Tongkat Ali vs Shilajit: The Key Differences to Know

Shilajit is a mineral-rich resin that forms over centuries from the decomposition of plant and microbial matter in high-altitude mountain ranges, primarily in the Himalayas, Altai, Caucasus, and Tibet. It is known for its high content of fulvic acid, trace minerals, and antioxidants.

Traditional Ayurvedic Uses

In Ayurvedic medicine, Shilajit is considered a "Rasayana" (rejuvenating substance) and has been used for centuries to:

• Boost energy & stamina (supports mitochondrial function)

• Enhance cognitive function & mental clarity

• Improve testosterone & fertility

• Support immune & anti-aging benefits

• Detoxify the body & promote longevity

Shilajit is often consumed in resin or powder form, mixed with water or milk, as a powerful natural adaptogen and rejuvenator in Ayurvedic healing.

How Shilajit Works in the Body:

Shilajit is rich in fulvic acid and over 80 trace minerals, which enhance nutrient absorption, energy production, and cellular function. Fulvic acid acts as a natural detoxifier and antioxidant, improving nutrient transport, mitochondrial function, and cognitive health.

It is also rich in other minerals and bioactive compounds that can help to replenish essential nutrients, support hormonal balance, and boost immune function.

Key Benefits

While there are some overlaps in the key benefits of Tongkat Ali and Shilajit, Tongkat Ali’s key benefits include increased energy and libido, improved athletic performance and recovery, and enhanced mood.

Shilajit can also help with improved energy and stamina, but can also enhance cognitive function and mental clarity, support the immune system, and help with detoxifying and revitalizing the body.

Source

Tongkat Ali is sourced from Southeast Asia, typically Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.

Shilajit is sourced from high-altitude mountain ranges, primarily in the Himalayas.

Recommended Dosage

The ideal Tongkat Ali dosage depends on the extract strength, typically measured by the root-to-extract ratio (e.g., 100:1, 200:1) and standardization to active compounds like eurypeptides or quassinoids. For mild effects, consider taking 100-200 mg/day. For moderate effects, take 200-400mg/day. Take with food to aid absorption. Always check standardization and consult a healthcare professional before use.

The ideal Shilajit dosage depends on its purity, concentration, and form (resin, powder, or capsules). Purified Shilajit is the safest and most effective option. With resin (the most potent form), it’s best taken at a dosage of 300-500mg per day. With powder or capsules, the best dosage is 250–500 mg per day. It is best dissolved in warm water, tea, or milk for better absorption, and best taken on an empty stomach in the morning or before meals. 

Consult a healthcare professional before taking it if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.

Onset Time

Onset time for Tongkat Ali is about 2-4 weeks before experiencing noticeable effects.

For Shilajit, it’s 4-8 weeks.

Cycle

Both products are best taken cyclically. For example, 5 days on, 2 days off or 8 weeks on, 1–2 weeks off.

Side Effects

Both products are generally safe when taken at the recommended dosage. However, if taken at higher doses, Tongkat Ali can lead to insomnia and restlessness, irritability and mood changes, increased heart rate or digestive issues.

With excessive use of Shilajit or if consumed from impure sources, it may lead to digestive issues, lower blood pressure, or increased iron levels.

Best For

Tongkat Ali is best for athletic performance and boosting testosterone, energy, and vitality levels.

Shilajit is best for its revitalizing and anti-aging properties.

Tongkat Ali and Shilajit are both natural adaptogens known for their ability to enhance energy, endurance, and overall vitality. Despite their different origins, they both originate from traditional medicine and share several key benefits:

1. Natural Testosterone & Libido Boosters

They both support healthy testosterone levels that can be beneficial for muscle growth, libido, and male fertility. They can also both improve sexual health and performance and have traditionally been used as aphrodisiacs.

2. Energy & Stamina Enhancers

They can both help increase ATP (cellular energy) production, helping to fight fatigue and improve physical endurance. They are also both used by athletes for performance and recovery.

