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Complement-fixing Activity of Fulvic Acid
Shilajit has been used traditionally in folk medicine for treatment of a variety of disorders, including syndromes involving excessive complement activation. Extracts of Shilajit contain significant amounts of fulvic acid (FA), and it has been suggested that FA is responsible for many therapeutic properties of Shilajit. However, little is known regarding physical and chemical properties of Shilajit extracts, and nothing is known about their effects on the complement system. To address this issue, we fractionated extracts of commercial Shilajit using anion exchange and size-exclusion chromatography. One neutral (S-I) and two acidic (S-II and S-III) fractions were isolated, characterized, and compared with standardized FA samples. The most abundant fraction (S-II) was further fractionated into three sub-fractions (S-II-1 to S-II-3). The van Krevelen diagram showed that the Shilajit fractions are products of polysaccharide degradation, and all fractions, except S-II-3, contained type II arabinogalactan. All Shilajit fractions exhibited dose-dependent complement-fixing activity in vitro with high potency. Furthermore, we found a strong correlation between complementfixing activity and carboxylic group content in the Shilajit fractions and other FA sources. These data provide a molecular basis to explain at least part of the beneficial therapeutic properties of Shilajit and other humic extracts. Keywords Shilajit; humic substances; fulvic acid; complement-fixing activity; carbohydrates
Therapeutic Potentials of “Shilajit Rasayana"
Shilajit is a rejuvenator (‘Rasayana’) of traditional Hindu Ayurvedic origin, which clearly has attracted considerable interest in India. Shilajit is a blackish-brown exudation of variable consistency exuding from layers of rocks in many mountain ranges of the world, especially the Himalayas and Hindukush ranges of the Indian subcontinent. Shilajit has been used as a folk medicine for general physical strengthening, anti-aging, blood sugar stabilization, urinary tract rejuvenation, enhanced brain functioning potency, kidney rejuvenation, immune system strengthening, arthritis, hypertension as well as for treating many other conditions. Shilajit (botanical name: Asphaltum), also known as mineral pitch, is a natural exudate oozed from rocks during hot weather. Shilajit is a compact mass of vegetable organic matter, which is composed of a gummy matrix interspersed with vegetable fibers and minerals. Keywords: Shilajit, Rasayana, Exudate.
Effects of Shilajit on Brain Edema
Brain edema is one of the most serious causes of death within the first few days after trauma brain injury (TBI). In this study we have investigated the role of Shilajit on brain edema, blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, intracranial pressure (ICP) and neurologic outcomes following brain trauma.
APHRODISIAC ACTIVITY OF SHILAJIT
Abstract: This study was designed to evaluate the aphrodisiac and spermatogenic potential of the aqueous extract of Shilajit in rats. Male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups. Rats were orally treated with (1) Control group: distilled water (2) Viagra group: 4 mg/kg/day sildenafil citrate (3) Shilajit 50 mg/kg/day and (4) Shilajit 100mg/kg/day and their sexual behaviour was monitored 1h later using a receptive female. Their sexual behaviour was evaluated on days 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42days of treatment by pairing with a oestrous phase female rat. For sperm count the treatment was continued further in all groups except the sildenafil citrate group for 42days. At 50 mg/kg, and 100mg/Kg/day dose of Shilajit had a marked aphrodisiac action, Mount frequency (MF) Intromission frequency (IF) marked increased, Similarly, Mount latency (ML): marked decrease. On day 43 day the sperm count increased significantly in both the Shilajit groups, 50 mg/kg and 100g/kg, in a dose dependent manner. Thus, Shilajit can be useful in the treatment of certain forms of sexual inadequacies, such as premature ejaculation and oligospermia. Keywords: Aphrodisiac, Spermatogenic, Premature ejaculation, Mount frequency, Shilajit
The Effects of Shilajit on Brain Edema
Objective(s): Brain edema is one of the most serious causes of death within the first few days after trauma brain injury (TBI). In this study we have investigated the role of Shilajit on brain edema, blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, intracranial pressure (ICP) and neurologic outcomes following brain trauma. Materials and Methods: Diffuse traumatic brain trauma was induced in rats by drop of a 250 g weight from a 2 m high (Marmarou’s methods). Animals were randomly divided into 5 groups including sham, TBI, TBI-vehicle, TBI-Shi150 group and TBI-Shi250 group. Rats were undergone intraperitoneal injection of Shilajit and vehicle at 1, 24, 48 and 72 hr after trauma. Brain water content, BBB permeability, ICP and neurologic outcomes were finally measured. Results: Brain water and Evans blue dye contents showed significant decrease in Shilajit-treated groups compared to the TBI-vehicle and TBI groups. Intracranial pressure at 24, 48 and 72 hr after trauma had significant reduction in Shilajit-treated groups as compared to TBI-vehicle and TBI groups (P<0.001). The rate of neurologic outcomes improvement at 4, 24, 48 and 72 hr after trauma showed significant increase in Shilajit-treated groups in comparison to theTBI- vehicle and TBI groups (P <0.001). Conclusion: The present results indicated that Shilajit may cause in improvement of neurologic outcomes through decreasing brain edema, disrupting of BBB, and ICP after the TBI.
