Shilajit: What and Why

Shilajit comes to mind here at NuHealth NuWealth simply because it is a staple to some of the herbal supplements we offer.

Shiliajit is a highly mineralized exudate that oozes from the rocks of mountainous regions in Asia in the heat of summer, shilajit is a curious resin that resembles asphalt and smells distinctly like cow urine.

Shilajit is an age-old ingredient (rasayana compound) of Ayurvedic medicine. Shilajit gets its name from the Sanskrit word ‘Silajitu’, where ‘sila’ means endowed with the qualities of a mountain or rock, and ‘jitu’ means gum, lac, or other tar-like materials.

This compound is formed by the decay of some particular plant matters by microorganisms, present in the soil, in mountainous terrains. It often takes more than hundreds of years for the substance to be formed and during the process, plant matter along with minerals break down giving rise to a blackish-brown, tar-like, sticky substance. This is also why researchers call it a millenary product of nature. Shilajit also contains a number of vitamins and amino acids.

Loosely translated from Sanskrit as "Conqueror of the Mountains and Destroyer of Weakness", shilajit's identity in ayurvedic medicines is that it has the potential to cure any in cureable disease when combined with other appropriate medications. (Caraka Samhita)

 

Latin Name

Asphaltum, Asphaltum punjabianum

Common Names

Mineral Pitch, Vegetable asphalt, bitumen , Jew's pitch,; Silajatu, mumiyo.; Other synonyms according to Bhavprakash are: adrija, saila niryasa, gaireya, asmaja, girija ans sailadhatuja; Other names appearing in formulation are: jatu, jatuna and adrija (The Ayurvedic Formulary of India Part I & II, 2003)

Plant Nomenclature

It appears that as it is not a single plant, there is no further taxonomic classification for shilajit. It is simply listed as a "drug of mineral origin" in the Ayurvedic Formulary. Research at Banaras Hindu University in India reveals via chemical analysis that shilajit is the result of the humification of resin and latex bearing plants. (Agrawal, 2003) 

Constituents

Resins, Benzoic acid, hippuric acid, fulvic acid; minerals: silica, iron, antimony, calcium, copper, lithium, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, phosphorus, sodium, strontium, zinc (Pole, 2006)

The primary active ingredients in shilajit are fulvic acids, di-benzo alpha pyrones, humins, humic acids and trace minerals. Chemical analysis has shown that about 80% of the humus[2] components are present in shilajit.

While there are other similar substances containing fulvic and humic acids, shilajit is differentiated in that it contains oxygenated di-benzo alpha pyrones. Shilajit collected from different areas does in fact exhibit differing chemical characteristics and bioactivities, however, the core composition includes low molecular weight chemical markers, aucuparins, di-benzo alpha pyrones and triterpenic acids. (Ghosal, 1990)

Shilajit is formed and found primarily in Asia in the Himalayan ranges in India, Nepal, Pakistan, China, Tibet, and part of Central Asia and Scandinavia It has been found all over the mountains of Europe as well. Millions of years ago, before the Himalayan mountains were formed, a fertile valley and lush foliage existed in their place. As the movement of the continents caused the valley to become the tallest mountain range in the world, the vegetation became trapped and preserved between the rock formations. Still today, the range continues to grow 1 cm. per year (U.S. Geological Survey) Due to extreme weather conditions and temperature variation, rock formations shift and in doing so expose precious shilajit. Because of its ancient nature, the vegetation was never exposed to any type of fertilizer, pesticide, herbicide, or pollution. (Hartman)

According to lore shilajit is "amrta" or nectar from God given to mankind in order to "live long and happy life". It is one of the most important medicines used for centuries and still today in Ayurvedic medicine. There is evidence of shilajit in the Indus civilization. (Agrawal, 2003) Traditionally it is known as rasayana and used as a power increasing tonic, age defying and aphrodisiac. In Chinese medicine it was used as a kidney/adrenal tonic.

