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What is Shilajit?
Shilajit is a natural substance that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, particularly in the Indian subcontinent. It is a pale-brown to blackish-brown exudation that seeps from layers of rocks in many mountain ranges, especially the Himalayas and Hindukush ranges. This article explores the origins, composition, therapeutic properties, and modern scientific evaluations of Shilajit. Other names include: Asphaltum, Asphaltum punjabianum, Mineral Pitch, Momiai, Moomiyo, Mountain Blood, Mountain Juice, Mountain Oil, Mountain Sweat, Mumie, Mumijo, Mumiyo, Mummiyo, Mummiyois, Mummy, Pahar-Ki-Pasina, Paharki-Khoon, Rock Juice, Rock Sweat, Salajeet, Salajit, Salijit, Shilajatu, Shilajir, Shilaras, Sweat of Mountains, Vegetable Asphalt.
Origin and Composition
Shilajit is a complex mixture of organic humic substances and plant and microbial metabolites found in the rock rhizospheres of its natural habitat1. It is primarily composed of fulvic acids, dibenzo-α-pyrones, proteins, and minerals4. The chemical composition of Shilajit varies depending on its geographical source, but it generally contains more than 80% humic substances and about 20% minerals such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium10.
Uses of Shilajit
Traditional Uses
In traditional Indian medicine, Shilajit is referred to as ‘rasayana,’ which means rejuvenator. It has been used in Ayurveda and Siddha systems of medicine to prevent ailments and enhance the quality of life2. Shilajit is also known for its adaptogenic properties, helping the body adapt to stress and exerting a normalizing effect upon bodily processes1.
Therapeutic Properties
Antioxidant and Immunomodulatory Activities
Shilajit has been found to possess antioxidant properties, which help in reducing oxidative stress in the body. However, the immunomodulatory activity of Shilajit is still under investigation and lacks substantial evidence2.
Aphrodisiac Effects
Studies have shown that Shilajit enhances the central cholinergic signal cascade, which may contribute to its traditional use as an aphrodisiac. It has been observed to relax the rat corpus cavernosum, indicating its potential in improving sexual health3.
Muscle and Connective Tissue Health
Shilajit supplementation has been shown to promote the retention of maximal muscular strength following fatigue and decrease baseline hydroxyproline levels, indicating favorable muscle and connective tissue adaptations4.
Antiviral Properties
Shilajit exhibits broad antiviral activity against viruses such as herpes simplex type 1 and 2, human cytomegalovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus. Its antiviral mechanism includes partial virus inactivation and interference with virus attachment5.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
In a rat model of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), Shilajit was found to mitigate the effects of CFS by modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and preserving mitochondrial function and integrity6.
Gastroprotective Effects
Shilajit has been shown to reduce the size and number of gastric lesions induced by aspirin in rats, indicating its protective effects against gastric mucosal damage7.
Anti-inflammatory and Antiulcerogenic Activities
Shilajit has demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects in various models of inflammation and has been used traditionally to treat peptic ulcers9.
Safety and Efficacy
The safety of Shilajit is well-documented in both animal and human studies. It exhibits various beneficial properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, adaptogenic, and immunomodulatory effects. However, more well-controlled human studies are needed to fully establish its efficacy8.
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Adverse Effects of Shilajit
Protective Effects on Ovaries
Shilajit has been shown to protect ovarian follicles from radiation-induced damage by reducing apoptosis and oxidative stress markers such as p53, Bax, and caspase 31.
Hepatoprotective Effects
In a study on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in rats, Shilajit treatment significantly improved liver function and reduced oxidative stress, suggesting its protective role against liver damage2.
Muscle and Connective Tissue Adaptations
Shilajit supplementation at 500 mg/day for 8 weeks helped in retaining muscle strength and reducing serum hydroxyproline levels, indicating favorable muscle and connective tissue adaptations without reported adverse effects3
Antiviral Properties
Shilajit demonstrated dose-dependent inhibitory activity against several viruses in vitro, including HSV-1, HSV-2, HCMV, and RSV, without specific mention of adverse effects in the study4.
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How has Shilajit Improved Patient Outcomes?
Improvement in Endothelial Function and Cardiovascular Health
Shilajit significantly improved endothelial function in patients with type 2 diabetes, as evidenced by changes in reflection index, augmentation index, subendocardial viability ratio, and systemic vascular resistance. It also reduced biomarkers like hsCRP, MDA, total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglycerides, while increasing NO, GSH, and HDL-C levels1.
In elderly patients with hypertension, Shilajit reduced oxidative stress markers and increased antioxidant capacity, although it did not change markers of arterial stiffness and endothelial function4.
Neurologic Outcomes Post-Traumatic Brain Injury
Shilajit decreased brain edema, blood-brain barrier permeability, and intracranial pressure in rats with traumatic brain injury. It also improved neurologic outcomes significantly2.
Sexual Function in Women
Shilajit improved sexual function in reproductive-aged women, as measured by the Female Sexual Function Index. However, it did not significantly enhance the overall quality of sexual life3.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
Shilajit mitigated behavioral symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome in rats by modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and preserving mitochondrial function and integrity. It reversed CFS-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress5.
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👨🏽⚕️How has Shilajit improved patient outcomes?
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Shilajit Mechanisms of Action
Antiviral Activity
Shilajit exhibits dose-dependent inhibitory activity against several viruses, including HSV-1, HSV-2, HCMV, and RSV. This antiviral effect is attributed to partial virus inactivation and interference with virus attachment1.
Modulation of Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis and Mitochondrial Function
Shilajit mitigates chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) symptoms by modulating the HPA axis and preserving mitochondrial function. It stabilizes mitochondrial enzyme activities and membrane potential, reducing oxidative stress2.
Glycine and GABA Mimetic Actions
Shilajit induces inward currents in neurons by activating glycine and GABA(A) receptors, suggesting its potential role in pain relief and sedation through chloride ion channels3 4.
Parasympathomimetic Effects
Shilajit exhibits parasympathomimetic effects, enhancing acetylcholine-mediated relaxations and lowering mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate. This effect supports its traditional use as an aphrodisiac6.
Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Shilajit contains humic acid, fulvic acid, and dibenzo-alpha-pyrones, which contribute to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and adaptogenic activities. These properties help in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation5 7 8.
Cognitive and Neuroprotective Effects
Shilajit, particularly its fulvic acid component, has potential procognitive and neuroprotective effects. It may prevent tau protein aggregation, which is relevant for Alzheimer’s disease therapy9.
Skin Health and Microvascular Function
Shilajit supplementation improves skin microperfusion and induces genes related to endothelial cell migration and blood vessel growth, enhancing skin health10.
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Disclaimer
The content in this blog post was generated using Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, this content is intended for informational and educational purposes only.
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