1.
Introduction
Shilajit, also known as “Mineral Pitch” is a naturally occurring substance which exudes from
rocks (2,3), it is also described as a blackish-brown exudation of rocks or a sticky, tar-like
substance (2–4) it is rich in both organic and inorganic components, where the organic
compounds constitute for about 80-85% of its composition (2,3) and most commonly used in
traditional system of medicine such as Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani. It is formed by the long
term humification of plant and microbial matter under geological pressure in high-altitude
mountain rocks such as The Himalayas, Caucasus, and Andes ranges. In the Ayurvedic
Pharmacopoeia it is traditionally referred to as Asphaltum punjabianum. In the recent times it
has gained increasing popularity as a nutraceutical and over-the-counter health supplement
globally. It is prominently known for its adaptogenic, rejuvenating, aphrodisiac, revitalizing
and anti-aging properties. It is known to enhance stamina, strength and relieves mental and
physical stress.
2. Chemical Constituents
Constituent Group Sub-Components / Examples Key Features References
• Fulvic Acid (15–20% of total
Shilajit; 60–80% of humic
substances): Small MW,
hydrophilic, rich in oxygen; potent Major organic
Humic Substances antioxidant, mineral transport. fraction, formed via
(80–85% of organic Structure includes phenolic, quinoid, decomposition of (2,3,5–7)
mass) benzene carboxylic acids. plant/microbial
• Humic Acids: High MW material.
(thousands to millions), soluble in
alkaline pH, dark brown. • Humins
(polymeric forms).
• Dibenzo-α-pyrones (DBP): Major
bioactive markers. • Aucuparins
(phenylpropanoid-acetate-
derived).
• Triterpenic Acids (tirucallane
type): e.g., 24(Z)-3β- Low MW compounds
hydroxytirucalla-7,24-dien-26-oic of plant/microbial
acid. origin; aromatic, (2–4)
Non-Humic
• Phenolic Lipids & Oxygenated aliphatic, heterocyclic
Substances (~10%)
Biphenyl carboxylates. structures.
• Other Organics: Phospholipids,
hydroxy acetophenones, shilajitol,
shilajityl acetate, silaxanthone,
silacatechol, shilaanthranil, naph-
silajitone, pyrocatechol.
Carbohydrates, lipids, oxalic acids,
Other Organic Contribute to the
resins, waxes, essential oils, aromatic
Compounds complex
carboxylic acids, polyphenols, (3,4)
(General phytochemical profile
alkaloids, gums, albumins, sterols,
Phytochemicals) of Shilajit.
lignins, tannoids.
Minerals & Trace Fe, Ca, Mg, K, Na, Al, S, Sr, Si, P, Exist mostly in ionic (1,3,4,7,8)
Constituent Group Sub-Components / Examples Key Features References
Elements (>84–85 Ba, Mn, Ni, B, Cr, Co, Pb, Cu, As, form; Se and Mo have
minerals) Se, Hg, Ti, Mo. detoxification roles.
Nutritional
Vitamins Vitamin B12. (3,4)
component.
Glucose, arabinose, rhamnose, Isolated from Shilajit
Sugars (2)
xylose. hydrolysates.
Latex/resin-bearing plants (e.g.,
Plant/microbial
Euphorbia royleana, Trifolium
Source Plant degradation
repens); mosses & liverworts (2–4)
Material contributes to
(Barbula, Fissidens, Marchantia,
humification.
Plagiochasma, etc.).
Present mainly in
Potentially Toxic Pb, As, Hg, Cd, Tl (up to 0.5 µg·g⁻¹
crude/raw Shilajit; (4,9,10)
Heavy Metals in supplements).
safety concern.
Potentially toxic heavy metals: Shilajit, especially in its raw form, can contain
potentially toxic heavy metals such as Lead (Pb), Arsenic (As), Mercury (Hg), and
Cadmium (Cd)(4,4,9). Thallium (Tl) has also been detected in crude Shilajit
samples, with concentrations up to 0.226 µg.g−1, and in some supplements up to
0.5 µg.g−1(10)
• Increased Drug Bioavailability:
◦ Fulvic acid (FA), a prominent component of Shilajit, has been shown in
animal models to mediate drug delivery and increase the absorption and blood
plasma concentrations of carbamazepine, an anticonvulsant. While this indicates
enhanced absorption, it could potentially lead to higher than intended drug levels
and increased toxicity for other co-administered medications if their dosages are
not carefully managed (6).
• Additive or Synergistic Pharmacological Effects:
◦ Anti-diabetic Effects: Shilajit demonstrates significant anti-diabetic
properties, including reducing fasting glucose and HbA1c, with effects
comparable to metformin in some studies(7). If taken concurrently with
conventional anti-diabetic medications, there is a potential for additive effects that
could lead to hypoglycaemia (dangerously low blood sugar), necessitating careful
dosage adjustments for anti-diabetic drugs.(7)
◦ Cardiovascular and Lipid-Lowering Effects: Shilajit has been shown to
reduce serum triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, increase beneficial HDL levels,
and decrease oxidative stress in hypertensive individuals(7). These effects might
be additive or synergistic with lipid-lowering or anti-hypertensive medications,
which could lead to undesired or excessive physiological changes.(7)
◦ Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Effects: Shilajit possesses anti-
inflammatory and analgesic properties, and its fulvic acid content can act similarly
to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)(6,7). Co-administration with
NSAIDs or other anti-inflammatory agents could result in additive effects,
potentially increasing the risk of side effects associated with those drugs.
