Quick Comparison

BromantaneShilajit
Half-Life11-12 hours6-10 hours (fulvic acid components)
Typical DosageStandard: 50-100 mg once daily in the morning. Start with 50 mg. Do not exceed 100 mg daily. Can be taken sublingually for faster onset.Standard: 250-500 mg purified resin daily. PrimaVie is the most studied branded extract. Take in the morning with warm water or milk. Resin form preferred over powder for purity. Effects build over 2-4 weeks. Always buy from reputable sources — contamination with heavy metals is common in cheap products.
AdministrationOral or sublingual. Fat-soluble — sublingual administration may bypass some first-pass metabolism.Oral (purified resin, capsules). Dissolve resin in warm water. Take in the morning.
Research Papers10 papers10 papers
Categories

Mechanism of Action

Bromantane

Bromantane upregulates tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)—the rate-limiting enzyme in catecholamine synthesis—and aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC), the enzymes responsible for converting L-tyrosine to L-DOPA and then to dopamine. This increases neuronal dopamine production capacity rather than depleting vesicular stores like traditional stimulants. The mechanism may involve modulation of transcription factors or enzyme phosphorylation. Bromantane also has anxiolytic properties through enhancement of GABAergic transmission, possibly via GABA-A receptor modulation or increased GABA synthesis. The combination of upregulated dopamine synthesis in mesolimbic and nigrostriatal pathways with GABAergic dampening of anxiety circuits produces sustained motivation, focus, and reduced mental fatigue without the jitteriness or crash typical of dopamine-releasing agents.

Shilajit

Fulvic acid is the primary bioactive, acting as an electron shuttle that donates and accepts electrons — enhancing mitochondrial electron transport chain efficiency by facilitating electron transfer at Complex I and II, similar to CoQ10 but through a different (non-enzymatic) mechanism. DBPs (dibenzo-alpha-pyrones) protect CoQ10 from oxidation by scavenging radicals, extending its functional life in the reduced ubiquinol form. The combination increases ATP production in mitochondria. Fulvic acid also chelates minerals (iron, zinc, magnesium) via carboxyl and phenolic groups, forming soluble complexes that transport across cell membranes via divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) and other channels, improving bioavailability. It has direct antioxidant effects (scavenging ROS) and anti-inflammatory effects through inhibition of complement C3 activation and NF-kB.

Risks & Safety

Bromantane

Common

Mild stimulation, restlessness, insomnia if taken late.

Serious

Very limited Western safety data. Most research is from Russian military/sports studies.

Rare

Headache, irritability, increased anxiety in some individuals.

Shilajit

Common

Mild GI discomfort, metallic taste.

Serious

Heavy metal contamination in unprocessed/cheap products (lead, arsenic, mercury). May increase iron absorption — caution with hemochromatosis. May lower blood pressure.

Rare

Allergic reaction, gout flare (increases uric acid in some people).

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