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Shilajeet Extract

Also known as: Shilajit, Shilajeet, Mumie, Moomiyo

Overview

Shilajit is a natural substance found in the Himalayas and other mountainous regions, formed by the decomposition of plants. It is rich in fulvic acids, dibenzo-α-pyrones, proteins, and minerals, which are believed to contribute to its therapeutic effects. Traditionally, Shilajit has been used in Ayurvedic medicine to enhance vitality, reduce fatigue, and improve cognitive function. Research on Shilajit is emerging, with increasing interest in its potential health benefits. It is available in various forms, including capsules and powder. While studies suggest potential benefits, more high-quality systematic reviews and meta-analyses are needed to confirm these effects and establish long-term safety.

Benefits

Shilajit may improve muscular strength and reduce fatigue-induced strength decline, as suggested by a human clinical trial. It also exhibits neuroprotective effects by reducing oxidative stress and brain edema, according to animal studies. Additional potential benefits include procognitive and anti-inflammatory effects. These benefits may be particularly relevant for individuals experiencing fatigue or seeking cognitive enhancement. However, specific effect sizes are not well-documented, and more rigorous clinical trials are needed to validate these findings. Benefits may be observed after several weeks of consistent supplementation.

How it works

The fulvic acids in Shilajit are believed to be the primary drivers of its therapeutic effects. These acids may enhance cellular energy production and reduce oxidative stress. Shilajit interacts with the nervous and muscular systems, potentially improving cognitive function and physical performance. At the molecular level, fulvic acids may block tau self-aggregation, offering potential benefits for conditions like Alzheimer's disease. Fulvic acids are well-absorbed due to their low molecular weight, facilitating their interaction with various body systems.

Side effects

Shilajit is generally considered safe, but more data on long-term use is needed. Common side effects are not well-documented, but potential gastrointestinal upset has been reported. Due to limited research, rare side effects are not well-defined. Shilajit may interact with medications affecting blood sugar or blood pressure, so caution is advised. It is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to a lack of safety data. Individuals with kidney or liver issues should also exercise caution. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting Shilajit supplementation, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

Dosage

The typical recommended dosage of Shilajit ranges from 250 mg to 500 mg per day. A minimum effective dose is generally considered to be around 250 mg per day. The maximum safe dose is not well-established, so it is important to adhere to recommended dosages. Shilajit is best taken with meals to minimize potential gastrointestinal upset. It is available in capsule and powder forms. Fulvic acids are generally well-absorbed, but absorption may vary based on the specific formulation. Consistent use over several weeks may be necessary to observe noticeable benefits.

FAQs

Is Shilajit safe to take with other medications?

Shilajit may interact with medications affecting blood sugar or blood pressure. Consult with a healthcare professional before combining it with other medications to ensure safety.

How long does it take to see the benefits of Shilajit?

Benefits may be observed after several weeks of consistent supplementation. Individual results may vary based on health status and duration of use.

What are the expected results from taking Shilajit?

Shilajit may improve energy levels and cognitive function over time. However, it is not a cure-all, and benefits depend on individual health status and supplementation duration.

Are there any specific precautions I should take when using Shilajit?

If you have kidney or liver issues, exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional before using Shilajit. It is also contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to a lack of safety data.

What is the best time of day to take Shilajit?

Shilajit is best taken with meals to minimize potential gastrointestinal upset. Consistency in timing is more important than the specific time of day.

Research Sources

https://turkishneurosurgery.org.tr/pdf/JTNEPUB_37599_online.pdf – This animal study investigated the neuroprotective effects of Shilajit in rats with head trauma. The key findings indicated that Shilajit reduced brain edema and oxidative stress following the trauma. While the study provides evidence for neuroprotective effects, it is limited by its use of animal models and the absence of human data.
https://www.wvj.science-line.com/attachments/article/64/Booklet,%20WVJ,%20Vol%2011,%20No%201,%20March%202021.pdf – This study examined the effects of Shilajit on muscular strength and fatigue in 63 healthy individuals over an 8-week period. The results showed that Shilajit improved muscular strength and reduced fatigue-induced strength decline. The study is limited by its relatively small sample size for some of the measured outcomes, but it provides valuable insights into the potential benefits of Shilajit for physical performance.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6364418/ – This systematic review assessed the clinical efficacy of Shilajit across various studies. The review concluded that Shilajit shows potential health benefits but emphasized the need for more rigorous clinical trials to confirm these findings. The limitations of the review stem from the varying quality of the included studies, highlighting the necessity for further high-quality research.
https://jptcp.com/index.php/jptcp/article/view/6677 – This article discusses the composition and potential health benefits of Shilajit, emphasizing its rich content of fulvic acids and other bioactive compounds. It highlights the traditional uses of Shilajit in Ayurvedic medicine and its emerging role in modern health applications. The article underscores the importance of further research to fully understand and validate the therapeutic potential of Shilajit.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3296184/ – This research explores the role of fulvic acid, a key component of Shilajit, in blocking tau self-aggregation, a process implicated in Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that fulvic acid may have potential therapeutic benefits for neurodegenerative conditions. The findings contribute to understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the potential cognitive benefits of Shilajit.