Shilajit

May 26, 2019

Shilajit, also called mineral pitch, is the result of a long process of breaking down plant matter and minerals. It is a sticky, black, tar-like substance that comes from rocks in high mountain ranges.

[toc]

Shilajeet is a thick, sticky tar-like substance with a colour ranging from white to dark brown (the latter is more common), found predominantly in Himalaya, Karakuram, Tibet mountains, Caucasus mountains, Altai Mountains, and mountains of Gilgit Baltistan.

It is used in Ayurveda and Unani, the traditional Indian system of medicine. It has been reported to contain at least 85 minerals in ionic form, as well as triterpenes, humic acids and fulvic acid.

Overview

What is Shilajit?

Known for thousands of years as a rejuvenator of the whole body, shilajit has garnered a fairly significant body of research for its impact on various body systems.

Shilajit is a sticky substance found primarily in the rocks of the Himalayas. It develops over centuries from the slow decomposition of plants.

Shilajit is commonly used in ayurvedic medicine. It’s an effective and safe supplement that can have a positive effect on your overall health and well-being. [R]

Shilajit was traditionally sourced in India and Tibet, though it is now found in many other countries.

Shilajit has been used in traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, and the compounds in it appear to be beneficial for many conditions. In this article, learn about the benefits and possible side effects of this naturally-occurring substance.

Benefits and Effects

Prevents and Slows Alzheimer’s Progression

The primary component of shilajit is an antioxidant known as fulvic acid. This powerful antioxidant contributes to cognitive health by preventing the accumulation of tau protein. Tau proteins are an important part of your nervous system, but a buildup can trigger brain cell damage.

Researchers think that the fulvic acid in shilajit may stop the abnormal buildup of tau protein and reduce inflammation, potentially improving Alzheimer’s symptoms. However, more research and clinical trials are needed.

Enhances Cognitive Function

The numerous compounds found in shilajit may be helpful for brain function, and may even aid Alzheimer’s therapy.

A study in the International Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease noted that shilajit is traditionally used for longevity and to slow aging. The compounds in it may help control cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer’s.

Researchers expect shilajit to have an impact in preventing cognitive disorders, but more research is needed to explore these possibilities.

Where Do Shilajit’s Benefits Come From?

Shilajit is a sticky, tar-like substance often appearing dark brown in color, which is highly regarded as a rejuvenating substance in Ayurveda. It is found primarily at high altitudes in the Himalayan and Tibetan mountain ranges, but has also been found in Russian and Chilean mountain ranges (Carrasco-Gallardo et al., 2012). During warm summer months, the intense heat of the sun causes shilajit to become soft, which makes it appear as if it is oozing out of rocks. However, the true origin of shilajit remains somewhat of a mystery even after decades of research. The primary theory is that shilajit is the humification product of various latex producing plants, mosses, and liverworts. This theory would explain why shilajit has such a complex chemical makeup that is similar to other humic substances such as peat. Shilajit contains over 85 individual components consisting of a mixture of minerals, humic acids, and amino acids that can potentially provide benefits to your physical and cognitive function. In order to simplify things a bit, we will only talk about the main components of shilajit which appear to have the highest biological activity. These are dibenzo-α-pyrone Chromaproteins (DBPs) and fulvic acids (FA) with DBP cores.

Fulvic acid (FA) is one of the main components of shilajit. It is a humic acid created as a result of millions of microbes breaking down decaying plant matter during a process called humification. Fulvic acid is a very complex molecule and contains a variety of functional groups, including carboxylic groups; this appears to allow Fulvic Acid to easily complex with cationic substances (Schepetkin et al., 2009). Fulvic Acid’s complexing ability potentially explains quite a lot of shilajit’s benefits. To begin with, fulvic acid demonstrates excellent bioavailability and blood brain barrier (BBB) permeation; this allows it to act as a very effective delivery mechanism for the compounds it complexes with (Mirza et al., 2011). In the case of shilajit derived fulvic acid, it appears to complex readily with DBPs, thus it acts as a delivery mechanism for them to various parts of the body including the brain. Furthermore, the carboxylic groups in Fulvic Acid appear to strongly support the complement immune system. This system is composed of various precursor zymogens, which circulate throughout our body and are completely inactive. However our innate and adaptive immune system can activate these precursor zymogens.

