Therapeutic Potentials of Shilajit Rasayanab-A Review

P. Mittal; D. Kaushik; V. Gupta; P. Bansal; S. Khokra

P. Mittal Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India
D. Kaushik Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India
V. Gupta Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India
P. Bansal Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India
S. Khokra Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India

Keywords: Shilajit, Rasayana, Exudate.

Abstract

Shilajit is a rejuvenator (bRasaana) of traditional Hindu Ayurvedic origin, which clearly has attracted considerable interest in India. Shilajit is a blackish-brown exudation of variable consistency exuding from layers of rocks in many mountain ranges of the world, especially the Himalayas and Hindukush ranges of the Indian subcontinent. Shilajit has been used as a folk medicine for general physical strengthening, anti-aging, blood sugar stabilization, urinary tract rejuvenation, enhanced brain functioning potency, kidney rejuvenation, immune system strengthening, arthritis, hypertension as well as for treating many other conditions. Shilajit (botanical name: Asphaltum), also known as mineral pitch, is a natural exudate oozed from rocks during hot weather. Shilajit is a compact mass of vegetable organic matter, which is composed of a gummy matrix interspersed with vegetable fibers and minerals.