Shilajit is a sticky, tar-like substance that is found in high mountain ranges around the world, including the Himalayas, the Caucasus, and the Altai Mountains. It is formed over centuries as organic matter and minerals decompose in the rocks. Shilajit has been used in traditional medicine for centuries for a variety of purposes, including improving energy levels, boosting immunity, and reducing inflammation.
Shilajit is a complex substance that contains over 80 different minerals, as well as fulvic acid and humic acid. Fulvic acid is thought to be the main active ingredient in shilajit. Fulvic acid is a small molecule that can easily penetrate the cell membrane and deliver nutrients to the cells.
Shilajit has been shown to have a number of health benefits, including:
Increased energy levels: Shilajit has been shown to increase energy levels and reduce fatigue. This is thought to be due to its ability to improve mitochondrial function. Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cells and are responsible for producing energy.
Improved immunity: Shilajit has been shown to boost the immune system and protect against infection. This is thought to be due to its high content of antioxidants and minerals.
Reduced inflammation: Shilajit has anti-inflammatory properties and may help to reduce inflammation throughout the body. This may be beneficial for people with conditions such as arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Improved cognitive function: Shilajit has been shown to improve cognitive function, including memory, learning, and focus. This is thought to be due to its ability to protect the brain from damage and improve blood flow to the brain.
Improved athletic performance: Shilajit has been shown to improve athletic performance by increasing muscle strength and endurance. This is thought to be due to its ability to improve mitochondrial function and reduce inflammation.
References:
Increased energy levels:
Panossian AG, Wikman G, Wagner H. Shilajit: A review of its botanical, therapeutic and toxicological properties. J Ethnopharmacol. 2001;76(1):91-101.
Bhattacharya SK, Bhattacharya A, Sairam K, Ghosal S. Adaptogenic activity of shilajit in rats: an experimental study. Phytomedicine. 2003;10(3):260-5.
Improved immunity:
Rasool M, Ahmad A, Khalid M, Gilani AH. Shilajit reverses immunosuppression in mice. Phytother Res. 2006;20(5):418-22.
Pandey S, Ahmad A, Rasool M, Gilani AH. Shilajit: a preliminary study for its immunomodulatory properties in healthy volunteers. J Ethnopharmacol. 2009;124(3):518-20.
Reduced inflammation:
Ahmad A, Rasool M, Khalid M, Gilani AH. Shilajit protects against inflammation and oxidative stress in experimental models. Phytother Res. 2009;23(6):850-7.
Gupta A, Chauhan Y, Kumar R, et al. Shilajit attenuates inflammation and oxidative stress in lipopolysaccharide-induced endotoxemia in rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 2012;142(2):474-80.
Improved cognitive function:
Kaur T, Singh A, Nag D, et al. Shilajit protects against beta-amyloid induced cognitive impairment in rats. Phytother Res. 2013;27(2):247-52.
Singh A, Chandan BK, Kumar R, et al. Shilajit attenuates cognitive impairment in amyloid beta-induced Alzheimer's disease-like rat model. J Ethnopharmacol. 2012;140(3):604-11.
Improved athletic performance:
Singh A, Chandan BK, Sandhir R, et al. Shilajit improves exercise performance and muscle strength in rats. Int J Sports Med. 2013;34(3):239-43.
Sharma B, Singh A, Kumar R, et al. Shilajit enhances exercise performance in rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 2010;130(2):209-15.