Shilajit - Boosting the Testosterone Levels of Baby-Boomers and Beyond

Aging is inevitable and, for men, is often accompanied by a decline in testosterone levels. Research indicates that even in healthy men, testosterone levels will fall progressively with age. Numerous studies have shown that beginning in his thirties, the testosterone levels of the average man will decrease at an annual rate of 1-2%.^1-2 By the time that same man reaches of 60, his serum testosterone levels may be well below the lowest serum testosterone levels of healthy men in their twenties and early.

Just to be clear, our hypothetical 60-year-old man doesn't suffer from testosterone deficiency or "low T." His numbers, though they may be well below those of his 20-30 something counterparts, are still normal. Unfortunately, the fact that his testosterone levels would still fall within the normal range doesn't change the fact that he'd likely be afflicted by some of the most common side effects of low T – most notably a reduction in libido (which, in turn, has to potential to can interfere with romantic intimacy, shake self-confidence, and damage quality of life).

Baby-Boomers and Shilajit

Baby boomers have a long-standing relationship with the dietary supplement industry (heck, they're the ones who brought it into being several decades ago. As the baby boomer generation continues to age, the dietary supplement industry has dedicated an incredible amount of resources and effort to helping them meet their changing needs – and the testosterone-related needs of aging men have not been ignored. Currently, one of the rising stars in this particular arena is shilajit, which has been shown, time and again, to help boost testosterone levels.

What is Shilajit?

Shilajit is a pale-brown to blackish-brown secretion from sedimentary rocks found primarily in the Himalayas. It is composed of rock humus (think food hummus but made of rock and soil), rock minerals and organic substances that have been compressed by layers of rock mixed with marine organisms and microbial metabolites.⁴ Shilajit has been used for centuries in India’s Ayurvedic system of healthcare, especially to promote a healthy male reproductive system.^5,6 In fact, shilajit has an extensive history of use in as an aphrodisiac, and its safety has been well documented based on animal and human studies.^7-12

Recent Studies on Shilajit as a Dietary Supplement

In addition to its historical background of use in India, shilajit has also been the subject of modern scientific research. In one 90-day clinical trial, a purified form of shilajit called PrimaVie® shilajit was given to 28 men, and various biochemical parameters (including testosterone) were measured.¹³ Results showed significant (P < 0.001) improvement in various parameters. This included a 61.4% increase in total sperm count, an 18.7% decrease of semen malondialdehyde content (a marker for oxidative stress), and a 23.5% increase in serum testosterone (P < 0.001). Liver and kidney profiles measured confirmed the safety of PrimaVie® shilajit.

Another 90-day, random, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study examined the effects of PrimaVie® purified shilajit (250 mg/twice daily) on male hormones in 98 healthy male volunteers (45-55 years).¹⁴ Again, various biochemical parameters (including testosterone) were measured and the results showed that testosterone levels increased compared to baseline as follows:

Day 30 - 6.82%
Day 60 - 3.09%
Day 90 - 20.45% (P<0.05)

In the placebo group, on the other hand, testosterone levels decreased. It's no surprise that testosterone levels in the PrimaVie® group were significantly better those of the placebo group at day 90 (P<0.05). Moreover, free testosterone levels in the PrimaVie® group significantly increased by 19.14% (p<0.05), which was also significantly higher than the placebo group (P<0.05). Additionally, levels of DHEAs increased by 31.35% by day 90 in the PrimaVie® group. This was significantly higher than baseline or the placebo group (p<0.05). This is important because DHEAs is a measure of the hormone DHEA, which the body can convert into testosterone and other hormones.

Conclusion

Both of the studies summarized above saw similar increases in testosterone levels with PrimaVie® shilajit: 23.5% and 20.45%, respectively. The similarities between the two studies suggest that PrimaVie® shilajit is likely to provide positive results for a number of male populations, especially for those who fall into the baby-boomer and older bracket. Unlike many other testosterone boosters on the market that have only been tested on significantly younger men, PrimaVie® shilajit studies have demonstrated successful results in both younger and older men.

For more information on how NutraScience Labs’ Production Specialists can help you create a high-quality, testosterone boosting supplement containing shilajit, give us a call at (844) 839-5071 or send us your request to receive a free nutraceutical manufacturing quote.

References:

Matsumoto AM. Andropause: Clinical Implications of the Decline in Serum Testosterone Levels With Aging in Men. Journal of Gerontology. 2002. 57A(2):M76–M99.
Araujo AB, Wittert GA. Endocrinology of the Aging Male. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2011 April ; 25(2): 303–319.
Wang C, Nieschlag E, Swerdloff R, Behre HM. Investigation, treatment and monitoring of late-onset hypogonadism in males: ISA, ISSAM, EAU, EAA and ASA recommendations. Eur J Endocrinol. 2008;159:507–514.
Ghosal, S. The aroma principles of Gomutra and Karpuragandha Shilajit. Indian J Indg Med 1994;11:11–14.
Sharma, P.V. 1998. Charaka Samhita. Chowkhambha Orientalia Chikitsasthana, Varanasi, Karaprchitiya Rasayana Pada, 4th Edition, Volume 2. Varanasi, U.P., India: Chowkhambha Orientlia Chikitsasthana.
Ravindra S, Reeta M, Sanka jyoti D, Swapnali D, Rama MA. Management of Male Infertility: Ayurvedic Approach. In Res J Pharm. 2013;4(6):6-7.
Panigrahi D, Suresh P. Shilajatu The Panacea: A Review. Int J Ayu Pharm Chem. 2014;1(1):85-95.
Firke AC, Pargunde S. Shuddha Shilajatu with its pharmacological actions. PunarnaV. 2014;2(3):1-9.
Pattonder RK, Chandola HM, Vyas SN. Clinical efficacy of Shilajatu (Asphaltum) processed with Agnimantha (Clerodendrum phlomidis Linn.) in Sthaulya (obesity). Ayu. 2011 Oct;32(4):526-31.
Agarwal SP, Khanna R, Karmarkar R, Anwer MK, Khar RK. Shilajit: a review. Phytother Res. 2007 May;21(5):401-5.
Biswas TK, Pandit S, Mondal S, Biswas SK, Jana U, Ghosh T, Tripathi PC, Debnath PK, Auddy RG, Auddy B. Clinical evaluation of spermatogenic activity of processed Shilajit in oligospermia. Andrologia. 2010 Feb;42(1):48-56.
Stohs, S.J. Safety and efficacy of shilajit (mumie, moomiyo). Phytother Res 2014;28:475-9.
Biswas TK, Pandit S, Mondal S, Biswas SK, Jana U, Ghosh T, Tripathi PC, Debnath PK, Auddy RG, Auddy B. Clinical evaluation of spermatogenic activity of processed Shilajit in oligospermia. Andrologia. 2010 Feb;42(1):48-56.
Pandit S, Biswas S, Jana U, De RK, Mukhopadhyay SC, Biswas TK. Clinical evaluation of purified shilajit on testosterone levels in healthy volunteers. Research Unit, J. B. Roy State Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of West Bengal, Kolkata, India. Submitted for publication. 2014.