Discovering Shilajit: Facts and Myths Explored in Podcasts

Shilajit by Pod Mirror

Gandhinagar: Shilajit a mineral-rich resin derived from rocks, has garnered significant attention in the health and wellness community. Advocates claim it provides a range of benefits, from boosting energy and enhancing cognitive function to supporting the immune system.

For those seeking more information, Pod Mirror has curated a list of insightful podcasts, including topics related to shilajit and its applications.

However, despite the growing interest, questions remain about its true effectiveness and safety. Here we explore the research, traditional knowledge, and potential risks associated with shilajit and its honey-blend to offer a balanced perspective on this trending supplement.

What is Shilajit?

Shilajit is a naturally occurring substance found predominantly in the Himalayan mountains, formed over centuries through the decomposition of plant material and minerals. Often referred to as “mineral pitch,” this dark, resinous substance is rich in minerals, organic acids, and compounds, with fulvic acid as one of its key components.

Traditional Uses and Modern Applications

For millennia, traditional Ayurvedic medicine has celebrated shilajit as a rejuvenating tonic and a remedy for numerous ailments. Historical texts emphasize its role in promoting longevity, enhancing vitality, and addressing various conditions such as genitourinary disorders, epilepsy, and muscle wasting.

Modern research, while still in its early stages, has started to uncover the potential benefits of shilajit. Its unique composition and the mechanisms of its components have drawn the attention of scientists. Preliminary findings suggest shilajit may:

• Improve energy levels by supporting mitochondrial function.
• Enhance cognitive abilities through antioxidant properties.
• Promote better immune system response.

The Podcasts

In this episode of Optimal Health Daily, Dr. Neal Malik examines the health claims surrounding Shilajit, its origins, potential benefits, and safety concerns, offering a well-rounded view of this supplement.

Host Sarah Kleiner discusses Shilajit’s health implications with biologist Zeb Hackett-Reicher, emphasizing the importance of sourcing and potential risks associated with heavy metal contamination.

This episode of the Rebel Whitecoat Podcast covers what Shilajit is, its sourcing, benefits, and methods of consumption, providing a comprehensive overview along with cautionary advice.

In this episode of The ATP Project, hosts Nic and Steve explore the health benefits of Shilajit, its traditional uses, and modern applications, while also discussing safety considerations.

Dr Robert Svoboda discusses shilajit, a substance “born from the mountain,” used in Ayurveda for centuries. He explains that its exact composition is unknown, though it’s believed to be a polymerized latex and contains humic acids. While traditionally used for genitourinary issues and low vitality, Dr Svoboda cautions against excessive consumption, emphasizing the need for purification, proper preparation, and starting with a small dose to gauge individual reactions. He highlights the importance of sourcing genuine shilajit and advises against assuming that adding it to any food or drink will replicate its traditional medicinal effects.

Shilajit Across Cultures

Shilajit is recognized by various names across different languages and traditions:

• Sanskrit: Shilajatu, Shilaras, Adrija, Girija (meaning “derived from rock”).
• Arabic: Arakul-dzhibol (meaning “sweat of the mountain”).
• Tibetan/Mongolian: Brag-shun or Brag-zhun (meaning “juice of rock”).
• Burmese: Kao-tui or Chao-tui (meaning “blood of the mountains”).
• Tamil: Essence from the mountain.
• English: Mineral pitch, Asphaltum, Jew’s pitch, Mineral wax, Ozokerite.
• Other Sanskrit Synonyms: Mumie, Mumiyo, Mummiyo (meaning “mountain balsam” or “mountain tears”), Jatu, Laksha, Niryas (referring to its form and consistency), Ushnaja (indicating its emergence during the hot season), Shiladhatu-asmajam (relating to its time and season of emergence), Suvarnaja, Raupyaja, Tamraja, Lohaja (indicating the presence of gold, silver, copper, and iron, respectively), Dathuras, Dathusara, Dhatu (emphasizing its ability to tonify body tissues).

Design by Pod Mirror

👆Shilajit: The resin-like substance is booming in popularity across the west…but getting it is no easy task. Business Insider team went to the Himalayas to meet the men who risk their lives harvesting this “miracle product.”

