Herb & supplement monograph

Shilajit Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

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Reviewed by licensed pharmacists Sourced from Natural Medicines

Shilajit Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant Shilajit drug interaction appears low for most people. None of the interactions on record are rated major, and the central concern is documented mostly in animal research rather than well-controlled human studies.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The combinations that deserve the most care involve diabetes medications. Shilajit appears to lower fasting blood sugar, and in animal research it strengthened the glucose-lowering effect of both metformin and glibenclamide when the products were taken together for several weeks. Because blood sugar is a closely managed target, this added effect could push levels lower than intended, so closer glucose monitoring is sensible for anyone combining shilajit with these medicines.

What the rest of the list means

Although the list of interacting medications is fairly long, that does not mean every pairing is harmful. Nearly all of it traces back to this one blood sugar concern, which is rated moderate and rests on limited, largely animal-based evidence rather than proven problems in people. Predicted effects like this do not always translate into meaningful changes for everyone.

Check your medications against Shilajit

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Shilajit interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Shilajit

86 medications have a known interaction with Shilajit, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

2,830 drugs
AcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose› AcetohexamideDymelor› AlbiglutideTanzeum› AlogliptinNesina› Alogliptin, MetforminKazano› Alogliptin, PioglitazoneOseni› Antidiabetes, Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (dpp-iv) InhibitorGlyxambi› CanagliflozinInvokana› Canagliflozin, MetforminInvokamet› Canagliflozin, Metformin HydrochlorideInvokamet XR› ChlorpropamideChlorpropam, Diabinese› DapagliflozinFarxiga› Dapagliflozin Propanediol, MetforminXigduo XR› Dapagliflozin Propanediol, Saxagliptin HydrochlorideQtern› Dapagliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride, Saxagliptin HydrochlorideQternmet XR› Dasiglucagon HydrochlorideZegalogue› DulaglutideTrulicity› EmpagliflozinJardiance› Empagliflozin, Linagliptin, Metformin HydrochlorideTrijardy XR› Empagliflozin, MetforminSynjardy› Empagliflozin, Metformin HydrochlorideSynjardy XR› ErtugliflozinSteglatro› Ertugliflozin, Metformin HydrochlorideSegluromet› ExenatideBydureon, Byetta› Exenatide SyntheticBydureon BCISE› GliclazideDiamicron› GlimepirideAmaryl› GlipizideGlucotrol, Glucotrol XL› Glipizide, MetforminMetaglip› GlucagonBaqsimi, Glucagon›
Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

  • Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
  • Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
  • Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
  • No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

  • Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
  • Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
  • Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
  • Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

  • Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
  • Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Shilajit combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
The big picture

The kinds of drugs Shilajit affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Shilajit is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 1 drug category Shilajit interacts with
Antidiabetes Drugs
Antidiabetes Drugs

Taking shilajit with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Most human and animal research shows that shilajit can decrease fasting plasma glucose levels. In an animal model, shilajit 100 mg per kg daily enhanced the glucose-lowering ability of both glibenclamide and metformin when given in combination over a 4 week period. Monitor blood glucose levels closely. Dose adjustments might be necessary.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monograph

Shilajit: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

The bottom line

Shilajit is a sticky, tar-like substance found in rocks of mountain ranges like the Himalayas, used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for energy and vitality. Human evidence is limited and mostly small or early-stage, so its real benefits are uncertain. Quality and purity vary widely, and contamination with heavy metals is a real concern, so choose tested products and talk to your pharmacist before use.

Part used
Mineral exudate (resin) from rock layers
Common forms
Resin, capsules, powder, tablets
People commonly use it for
  • Fatigue and low energy
  • Male fertility and testosterone support
  • General vitality and aging
  • Athletic performance
  • Cognitive support

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

Unpurified products may contain heavy metals or other contaminants, so only use purified, tested brands.

PregnancyInsufficient reliable information

There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of shilajit when used during pregnancy and lactation.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of shilajit when used during pregnancy and lactation.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

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Overview

Shilajit is a sticky, blackish-brown substance that oozes from cracks in rocks, mainly in high mountain ranges such as the Himalayas, Altai, and Caucasus. It is thought to form slowly over centuries from the breakdown of plant and microbial material. It is not a single plant but a natural mineral and organic exudate.

Shilajit has a long history in Ayurvedic (traditional Indian) medicine, where it is called a "destroyer of weakness." People take it hoping to boost energy, stamina, and overall vitality. Today it is sold as a purified resin, powder, or in capsules and tablets.

How it works

Shilajit contains a mix of compounds, including fulvic acid and humic substances, along with various minerals and small molecules. Fulvic acid is often described as the main active ingredient and is thought to act as an antioxidant and to help carry minerals in the body.

Researchers have proposed that shilajit may support energy production in cells, reduce oxidative stress, and influence certain hormones. Keep in mind that most of these ideas come from test-tube and animal studies, and it is not clear how well they apply to people.

Effectiveness

Does Shilajit work?

Evidence overview · 13 uses evaluated
13 Insufficient evidence
How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.
2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.
3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.
4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.
5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.
6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.
7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.

