to buy purified shilajit that has been independently third-party tested and carries a certificate of analysis showing heavy metal levels below established safety thresholds.
References
- Leisegang K et al. Eurycoma longifolia (Jack) Improves Serum Total Testosterone in Men: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials. Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) (2022). PMID 36013514
- Leitão AE et al. A 6-month, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial to evaluate the effect of Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali) and concurrent training on erectile function and testosterone levels in androgen deficiency of aging males (ADAM). Maturitas (2021). PMID 33541567
- Pandit S et al. Clinical evaluation of purified Shilajit on testosterone levels in healthy volunteers. Andrologia (2016). PMID 26395129
- Kaliounji A et al. A Rare Case of Tongkat Ali-Induced Liver Injury: A Case Report. Cureus (2024). PMID 38646387
- Yadav D et al. Safety and Efficacy of TruBlk™ Shilajit Resin Supplementation on Physical Performance and Blood Biomarkers in Healthy Adults: A 28-Day Open-Label Pilot Study. Cureus (2026). PMID 41613504
- Biswas TK et al. Clinical evaluation of spermatogenic activity of processed Shilajit in oligospermia. Andrologia (2010). PMID 20078516
- Mishra RK et al. Profertility effects of Shilajit on cadmium-induced infertility in male mice. Andrologia (2018). PMID 29947420
- Rajpoot A et al. Shilajit mitigates chemotherapeutic drug-induced testicular toxicity: Study on testicular germ cell dynamics, steroidogenesis modulation, and Nrf-2/Keap-1 signaling. Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine (2024). PMID 39121783
- Tambi MI et al. Standardised water-soluble extract of Eurycoma longifolia, Tongkat ali, as testosterone booster for managing men with late-onset hypogonadism?. Andrologia (2012). PMID 21671978
- Morgado A et al. Do "testosterone boosters" really increase serum total testosterone? A systematic review. International journal of impotence research (2024). PMID 37697053
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice; consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any supplement. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
