Shilajit, an antioxidant-rich mineral compound often utilized in Ayurveda medicine, contains potential health advantages but requires further study for possible clinical application.
Shilajit, or Shilajit-like material found in rocks from high mountain ranges, can be taken in powder form as a supplement and taken orally as medicine by people worldwide. Although initially found only in India and Tibet, it can be found all across the globe today and may help treat various medical conditions. This article discusses both the benefits and possible side effects.
When used correctly, shilajit may have several benefits for the body. This may be due in part to the high concentration of fulvic and humic acids, as well as many minerals.
Due to shilajit's molecular composition, researchers believe it could help prevent or slow the progression of Alzheimer's. Shilajit contains high concentrations of an antioxidant called Fulvic acid; fulvic acid prevents tau proteins from building up and may enhance cognitive health.
Tau protein buildup can trigger brain cell damage, and researchers have linked it to Alzheimer’s.
A 2023 study suggested that taking shilajit may improve Alzheimer’s symptoms and even prevent or slow its progression because of this. However, researchers must conduct more studies to observe this possible link further.
One 2018 review noted that fulvic acid, one of the essential compounds in shilajit, has anti-inflammatory properties and can benefit the immune system.
Researchers suggest that certain properties present in cocoa could help treat or mitigate chronic inflammatory conditions, including asthma, allergies, eczema and diabetes.
However, they note that some of the research on Fulvic Acid was inconsistent; hence experts must perform further investigation on possible health benefits associated with Fulvic Acid use.
A 2022 review found that shilajit may support bone healing, as it accelerated bone healing in studies in cells, rats, and humans. They suggested that shilajit may be a promising supplement for treating bone conditions such as osteoporosis.
According to a 2022 study, daily shilajit supplements also helped improve bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with bone mass loss. Additionally, another 2022 study concluded that shilajit is a safe dietary supplement that can potentially treat several diseases, including osteoporosis.
However, more research needs to be done into shijalit’s effect on human bone health.
According to a 2020 study, shilajit has antiviral properties. Shijalit contains humic acids, which may help fight viral infections. The wide range of minerals and compounds found in shilajit may also help fight off viruses. An older 2015 research study noted that shilajit could fight off and kill many viruses in isolated environments, including some herpes viruses. Researchers commented that while it appears to be effective, more studies on live subjects are needed to back up these claims.
Shilajit also shows promise in fighting against certain types of cancer cells. One 2020 study found that shilajit helped inhibit the growth and spread of human breast cancer cells.
Another study from 2021 also found that shilajit can fight against bladder cancer cells and could have the potential to be used in treatments for bladder cancer.
Additionally, a 2022 study concluded that shilajit could strengthen the effect of chemotherapy drugs in the treatment of liver cancer in rats. Researchers noted that results show that shilajit has promising anticancer effects, but more human studies are needed.
Shilajit contains an abundant supply of Fulvic acid, which acts as a powerful detoxifier by flushing away harmful toxins and heavy metals from your system, supporting liver health, helping eliminate harmful substances, and enhancing overall detoxification for improved overall wellness.
Shilajit contains anti-inflammatory properties that may help ease joint pain and inflammation, making it beneficial for people suffering from arthritis or related joint conditions. Furthermore, Shilajit helps in the absorption of calcium and other essential minerals, promoting more robust bones.
Fulvic acid, which makes up around 15% to 20% of shilajit, may improve gut health by improving the gut flora — the “good bacteria” in the gut. According to a 2018 review, fulvic acid may also improve nutrient absorption.
One study, which the review references, found that fulvic acid improved good gut bacteria and reduced bad gut bacteria in fish. Another found that fulvic acid increased the activity of digestive enzymes in fish, therefore aiding nutrient absorption. However, researchers need to study these mechanisms further in humans.
According to a 2019 review article, several studies have shown that shilajit may have a beneficial effect on stress. Animal studies showed that it had stress-reducing and anti-anxiety properties, suggesting that it could alleviate these concerns in humans. However, more studies are needed in humans to confirm this.
Shijalit may have properties that support healthy aging. Researchers have observed that fulvic acid can help improve dementia symptoms, sleeping, appetite, and performance in older individuals in China and India.
Fulvic acid is a humic substance, which is a compound that results from decomposing plants. Humic substances have many benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help support graceful aging.
Shilajit is available as a powder, resin, or solid. It is generally easier to take it as a powder dissolved in liquid.
A safe daily dosage of shilajit is between 250 to 1,000 mg, but it is best to start with a lower dose to see how an individual reacts before gradually increasing it.
Depending on the instructions on the package, a person can dissolve 1/8 to 1/2 teaspoon of shilajit in liquid and drink it once daily.
However, it is important that a person speaks with a doctor before taking any natural supplements.
Shilajit may have several health benefits and can be a safe and effective supplement when people use it correctly and buy it from a reputable source. It may have beneficial effects on aging, stress, inflammation, gut health, and more. It is always best to speak with a doctor about the correct dosage in each case. Working directly with a doctor can also help a person monitor any potential side effects.