Shilajit:Conqueror of Mountains..
The fascinating herbal matter known as shilajit has profound effects on the physical body and mind including the capability of life expansion. This thick, blackish-brown, sticky substance is made from plants and organic matter that have been trapped by many layers of rocks over millions of years in the areas surrounding India, China, Tibet, Nepal, Pakistan, Central Asia and Scandinavia. The extreme variations of hot and cold weather combined with the massive pressure from the weight of the mountains creates the mineral rich matter to flow out of the rocks. [1, 2] In some areas, foot-long scorpions will sting the rocks and the poison that is dispersed causes the shilajit to flow out of the rocks. [3] There are four different types of Shilajit: Copper (Tamra) that is blue in color, Silver (Rajat) which is white in color, Gold (Sauvarna) that is red in color, and Iron (Lauha) which is blackish brown in color and is the kind that is used for healing. [4] Shilajit was first discovered by Himalayan villagers. They would observe large white monkeys gather and journey to the mountain tops each summer. The monkeys were frequently seen eating a soft, black substance that the villagers eventually realized came from the Himalaya Mountains. The villagers then started consuming this organic matter. It didn’t take long for them to realize its’ amazing healing powers of both physical and mental health, as well as increased muscle and bone strength and the potential of increased longevity. [5]
Shilajit in Prospective
Shilajit in Perspective is a modern multi-disciplinary approach to a well known but highly debated rejuvenator (rasayana) of traditional Hindu ayurvedic medicine. Ghosal and coworkers have relentlessly investigated the chemistry and bioactivities of shilajit since the early seventies. Detailed research shows that shilajit contains two unique compounds viz. DCPs (dibenzo- pyrone chromopproteins) and their key nuclear components DBPs (dibenzo- pyrones). Shilajit is a paleohumus with marine invertebrate fossils being the major contributors. These are important to maintain the health status of man. The importance of DCPs/DBPs in energy synthesis (ATP) has been highlighted along with the claim that it is a potent immunomodulator and antioxidant. A carefully researched book containing a large spectrum of modern scientific methods of isolation, purification and standardization of a strongly potent organo-mineral drug which is a must read for all researchers and scientists in the field of natural products.
Mumijo Traditional Medicine
Mumijo is a widely used traditional medicine, especially in Russia, Altai Mountains, Mongolia, Iran Kasachstan and in Kirgistan. Mumijo preparations have been successfully used for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases; they display immune-stimulating and antiallergic activity as well. In the present study, we investigate the chemical composition and the biomedical potential of a Mumijo(-related) product collected from the Antarctica. The yellow material originates from the snow petrels, Pagodroma nivea. Extensive purification and chemical analysis revealed that the fossil samples are a mixture of glycerol derivatives. In vitro experiments showed that the Mumijo extract caused in cortical neurons a strong neuroprotective effect against the apoptosis-inducing amyloid peptide fragment β-fragment 25–35 (Aβ25–35). In addition, the fraction rich in glycerol ethers/wax esters displayed a significant growth-promoting activity in permanent neuronal PC12 cells. It is concluded that this new Mumijo preparation has distinct and marked neuroprotective activity, very likely due to the content of glycerol ether derivatives.
