Int. J. Pharm. Sci. Rev. Res., 59(1), November - December 2019; Article No.

23, Pages: 140-143 ISSN 0976 – 044X

Review Article

Shilajit - A Wonder Drug of Ayurveda: An Overview

Prem Shankar Pandey*

Department of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpna, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University,
Varanasi-221005, India.
*Corresponding author’s E-mail: pspandey482@gmail.com

Received: 15-09-2019; Revised: 28-10-2019; Accepted: 04-11-2019.

ABSTRACT
Shilajit is one of the Maharasa (classified drug) mentioned in classical texts. The first reference of Shilajit in classified text Charaka
Samhita states that "metals like gold and others present in the rocks which receive heat and exudate is called Shilajit ". It is most
important drug of Ayurveda and Folk medicine system. Shilajit is a sticky exudate from rock layers in high altitude zones of
mountains, particularly in the rocks of Himalayas. It is formed by organic and plant compounds that have been compressed by layers
of rock and slow decomposition of plants over centuries. As a result of a high temperature and pressure, the compounds can change
into Shilajit. When layers of the material resurface, the sun's heat on the mountain slopes can cause material to seep out of rock
cracks. It can be collected. The composition of Shilajit largely depends on the type of plants associated with the rocks. Shilajit is pale
brown to blakish brown in color and bitter in taste and it's smell resembles cow's stale urine. In Ayurvedic texts, it is called as
Shilajatu or Silajatu but is commonly known as Shilajit. Its sanskrit meaning is "conqueror of mountains and destroyer of weakness".
Depending on abundance of metals present in the rocks, it has been classified by the texts into six types namely, Suvarna (gold),
Rajat (silver), Tamra (copper), Lauha (iron), Naag (lead) and Vanga (tin). The Loha variety is commonly found and used
therapeutically. The constituents present in Shilajit are mainly fulvic acid, dibenzo-α- pyrones, humic acids, humins together with
fatty acids, triterpenes, aromatic carboxylic acids, phytophenols and many other phytochemicals. The primary component of Shilajit
is fulvic acid which contribute to congnitive health. It has been used as rejuvenator and adaptogen for thousands of years as a part
of traditional system of medicine in a number of countries. Many therpeutic properties are attributed due to presence of various
compounds present in Shilajit which have been verified by modern scientific evaluation. It has been proved that Shilajit is truly a
panacea of traditional medicine. The present article highlights the Ayurvedic description, chemical constituents and biological
evaluation of Shilajit.
Keywords: Shilajit, Maharasha, Ayurvedic description, Chemical and Biological evaluation.

INTRODUCTION mountains". Its Sanskrit meaning is " Conqueror of

mountains and destroyer of weakness"1-4.

S hilajit is considered as one of the wonder drug of

Ayurveda. The first reference of Shilajit in Ayurvedic
classic texts is found in the Charaka Samhita, where
it is mentioned that " metals like gold and others are
There are four different types of Shilajit: Tamra (copper),
that is blue in color, Rajat (silver) which is white in color,
Suvarna (gold) that is red in color and Lauha (iron) which is
present in the rocks which receive heat and secrete the blackish brown in color. Two more varieties such as Naag
exudate, which is called Shilajit. Susruta Samhita also (lead) and Vanga(tin) has also been mentioned. Susruta
mentions that the mountains heat up and release a gum classified Shilajit into two groups according to smell:
like substance called Shilajit. Shilajit is a thick tar-like Gomutra-gandhi (smell like cow urine) and Karpura-gandhi
substance with a color of dark brown which exudes from (smell like camphor). The Lauha variety is commonly found
rocks of mountains predominately in Himalayas, in Himalayan ranges and is supposed to be most effective
Karkuram, Tibet, Caucasus, Atlai mountains and mountains according to the therapeutic point of view1.
of Gulgit Baltistan, Arunanchal Pradesh, Kashmir,
The discovery of power of Shilajit is said to have been made
Afghanistan, Bhutan, Nepal in the month of summer due
by Himalayan villagers. They began to consume it and
to extreme heat of sun. It is formed from organic and plant
reported a broad spectrum of improvements in health and
compounds that have been compressed by layers of rocks.
as powerful tonic. It states in Charaka Samhita "There is no
As a result of high temperature and pressure, the
curable disease in the universe which is not effectively
compounds can change into Shilajit. Due to sun's heat on
curable by Shilajit, when administered at the appropriate
mountains the Shilajit material seep out of rock cracks.
time, adopting the prescribed method"1.
Shilajit is spelled as Silajit, Shilajit, Shilajatu, Momiya and
also known as Asphaltum. There are several other terms It has been ascribed a number of pharmacological activities
for Shilajit such as Dhaturas, Dhatusara, Shiladhatu etc. and has been used for ages as a rejuvenator and treatment
have been used in medical texts. The word Shilajit is of a number of disease condition. Modern scientific
composed of two parts "Shila" means rock and "jit" means research has systematically validated a number of
having won. So its literary meaning is " conqueror of properties of Shilajit used in Indian medicine. Shilajit has

