Shilajit: benefits and risks of taking ‘mountain tears’

What is shilajit ?

Also known as Mumiyo or black Asphaltum, shilajit (Asphaltum bitumens) is difficult to classify. Neither a true plant nor mineral, it is more accurately described as an exudate, which is secreted under the effects of heat by rocks in high mountain ranges at altitudes of 2000-4000 metres. It is primarily found in the Himalayas, as well as in the Altai, Urals and Caucasus mountain ranges, hence its poetic sobriquet ‘mountain tears’.

It has a tar-like appearance, pale to dark brown in colour, and a unique composition, reflecting the rich physicochemical properties of the sediment from which it comes. It is composed of both humus (the result of plant decomposition), and various organic matter and minerals which have accumulated in the rock over thousands of years in a totally pollution-free environment.

The first written references to mountain tears appear in sacred Sanskrit texts dating back more than 3000 years. Legend has it that it conferred strength and longevity to the large white Himalayan monkeys that would habitually chew it. The local people then decided to benefit from this extraordinary substance themselves, soon noticing positive effects on both mind and body.

What benefits does mountain tears offer?

Containing no less than 85 minerals and trace-elements including selenium, shilajit is a powerful phytocomplex from Ayurvedic medicine. It has all the characteristics of a rasayana compound (maintaining youthfulness and energy) (1). Classified as an adaptogen compound, it is valued in particular for its ability to optimise and increase the effects of other plants.

Shilajit helps to support reproductive function, having a particular effect on the mechanisms involved in male spermatogenesis. At the same time, it helps combat menstrual discomfort in women, and can also provide support after the menopause (3).

Mumiyo also helps maintain good mental health by acting at various levels. In India, it is popular for enabling cognitive tasks to be accomplished with optimal efficacy (4). Therapists also recommend it for its soothing and relaxing properties. Rat studies have been conducted to substantiate a probable inhibitory action on certain types of central nervous system neuron (5).

However, its reputation really comes from its regenerative properties. Shilajit’s main component, fulvic acid, acts as a natural scavenger in the body (6). And it’s this humic substance (combined with dibenzo-α-pyrones) to which most of its benefits are attributed.

Research has highlighted fulvic acid’s particular affinity with mitochondria, the ‘powerhouses’ of our cells, responsible for converting glucose into energy (ATP) (7). This helps to explain why shilajit supports the digestion and metabolism of carbohydrates and fats as well as weight control (8-9).

Shilajit also contains many other molecules, present to varying degrees depending on the source, which are likely to contribute to the overall benefits observed: ellagic acid, fatty acids, triterpenes, sterols, polyphenols, phenolic lipids …

Supplementing with shilajit: what are the risks?

Shilajit supplements are generally well-tolerated (10). No drug interactions have been recorded to date.

However, supplementing with mumiyo could, in some cases, lead to an increase in levels of creatinine, a waste-product. As a precaution, therefore, it should not be taken by those suffering from kidney disease or excess uric acid.

As it contains high levels of iron, shilajit is also contraindicated in anyone suffering from hemochromatosis (a genetic condition in which too much iron builds up in the body).

Shilajit in its natural state is likely to contain various impurities such as heavy metals, mycotoxins and polymeric quinones. In order to benefit from its effects in complete safety, it’s therefore essential to supplement with purified forms only (10).

Which shilajit supplement should you choose?

As well as ensuring you take a purified form, there are other criteria to take into account when choosing your shilajit supplement.

Pay close attention to the level of active principles it contains (particularly that of its main active ingredient, fulvic acid), and the manufacturing process used, which should comply with stringent safety standards.

Protected by several US and international patents, the supplement Super Shilajit offers a unique formulation standardised to 60% fulvic acids and 10% DBP-chromoproteins for maximum efficacy.