Shilajit : Health benefits claimed

Modern research has begun to explore the potential benefits of shilajit, focusing on its unique composition and the potential mechanisms of action of its various components. While the research is still in its early stages, preliminary findings suggest that shilajit may offer several health benefits, including:

• Energy Boost: Shilajit is believed to enhance cellular energy production by supporting mitochondrial function, potentially combating fatigue and promoting overall vitality.
• Cognitive Enhancement: Studies indicate that shilajit might possess neuroprotective properties, contributing to improved memory and cognitive function. Fulvic acid, in particular, has been suggested to play a role in preventing the formation of tau protein tangles associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
• Immune System Support: The combination of honey’s well-known antibacterial properties and the mineral content of shilajit is thought to potentially enhance immune responses.
• Testosterone Boost and Male Fertility Support: Research suggests that shilajit supplementation may increase testosterone levels in men, potentially addressing age-related decline. Additionally, studies have shown that shilajit may improve sperm count and motility, supporting male fertility.
• Bone Health and Osteoporosis Prevention: Shilajit’s rich mineral content, along with its potential anti-inflammatory effects, may contribute to bone health and potentially aid in the prevention of osteoporosis, particularly in postmenopausal women experiencing bone loss due to decreased estrogen levels.
• Skin Health and Collagen Synthesis: Some studies suggest that shilajit supplementation may promote collagen synthesis, particularly type 1 collagen, which is crucial for skin elasticity and overall skin health.

The Diverse World of Shilajit: What It’s Called and Why It Matters

Shilajit is categorized into various types based on its color, properties, and the predominant minerals it contains. Here’s a breakdown:

Types Based on Color and Associated Minerals:

• Gold Shilajit (Suvarna Shilajit): Red in color, believed to address imbalances in the “wind humor” associated with heat, such as hemorrhoids.
• Silver Shilajit (Rajat Shilajit): White in color, considered beneficial for “phlegm humor” imbalances related to heat, like allergic rhinitis.
• Copper Shilajit (Tamra Shilajit): Blue in color, thought to balance “phlegm humor” imbalances, such as asthma.
• Iron Shilajit (Lauha Shilajit): The most common type, dull-blackish in color, believed to balance “wind,” “heat,” and “phlegm” humors, addressing issues like pain syndromes, hypertension, and diabetes.
• Lead Shilajit (Naag Shilajit): Mentioned in some Ayurvedic texts but rarely found.
• Tin Shilajit (Vanga Shilajit): Also mentioned in Ayurvedic texts but rarely found.

Types Based on Smell:

• Gomutra Shilajit: A semi-hard, brownish-black to dark resin with a distinct coniferous smell and bitter taste.
• Karpura Shilajit: A white variety with a camphor odor.

Other Classifications:

• Raw/Crude Shilajit: The unprocessed form directly extracted from the rocks.
• Purified/Processed Shilajit: Shilajit that has undergone purification processes to remove impurities and contaminants.

Shilajit: Theories of Its Origin

The origin of shilajit, a substance found in mountainous regions, has been a subject of much debate, with various theories proposed to explain its formation. The sources outline three main schools of thought regarding shilajit’s origins:

• Biological Hypothesis: This theory suggests that shilajit is a product of biological processes, arising from the decomposition of plant and animal matter under specific environmental conditions. Proponents of this view point to the presence of humus, organic plant materials, and fulvic acid, which are typically formed through the breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms . Some researchers believe that latex-bearing plants like Euphorbia royleana and Trifolium repens play a key role in shilajit formation, while others suggest that mosses and liverworts contribute to its composition.
• Geological Theory: This theory posits that shilajit is primarily a product of geological processes, forming over centuries from the gradual transformation of minerals and rocks in mountainous regions. Supporters of this perspective emphasize the role of geological factors like temperature, pressure, and the mineral composition of rocks in shaping shilajit’s properties.
• Bio-Mineralogical Hypothesis: This theory combines elements of both biological and geological perspectives, suggesting that shilajit is a secondary product resulting from the interaction between biological and geological processes. This view proposes that mineral components are incorporated into a liquefied organic precursor through various migrations and interactions with the surrounding geological environment.
• Marine Animal Origin: Some researchers propose that shilajit is derived from fossilized marine invertebrates, particularly mollusks or ammonites. This theory is based on the presence of certain compounds in shilajit that are also found in marine organisms. However, this view is contested, with counterarguments pointing to the widespread distribution of shilajit in sedimentary rocks at high altitudes not easily accessible to marine life.