International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research

Available online at www.globalresearchonline.net 140
©Copyright protected. Unauthorised republication, reproduction, distribution, dissemination and copying of this document in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.
Int. J. Pharm. Sci. Rev. Res., 59(1), November - December 2019; Article No. 23, Pages: 140-143 ISSN 0976 – 044X

been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic system of Allergic cough will diminish, can effectively applied for joint
medicine, extensively for a variety of diseases. It has been disorders, remove gastric intestinal track, in curing deep
in extensive use in the preparation of a number of fissers with cracks11.
medicines and their utility has been most dependable
Physical Properties
because of the presence of many biologically active
chemical constituents5-7. Shilajit samples from diverse regions of the earth have
similar physical properties and qualitative chemical
Mythological Background
composition but they vary vividly in percentage ratio of
In ancient literature, Lord Shiva narrated the process of components. Physical properties like solubility, pH etc is
origin of the drug as during summer season, the mountains one of the vital and mandatory tests for standardisation.
get heated up and as a result these mountains releases the Solubility in water demonstrates that nearly 30-50% of the
extract of the exudate of Dhatu called as Shilajit. Hindus weight of Shilajit passes into the supernatent liquid and the
believe and there are many who claim to have met Sadhus remains includes minerals and plant residues in quantities
and Yogis in the high altitude Himalaya ranges, who live depending on purity of Shilajit. Shilajit is sticky and
and meditate for hundred of years without even getting tencious material with a shiny and polished surface easily
old or sick. They are able to withstand harsh weather soluble in water, alcohol and acetone. The studies reveal
condition with virtually little or no warm clothes, still that only about 60% of the raw material is soluble in water.
remain young and active throughout by taking the Shilajit samples did not soften, at ambient temperatures
substances said to be Shilajit. Shilajit believed to be but remained hard and brittle so that it was difficult to cut
"Amrit" given by Lord Shiva to mankind for eternal youth off small pieces. The pH of 1% of aqueous solutions varied
and health. According to Charaka and Susruta, at the time in the Shilajit obtained from different countries, namely
of Samudra Manthan (churning ocean) by Gods and 6.2 for India (Kumoan), 7.5 for Nepal (Dolpa), 6.8 for
Demons due to friction, heat was generated and as a result Pakistan (Peshawar) and 8.2 for Russia (Tien-Shan). When
great amount of sweat was formed. The sweat mixed with Shilajit samples were subjected to thermal analysis,
nectar thought to be divine by the Gods. The divine drug simultaneous thermal analysis curves differed bwtween
was distributed in little quantities to the mountains, the various heating runs indicating that samples of Shilajit are
same thing melted due to sun rays and become Lac or Jatu not uniform but expressed a batch dependence. The
like and hence Shilajit (shila: mountain + jit: won) got the differences were prominent in intensity and signal from
name. Ayurveda thus believed the formation of Shilajit especially at higher temperature. In an oxidising
