Shilajit

Shilajit – “The Blood of the Mountains”

Shilajit is a brownish-black, sticky resin that oozes from cracks in high-altitude rocks. It is most commonly found in the Himalayas, the Altai Mountains, and the Caucasus region.

Thus, shilajit resin is not produced by living organisms but emerges as the result of a natural process² – as a healing substance: it is unique in this regard. Plants trapped in the crevices of high-mountain rocks – such as mosses, lichens, roots, and leaves – decompose over millions of years, and this biomass is then subjected to influences like:

• the pressure of the rocks
• temperature fluctuations
• sunlight
• water and air.

Under the influence of these modifying factors, a dense resin forms, consisting of fulvic acid, humic acid, and other bioactive compounds. This mass is further concentrated by minerals leaching from the rocks.

The process of its formation is already fascinating, but perhaps even more intriguing is how its healing properties were discovered.

Whose Idea Was It to Eat the Resin Seeping from the Mountains?

According to legend, Himalayan shepherds and healers first noticed shilajit when they observed monkeys and other animals licking the resin oozing from rocks, then becoming noticeably more energetic, fertile, and healthy.³ This observation likely encouraged people to try it on themselves.

Indian medicine thus began to use it. In Ayurvedic medicine, shilajit is regarded as a “rasayana” – that is, a rejuvenating and life-extending agent.⁴

What Does Science Say About It?

Only in recent decades has modern science begun examining shilajit’s active ingredients under laboratory conditions.

Shilajit contains an average of 20% fulvic acid.² Fulvic acid is a soil conditioner also used in agriculture. For the human body, it is a contextually adaptive molecule.^5-8 Let’s break down this magic word.

• Adaptive: in the context of fulvic acid, this means it can exert both anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory effects.
• Contextual: this means the effect depends on the state of the cellular environment and the cell type.

Thus, the action of fulvic acid depends on the type of cell it affects and the condition of that cell. For example:

• In hyperactive monocytes (inflammatory cells): the anti-inflammatory effect predominates.
• In macrophages (anti-infective cells): the pro-inflammatory effect prevails (increases free radical production in cells).
• In infected cells: it activates the immune response so the body can fight the illness as quickly as possible.

Shilajit’s other major component is humic acid (averaging 5-10%). Humic acid is primarily detoxifying and anti-inflammatory. It has the following proven properties:

• It can bind various heavy metals and drug residues.
• In intestinal inflammation, it can reduce the number of inflammatory cells.
• It supports beneficial bacteria in the gut flora and thereby inhibits the proliferation of infections. Imagine a field sown with valuable grain seeds – weeds have less chance to overrun it. Our digestive system works in a similar way.

Beyond Fulvic and Humic Acids…

Shilajit contains not only fulvic and humic acids but also a complex bioactive cocktail encompassing dozens of active ingredients.^2,9 Thus, in shilajit, numerous minerals, trace elements, amino acids, vitamins, and organic compounds exert their effects synergistically – meaning different compounds enhance each other’s actions.

Shilajit also contains organic compounds such as:

• Dibenzo-alpha-pyrones¹⁰ – mitochondrial energy boosters; this effect is crucial for protecting the nervous system. Most neurological diseases can start through damage to the “little engines” of our cells – the mitochondria.
• Benzoates and phenols¹¹ – possess antioxidant (detoxifying) and anti-infective properties.
• Amino acids¹²: cell wall- and protein-building molecules. They support the regeneration of damaged cells. Quick guide: cells can be damaged in many ways, but the primary driver of “destruction” is oxidative stress²⁹ – the effect of free radicals. Free radicals are also produced by our basic metabolic processes and steal electrons from our body’s cells, thereby damaging them. Antioxidants (compounds and enzymes) are designed to reduce or reverse this process.

Shilajit is also rich in the following vitamins and trace elements:

• B vitamins¹³: play a key role primarily in energy production and nervous system function.
• Vitamin A precursors¹⁴: these play a critical role in vision and have general cell-protective (antioxidant) properties. They are broad-spectrum immune boosters and contribute to heart and vascular health.
• Vitamin E¹⁵: prevents the harmful transformation of fatty acids into free radicals (the lipid peroxidation process). It also plays a key role in strengthening the immune system, protecting cells, maintaining heart and vascular health, and preserving skin condition.
• Zinc¹⁶: plays an important role in the immune system and hormonal balance.
• Iron¹⁷: participates in blood formation and oxygen transport.
• Copper, manganese, molybdenum, selenium¹⁸: essential for the function of antioxidant enzymes (e.g., glutathione and superoxide dismutase).
• Calcium, phosphorus¹⁹: play a role in bone metabolism. Calcium is indispensable for muscle contraction.
• Magnesium²⁰: also essential for muscle contraction. It has bone-strengthening and nervous system-supporting roles.