Shilajit : Ongoing Research and Regional Variations

The Diverse World of Shilajit by Pod Mirror

The exact origin of shilajit remains a subject of ongoing research and scientific inquiry. The existing theories reflect the complexity of this substance and the diverse factors potentially contributing to its formation. Further investigations are needed to unravel the precise mechanisms underlying shilajit’s origins and to fully understand its unique properties.

1. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease (2012): This study highlights the cognitive health benefits of shilajit and mentions that Andean Shilajit is found in Chile, showing that shilajit is not limited to the Himalayas.
2. Review on Shilajit in Traditional Indian Medicine: This review states that shilajit is commonly found in the Himalayas, from Arunachal Pradesh to Kashmir in India. It also lists other sources like Nepal (Dolpa region), Pakistan (Peshawar), and Russia (Tien Shan mountains).
3. Shilajit: A Panacea for High-Altitude Problems: This paper focuses on shilajit’s benefits for high-altitude issues and mentions its presence in the lower Himalayan hills (1000 to 5000 meters) in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir, and Arunachal Pradesh in India.

Additionally, shilajit is found in the Hindukush mountain range in Afghanistan and Tibet, with specific extraction sites varying within these regions.

Molecular Composition of Shilajit

Derived from various research papers, the molecular composition of shilajit is primarily characterized by a complex mixture of organic substances. These substances are broadly classified into two categories: humic substances (80-85% of total organic mass) and non-humic substances (15-20%).

Humic Substances

Humic substances, formed through the degradation of plant matter by microorganisms, are further categorized based on their solubility in water at different pH levels:

• Fulvic Acids: The most prominent and biologically active component of shilajit, accounting for 60% to 80% of the total compound. Known for their strong antioxidant properties, they are easily absorbed in the intestinal tract due to their low molecular weight (around 2 kDa).
• Humic Acids: Soluble in water under alkaline conditions and possess a higher molecular weight (5–10 kDa) compared to fulvic acids.
• Humins: Insoluble in water at any pH level.

Non-Humic Substances

Non-humic substances constitute a diverse range of molecules, including:

• Dibenzo-α-pyrones: Act as carriers for other substances within shilajit.
• Ellagic Acid: A polyphenol known for its antioxidant properties.
• Fatty Acids: Contribute to the substance’s energy content.
• Resins, Latex, and Gums: Contribute to the sticky and tenacious nature of shilajit.
• Albumins: A type of protein.
• Triterpenes and Sterols: Organic compounds with diverse biological activities.
• Aromatic Carboxylic Acids and Polyphenols: Contribute to the antioxidant properties of shilajit.
• Phenolic Lipids: Compounds with potential anti-inflammatory effects.
• Amino Acids: Building blocks of proteins.
• Oligoelements: Trace elements like selenium with potential anti-aging benefits .

The specific composition of non-humic substances can vary significantly between different geographical regions due to factors like local plant species, geological environment, and climatic conditions.

It is crucial to note that raw or unpurified shilajit may contain contaminants such as heavy metals, mycotoxins, free radicals, and polymeric quinones, posing health risks. Therefore, purified and tested shilajit products are essential for safe consumption.

Shilajit : Safety Concerns and Regulation Issues

While processed shilajit appears to be generally safe when consumed in appropriate doses, there are critical safety considerations:

• Contaminants: As mentioned earlier, raw or poorly processed shilajit can contain harmful substances like heavy metals and mycotoxins. Sourcing shilajit products that have undergone rigorous testing for purity and safety is paramount.
• Regulation: The market for shilajit supplements is largely unregulated, leading to concerns about authenticity, quality control, and potential adulteration. Consumers are advised to look for products that provide certificates of analysis (COAs) from reputable third-party laboratories to verify their composition and purity.
• Potential Side Effects: While processed shilajit seems to be well-tolerated, potential side effects may include gastrointestinal upset, allergic reactions, and fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Individuals with pre-existing health conditions, especially those with diabetes or scheduled for surgery, should consult with their healthcare provider before taking shilajit.