Clinical Evaluation of Spermatogenic..
Safety and spermatogenic activity of processed Shilajit (PS) was evaluated in oligospermic patients. Initially sixty infertile male patients were assessed and the patients having total sperm count below 20 million/ml semen were considered oligospermic and enrolled in the study (n=35). 100 mg PS capsule was administered twice daily after major meals for 90 days. Total semenogram and serum testosterone, LH and FSH were estimated before and at the end of the treatment. Malondialdehyde (MDA), marker for oxidative stress, content of semen and biochemical parameters for safety were also evaluated. Twenty-eight patients who completed the treatment showed significant (p<0.001) improvement in spermia (+37.6%), total sperm count (+61.4%), motility (12.4 to 17.4 % after different time intervals), normal sperm count (+18.9%) with concomitant decrease in pus and epithelial cell count compared to baseline value. Significant decrease of semen MDA content (-18.7%) was observed. Also, serum testosterone (+23.5%; p<0.001) and FSH (+9.4%; p<0.05) levels significantly increased. HPLC chromatogram revealed inclusion of PS constituents in semen. Unaltered hepatic and renal profile of patients indicated that PS was safe at the given dose. The present findings provide further evidence of the spermatogenic nature of Shilajit, as attributed in Ayurvedic medicine, particularly when administered as processed Shilajit.
Shilajit: The Most Powerful Anti aging....
Shilajit is perhaps the most potent rejuvenator and anti-aging substance ever known to mankind. Attributed with many magical properties Shilajit is found predominately in Himalayan regions.
Chemistry of Shilajit
The chemical polemics in the reported literature on Shilajit are resolved. This study shows that humification of latex and resin-bearing plants is responsible for the major organic mass (80-85%) of shilajit. The low mol. wt. chemical markers (&lo%), viz. aucuparins, oxygenated dibenzo-K -pyrones and triterpenic acids of the tirucallane type (free and conjugated), occurring in the core structure of shilajit humus, are the major active constituents of Himalayan shilajit. The therapeutic effects of Shilajit are the consequences of hormonal control and regulation of immunity.
Shilajit: Natural Herbal Cure
Shilajit is an ayurvedic herb that is blessed with diversified properties with which it has the capability in treating almost all kinds of problems faced by us nowadays. Below are 10 golden uses of Shilajit in which Shilajit is considered as the best remedy.
Shilajit Paste from the foothills of Nepal
Time and again about Shilajit mumijo asShakespeare mentioned «a life elixir» in the «Windsor prankishes», "Makbete" and "Othello". Ancient manuscripts say that influence of this universal remedy is reduced to the following: it gives force to all organism, destroys traces of rheumatic process, normalises functions of internal and external organs, reduces occlusions, releases stagnation, accelerates formation of an osteal callositas at fractures, promotes treatment of a paralysis, cramps, helps at poisonings, positively operates at a radial illness, strengthens a sexual potency
Shilajit Paste from the foothills of Nepal
Time and again about Shilajit mumijo asShakespeare mentioned «a life elixir» in the «Windsor prankishes», "Makbete" and "Othello". Ancient manuscripts say that influence of this universal remedy is reduced to the following: it gives force to all organism, destroys traces of rheumatic process, normalises functions of internal and external organs, reduces occlusions, releases stagnation, accelerates formation of an osteal callositas at fractures, promotes treatment of a paralysis, cramps, helps at poisonings, positively operates at a radial illness, strengthens a sexual potency
Buy Shilajit Online
Shilajit: A Natural Phytocomplex with Potential ...
Shilajit is a natural substance found mainly in the Himalayas, formed for centuries by the gradual decomposition of certain plants by the action of microorganisms. It is a potent and very safe dietary supplement, restoring the energetic balance and potentially able to prevent several diseases. Recent investigations point to an interesting medical application toward the control of cognitive disorders associated with aging, and cognitive stimulation. Thus, fulvic acid, the main active principle, blocks tau self-aggregation, opening an avenue toward the study of Alzheimer's therapy. In essence, this is a nutraceutical product of demonstrated benefits for human health. Considering the expected impact of shilajit usage in the medical field, especially in the neurological sciences, more investigations at the basic biological level as well as clinical trials are necessary, in order to understand how organic molecules of shilajit and particularly fulvic acid, one of the active principles, and oligoelements act at both the molecular and cellular levels and in the whole organism.
