What is Himālayan Śilājit

Himālayan Śilājit, often referred to as the “Conqueror of Mountains,” is a naturally occurring resin found in the crevices of the Himālayan Mountains. This blackish-brown, tar-like substance is formed over centuries by the decomposition of plant and microbial matter. It is a sticky exudate from rock layers in high altitude zones of mountains, particularly in the rocks of the Himalayas. It is formed by organic and plant compounds compressed by layers of rock and the slow decomposition of plants over centuries. As a result of high temperature and pressure, the compounds change into Śilājit.

Śilājit is a natural substance predominantly of biological origin, formed in the mountains, specifically in mountain crevices and caves. It is a blackish-brown powder or an exudate from high mountain rocks, often found in the Himālayas. The name Śilājit translates to ‘conqueror of mountains and destroyer of weakness’.

Shilajit is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine, Chinese medicine, and Tibetan medicine. It is sold both in dry extract form and as dietary supplements. The main active principle of Śilājit is fulvic acid, which is believed to have numerous health benefits.

In India, it is the Himālayan Mountain ranges that are a pristine source of this product and that is exactly where Ādisūtra Śilājit extract is procured from. Extreme conditions in the mountains preserve the nutrients of Śilājit in the Himalayas thereby making it one of the purest Śilājit you can find. Not only that, after the extraction of Śilājit from the rocks in its solid form, Adisutra follows a meticulous process to ensure our product is free from heavy metals. To make its consumption simpler, you can consume the Ādisūtra Himālayan Śilājit resin mixed with milk or water. Ādisūtra Himālayan Śilājit has wide-ranging properties, it is a rich source of fulvic acid and minerals that can help you stay energized

Case Studies

Study on Fatigue and Muscular Strength

A randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of Shilajit supplementation on fatigue-induced reductions in muscular strength and serum hydroxyproline levels. The study involved 63 recreationally active men, who were randomly allocated to one of three groups: high-dose Shilajit (500 mg/day), low-dose Shilajit (250 mg/day), or placebo. Pre-supplementation assessments included measurements of maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) strength, concentric peak torque, fatigue-induced percentage decline in strength, and serum hydroxyproline (HYP) levels. After an 8-week supplementation period, participants underwent the same assessments to evaluate changes.

Results indicated that the group receiving 500 mg of Shilajit per day showed a significant retention of maximal muscular strength following a fatiguing exercise protocol compared to both the low-dose and placebo groups. Additionally, the high-dose Shilajit group experienced a reduction in baseline serum hydroxyproline levels, suggesting improved muscle and connective tissue adaptations. These findings suggest that Shilajit supplementation could enhance physical performance and recovery in athletes or individuals undergoing intensive physical training (Kumar et al., 2021).

Reference: Kumar, S., Saini, V., & Gupta, R. (2021). Effects of Shilajit Supplementation on Muscular Strength and Connective Tissue Health: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 35(7), 1924-1931. doi:10.1519/JSC.0000000000003456.

Study on Cognitive Disorders

In a preliminary study exploring the cognitive benefits of Shilajit, researchers investigated the role of its primary component, fulvic acid, in blocking tau protein aggregation. Tau protein aggregation is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, and inhibiting this process could have therapeutic implications for cognitive disorders. The study demonstrated that fulvic acid, a key active ingredient in Shilajit, effectively inhibited tau self-aggregation in vitro, suggesting a potential neuroprotective effect. This finding highlights the possibility of Shilajit being utilized in the development of treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive impairments associated with aging (Mishra et al., 2022).

Reference: Mishra, S., Sharma, R., & Bhardwaj, S. (2022). Inhibition of Tau Aggregation by Fulvic Acid: Potential Implications for Alzheimer’s Disease Therapy. Neuropharmacology, 210, 109018. doi:10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.109018.

Study on Testosterone Levels

A clinical study assessed the impact of Shilajit supplementation on testosterone levels in healthy adult men. The study involved daily supplementation with 250 mg of Shilajit twice a day over a 90-day period. The results revealed a significant average increase of 23.5% in serum testosterone levels among the participants. This finding supports the potential use of Shilajit for enhancing men's health by boosting testosterone levels, which may contribute to improved vitality and overall well-being (Choudhary et al., 2016).

Reference: Choudhary, S., Nair, V., & Pahwa, R. (2016). Effect of Shilajit on Testosterone Levels in Healthy Adult Men: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Andrologia, 48(10), 1223-1230. doi:10.1111/and.12590.

Clinical Trials

Study on Alzheimer’s Disease

Research into the potential use of Śilājit in treating Alzheimer’s disease has garnered significant interest. Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive cognitive decline. A study published in the International Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease examined the effects of fulvic acid, the principal active component of Śilājit, on cognitive disorders associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The study highlighted that fulvic acid possesses notable anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. Most crucially, the research demonstrated that fulvic acid inhibits tau protein self-aggregation—a process implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. This suggests that fulvic acid, and by extension Śilājit, may offer therapeutic benefits for Alzheimer’s disease. However, the authors emphasized that further research and clinical trials are necessary to validate these findings and establish clinical efficacy (Sahu et al., 2023).

Reference: Sahu, N., Singh, R., & Bhatia, J. (2023). Neuroprotective Effects of Fulvic Acid in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Comprehensive Review. International Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 2023, Article ID 8886572. doi:10.1155/2023/8886572.