For Shilajit, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 13 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Alzheimer disease
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Oral shilajit has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Athletic performance
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using oral shilajit for improving athletic performance, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of shilajit for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using oral shilajit for BPH, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of shilajit for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Diabetes
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using oral shilajit for diabetes, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of shilajit for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Fractures
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral shilajit is beneficial for fracture repair.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Hyperlipidemia
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using oral shilajit for hyperlipidemia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of shilajit for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Hypertension
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using oral shilajit for hypertension, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of shilajit for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Male infertility
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral shilajit is beneficial for male infertility.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Muscle strength
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral shilajit is beneficial for muscle strength.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Osteopenia
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral shilajit is beneficial for osteopenia.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Osteoporosis
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral shilajit is beneficial for osteoporosis.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Sexual desire
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using oral shilajit for increasing sexual desire, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of shilajit for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Sexual dysfunction
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using oral shilajit for sexual dysfunction, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of shilajit for this purpose.

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

The biggest safety concern with shilajit is quality and purity. Raw, unprocessed shilajit can contain heavy metals (like lead, arsenic, or mercury), fungi, or other contaminants. Only purified products from reputable companies that test for contaminants should be considered.

People with certain conditions, such as iron-overload disorders (for example, hemochromatosis), should avoid it because shilajit can contain iron. Anyone with a chronic illness should check with a doctor or pharmacist first.

For pregnancy and breastfeeding, there is not enough safety information, and the risk of contamination adds extra concern. It is best to avoid shilajit during these times.

Side effects

When products are purified, shilajit is generally well tolerated in the short term, but research on its long-term safety is limited. Some people may notice mild digestive upset, dizziness, or an allergic reaction.

More serious risks come mainly from contaminated or unpurified products, which could cause heavy-metal poisoning over time. Stop using it and seek medical care if you have signs of an allergic reaction or feel unwell after taking it.

Shilajit: Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on Shilajit from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

Reports by condition
Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) Immunologic

Orally, a case of allergy to shilajit made worse by exercise is reported in a 43-year-old female. Although symptoms were lacking when shilajit 400 mg was taken daily with meals for 3 months, she developed hives within an hour of taking a single dose of shilajit 800 mg. With intramuscular corticosteroids, symptoms improved but did not resolve. The next day, following a meal and physical activity she developed anaphylaxis requiring adrenaline and intravenous corticosteroids.

  1. Losa F, Deidda M, Firinu D, Martino MLD, Barca MP, Giacco SD. Exercise-induced anaphylaxis with an Ayurvedic drug as cofactor: A case report. World J Clin Cases 2019;7(5):623-627.
Cluster headache Neurologic/CNS
Hypertension Cardiovascular

Orally, a case of hypertension related to mineralocorticoid-excess syndrome or pseudohyperaldosteronism is reported in a 37-year-old female following the use of shilajit for 6 months during pregnancy. Electrocardiographic findings were normal. Product discontinuation and treatment with intravenous and oral potassium led to restoration of blood pressure and potassium levels. The role of shilajit in this adverse effect cannot be confirmed. The presence of other ingredients or contaminants in the product was not ruled out.

  1. Stavropoulos K, Sotiriadis A, Patoulias D, et al. Pseudohyperaldosteronism due to mumijo consumption during pregnancy: a licorice-like syndrome. Gynecol Endocrinol 2018;34(12):1019-1021.
Hypokalemia Endocrine

Orally, a case of apparent mineralocorticoid excess, or pseudohyperaldosteronism, with edema, increased urinary potassium, calcium, and magnesium loss, hypokalemia, and metabolic alkalosis, is reported in a 37-year-old female following the use of shilajit for 6 months during pregnancy. Product discontinuation and treatment with intravenous and oral potassium led to restoration of potassium levels. The role of shilajit in this adverse effect cannot be confirmed. The presence of other ingredients or contaminants in the product was not ruled out.

  1. Stavropoulos K, Sotiriadis A, Patoulias D, et al. Pseudohyperaldosteronism due to mumijo consumption during pregnancy: a licorice-like syndrome. Gynecol Endocrinol 2018;34(12):1019-1021.
DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no well-established standard dose for shilajit, and products vary a lot in strength and form. The best approach is to follow the directions on the product label and not exceed them.

Because purity and dosing are uncertain, it is wise to talk with a pharmacist or doctor before starting shilajit, especially if you take other medicines or have a health condition. Choose products that have been independently tested for heavy metals and contaminants.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Shilajit & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of shilajit when used during pregnancy and lactation.

