Shilajit (Mumie): Current Status of Biochemical, Therapeutic and Clinical Advances

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Scientific literature and ethnopharmacological information were compiled from the published peer-reviewed articles, unpublished materials, thesis, books, patent databases, clinical trial registries and from the websites of research councils of traditional medicine.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.

COVID-19 prevention and management: Potential applications of humic substances

“…They are very similar to humic acids, differentiated by oxygen and carbon contents, degree of polymerization, acidity, inter-mediate molecular weight and color (26). Traditionally, fulvic acid is used for brain-related disorders such as Alzheimer's diseases, respiratory tract infections, fatigue, heavy metal toxicity, preventing hypoxia and is well studied for its effect on immune health and reducing inflammation (27,28). It serves as an important vehicle that carries nutrients and vitamins to the exact place in our bodies (29).…”

“…Selenium induces immunity by enhancing the growth and activity of T lymphocytes and other immune-competent cells (54). It has also been shown that deficiency of Selenium has a negative impact on immune cells during activation, cell differentiation, and cell proliferation (27). The evidence of immuno-stimulatory effect determined by NK cell activity, T cell proliferation, innate immune cell functions have been documented (55,56).…”

In Vitro Determination of Inhibitory Effects of Humic Substances Complexing Zn and Se on SARS-CoV-2 Virus Replication

“…HSs have been used for thousands of years in human healthcare. Humic substances are well-known drugs in Indian Ayurvedic medicine as “shilajit” [ 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ] since time immemorial. They were also used in European mud- and balneotherapy from ancient times [ 21 ].…”

The Preventive and Restorative Potentials of Shilajit Extract in Rats Treated with Mercury Chloride

“…Studies have also shown that Shilajit contains some amount of ellagic acid, albumins, triterpenes fatty acids, gums, and aromatic carboxylic acids. Some pharmacological activities that have been linked to Shilajit include anti-inflammatory activity, antidiabetic analgesic, spermatogenic and orogenic, anti-fungal, radioprotective, anti-oxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-viral properties (Mishra et al, 2019;Ezhilarasi et al, 2020). MLH1 (mutL homolog 1) is a gene that functions in the provision of instruction for the synthesis of the proteins involved in the repair of damaged genes.…”