Affiliation:
1. Department of Biotechnology, Eternal University, Baru Sahib-173101, Himachal Pradesh, India
2. Chemistry, Eternal University, Baru Sahib-173101, Himachal Pradesh, India
Abstract
Background: Shilajit (mumie), a natural multi-component herbomineral ethnomedicinal
food, is used as a traditional medicine for enhancing the quality of life and for management of health
ailments in many countries of the world. Use of Shilajit as an adaptogen, aphrodisiac, rejuvenator and
anti-aging substance is mentioned in many ancient texts. This review aims to provide comprehensive
insights into its biochemical aspects, microbial role in biosynthesis, bioactivities and to establish correlation
between traditional uses and scientifically validated research findings.
Methods:
Scientific literature and ethnopharmacological information were compiled from the published
peer-reviewed articles, unpublished materials, thesis, books, patent databases, clinical trial registries
and from the websites of research councils of traditional medicine. The scientific databases,
thesis repositories and books databases were searched with keywords Shilajit, mumie, mumijo,
salajeet, asphaltum, fulvic acid, dibenzo-alpha-pyrones etc.
Results:
Scientifically validated research and ancient texts suggest multifaceted benefits of Shilajit. It
is endowed with anti-stress, memory and energy enhancing, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic,
spermatogenic, neuroprotective, antiulcer and wound healing activities. These pharmacological
effects are mainly attributed to the presence of humic acid, fulvic acid, dibenzo-α-pyrones, dibenzo-
α-pyrones chromoproteins and trace elements.
Conclusion:
This review summarizes the traditional importance of Shilajit for the treatment and prevention
of several acute and chronic diseases and health ailments. Despite numerous health claims,
there are still major gaps in our understanding of its mechanism of action, variability in efficacy and
toxicity profile. Therefore, a coordinated interdisciplinary approach is needed to establish the underlying
mechanisms of action, comprehensive toxicological profile, pharmacokinetics parameters and effects
on different organ systems. Regulatory and governmental impetus to basic and clinical research,
safety testing and formulations quality control is warranted.
Publisher
Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.
Subject
Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health,Nutrition and Dietetics,Food Science