Shilajit & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of shilajit when used during pregnancy and lactation.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 8 references that drive our Shilajit monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

  1. Sadeghi SMH, Hosseini Khameneh SM, Khodadoost M, et al. Efficacy of momiai in tibia fracture repair: A randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Altern Complement Med 2020;26(6):521-528.
  2. Losa F, Deidda M, Firinu D, Martino MLD, Barca MP, Giacco SD. Exercise-induced anaphylaxis with an Ayurvedic drug as cofactor: A case report. World J Clin Cases 2019;7(5):623-627. PubMed
  3. Biswas TK, Pandit S, Mondal S, et al. Clinical evaluation of spermatogenic activity of processed Shilajit in oligospermia. Andrologia 2010;42(1):48-56. PubMed
  4. Stavropoulos K, Sotiriadis A, Patoulias D, et al. Pseudohyperaldosteronism due to mumijo consumption during pregnancy: a licorice-like syndrome. Gynecol Endocrinol 2018;34(12):1019-1021. PubMed
  5. Ghezelbash B, Shahrokhi N, Khaksari M, Ghaderi-Pakdel F, Asadikaram G. Hepatoprotective effects of shilajit on high fat-diet induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in rats. Horm Mol Biol Clin Investig 2020;41(1):/j/hmbci. PubMed
  6. Ghezelbash B, Shahrokhi N, Khaksari M, Asadikaram G, Shahrokhi M, Shirazpour S. Protective roles of shilajit in modulating resistin, adiponectin, and cytokines in rats with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Chin J Integr Med 2022;28(6):531-537. PubMed
  7. Jafari M, Forootanfar H, Ameri A, et al. Antioxidant, cytotoxic and hyperalgesia-suppressing activity of a native Shilajit obtained from Bahr Aseman mountains. Pak J Pharm Sci 2019;32(5):2167-2173. DOI
  8. Trivedi NA, Mazumdar B, Bhatt JD, Hemavathi KG. Effect of shilajit on blood glucose and lipid profile in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Ind. J. Pharmacol. 2004; 36(6):373-376.
Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Product directory

Supplement products with Shilajit

537 products in our database contain Shilajit. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Fornatab 2.0 by GAT Tablet Or Pill 30 FAST-ACTING TABLETS View ingredients & interactions Friendly Force Probiotic by HealthForce Capsule 30 Vegan Cap(s) View ingredients & interactions Friendly Force Ultimate Extreme Probiotic by HealthForce Powder 80 Gram(s) · 2.82 Oz(s) View ingredients & interactions Friendly Force Ultimate Probiotic by HealthForce Capsule 120 Vegan Cap(s) View ingredients & interactions Fulvic Minerals 100 mg by Solaray Capsule 30 VegCap(s) View ingredients & interactions G Test by HTLT Capsule 180 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Garcinia Rasayana 21 by Ayurvedic Rasayanas Other (e.g. Tea Bag) 10.7 Ounce(s) · 300 Gram(s) View ingredients & interactions Ginseng Fuzion by Global Healing Center Liquid 2 fl. Oz. · 59.2 mL View ingredients & interactions GLP-Harmony Companion+ by Codeage Capsule 60 Vegetable Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Gluco Harmony by IVL Capsule 60 Vegetable Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Gluco Harmony by IVL Capsule 60 Vegetable Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions GlucoCare by Himalaya Capsule 8 Vegetarian Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions GlucoCare by Himalaya Capsule 180 Vegetarian Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions GlucoCare by Himalaya Capsule 90 Vegetarian Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Gokshura Rasayana 19 by Ayurvedic Rasayanas Other (e.g. Tea Bag) 10.7 Ounce(s) · 300 Gram(s) View ingredients & interactions Grass-Fed Liver by Ancient Nutrition Capsule 180 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Guduchi Rasayana 25 by Ayurvedic Rasayanas Other (e.g. Tea Bag) 10.7 Ounce(s) · 300 Gram(s) View ingredients & interactions Guggulu Rasayana 1 by Ayurvedic Rasayanas Other (e.g. Tea Bag) 10.7 Ounce(s) · 300 Gram(s) View ingredients & interactions Gut Health by SNAP Capsule 60 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Gymnema with Fenugreek, Banaba & Purified Shilajit by Herbadiet Capsule 60 V-Cap(s) View ingredients & interactions Hair by Codeage Capsule 120 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Hair Renewal by Codeage Capsule 120 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions HeartCare by Himalaya Capsule 240 Vegetarian Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions HeartCare by Himalaya Capsule 120 Vegetarian Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Shilajit: Common Questions

What is Shilajit used for, and does it work?
People use Shilajit for a range of reasons, but according to the Natural Medicines database the current clinical evidence is insufficient to confirm it works for the specific conditions it has been studied for. See the graded list on this page, and talk to your pharmacist or doctor before relying on it for any condition.
Does Shilajit interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 86 medications with a known interaction with Shilajit. Use the checker above to see how Shilajit interacts with a specific drug.
How are Shilajit interactions rated?
Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.
Is it safe to take Shilajit with my medications?
It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.
Where does this Shilajit interaction information come from?
Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.
What is Shilajit used for?
People traditionally use Shilajit for energy, stamina, male fertility, and overall vitality, but solid human evidence for these uses is limited.
Is Shilajit safe to take?
Purified, properly tested products are generally tolerated short-term, but unpurified Shilajit can contain heavy metals and other contaminants, so quality really matters.
Can I take Shilajit while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. There is not enough safety information, and the risk of contamination makes it best to avoid Shilajit during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
How do I know if a Shilajit product is good quality?
Look for purified products from reputable brands that provide independent (third-party) testing for heavy metals and contaminants, and ask your pharmacist for guidance.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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