Navigating the Shilajit Market

The increasing demand for shilajit has led to a surge in the availability of various products, making it challenging for consumers to make informed choices. Here are some key factors to consider when purchasing shilajit honey or any other shilajit product:

• Sourcing: Opt for products from reputable brands that source their shilajit from pristine, high-altitude regions known for their pure and potent shilajit deposits.
• Purification: Ensure that the product has undergone proper purification processes to remove potential contaminants like heavy metals and mycotoxins. Look for information on the purification methods employed by the manufacturer.
• Testing and Certification: Choose products that are third-party tested for purity, potency, and contaminants. Seek brands that provide COAs from independent laboratories.
• Form and Dosage: Shilajit is available in various forms, including resin, powder, capsules, and liquid extracts. Consider your personal preferences and convenience when choosing a form. Adhere to the recommended dosage guidelines provided by the manufacturer and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.

1. Ghosal S, Reddy JP, Lal VK. Shilajit I: Chemical constituents. J of Pharmaceu Sci. 1976;65(5):772–773. doi: 10.1002/jps.2600650545. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

2. Ghosal S. Shilajit Part 7-Chemistry of Shilajit, an immunomodulatory ayurvedic rasayana. Pure Appl Chem. 1990;62:1285–8. [Google Scholar]

3. Ghosal S, Lal J, Singh SK, Goel RK, Jaiswal AK, Bhattacharya SK. The need for formulation of Shilajit by its isolated active constituents. Phytother Res. 1991;5:211–6. [Google Scholar]

4. Ghosal S, Soumya L, Kumar Y. Interaction of Shilajit with biogenic free radicals. Indian J Chem. 1995;34B:596–602. [Google Scholar]

5. Halpern M. Clinical Ayurvedic Medicine. 4th edn. Grass Valley, CA: California College of Ayurveda; 2003a. [Google Scholar]

6 Jaiswal AK, Bhattacharya SK. Effects of Shilajit on memory, anxiety and brain monoamines in rats. Ind J of Pharmacol. 1992;24:12–7. [Google Scholar]

7. Joshi GC, Tiwari KC, Pande NK, Pande G. Bryophytes, the source of the origin of Shilajit – a new hypothesis. BMEBR. 1994;15:106–19. [Google Scholar]

8. Ghosal S, Lal J, Singh SK. The core structure of Shilajit humus. Soil Biol Biochem. 1992;23:673–80. [Google Scholar]

9. Talbert R. A materia medica monograph. Shilajit. 2004:1–17. [Google Scholar]

10. Tiwari VP, Tiwari KC, Joshi PJ. An interpretation of Ayurvedika findings on Shilajit. J Res Indigenous Med. 1973;8:57. [Google Scholar]

11. Acharya SB, Frotan MH, Goel RK, Tripathi SK, Das PK. Pharmacological actions of Shilajit. Indian J Exp Biol. 1988;26:775–7. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

12. Ghosal S, Singh SK, Kumar Y, Srivatsava R. Antiulcerogenic activity of fulvic acids and 4-metoxy-6-carbomethyl biphenyl isolated from shilajit. Phytother Re. 1988;2:187–91. [Google Scholar]

13. Goel RK, Banerjee RS, Acharya SB. Antiulcerogenic and antiinflammatory studies with shilajit. J of Ethnopharmacol. 1990;29:95–103. doi: 10.1016/0378-8741(90)90102-y. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

14. Frotan MH, Acharya SB. Pharmacological studies of shilajit. Ind J of Pharmacol. 1984;16:45. [Google Scholar]

15 Gupta SS, Seth CB, Mathur VS. Effect of Gurmar and shilajit on body weight of young rats. Ind J Physiol Pharmacol. 1965;9:87–92. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

16. Bhaumik S, Chattopadhyay S, Ghosal S. Effect of shilajit on mouse peritoneal macrophages. Phytother Res. 2006;7:425–27. [Google Scholar]

17. Park JS, Kim GY, Han K. The spermatogenic and ovogenic effects of chronically administered Shilajit to rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 2006;107:349–53. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2006.03.039. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]