Accelerating effect of Shilajit on osteogenic property of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs)

Abstract

Background Shilajit has been widely used remedy for treating a numerous of illness such as bone defects in Iran traditional folk medicine since hundreds of years ago. The aim of the present study was to explore the effect of Shilajit on the osteogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) in two- (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) cultures. Materials and methods ASCs were seeded in 3D 1% alginate (Alg) hydrogel with or without Shilajit (500 µg/mL) and compared with 2D cultures. Then, characterization was done using electron microscopy (SEM)/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, alizarin red staining and Raman confocal microscopy. Results Adding Shilajit had no impact on the Alg scaffold degradability. In the 3D hydrogel and in the presence of osteogenic medium (OM), Shilajit acted as enhancer to increase ALP activity and also showed osteoinductive property in the absence of OM compared to the 2D matched groups at all time points (days 7 and 21 both P = 0.0006, for 14 days P = 0.0006 and P = 0.002, respectively). In addition, calcium deposition was significantly increased in the cultures exposed to Shilajit compared to 2D matched groups on days 14 (P < 0.0001) and 21 (P = 0.0003 and P = 0.003, respectively). In both 3D and 2D conditions, Shilajit induced osteogenic differentiation, but Shilajit/Alg combination starts osteogenic differentiation in a short period of time. Conclusion As Shilajit accelerates the differentiation of ASCs into the osteoblasts, without changing the physical properties of the Alg hydrogel, this combination may pave the way for more promising remedies considering bone defects.

Histopathological and immunohistochemical investigation of the effect of Shilajit in rats with experimental spinal cord injury

“…[25] In a study by Kangari et al, Shilajit showed that Alg hydrogel accelerated the differentiation of human fat-derived mesenchymal stem cells into osteoblasts without changing their physical properties. [26] Another study showed that Shilajit was given systemically to individuals with tibial and femoral fractures, and compared to placebo groups, this expedited bone formation. [27] SCI has evolved as one of the most severe illnesses, having a significant influence on global health-care systems.…”

Characterization and medicinal applications of Karakoram shilajit; angiogenesis activity, antibacterial properties and cytotoxicity

“…Shilajit has shown greater cell viability for osteoblasts as compared to stem cells. As shilajit is a source of mineral ingredients like Ca and Mg, which play a key role in promoting osteogenesis which induce Ca deposition and promote bone mineralization and osteogenesis [33]. Moreover, Shajit has a potential to enhance bone formation through synthesis of nucleic acids, polysaccharides, proteins and hormones as they are needed for cell and tissue growth.…”

Chemical Characteristics and Biotechnological Potentials of Mumio

“…Sexual health benefits: Mumio has been found to have potential benefits for sexual health. One study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that mumio improved erectile dysfunction in male rats (Kaur et al 2013;Kangari et al, 2022).…”