Black Asphaltum
Also known as: Black Asphaltum, Mumie, Asphaltum, Asphaltum punjabianum, Shilajit
Overview
Shilajit, also known as Black Asphaltum, is a unique, sticky, tar-like substance primarily found in mountainous regions, particularly the Himalayas. It forms over centuries from the decomposition of plant material, resulting in a mineral-rich organic compound. Traditionally, Shilajit has been a cornerstone of Ayurvedic medicine, valued for its purported ability to enhance vitality and serve as a general health tonic. Its primary active components include fulvic acid and a complex array of minerals, which contribute to its recognized antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and adaptogenic properties. Research indicates its potential in addressing metabolic disorders like diabetes and hypertension by improving antioxidant status and supporting overall physiological balance. While its use is deeply rooted in traditional practices, modern scientific inquiry is increasingly exploring its therapeutic potential, with a growing body of evidence supporting its health benefits.
Benefits
Shilajit offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily related to its antioxidant and metabolic effects. In elderly hypertensive patients, purified Shilajit (Asphaltum punjabianum) at 500 mg twice daily for 30 days significantly reduced oxidative stress markers such as malondialdehyde and oxidized LDL, while increasing antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase and glutathione. This suggests a strong role in combating oxidative damage. For individuals with type 2 diabetes, supplementation with 250 mg of Shilajit twice daily for 12 weeks has been shown to improve lipid profiles, enhance endothelial function, and reduce both fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels by 26-50 mg/dL. Secondary benefits observed in smaller clinical studies include improvements in body weight, BMI, and various cardiovascular parameters. The strength of evidence for these benefits ranges from low to moderate, with several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) supporting these findings, although systematic reviews highlight the need for larger, more robust studies. The clinical significance is supported by statistically significant changes observed within 30 days to 12 weeks of consistent supplementation.
How it works
Shilajit exerts its therapeutic effects primarily through its potent antioxidant activity. It functions by scavenging free radicals and enhancing the body's endogenous antioxidant enzyme systems, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione, thereby reducing overall oxidative stress. Its components, particularly fulvic acid and other humic substances, modulate key oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways. Shilajit also interacts with the cardiovascular system by improving endothelial function and reducing arterial stiffness, potentially through mechanisms involving nitric oxide pathways and its anti-inflammatory properties. Fulvic acid, being water-soluble, ensures good absorption and bioavailability, allowing the mineral content to contribute to systemic effects.
Side effects
Shilajit is generally considered safe for long-term use at recommended dosages, with no serious adverse events reported in human clinical trials or animal studies. However, some mild digestive symptoms have been reported, including stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, though these are typically infrequent and mild. Uncommon side effects (1-5% frequency) may include weakness and weight loss. Rare side effects (<1% frequency) are not well-documented in controlled studies. While no well-documented drug interactions exist, caution is advised when combining Shilajit with antihypertensive or antidiabetic medications due to potential additive effects on blood pressure and blood glucose levels. Contraindications are not well-defined, but due to limited data, caution is recommended for pregnant or lactating women and individuals with severe chronic diseases. Elderly patients and those with metabolic disorders have been studied without significant safety concerns at appropriate doses.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of Shilajit has been observed at 250 mg twice daily, particularly for metabolic benefits. For enhanced antioxidant and cardiovascular benefits, an optimal dosage range of 500 mg twice daily has been shown to be effective in elderly hypertensive patients. While animal studies suggest a high maximum safe dose (up to 5000 mg/kg without significant toxicity), human data is limited to lower therapeutic doses. It is generally recommended to take Shilajit twice daily with meals to improve absorption and minimize potential gastrointestinal discomfort. Using purified forms, such as Asphaltum punjabianum, is preferred for consistency in potency and safety. As fulvic acid is water-soluble, it enhances bioavailability; however, it's advisable to avoid co-administration with substances that might impair mineral absorption. No specific cofactors are identified as necessary for its efficacy.
FAQs
Is Black Asphaltum safe for long-term use?
Yes, studies in animals up to 91 days and in humans up to 12 weeks have shown Shilajit to be safe without serious adverse effects, supporting its long-term use at recommended dosages.
Can it be used with antihypertensive or antidiabetic drugs?
Yes, but monitoring is advised. Shilajit may have additive effects on blood pressure and glucose levels, so consult your healthcare provider to adjust medication dosages if necessary.
How soon can benefits be expected?
Improvements in oxidative stress markers and metabolic parameters can typically be observed within 30 days to 12 weeks of consistent supplementation with Shilajit.
Is purified Shilajit better than raw forms?
Yes, purified forms like Asphaltum punjabianum are generally preferred. They offer standardized dosing, consistent quality, and reduced risk of contaminants often found in raw, unpurified Shilajit.
Research Sources
- https://ijpp.com/effect-of-purified-shilajit-asphaltum-punjabianum-on-oxidative-stress-arterial-stiffness-and-endothelial-function-in-elderly-with-hypertension-a-randomised-controlled-study – This randomized controlled study investigated the effect of purified Shilajit on oxidative stress, arterial stiffness, and endothelial function in 60 elderly hypertensive patients over 30 days. It found a significant reduction in oxidative stress markers and an improvement in antioxidant enzymes, indicating its potential in managing hypertension-related oxidative damage. The study's open-label design and small sample size are noted limitations.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3609271/ – This animal study evaluated the safety of black Shilajit in albino rats over 91 days, using doses up to 5000 mg/kg. It concluded that Shilajit showed no significant toxicity at these high doses, with only minor histopathological changes in the liver and intestines at the highest dose. This research provides strong evidence for the safety profile of Shilajit in an animal model.
- https://jjbs.hu.edu.jo/files/vol17/n1/Paper%20Number%2010.pdf – This review of clinical trials on Shilajit's effects in diabetes and metabolic parameters synthesized findings from various small human studies. It reported improvements in glycemic control, lipid profiles, and cardiovascular parameters, with no systemic toxicity. The review highlights the promising therapeutic potential of Shilajit but also points out the need for larger, more rigorous randomized controlled trials due to varied protocols and small sample sizes in existing research.