Shilajit: A Review
Shilajit is a pale-brown to blackish-brown exudation, of variable consistency, exuding from layers of rocks in many mountain ranges of the world, especially the Himalayas and Hindukush ranges of the Indian subcontinent. It has been found to consist of a complex mixture of organic humic substances and plant and microbial metabolites occurring in the rock rhizospheres of its natural habitat. Shilajit has been used as a rejuvenator and an adaptogen for thousands of years, in one form or another, as part of traditional systems of medicine in a number of countries. Many therapeutic properties have been ascribed to it, a number of which have been verified by modern scientific evaluation. Shilajit has been attributed with many miraculous healing properties. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Keywords: Shilajit; humic substances; Ayurvedic rasayan; adaptogen.
Shilajit Powder
As Shilajit is extremely hygroscopic, most of the times additives or filler substances are added in powdered forms that helps keeping it as powder. Nepal Shilajit do not add any such additives; instead they add Triphala which is time tested rejuvinative rasayana and natural detoxifier that adds value on Shilajit.
Shilajit Capsules
Shilajit literally means “winner of Rocks”. It is also interpreted as the “Destroyer of Weakness and the Builder of Strength”. Shilajit, a special substance, is found in the pristine mountains of Nepal. In the hot summer months, the mineral pitch oozes from cracks and fissures of the rocky Himalayan landscape. In Ayurveda, Shilajit is used extensively for general well being and to enhance vigor, vitality and energy in demanding situations.
Shilajit: A Humic Matter Panacea for Cancer
Cancer is the leading cause of death after cardiovascular disease. The primary etiologic agents for cancer include mutagens, toxins, free radicals, heavy metals, blood sugar, virus, radiations apart from many other factors including inflammation which can increase the risk of cancer development and progression. Shilajit is a blackish–brown coloured herbomineral medicine, collected from the high altitude mountains of many parts of the world. Shilajit refers to the humic matter that contains 60-80% of fulvic acid (FA) and humic acid (HA). The biological activity of Shilajit is mainly attributed to these humic compounds HA and FA. In this review we have focused on the cancer chemopreventive and therapeutic properties of Shilajit and humic compounds. Shilajit and HA possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimutagenic, antitoxic, antiviral, heavy metal chelating, antitumor, apoptotic and photo-protective properties. These properties make Shilajit useful agents for cancer therapy and prevention. In addition, Shilajit has no reported side effects and can be administered as a nutritive and rejuvenating tonic and combats age related problems.
SHILAJIT: A MATERIA MEDICA MONOGRAPH
Shilajit is considered one of the wonder medicines of Ayurveda. Neither a plant nor animal substance, it is a mineral pitch that oozes from the rocks of the Himalayas, as they become warm in the summer months. It is said to carry the healing power of these great mountains (Frawley 2001). Shilajit is an important drug of the ancient Hindu material medica and is to this day used extensively by the Hindu physicians for a variety of diseases. Early ayurvedic writings from the Caraka Samhita and Susruta Samhita describe shilajit as a cure for all disease as well as a rasayana (rejuvenative) able to increasing longevity from 100 to 1000 years of age. It is composed of humus and organic plant material that has been compressed by layers of rock mixed with microbial metabolites. Traditional uses primarily focus on diabetes and diseases of the urinary tract, but also include edema, tumors, wasting, epilepsy and even insanity. Modern indications extend to all system of the human body with a significant number of additions in the reproductive and nervous system. The Ayurvedic energenics vary depending on the base rock that the shilajit comes from but it is generally thought to be tridoshic and only aggravating to Pitta (Fire) when used in excess. Clinical research confirms many of the properties that shilajit is used for. However, further investigations are required before many of shilajit’s actions can be affirmed. No studies with human subject have been conducted. Some of the most interesting studies confirm shilajit’s uses as an anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) agent and its nootropic (enhancer of learning acquisition and memory retrieval) activity. Shilajit is generally considered safe in moderate doses and is readily available in the United States both as a stand-alone product and in the traditional Ayurvedic formula Chandraprabha. It has also compounded in many patent medicines from India. Those who sell shilajit or products containing it make many wild claims for shilajit’s ability to cure diseases. Hopefully shilajit will not become a “snake-oil” in our modern world only to be cast aside by modern researchers. Shilajit is truly a remarkable substance with a long history of human usage for healing and should be subjected to further investigations.