◦ Neuroprotective and Anti-epileptic/Antipsychotic Effects: Shilajit is being
investigated for its neuroprotective properties, including inhibiting tau protein
aggregation relevant to Alzheimer's disease, and has demonstrated anti-epileptic
and antipsychotic activity in animal studies(7,11). If used with other neuroactive
or anti-epileptic/antipsychotic drugs, their effects could be additively altered(11).
• Risks from Heavy Metal Contamination:
◦ Organ Damage: Unpurified or improperly sourced Shilajit products can
contain potentially toxic heavy metals such as Lead (Pb), Arsenic (As), Mercury
(Hg), Cadmium (Cd), and Thallium (Tl)(4,7,10). Thallium, for instance, has been
detected in crude Shilajit samples and even higher concentrations in some
commercial supplements.(10)
◦ Impaired Drug Metabolism and Excretion: Prolonged exposure to these
heavy metals can cause damage to vital organs, particularly the liver and
kidneys(4,10). Since these organs are crucial for the metabolism and excretion of
many pharmaceutical drugs, heavy metal-induced organ damage could
significantly impair the body's ability to process other medications, potentially
leading to increased drug levels, heightened toxicity, or reduced therapeutic
efficacy of co-administered drugs(10).
◦ Masking or Complicating Symptoms: Symptoms of heavy metal toxicity,
such as gastrointestinal issues, neurological symptoms, or anemia, could be
misdiagnosed or mistakenly attributed to the side effects of other prescribed drugs,
thereby complicating patient management and treatment.(9)
◦ Safety Standards: While purification processes (known as "Shodhana" in
Ayurveda) are used to eliminate these impurities, quality control is crucial, as
some products have been found to exceed permissible heavy metal limits.(7,9)
Unprocessed Shilajit is considered risky and potentially lethally toxic due to
heavy metal or mycotoxin exposure, emphasizing the importance of ingesting
only processed, lab-tested Shilajit.(7)
• Variability and Dosing Challenges: The chemical composition and biological
actions of Shilajit can vary considerably based on its origin, processing, and
consistency(2). The precise pharmacological dosing of its individual constituents
and their interactions with other drugs remain largely unknown(6). Using doses
higher than recommended can lead to "hazardous effects".(5)
References:
1. Ali S, Iqbal N, Ishaq W, Shabbir R, Afzal A, Amjad M, et al. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF
SHILAJIT: CLINICAL EFFICACY AND SAFETY. J Popul Ther Clin Pharmacol. 2024
Jan 1;
2. Ghosal S. Chemistry of shilajit, an immunomodulatory Ayurvedic rasayan. Pure Appl
Chem. 1990 Jan 1;62(7):1285–8.
3. S Kotrannavar V. A Comprehensive Review of Shilajatu (Black Bitumen or Mineral Pitch).
Indian J Anc Med Yoga. 2020 Mar 1;13(1):39–44.
4. Hussain A, Saeed A. Hazardous or Advantageous: Uncovering the Roles of Heavy Metals
and Humic Substances in Shilajit (Phyto-mineral) with Emphasis on Heavy Metals
Toxicity and Their Detoxification Mechanisms. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2024
Dec;202(12):5794–814.
5. S Kotrannavar V. A Comprehensive Review of Shilajatu (Black Bitumen or Mineral Pitch).
Indian J Anc Med Yoga. 2020 Mar 1;13(1):39–44.
6. Winkler J, Ghosh S. Therapeutic Potential of Fulvic Acid in Chronic Inflammatory
Diseases and Diabetes. J Diabetes Res. 2018 Sept 10;2018:1–7.
7. Ashif Iqubal, Sayed Abdur Rehman, Nausheen Khan, Abdul Qadir. Asphaltum
Punjabianum (Shilajit): Unraveling Myths with Scientific Evidence. Int J Ayurveda
Pharma Res. 2025 July 7;137–45.
8. Hussain A, Saeed A. Hazardous or Advantageous: Uncovering the Roles of Heavy Metals
and Humic Substances in Shilajit (Phyto-mineral) with Emphasis on Heavy Metals
Toxicity and Their Detoxification Mechanisms. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2024
Dec;202(12):5794–814.
9. Saper RB. Lead, Mercury, and Arsenic in US- and Indian-Manufactured Ayurvedic
Medicines Sold via the Internet. JAMA. 2008 Aug 27;300(8):915.
10. Kamgar E, Zembrzuska J, Zembrzuski W, Kaykhaii M. Quantifying of thallium in
Shilajit and its supplements to unveil the potential risk of consumption of this popular
traditional medicine. BMC Chem. 2025 Jan 18;19(1):20.
11. out.
