From the Guidelines
Shilajit resin lacks substantial scientific evidence to support its use for most medical conditions, despite its traditional use in Ayurvedic medicine. The provided evidence does not specifically mention shilajit resin, but it discusses the growing interest in natural products for oral health and the tradition of using herbal compounds in Ayurveda medicine 1. Some key points to consider when evaluating the use of shilajit resin include:
- The lack of rigorous clinical trials to support most claims about its effectiveness for various medical conditions
- The potential benefits of fulvic acid and other compounds present in shilajit resin for certain conditions, such as chronic fatigue and male infertility
- The importance of consulting a healthcare provider before using shilajit supplementation, especially for individuals with certain medical conditions or taking medications
- The variability in quality and purity of shilajit products, which can contain harmful contaminants It is essential to rely on the most recent and highest-quality studies when making decisions about the use of shilajit resin, and caution is advised due to the limited scientific evidence and potential risks associated with its use.
From the Research
Overview of Shilajit Resin
- Shilajit is a multi-component natural occurring mineral substance used in Ayurveda and Siddha systems of medicine, originating from the mountainous regions of India 2.
- It is referred to as 'rasayana'/'rasayanam' in Ayurveda and Siddha literature, meaning rejuvenator, as it prevents ailments and enhances the quality of life 2.
Therapeutic Properties
- Shilajit has been found to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, adaptogenic, immunomodulatory, and anti-dyslipidemic properties 3.
- It is used to enhance physical performance, relieve fatigue, and has been shown to enhance spermatogenesis in animal and human studies 3.
- The key constituents responsible for these effects appear to be dibenzo-α-pyrones and fulvic acid and their derivatives 3.
Elemental Composition
- The elemental composition of Shilajit was analyzed using advanced analytical techniques, revealing the presence of several elements including Ca, S, K, Mg, Al, Na, Sr, Fe, P, Si, Mn, Ba, Zn, Ni, B, Cr, Co, Pb, Cu, As, Hg, Se, and Ti 4.
- Indian and Pakistani Shilajit samples were found to be highly enriched with Ca, S, and K nutrients, but also contained Al, Sr, Mn, Ba, Zn, Ni, B, Cr, Pb, As, and Hg toxins in amounts that exceeded the standard permissible limit 4.
Complement-Fixing Activity
- Fulvic acid from Shilajit and other natural sources has been found to exhibit complement-fixing activity in vitro, with high potency 5.
- A strong correlation was found between the complement-fixing activity and carboxylic group content in the Shilajit fractions and other fulvic acid sources 5.
Medical Applications
- Shilajit has been used traditionally in folk medicine for the treatment of a variety of disorders, including syndromes involving excessive complement activation 5.
- Recent investigations point to an interesting medical application toward the control of cognitive disorders associated with aging, and cognitive stimulation 6.
- Shilajit may have potential as a therapy for Alzheimer's disease, as fulvic acid, the main active principle, blocks tau self-aggregation 6.