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Science Behind Shilajit
Where it comes from, how it's been used for thousands of years, and what modern research says about it.
Where does shilajit come from?
Shilajit is a natural resin that began forming during the late Triassic period, approximately 200 million years ago. Ancient plant material and ammonites were trapped beneath sediment layers in regions such as the Himalayas, the Caucasus, the Altai Mountains, and Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan.
Around 55 million years ago, as the Indian continental plate collided with the Eurasian plate, intense pressure and heat transformed this organic matter into shilajit. This nutrient-dense resin emerges from mountain crevices during warmer seasons.
Shilajit in medicine
Shilajit has been a cornerstone of Ayurvedic medicine for over 3,000 years, revered as a potent rasayana, or rejuvenating substance. Its name in Sanskrit translates to "conqueror of mountains and destroyer of weakness," reflecting its esteemed status as a vitality booster.
Historical records suggest that both Aristotle and Alexander the Great recognized shilajit's benefits. Aristotle documented its applications, and Alexander is said to have included it in his soldiers' rations to enhance their endurance and resilience.
Shilajit in scientific studies
Peer-reviewed research on shilajit's effects
"Treatment with Shilajit for consecutive 90 days revealed that it has significantly increased total testosterone, free testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEAS) compared with placebo."
"Shilajit supplementation at 500 mg·d⁻¹ elicited favorable muscle and connective tissue adaptations."
"Shilajit and its fractions can modulate neuronal function and promote neuritogenic effects (in terms of both length and number of processes)."
"Mummy (Shilajit) has profound activity against breast cancer (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 BC) cell lines but at the same concentration, only caused a little damage to normal cells (MCF-10A cell)."
"Fulvic acid is shown to decrease proinflammatory markers but also activate the immune system to kill bacteria. It is shown to reduce oxidative stress and even induce apoptosis in hepatic cancer lines."