from mountains due to the intense sun heat 1,2,8. atmosphere only exothermal process occur except during
the dehydration range upto 150° C (about 7% water). This
Uses in Traditional Medicine
indicates that Shilajit predominantly consists of organic
Shilajit is most important drug for many diseases. It was matter and the total mass loss in air amounts to 67.6%. In
used as a drug in prehistoric periods. Shilajit acts an agent an inert atmosphere a completely different behavior is
which enhances the property of other drugs. According to observed. The physiochemical study reveals that the
Ayurveda, Shilajit arrests the process of ageing and Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), purified sample of Shilajit
produces rejuvenation which are of two important aspects exhibited pH 5.10, loss on drying 8.04%, ash value 18.76%,
of an Ayurvedic rasayana. It is prescribed to treat fractures, acid insoluble ash 10.57% and water soluble ash value
osteoarthritis, spondolysis, chronic bronchitis, nervous 84.66%12-14.
disorders, epilepsy, anemia, angina, jaundice, menorrhagia
Purification
and eczema. It has also been ascribed as a potent
aphrodisiac property. It is useful for treating kidney stones, Shilajit being a natural exudation from rocks containing a
oedema, piles, internal antiseptic, adiposity, to reduce fat large amount of contaminants like rock pieces, heavy
and anorevia. Traditionally, Shilajit is consumed by people metal ions, vegetable compounds, reactive free radicals,
from the north of India and Nepal and children usually take toxins and soil particles etc, which cause illness. Hence it
it with milk in their breakfast. The Sherpa claim to have is necessary to purify the Shilajit before using it for
Shilajit as a part of their diet, they constitute a population therapeutic purpose. Shilajit is purified as per classical
of strong men with very high level of healthy longevity. The methods, in decoction, with Triphala (powder of three
traditional uses include its action in genitourinary medicinal plant fruits namely: Embelica officinalis,
disorders, enlarged spleen, epilepsy and hemorrhoids9, 10. Terminalia chebula, Terminalia belerica) and expressed
juice of Bhringraja (Eclipta alba) in an iron container
According to traditional Indian knowledge, Shilajit exerts
successively for one day each. It may also be purified with
action as a tonic, laxative, expectorants, anti-bilious,
by mixing Shilajit in water/cow milk15,16.
lithotriptic and antihypertensive when given internally and
it acts as antiseptic, analgesic, deo-obstruent and Chemical Constituents
germicide when applied externally. Shilajit is given
Shilajit from different regions contained a large variation
alongwith milk to treat diabetes. It is used for applications
of organic compounds that can be broadly grouped into
of tongue and cheeks as a paint, prepared by mixing Shilajit
humic acid (80-85%) of total organic mass and non-humic
in hot water. It is also instilled as nasal drops and ear drops.
(15-20%) substances. Generally Shilajit contains 14-20%
International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research
Available online at www.globalresearchonline.net 141
©Copyright protected. Unauthorised republication, reproduction, distribution, dissemination and copying of this document in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.
Int. J. Pharm. Sci. Rev. Res., 59(1), November - December 2019; Article No. 23, Pages: 140-143 ISSN 0976 – 044X