3. Stress & Adaptogenic Effects

They can both help regulate the stress hormone cortisol, helping to reduce stress, anxiety, and fatigue. They can also support overall resilience to physical and mental stress.

4. Cognitive & Brain Health Benefits

Both Tongkat Ali and Shilajit can help to improve focus, memory, and mental clarity, working to reduce brain fog and promote neurotransmitter balance.

5. Anti-Aging & Longevity

Both adaptogens are rich in bioactive compounds, helping to fight oxidative stress and inflammation. They have both been used in traditional medicine for rejuvenation and vitality.

Both Tongkat Ali and Shilajit are generally safe when taken in pure, high-quality forms and at recommended dosages. However, safety depends on dosage, purity, and individual health conditions.

Safety of Tongkat Ali

Well-tolerated at doses of 200–400 mg/day
Clinically studied for testosterone support, energy, and stress relief
Possible side effects: Insomnia, irritability, mild digestive discomfort (high doses)
Avoid if: You have hormone-sensitive conditions or take blood sugar medications

Safety of Shilajit

Safe at 300–500 mg/day (purified form)
Used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries for energy, immunity, and anti-aging
Possible side effects: Digestive issues, lower blood pressure, iron overload

Avoid if: You have low blood pressure, excess iron levels, or take medications

Key Safety Tips

• Always use lab-tested, purified supplements

• Stick to recommended dosages and cycle usage (e.g., 5 days on, 2 days off)

• Consult a doctor if you have underlying health conditions or take medications

• When used correctly, both are safe, effective adaptogens with minimal side effects for most people.

Recent five-star customer reviews highlight the noticeable results and high quality: 

“Excellent quality and noticeable results. Tremendous hormone support during periods of intense training.”

-Baliey D.

“GREAT MOOD BOOSTER! I love Momentous Tongkat Ali and its physical effects. And helps with white hairs too. I pair it with Zinc from Momentous. Keeps me GOING. As a 46-year-old father of four (under 12 yrs) and an Ocean Safety Officer in Hawaii I need all the help I can get. Momentous products DELIVER! Mahalo, Momentous!”

-Makaio P.

Can you take Tongkat Ali and Shilajit together? 

You can take Tongkat Ali and Shilajit together as they complement each other well.

Their combined effects may improve physical performance, cognitive function, stress resilience, and libido. Many brands will pair them together for synergistic benefits. However, it’s best to follow recommended dosages and consult a healthcare professional if you have underlying conditions or are taking other medications.

How long does it take to see results from each supplement? 

The time required to experience benefits from Tongkat Ali and Shilajit varies based on factors like dosage, individual metabolism, and consistency of use.

Tongkat Ali:

• Short-term (1–2 weeks): Increased energy, mood, and reduced stress

• Mid-term (2–4 weeks): Improved libido, stamina, and testosterone levels

• Long-term (4–8+ weeks): Enhanced muscle growth, strength, and hormonal balance

Shilajit:

• Short-term (1–2 weeks): Increased energy, focus, and reduced fatigue

• Mid-term (2–4 weeks): Improved testosterone, endurance, and cognitive function

• Long-term (4–8+ weeks): Enhanced anti-aging effects, immune function, and overall vitality

For best results, both should be taken consistently for at least 4–8 weeks.

Which supplement is better for athletic performance? 

Tongkat Ali is generally better for athletic performance due to its ability to boost free testosterone, enhance muscle strength, and improve endurance. It helps increase energy levels, reduce fatigue, and accelerate muscle recovery, making it ideal for strength training and high-intensity workouts.

Shilajit, while also beneficial, primarily supports cellular energy production (ATP), reduces oxidative stress, and replenishes minerals, helping with stamina and recovery.

For optimal athletic performance, combining both can provide synergistic benefits, with Tongkat Ali enhancing strength and testosterone while Shilajit supports endurance and recovery.