Shilajit

Shilajit is a natural compound that emerges in certain regions of the world as a brown/black tar-like exudate from the layers of sedimentary rock of various mountains, but especially from the Himalayas (1). This is also the reason why shilajit is called"blood" or "sweat of the mountains". Shilajit is produced by the gradual decomposition of various plant and animal compounds by microorganisms. As a result, the composition of the active ingredient can vary depending on the geographical location and environmental factors; it is therefore subject to natural fluctuations (2,3). The most important components of shilajit are fulvic acid, dibenzo-α-pyrones, DBP chromoproteins (DCP), humic acid and over 40 different trace minerals (3). Shilajit has a long history in traditional medicine, where it is used for many different ailments. In Ayurvedic medicine, shilajit is used as rasayana. It is believed to increase vitality and longevity (1), in our country it is best known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

What are the benefits of shilajit?

Studies suggest that shilajit is a powerful antioxidant and can have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and adaptogenic effects. In addition, anabolic, anti-diabetic, anti-ulcer and immune system modulating properties have also been identified (3). However, it is important to note that many of the studies were carried out on animals or in vitro. Preliminary human studies have also shown positive effects of shilajit on several other health parameters: shilajit may promote male fertility by increasing testosterone levels (1,4) and improving sperm count and quality (1). It also supported the integrity of various body tissues (e.g. muscle, connective tissue, skin) by increasing the production of extracellular matrix proteins, as well as tissue perfusion and bone health by increasing bone mineral density and decreasing markers of bone turnover (2,5,6). In studies, shilajit appeared to promote the body's antioxidant status and reduce a biomarker that is crucial for systemic inflammation (hsCRP) (2,7,8)

How does shilajit work?

The mode of action of shilajit appears to be based on various mechanisms. The main active ingredients - fulvic acid, DBPs and DCPs - are powerful antioxidants. They promote the body's antioxidant capacity and thus appear to reduce oxidative stress (3). In this context, for example, shilajit has been found to increase blood levels of antioxidant enzymes, increase levels of endogenous antioxidants (e.g. glutathione, vitamin C, vitamin E) and reduce malondialdehyde in the body. (2,3,7,8). The results of the studies also suggest that shilajit may support tissue integrity by inducing the expression of genes involved in the production of extracellular matrix proteins (e.g. collagen, elastin, fibronectin) and the formation of blood vessels (5,6).

What are the disadvantages of shilajit?

Due to the natural variations to which shilajit can be subject, its composition can vary greatly. This means that the results obtained in a particular study cannot necessarily be reproduced with another product. Some of the studies lacked a description of the exact composition of the shilajit used, while many others used a patented and standardized shilajit formula, namely PrimaVie®. In theory, it would be ideal that many of the researchers used a standardized product, but in fact all of the studies that used PrimaVie® were partially or fully funded by this manufacturer, which is why skepticism is not inappropriate.

Information on dosage

Shilajit is usually either processed into a powder or taken in the form of a purified resin. As already described, the exact composition of shilajit can vary depending on the geographical region. This may also affect its effects (4). Ideally, therefore, a product should have been standardized to contain precise amounts of fulvic acid, DBPs and DCPs. Clinical studies have used doses ranging from 200 to 2000 mg daily, with the most commonly used dosing regimen being 500 mg daily, divided into two daily doses. Research on shilajit has not yet been able to definitively clarify the ideal dose.

Conclusion

Shijalit appears to be promising in several respects. Some studies, as well as its use in traditional medicine, associate shilajit with a number of different benefits. However, from a purely scientific point of view, there are not enough studies available to draw definitive conclusions at this stage. Shilajit appears to be quite safe. There is no evidence of toxicity in the available human and animal data. However, the use of shilajit that has not been properly processed/cleaned is generally discouraged as it may contain mycotoxins, heavy metals and other potentially harmful compounds (3).

Sources:

1. Biswas TK, Pandit S, Mondal S, Biswas SK, Jana U, Ghosh T, Tripathi PC, Debnath PK, Auddy RG, AuddyBClinical evaluation of spermatogenic activity of processed shilajit in oligospermiaAndrologia.(2010 Feb)
2. Pingali U, Nutalapati CShilajit extract reduces oxidative stress, inflammation, and bone loss to dose-dependently preserve bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with osteopenia: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.Phytomedicine.(2022-Oct)
3. Stohs SJSafety and efficacy of shilajit (mumie, moomiyo).Phytother Res.(2014-Apr)
4. Pandit S, Biswas S, Jana U, De RK, Mukhopadhyay SC, Biswas TKClinical evaluation of purified shilajit on testosterone levels in healthy volunteers.Andrologia.(2016-Jun)
5. Das A, Datta S, Rhea B, Sinha M, Veeraragavan M, Gordillo G, Roy SThe Human Skeletal Muscle Transcriptome in Response to Oral Shilajit Supplementation.J Med Food.(2016-Jul)
6. Das A, S El Masry M, Gnyawali SC, Ghatak S, Singh K, Stewart R, Lewis M, Saha A, Gordillo G, Khanna SSkin Transcriptome of Middle-Aged Women Supplemented With Natural Herbo-mineral Shilajit Shows Induction of Microvascular and Extracellular Matrix Mechanisms.J Am Coll Nutr.(2019-Aug)
7. Sharma P, Jha J, Shrinivas V, Dwivedi LK, Suresh P, Sinha MShilajit: evalution of its effects on blood chemistry of normal human subjectsAnc Sci Life.(2003 Oct)
8. Niranjan K, Ramakanth G.S.H, Nishat F, Usharani PEvaluation of the Effect of Purified Aqueous Extract of Shilajit in Modifying Cardiovascular Risk with Special Reference to Endothelial Dysfunction in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes MellitusInternational Journal of Ayurveda and Pharma Research.(2016 Apr)