What is shilajit?

Shilajit (also known as mumio) is an organic-mineral substance that forms as a result of the decomposition of plants by microorganisms. It is found in high mountains – primarily the Himalayas, but also in places like the Altai Mountains, the Andes, and the Caucasus.

Shilajit available on the market can come in the form of chunks or powder enclosed in capsules, but it most commonly appears as a brownish-black resin, resembling the consistency of tar.

What does shilajit contain?

Mumio primarily consists of humic substances, such as fulvic acid, humic acid, hippuric acid, benzoic acids, and up to 85 mineral components.

One of the most valuable organic substances found in mumio is fulvic acid. It has anti-inflammatory properties, which support the immune system. It also has antioxidant properties and may positively affect the digestive system.

What is mumio good for?

In traditional Indian medicine, shilajit has been attributed with rejuvenating properties and promoting longevity. This may be related to the strong antioxidant properties of this substance.

What do modern scientific studies say? Shilajit has not yet been thoroughly researched, but preliminary studies suggest that mumio may exhibit:

• anti-ulcer properties,
• support for memory and cognitive functions,
• anti-allergic effects,
• anti-diabetic properties,
• anti-inflammatory,
• antifungal,
• analgesic,
• anxiolytic.

It is also used by residents of high-altitude areas as an aid for altitude sickness, as it is believed to alleviate hypoxia.

Furthermore, there is research indicating that shilajit may lower cholesterol levels and support the production of type 1 collagen in the body, which may explain its rejuvenating effects.

A study from 2022 showed that mumio may help maintain bone mineral density in postmenopausal women suffering from osteopenia.

Dietary supplements with mumio

Most dietary supplements containing shilajit come in the form of capsules or a thick paste (resin). Regardless of the form, when choosing a product for yourself, it is worth looking for one that contains high-quality raw materials and confirmed purity through laboratory testing.

This is important because, due to its origin and extraction methods, mumio can be contaminated with heavy metals, for example. Before purchasing, it is best to check whether the manufacturer of a specific dietary supplement conducts purity testing for each batch of their product.

How to take shilajit?

Dietary supplements with mumio are recommended to be taken in the morning, as it may cause sleep disturbances in some individuals. It is important to remember that this substance does not have a specific recommended daily dose, so when taking shilajit, strictly follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific product.

Taking dietary supplements in capsule form is not a problem, but you may wonder how to take shilajit in resin form. Simply dissolve the recommended amount of the product in water.

Mumio – contraindications

Based on available research, shilajit is considered a safe substance; however, there are groups of people for whom it is not recommended.

The use of mumio is not advised for:

• Individuals with hemochromatosis – because shilajit may increase iron levels,
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women – as the effects of this substance on the child are not known,
• Individuals taking medications – due to the lack of studies on the interactions of mumio with drugs.
  
  

Sources:

1. Carrasco-Gallardo, Carlos, et al. “Shilajit: A Natural Phytocomplex with Potential Procognitive Activity.” International Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, vol. 2012, February 2012, p. 674142. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/674142.

2. Shilajeet - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/shilajeet. Accessed November 28, 2024.

3. Chaudhary, Satya & Singh, Anil Kumar & Dwivedi, Kamal. (2016). MEDICINAL PROPERTIES OF SHILAJIT: A REVIEW. 2. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/311969981_MEDICINAL_PROPERTIES_OF_SHILAJIT_A_REVIEW

4. Winkler, John, and Sanjoy Ghosh. “Therapeutic Potential of Fulvic Acid in Chronic Inflammatory Diseases and Diabetes.” Journal of Diabetes Research, vol. 2018, September 2018, p. 5391014. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/5391014.

5. “Shilajit Explained: What the Science Says About This Mineral-Rich Resin.” Verywell Health, https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-benefits-of-shilajit-89514. Accessed November 28, 2024.

6. Sharma, Praveen, et al. “Shilajit: Evaluation of Its Effects on Blood Chemistry of Normal Human Subjects.” Ancient Science of Life, vol. 23, no. 2, October 2003, pp. 114–19.

7. Neltner, Tyler J., et al. “Effects of 8 Weeks of Shilajit Supplementation on Serum Pro-C1α1, a Biomarker of Type 1 Collagen Synthesis: A Randomized Control Trial.” Journal of Dietary Supplements, vol. 21, no. 1, January 2024, pp. 1–12. DOI.org (Crossref), https://doi.org/10.1080/19390211.2022.2157522.

8. Pingali, Usharani, and Chandrasekhar Nutalapati. “Shilajit Extract Reduces Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Bone Loss to Dose-Dependently Preserve Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women with Osteopenia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.” Phytomedicine, vol. 105, October 2022, p. 154334. ScienceDirect, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154334.