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Shilajit is a brown/black tar-like exudate that seeps from sedimentary rocks in mountainous regions worldwide, most notably in the Himalayas.Accordingly, shilajit has been called “sweat of mountains” or “mountain blood”. Shilajit is formed through the gradual decomposition of plant and animal compounds by microorganisms, and its composition (and biological activity) can vary with geographic location and environmental factors.

The main components of shilajit include fulvic acid, dibenzo-α-pyrones (DBPs) (also known as urolithins), DBP chromoproteins (DCPs), humic acid, and over 40 trace minerals; the first three are considered the principal active ingredients. Shilajit is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and has a long history of use in traditional folk medicine, where it is utilized for a wide range of ailments. In Ayurvedic medicine, shilajit is considered a rasayana, meaning it’s believed to enhance vitality and longevity.

Exactly how shilajit works in the body is largely unknown, but it appears to involve various mechanisms. The principal active compounds in shilajit — fulvic acid, DBPs, and DCPs — are potent antioxidants that seem to enhance the body’s antioxidant capacity and reduce oxidative stress, which may be behind many of the observed effects of shilajit.

For example, shilajit has been found to increaseblood levels of antioxidant enzymes(e.g., superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase), increase levels of the body’s own antioxidants (e.g.,glutathione,vitamin C,vitamin E), and reduce malondialdehyde. Shilajit seems to support tissue integrity at least in part by inducing the expression of genes involved in the production of extracellular matrix proteins (e.g.,collagen, elastin, fibronectin) and blood vessel formation.

Shilajit seems to be quite safe, with no evidence of toxicity based on the available human and animal data. However, using shilajit that has not been properly processed/purified is not advised, as it may contain mycotoxins, heavy metals, and other potentially harmful compounds.

• Consult a health care practitioner prior to use if you have diabetes or are taking medication to regulate blood sugar levels.
• Consult a health care practitioner if symptoms persist or worsen.
• Consult a health care practitioner if you have benign prostate hypertrophy and/or prostate cancer.
• Do not use if you have kidney disorders, gout, or gouty arthritis.
• Do not use if you are susceptible to kidney stone formation.
• Based on Ayurveda, do not use with hot-natured foods.
• Do not use if the seal is broken or missing.