SHILAJIT PART II
Since shilajit is probably formed over eons of time, it is not really a renewable substance. This means that demand is high and so are the prices. Therefore, a company might be tempted to adulterate a product to make more money. There is a lot of clamor on the web about "best quality" and so on and so forth, but how do we know which is best? I think it comes by trial and error. If you go through one bottle or jar of shilajit without noticing any improvement, I would definitely change brands. However, I can make this just a tiny bit easier by suggesting that the brands with high fulvic acid content are not similar to those with lower fulvic acid content. In the natural state, the amount would be important but not "high" so those that are high have added fulvic acid to whatever the base was. Others have added ashwagandha to the shilajit, largely to capitalize on the fame of the two substances for male potency and stamina. In my opinion, this is not an adulteration but a modification, one that probably brings the price down considerably but may fail to provide an optimum dose of shilajit. Other products could be completely fake, but there is no easy way to determine this.
SHILAJIT PART I
It is usually very dark brown to black in color, but it can be white. In the most famous of all Ayurvedic texts, the Charaka Samhita, it is said that there is no disease that cannot be cured by shilajit, if, of course, the substance is authentic and administered at the correct time. The black shilajit is preferred because of its potency, but now let's struggle with a few more issues. In English, we usually call shilajit asphaltum, but this is probably incorrect. The assumption behind it must be that shilajit is some kind of mineral oil or wax that exudes from rocks so it is regarded as a mineral pitch. It contains about 85 trace minerals but it is totally believed to be a botanical substance by Ayurvedic pundits. This might be substantiated by the presence of vitamins and amino acids. Shilajit has been studied intensely in both Russia and India since the 1950s. In Russia, shilajit is regarded as an adaptogen; in India, it is held in high esteem as a rasayana herb. It is regarded as nootropic, a smart drug, a substance that promotes improved acuity and memory. It is antiseptic and pain relieving and is used for arthritis and rheumatism as well as ulcers. There are some who believe it enhances male potency, both virility and sperm count. Its effects on the female reproductive system have not been studied as much. However, as the following pubmed abstract suggests, the effect on cognitive function is not debated:
Shilajit: A Miracle of The Himalayas
Shilajit literally means “winner of Rocks”. It is also interpreted as the “Destroyer of Weakness and the Builder of Strength” . Shilajit, the miracle of Himalayas, is found in the pristine mountains of Nepal. In the summer months baking under the hot sun, the mineral pitch oozes from cracks and fissures of the rocky landscape as Shilajit. Shilijit has been using to treat a variety of diseases in Ayurveda. In Charaka(200 BC) and Susruta Samhita (200 AD)2. It has been described as a panacea as well as RASAYANA (rejuvenative) which can cure all ailments and prolongs the life18. Recent studies have revealed Shilazit is naturally adorned with several medicinal properties. The natural elixir has an adaptogenic property which increases the cells ability to absorb nutrients including many important trace elements. Moreover, it is proved to be as an antioxidant which counteracts free radicals. Similarly, It has many beneficial effects in human systems and helps to maintain the homeostasis in body.
Shilajit Paste
Shilajit in natural form ( Raw Shilajit) is mixed with soil and other humus matter. Raw Shilajit is first dissolved in water. It is given Bhavana (treatments) for one day with herbal decoction (Triphala Swaras). When the dust particles settle in bottom, the solution is filtered in other vessel with the help of muslin cloth. After filtration, the solution is boiled in slow heat and by drying water and herbs decoction, pure Shilajit is collected and desired sizes/quantities.