Other special bioactive substances found in shilajit include:

• Triterpenes and plant sterols²¹: have anti-inflammatory effects and may exert hormonal actions.
• Shilajit-specific peptides²²: amino acid chains that the body utilizes as a whole rather than breaking them down. Thus, they have specific functions. Some studies suggest they have adaptogenic effects. This does not refer to the adaptability discussed with humic acid but rather the ability to optimize hormone levels, especially in stressful situations.
• Urolithins²³: substances also produced by the gut microbiota that may play a role in cell protection as antioxidants.
• Bitumen derivatives²⁴: natural tar components with antimicrobial (anti-infective) effects.

A Sea of Active Ingredients and a Thousand Effects…

Shilajit’s active ingredients work in synergy:

• Fulvic acid transports minerals into cells – thus, in addition to its adaptive antioxidant properties, it also improves trace element absorption.²⁸
• Humic acid binds toxins.
• Dibenzo-alpha-pyrones and B vitamins boost ATP (cellular energy) production.
• Vitamins and minerals help maintain the balance of the body’s internal defense system, which is responsible for protection against harmful free radicals. They also “lubricate” the functioning of our enzymes.

This interplay is why Ayurveda attributes multifaceted effects to “the blood of the mountains.”

We have detailed the effects of individual components, but it is important to understand that these are general effects and depend on the individual’s condition and the doses present in shilajit. Therefore, shilajit’s dominant effect occurs through fulvic and humic acids.

Clinical studies provide an overview of its real properties and what we can expect from it.

Clinical Studies – What Do We Know So Far?

Clinical studies examining shilajit’s effects are limited in number but promising. Most studies focus on fulvic acid content, as this component is responsible for the dominant biological activity.

Key findings from the studies:

• Increased testosterone levels²⁵: 250 mg of shilajit daily for 90 days caused a significant rise in free testosterone levels in healthy men.
• Improved antioxidant status²⁶: shilajit use increased glutathione levels and reduced oxidative stress biomarkers.
• Support for cognitive functions²⁷: some studies indicate improved memory and concentration, particularly in older age groups.

The studies faced limitations, as the trials were small-scale and often short-term. Shilajit composition varied, and the optimal dosage is not yet fully clarified.

Recommended Shilajit Dosage

The optimal shilajit dosage depends on the extract form, purity, and individual goals, but based on current literature and manufacturer recommendations, the following guidelines are generally accepted:

• From purified resin: 300-500 mg may be sufficient.
• From powdered extract, a slightly higher amount may be needed: 300–1000 mg.
• From sweetened forms, further increased amounts of 3-5 grams may be necessary.

In What Cases Might Shilajit Use Be Contraindicated?

Pure, lab-tested shilajit is generally considered safe. This is evidenced by centuries-old Ayurvedic traditions.

1. In cases of heavy metal sensitivity or detoxification disorders: improperly purified shilajit may contain heavy metals (lead, arsenic, mercury). Those with liver or kidney disease are particularly vulnerable to heavy metal poisoning.
2. In autoimmune diseases: since shilajit influences the immune system, it may increase immune activity in certain autoimmune conditions (e.g., lupus, multiple sclerosis), which could be undesirable. However, expert opinions are not unanimous, as the problem stems more from the immune system’s “misdirection” rather than overactivity. Therefore, strict medical consultation is required before using shilajit – or any immune-boosting substance.
3. In hormone-sensitive conditions: since shilajit can raise testosterone levels, it is not recommended in hormone-sensitive tumors (e.g., prostate cancer, breast cancer).
4. During pregnancy and breastfeeding: due to insufficient clinical data on safety, it should be avoided as a precaution.
5. For children and adolescents: due to hormonal effects, it is not advised for developing organisms unless under medical supervision.
6. Drug interactions: caution is needed when combined with blood pressure-lowering agents, blood sugar-influencing drugs, or immune-boosting substances.
7. Allergic reactions: Rarely, skin rashes, itching, or digestive issues may occur, especially on first use or with excessive dosing.
8. Thyroid disorders: Shilajit’s effect on the thyroid is not yet fully mapped, but based on existing research and empirical observations, caution is advised in thyroid disease. This is due to possible iodine content in shilajit. Thus, it is wise to “play it safe” and consult a doctor before use.

Summary and Vitamin360 Recommendation

Shilajit’s effects have already been proven by thousands of years of traditional use. Modern research supports this, but further large-scale, long-term clinical trials are needed for scientific consensus. Based on current findings, shilajit is considered safe and, thanks to its unique fulvic and humic acid content, a promising player in natural medicine.

If you’d like to try the power of “the blood of the mountains,” Vitamin360 offers several options.

• Nutricost Shilajit 1,000 mg (120 Capsules): Classic shilajit extract with 20% (standard) fulvic acid content – one of the best choices. Each capsule contains 500 mg of shilajit. This is the ideal dosage recommended by studies.
• Double Wood Supplements Shilajit Resin (120 Capsules): Also a shilajit extract, with 500 mg per capsule and 20% fulvic acid.
• Oly Pure Shilajit Resin (30 g): Pure resin available in powdered form; just a pea-sized amount (250 mg) is enough to achieve the effect. It is water-soluble, making dosing slightly more challenging (requires a precise scale), but it is the best value shilajit supplement on the market.