Shilajit And Specific Conditions And Systems

The following tends to be the agreed upon list for which there is more substantial evidence.

Urinary

 It is useful in treating painful urination, cystitis, stones, incontinence and glycosuria. It also acts as a diuretic by increasing urination, promoting kidney and bladder activity, reduces and removes toxins and decreases water retention of all tissues. (Tirtha, 1998-2007)

Diabetes

Shilajit's affinity for both the fat tissue and the water channel make it useful in treating diabetes. It enhances peripheral glucose uptake so is used in hyperglycemia and regulating blood sugar levels. It also scrapes fat making it helpful in metabolic syndrome (excess weight, high cholesterol, low thyroid and diabetes). (Pole, 2006)

 A study done with 61 diabetic subjects who were administered 1000mg of shilajit, twice daily for 30 days demonstrated antioxidant activity. As an adaptogen, it resulted in the reduction of lipids per oxidation and may be of benefit as a supplement in the prevention of diabetes complications. (Nidhi Saxena, 2003)

 Rat studies have also demonstrated that shilajit produces a significant reduction in blood glucose levels as well as improving lipid profile. (N. A. Trivedi, 2004)

Reproductive

Strengthens the entire reproductive system and is tonic (aphrodisiac) for the sex organs. It treats deficiency and weakness due to high vata in the female reproductive system with symptoms of weakness, infertility, dysmenorrhea and PMS, as well. (Pole, 2006) 

Its spermatogenic effects are evidenced in a study of male oligospermic patients. (Biswas TK, 2010) In rat studies testing shilajit as a fertility agent, it was estimated that it had both a spermiogenic and ovogenic effect in mature rats. (Jeong-Sook Park, 2006)

Mental Health

Nootropic[3] and anxiolytic activity. Investigated for its effect on memory, learning and anxiety and reported that shilajit enhanced the acquisition of learning and memory in aged rats while exhibiting a marked reduction in anxiety levels. (AK Jaiswal, 1992) It may also be used in treating epilepsy.

Bones

Promotes the movement of minerals, especially calcium, phosphorous, and magnesium into muscle tissue and bone. Shilajit is naturally high in iron and other minerals making it useful in osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and spondylosis. It is building to both rakta and asthi dhatus and therefore used to heal broken bones. (Pole, 2006) [Ayurvedic Medicines.]

Lekhaniya

By virtue of its scraping quality shilajit may remove benign tumors(lipoma, osteoma, uterine fibroid, goiter) and detoxify breast tissue (Sthanya Shodan).

Immunomodulator [4]

Shilajit has been found to be effective in treating allergies and boosting immunity. Di-benzo-alpha-pyrones and triterpenic acid (humic and fulvic acids) affect the endocrine, autonomic, and central nervous systems, "bringing about an immunomodulating result by increasing the activity of macrophages". (Ghosal S. , 1990) Another study on rats showed that white cell activity rose in accordance with dosage and time after exposure. (Ghosal S. e.)

Tissue Recovery

Shilajit has been used in wound healing, specifically peptic ulcer, and other inflammation and shown to help in muscle recovery after exercise. Shilajit increased the carbohydrate/protein ratio and decreased gastric ulcer index, indicating an increased mucus barrier. (Goel RK, 1990) Fulvic acid and 4/-methoxy 6-carbomethoxy bi phenyl, active constituents in shilajit are found to have ulcer protective effect. (Ghosal S, 1988)

Longevity

The fountain of youth; some say that the name itself suggests that one can stave off the aging process much as the rock does. Shilajit exhibits antioxidative properties (Acharya, 1988) and is said to cure diseases of aging.

In Summary

Shilajit is one of THE SUPERFOOD powerhouses we are sure that you are now interested in incorporating into your diet. We look forward to you investing in this product alone or experiencing it through a daily serving in our Cup A’Nu Superfood Blend . Either way do not hesitate to invest in this powerful herb (well technically it is mineral exude) In some form or fashion. This is what we mean when we say ProActive and Restorative Healthcare.

References

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