How does Shilajit increase testosterone?

shilajit is a tar-like substance extracted from various mountain ranges such as the Himalayas and has been used for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Shilajit is particularly praised for its purported health benefits, including increasing testosterone.

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Several studies have been conducted on the effects of shilajit on testosterone. The study 'Clinical evaluation of purified Shilajit on testosterone levels in healthy volunteers' took 96 volunteers 250mg to 500mg of shilajit for 90 days. This resulted in a 23.5% increase in testosterone levels in healthy men between 45 and 55 years old. The researchers concluded that shilajit may be a safe and effective way to increase testosterone in men.

Another study, 'Clinical evaluation of spermatogenic activity of processed Shilajit in oligospermia', involved 60 infertile men between the ages of 22 and 40, who were given a 90mg shilajit supplement or placebo twice over 100 days. The effects of the treatment were measured by measuring the number of sperm cells in the semen, the motility of the sperm cells and the testosterone level in the blood. The results of this study showed that shilajit can contribute to improving spermatogenesis and increasing testosterone (also 23.5%) in men with oligospermia (a condition in which the semen contains few sperm cells).

Leydig cells, also known as interstitial cells, are a type of cells in the testicles of men that are responsible for the production of testosterone. 

Leydig cells are located in the space between the seminal tubes in the testes, known as the interstitial tissue. Leydig cells are important for male reproduction and the development of secondary male sex characteristics, such as beard growth and muscle mass.

The activity of Leydig cells is regulated by a complex system of hormones and signaling substances, including luteinizing hormone (LH), which is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. When the LH level rises in the body, it stimulates the Leydig cells to produce testosterone. 

Shilajit may affect the activity of Leydig cells in the testes through several mechanisms.

First, shilajit can improve blood flow in the testicles. Better blood flow to the testicles can lead to increased oxygen and nutrients to the Leydig cells, which can increase their activity.

Second, shilajit may increase the levels of certain enzymes involved in testosterone synthesis, such as 3-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3-beta-HSD) and 17-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17-beta-HSD). These enzymes play an important role in the production of testosterone in the Leydig cells.

Another way that shilajit may affect the activity of Leydig cells is through the presence of bioactive compounds in shilajit, such as dibenzo pyrones and fulvic acids. These substances can stimulate the production of androgens (male hormones, including testosterone) in the Leydig cells. 

In addition, shilajit may also have antioxidant properties that may help improve the health of Leydig cells. Oxidative stress, which occurs when the balance between oxidants and antioxidants in the body is disrupted, can affect the health of Leydig cells and lead to reduced testosterone production. By reducing oxidative stress, shilajit can contribute to a healthier environment for Leydig cells and thus increase their activity.

There is some evidence that shilajit may lower sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), which in turn may lead to an increase in free testosterone levels in the blood.

SHBG is a protein produced in the liver and circulates in the blood. It binds to both testosterone and estrogen, reducing the amount of these hormones available to the cells in the body. A high SHBG level can therefore lead to a reduced availability of testosterone and estrogen for the cells, which can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, reduced muscle strength and reduced libido. 

There are several ways in which shilajit can lower SHBG levels. First, shilajit may affect the levels of certain hormones in the body, such as estrogen and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). These hormones can in turn influence SHBG production in the liver. By normalizing these hormone levels, shilajit can indirectly reduce SHBG levels. 

Second, shilajit can bind directly to SHBG and reduce its binding to testosterone and estrogen. This can result in increased availability of these hormones to the cells in the body.

Another way shilajit may lower SHBG levels is by improving insulin sensitivity. Insulin resistance, where the cells in the body become less sensitive to insulin, can lead to increased SHBG production in the liver. By improving insulin sensitivity, shilajit may be able to lower SHBG levels.

Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that is involved in the regulation of the stress response and the immune system. Chronically elevated cortisol levels can lead to an increased risk of several health problems, such as diabetes, hypertension, depression, muscle wasting, and anxiety disorders.

There are several ways shilajit can lower cortisol levels. First, shilajit contains a number of bioactive compounds, including fulvic acid, humic acid, and dibenzo-pyrones, which may support adrenal function and reduce cortisol production.

Second, shilajit can act as an adaptogen, meaning it can modulate the body's response to stress. Adaptogens help the body cope with stress by regulating the stress response system and reducing the production of stress hormones, such as cortisol.

A third way shilajit can lower cortisol is by improving mitochondrial function in the cells. Mitochondria are the powerhouses of cells and play an important role in regulating energy production and metabolism. By improving mitochondrial function, shilajit can increase energy production in the cells and lower cortisol levels.

The exact mechanism by which shilajit lowers cortisol levels is not fully understood and more research is needed to confirm this. In addition, the effects of shilajit on cortisol levels may vary between individuals and depend on factors such as dosage and duration of treatment.

In general, Shilajit resin is considered to be the most effective form of this substance, which is the tarry or resinous form of Shilajit. This form of Shilajit is more effective because it is less processed and contains a higher concentration of minerals and trace elements than other forms. In addition to Resin, there is also stone form and powder form that are often sold in capsules. However, it is important to mention that in this case the Shilajit is heated to boil out the moisture. Many minerals and important components of the active substance in Shilajit are lost as a result.

- Solubility: Natural shilajit resin dissolves well in water and gives off a dark color. If you have natural shilajit, you can dissolve it in water and check the mixture for color. Synthetic shilajit may not dissolve well in water and may have a lighter color.

- Odor and taste: Natural shilajit has a characteristic smell and taste that can vary depending on the region it comes from. If you have natural shilajit, smell and taste it to make sure it matches the description of the smell and taste of natural shilajit.

- Purity: Natural shilajit may contain contaminants if not sourced properly. Make sure you buy shilajit that has been properly purified and does not contain contaminants such as heavy metals. 

- Authenticity: Buy shilajit from reputable sellers or brands known for providing high quality, natural shilajit. 

- Quality: The quality of shilajit can vary depending on the region it comes from. Look for good quality shilajit from the Himalayas.