TruBlk™ Shilajit Resin Supplementation Improves Muscle Strength, Endurance, and Exercise Recovery in Males Undertaking Resistance Training: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter Trial
Abstract
Shilajit is a naturally occurring resinous exudate with centuries of documented use in Ayurvedic medicine. Its principal bioactive constituents — fulvic acid and a proprietary aromatic compound complex termed shilarathenes™, comprising urolithin metabolites, phenolic acids, and flavonoids — are proposed to enhance mitochondrial ATP synthesis, attenuate exercise-induced muscle damage, and modulate androgen biosynthesis. Prior controlled trials have demonstrated increases in testosterone and retention of muscular strength with purified shilajit, though large trials in resistance-trained populations have been absent. In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial (CTRI/2025/07/091323), 100 healthy males aged 21–50 years (BMI <30 kg/m²; ≥1 year of resistance training) were enrolled across four sites. Participants received 250 mg twice daily of standardised TruBlk™ Shilajit resin (≥60% fulvic acid; ≥10% shilarathenes™) or matched placebo for 90 days, and were instructed to maintain habitual training and dietary practices throughout. Primary endpoints were changes from baseline in 1RM leg press, muscle endurance, RPE, and DOMS. Secondary endpoints included VO₂max, testosterone, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, handgrip strength, and global improvement ratings. Ninety-nine participants completed the trial (99% retention). All primary outcomes showed significantly steeper improvement in the active group, assessed by treatment × time interaction: 1RM…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Biportal endoscopic versus microscopic lumbar decompressive laminectomy in patients with spinal stenosis: A randomized controlled trial
- A whey protein-based multi-ingredient nutritional supplement stimulates gains in lean body mass and strength in healthy older men: A randomized controlled trial
- Supplement-based nutritional strategies to tackle frailty: A multifactorial, double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial
- A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, proof-of-concept trial of creatine monohydrate as adjunctive treatment for bipolar depression
- Creatine supplementation (3 g/day) and bone health in older women: a 2-year, randomized, placebo-controlled trial
- A Multi-Ingredient Nutritional Supplement in Combination With Resistance Exercise and High-Intensity Interval Training Improves Cognitive Function and Increases N-3 Index in Healthy Older Men: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.