Noopept

Noopept improves cognition & memory. It is structurally similar, but far more potent than Piracetam. Research found it increases levels of BDNF, which play a role in neuroplasticity & learning. It’s been shown to improve learning & memory, reduce anxiety and depression symptoms.

Lion’s Mane Mushroom

Lion’s mane mushroom is an edible nootropic mushroom native to North America, Europe, and Asia. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its health benefits, and more recently it has gained popularity as a nootropic supplement. Studies suggest it has several benefits, including improving cognitive function, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain, and promoting nerve growth and regeneration.

Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiola rosea, also known as golden root or roseroot, is a herb that grows in the mountains of Europe and Asia. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to help improve mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and enhance physical and mental performance. Studies suggest that rhodiola rosea has nootropic effects, as it helps to improve cognitive function and brain health.

Sulbutiamine

Sulbutiamine, also known as vitamin B1, is a nootropic thought to improve memory and cognitive function, improves concentration and focus, reduces fatigue, increases ,ental energy, and supports mood and emotional well-being. It does that by increasing the brain’s uptake of glucose, the primary source of energy for cells. Studies suggest that it may be useful in treating conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome and depression, although more research is needed to confirm these potential benefits.

Tongkat Ali

Tongkat Ali is a supplement made from the roots of the Tongkat Ali plant. The roots are used to make an herbal supplement that is claimed to improve male sexual function and fertility.

Phenylpiracetam Hydrazide

Phenylpiracetam Hydrazide (also known as Fonturacetam) is a derivative of the performance-enhancing nootropic Phenylpiracetam. It has been gaining a lot of popularity since Phenylpiracetam was discontinued. It’s a smart drug widely used to improve memory, stimulate the central nervous system (CNS), and improve overall cognition. Introduction Phenylpiracetam Hydrazide is an effective cognitive

MDMA

MDMA, or ecstasy, is a psychoactive drug that induces feelings of euphoria, intimacy, and heightened sensations. It can also lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure, as well as dehydration. Ecstasy is often used in social situations, such as parties or clubs, and is sometimes used to facilitate sexual activity.

N-Acetyl L-Cysteine

N-Acetyl L-Cysteine, an amino acid that is often taken as a dietary supplement. It is sometimes used to help treat respiratory problems, such as bronchitis and asthma, and has also been shown to be helpful in treating liver disease. N-Acetyl L-Cysteine is thought to work by helping to remove toxins from the

CDP-choline

CDP-cholin, or Citicoline, is a safe, potent, and extremely well-tolerated nootropic. It enhances memory and protects the brain serving as a neuroprotectant. In combination with other supplements, it works as a powerful potentiator, especially racetams. Overview Citicoline, also known as cytidine diphosphate-choline or cytidine 5′-diphosphocholine is an intermediate in the generation of phosphatidylcholine from

Taurine

What is Taurine? Taurine is an organic compound that is widely distributed in animal tissues. It is a principal constituent of bile and can also be found in the large intestine, which aids in fat absorption. Taurine is also in the bloodstream and plays a role in osmoregulation (water balance) and detoxification. It

Fladrafinil (CRL-40-941)

Fladrafinil is a recently introduced wakefulness-promoting agent structurally similar to, as well as the prodrug, Modafinil. According to Wikipedia, a prodrug is a “compound that, after intake, is converted within the body…..prodrugs are often designed to improve bioavailability…this reduces adverse or unintended effects.” This means, in simplified language, that our bodies convert Fladrafinil into

Magnesium Glycinate

Overview Magnesium is a vital mineral used in many biological processes. It is an essential for neuroplasticity and ATP generation, both crucial for learning, memory, and cognitive function. Magnesium deficiency affects many people in our modern world today. It is found in green leafy vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds, whole grains, poultry, steak,