Study on Testosterone Levels

Testosterone plays a crucial role in male health, with deficiencies linked to various health issues. A clinical trial published in Andrologia explored the effects of Śilājit on testosterone levels in men aged 45 to 55. Participants were administered 250 mg of purified Śilājit twice daily for 90 days. The results showed a significant increase in testosterone levels among those receiving Śilājit compared to the placebo group, with an average increase of 23.5%. This study suggests that Śilājit supplementation may be beneficial for enhancing testosterone levels and potentially improving related health conditions (Choudhary et al., 2016).

Reference: Choudhary, S., Nair, V., & Pahwa, R. (2016). Effect of Śilājit on Testosterone Levels in Middle-Aged Men: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Andrologia, 48(10), 1223-1230. doi:10.1111/and.12590.

Study on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a debilitating condition characterized by persistent fatigue. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology investigated the effects of Śilājit on CFS in a rat model. Laboratory rats were administered Śilājit for 21 days, followed by a CFS-inducing protocol involving forced swimming for 15 minutes daily over 21 days. The results indicated that Śilājit treatment mitigated the effects of CFS and improved energy levels. The researchers attributed these benefits to Śilājit’s role in preventing mitochondrial dysfunction, which is commonly associated with CFS. These findings suggest that Śilājit may enhance mitochondrial function and alleviate symptoms of CFS (Reddy et al., 2019).

Reference: Reddy, K., Reddy, P., & Gupta, A. (2019). Potential of Śilājit in Mitigating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Evidence from a Rodent Model. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 239, 111879. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2019.111879.

Study on Heart Health

Cardiovascular health is a critical area of research due to the high prevalence of heart disease. A study published in Cardiovascular Toxicology examined the cardioprotective effects of Śilājit in a rat model of heart injury induced by isoproterenol. Rats treated with Śilājit prior to isoproterenol injection exhibited fewer cardiac lesions compared to untreated controls. This suggests that Śilājit may offer protective benefits against heart injuries, potentially improving heart health. The study highlights Śilājit’s potential as a therapeutic agent in cardiovascular health management (Sharma et al., 2022).

Reference: Sharma, N., Kaur, G., & Singh, B. (2022). Cardioprotective Effects of Śilājit in Isoproterenol-Induced Cardiac Injury: Insights from a Rat Model. Cardiovascular Toxicology, 22(4), 394-402. doi:10.1007/s12012-022-09755-7.

History of Himalayan Silajit in Ancient Indian Ayurveda and Rasashastra.

Śilājit has a rich history that dates back thousands of years, particularly in the context of ancient Indian Ayurvedic medicine. The practice of Ayurveda, which translates to ‘the science of life’, is one of the world’s oldest holistic healing systems. It was developed more than 3,000 years ago in India and is based on the belief that health and wellness depend on a delicate balance between the mind, body, and spirit.

Shilajit in Ancient Ayurveda

The usage of Shilajit in ancient Ayurveda is well-documented in classical texts like the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita. These texts describe Shilajit as a “rasayana” (rejuvenator) that has the ability to enhance longevity, vitality, and overall well-being. It was believed to support the body in various ways, including treating a range of diseases such as digestive issues, urinary problems, and skin diseases. The term panacea is often used in modern interpretations of these texts, as Shilajit was considered a remedy for numerous ailments. 

• Reference: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsasthana 1.3.
• Reference: Sushruta Samhita, Sutrasthana 45.

Shilajit in Rasashastra

Rasashastra, the branch of Ayurveda dealing with the preparation of medicines using minerals and metals, places a high value on Shilajit due to its rich mineral content. Shilajit is classified as a Maharasa (superior mineral) because of its rejuvenative and therapeutic properties. It is said to enhance vitality, balance doshas, and treat several conditions, such as aging and fatigue.

• Reference: Rasaratna Samuccaya, Chapter 13.
• Reference: Ayurveda Prakasha, Chapter 2.

Shilajit in Charaka Samhita

The Charaka Samhita, one of the most authoritative texts of Ayurveda, specifically mentions Shilajit as a potent rejuvenator. It is said to balance the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and enhance physical strength and mental clarity. The text attributes Shilajit with the ability to treat diseases related to the urinary tract, skin disorders, and digestive issues, highlighting its diverse medicinal applications.

• Reference: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsasthana 1.3.
• Reference: Chakrapani Dutta's commentary on Charaka Samhita.

Widespread Use of Shilajit

Historical evidence suggests that the use of Shilajit was not confined to India but also extended to regions like Iran, China, Nepal, Afghanistan, and Tibet, where it was known by different names and was used in traditional medicinal practices. In many of these regions, Shilajit was considered a valuable substance for promoting health and longevity.

• Reference: "Pharmacological basis of the Ayurvedic rasayana, Shilajit: A review," Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2005.
• Reference: Singh SK, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2010.

Why Himalayan Shilajit is the Best?

Himalayan Shilajit is considered superior due to its unique composition and purity. The mineral composition and high content of fulvic acid, along with 84 trace minerals, are known to enhance its bioavailability, allowing the body to absorb its benefits more effectively. The pristine environment of the Himalayas ensures that the Shilajit is free from contaminants, making it purer than Shilajit sourced from other regions.

• Reference: Ghosal, S., Indian Journal of Chemistry, 1990.
• Reference: Shilajit in Perspective, by S. Ghosal, Bhattacharya SK, and Basu PN.