humidity, 18-20% minerals, 13-17% proteins, 4-4.5% in dyslipidemia, atherosclosis, breathing trouble, chronic
lipids, 3.3-6.5% steroids, 18-20% nitrogen free compounds, constipation, arthritic disorders, chronic dysmenorrhea or
1.5-2.0% carbohydrates and 0.5-0.8% alkaloids, amino pelvis pain, frequent urination, high blood pressure in
acids and other compounds10,12. alchoholism, tachycardia, oligospermia, piles antilithiatic
(stops formation of stones in kidney), carminative, mild
The chemical composition of Shilajit is a phytocomplex.
laxation, blood detoxifier, antiseptic, epilepsy, leucorrhea,
The components, humins, humic acids and fulvic acids, are
postrate enlargement, infertility due to oligospermia and
found in all Shilajit along with dilbenzo-α-pyrones which
antibacterial8,27,28.
act as carrier of other substances. The humaric substances
are the results of degradation of organic matter mainly Shilajit contains humic acid and iron which may help in
vegatable substances which is the results of the action of treating iron deficiency anemia and chronic fatigue
many microorganism. A large amount of benzoic acid, because it contains more than 85 different minerals as well
benzoates, hippuric acid and their salts as active as fulvic and humic acids. Because of the board spectrum,
substances are reported from Shilajit. Chemical Shilajit is thought to help the sickness of liver cancer. It is
investigation of Shilajit carried by Ali and co workers found that Shilajit helped the destruction of cancerous
furnished six compunds namely, shilajityl acetate, cells in the liver. Shilajit may also protect the heart and
shilajitol, silacatechol, silaxanthone, shilaanthranil and improve heart health. By taking Shilajit orally, reduce the
naphsilajitone. The other molecules present in Shilajit are obesity and this could mean less fatigue and more strength
lipids, steroids, carbohydrates, alkaloids, amino acids, free overtime. It has also been used to increase testosteron.
fatty acids, coloring matters such as carotenoids and Shilajit is also used externally for sprain, bruises, stops the
indigoids, coumarins, organic acids including adipic, itching and oozing of skin diseases and for inflammatory
succinic, citric, oxalic and tartaric acids, waxes, resins, swelling arthritis28.
polyphenols, essential oils, and vitamins like B and B 12,
CONCLUSION
eldagic acid, latex gums, albumins, triterpenes, sterols,
aromatic carbocylic acids, phenolic acids, tannoids and Shilajit is a naturally occurring multi-component with
lignins8,12,17-24. humous rich blakish brown substance which is widely used
in Indigenous system of medicine for the cure of variety of
Determination of heavy metals/minerals was carried out
diseases and to accelerate the process of rejuvenation. It
which gave the presence of Fe, Al, Zn, Cr, Mn, Mg, Co, Pb,
is mentioned and claimed as a panacea in classical texts. In
K and Ca. The percentage of these metals are very minimal
other words it means a remedy for all diseases or universal
amount which are permisiible level as prescribed by World
medicine. Shilajit was obtained in mountain regions as
Health Organisation (WHO) and not associated with health
exudates where the hilly tribes first identified its benifial
effects25.
use. It serves as potent tonic. Shilajit has nearly 85 ionic
Biological Investigations minerals and contains fulvic acid and humic acid together
with many phytochemicals. It is prescribed as the best
Shilajit, an ancient traditional medicine has been ascribed
Rasayana in Ayurvedic texts. The present communication
a number of biological activities for the treatment of
describes a comprehensive review on Shilajit highlighting
various diseases. It has been used as rejuvenator and
the significance, sources, definition, varieties,
adaptogen for thousands of years. Many therapeutic
mythological background, traditional uses, purification,
properties have been validated by modern scientific
physical and chemical investigation and biological
evalutaion. Fulvic acid is one of the major constituent of
evaluations. Apart from various claims regarding its
Shilajit. It is likely that the curative properties attributable
therapeutic activity, it is need of the day that further
to Shilajit are provided by the significant levels of fulvic
research be undertaken based on modern scientific
acids that Shilajit contains considering that fulvic acid is
methods. The presented data will be useful for further
known by its strong antioxidant actions and likely has
studies.
systemic effects as compliment activator. The fulvic acid in
Shilajit acts as carrier and catalyst to help effectively REFERENCES
transfer nutrients and other compounds in human body. 1. Sharma RK, Das B, Trans. Charaka Samhita. Vol III, Chap 1: 3,
These actions help to promote the movement of other Choukhamba Sanskrit Series, Office Varanasi-1, India, 2000,
important minerals such as Ca, P, Mg etc into muscles pp 50-54.
tissues and bones16,24,26.
2. Bishagranta KK, Susruta Samhita, Vol 2, Chapter XIII
Shilajit exhibited anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti- Chaukhamba Sanskrit Series, Office Varanasi-1, India, 1998.
diabetic, immunomodulatory, neotropic, anti-anxiety, 3. Srivastava RS, Kumar Y, Singh SK, Ghosal S, Shilajit, its source
anti-ulcer, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-AIDS, lowers serum and active principles, Proc. 16, IUPAC (Chemistry of natural
cholestral, free radical scavenging, protection of mast cells products, Kyoto, Japan, 1988, 524.
from degranulation, spermatogenic, ovogenic, memory
4. Tiwari VP, Tiwari KC, Joshi P, An interpretation of Ayurvedic
enhancer, anxiolytic, anti-allergic and neuroprotective
findings on Shilajit. Journal of Research in Ayurvedic
activites. Shilajit aids alzheimer therapy, preventing Medicine 8, 1973, 53-58.
cognitive disorder, ageing and antiviral. Shilajit is beneficial

International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research

Available online at www.globalresearchonline.net 142
©Copyright protected. Unauthorised republication, reproduction, distribution, dissemination and copying of this document in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.
Int. J. Pharm. Sci. Rev. Res., 59(1), November - December 2019; Article No. 23, Pages: 140-143 ISSN 0976 – 044X

5. Achrya SB, Frotan MH, Goel RK, Tripathi SK, Das PK, 18. Ghosal S, Shilajit in perspective, Ist Edn, Alpha Science
Pharmacological actions of Shilajit. Indian Experimental International Ltd, Oxford, United Kingdom, 2006.
Biology 26, 1988, 775-777.
19. Frolova LN, Kiseleva TL, Chemical composition of mumijo
6. Ghosal S, Shilajit: its origin and vital significance. In and methods for determining its authenticity and quality (a
traditional medicine, Mukherjee B(EDn) Oxford-JBH, New review), Pharmaceutical Chemistry Journal, 1996, 30543-
Delhi, 1993, 308-319. 547.
7. Ghosal S, The aroma principles of gomutra and 20. Ali Himaidi AR, Mohammad U, Safe use of Shilajit during
Karpurgandha Shilajit. Indian Journal of Indigenous pregnancy of female mice, Online Journal of Biological
Medicine 11, 1994, 11-14. Science 3, 2003, 681-684.
8. Choudhary SP, Singh AK, Dwivedi KN, Medicinal properties 21. Kong YC, But PPH, Ng KH et al., Chemical studies on a
of Shilajit – A review. Indian Journal of Agriculture and Allied Nepalese Panacea- Shilajit(I), International Journal of Crude
Sciences, 2, 2016, 103-106. Drug Research, 25, 1987, 179-182.
9. Ghosal S, Lal J, Singh SK, Goel RK, Jaiswal AK, Bhattacharya 22. Chopra RN, Chopra IC, Handa KL, Kapoor DK, In Indigenous
SK, The need for formation of Shilajit by its isolated active Drugs of India, India UN Dhar and Sons, Calcutta, 1958.
constituents, Phytotherapy Research, 5, 1991, 211-216.
23. Khanna R, Witt M, Koch BP. Spectroscopic characterisation
10. Ghosal S, Chemistry of Shilajit, an immunomodulatory of fulvic acids extracted from the rock exudate Shilajit,
Ayurvedic rasayan, Pure and Applied Chemistry, 62, 1990, Organic Geochemistry, 39, 2008, 1719-1724.
1285-1288.
24. Schepetkin IA, Xie G, Julia MA, Quinn MT, Complement-
11. Thiyagarajan R, Gunapadam Thattu Jeeva Vaguppa, Third fixing activity of fulvic acid from Shilajit and other natural
Edition. Translated from Tamil, 1991, pp 408-413. sources, Phytotherapy Research 23, 2009, 373-384.
12. Assegid G, Fiest M, Schmolz E, Lamprecht I, Thermal analysis 25. Rahim M, Mohammadzei I, Hassan W, Ahmad N, Heavy
of mumiyo, the legendary folk remedy from the Himalaya metal profile of Shilajit samples obtained from Gilgit and
region, Thermochimica Acta, 417, 2004, 301-309. Chellas, Pakistan, Journal of Physical Science 27, 2016, 139-
144.
13. Agrawal SP, Khanna R, Karmarkar R, Anwar MK, Khar RK,
Shilajit: A Review, Phytotherapy Research, 21, 2007, 401- 26. Vueskits AV, Hullar I, Bersenyi A, Andrasofszky E, Kulsesar
405. M, Szabo J, Effect of fulvic acid and humic acids and
performance, immune response and thyroid functions in
14. Kanonjiya SK, Choudhary SP, Kumar N, Physicochemial study
rats, Journal of Animal Physiology and animal Nutrition. 94,
of Shilajit with Arjuna Kwath Bhavita and Khadir Kwath
2004, 721-728.
Bhavita, World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 5, 2016,
1271-1280. 27. Carrasco-Gallardo C, Guzman L, Maccioni RB, Shilajit - A
natural phytocomplex with potential precognitive activity.
15. Ghosal S, Lata S, Kumar Y, Free radicals of Shilajit humus,
International Journal of Alzheimers Disease 2012, 2012,
Indian Journal of Chemistry 34 B, 1996, 591-595.
674142.
16. Pradhan N, Gavati J, Weghmare N, Shilajit an unique drug of
28. Talber R, Shilajit, A Maturia Medica Monograph, Desertation
Ayurveda. International Ayurvedic Medical Journal, 3, 2015,
for the degree of clinical Ayurveda specialist, California
1427-1430.
college of Ayurveda, 117A. East Main street, Grass valley,
17. Ali M, Saharawat I, Singh O, Phytochemical investigation of California, 2004, pp 1-18.
Shilajit, Indian Journal of Chemistry, 43B, 2004, 2217-2222.

Source of Support: Nil, Conflict of Interest: None.

International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research

Available online at www.globalresearchonline.net 143
©Copyright protected. Unauthorised republication, reproduction, distribution, dissemination and copying of this document in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.