Researchers analyzed shilajit, a sticky substance found in mountain rocks that’s been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Using advanced laboratory techniques, they identified and measured the active ingredients in shilajit, including fulvic acid and various minerals. The study found that shilajit contains a complex mix of beneficial compounds and 14 different minerals. These findings could help manufacturers ensure shilajit products are safe and effective, and may lead to new medical uses for this ancient remedy.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Scientists wanted to figure out exactly what chemicals and minerals are in shilajit and how much of each ingredient is present.
  • Who participated: The study analyzed shilajit samples in a laboratory setting. No human participants were involved—this was a chemical analysis study.
  • Key finding: Researchers successfully identified and measured key active ingredients in shilajit, including fulvic acid and 14 different minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron. The study showed that shilajit has a complex chemical makeup that matches traditional claims about its health benefits.
  • What it means for you: This research helps ensure that shilajit supplements sold to consumers actually contain what they claim. It may eventually lead to better shilajit products and new medical treatments, though more human studies are needed to confirm health benefits.

The Research Details

This was a laboratory chemistry study where scientists used three different advanced testing methods to analyze shilajit samples. First, they used HPLC (a machine that separates and identifies chemicals), which is like sorting a mixed-up pile of ingredients back into individual items. Second, they used HPTLC (thin-layer chromatography), another separation technique that works like a fingerprint test for chemicals. Third, they used LC-MS (liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry), which identifies chemicals by their weight and structure—like weighing each ingredient to confirm what it is. Finally, they used ICP-MS to measure 14 different minerals present in shilajit, similar to how a metal detector finds different metals in soil.

These testing methods are important because they’re like quality control tests at a factory. Just as a car manufacturer checks that every car has the right parts, this research ensures that shilajit products contain the ingredients they’re supposed to have. This matters because people buying shilajit want to know they’re getting a real product with actual beneficial compounds, not just something that looks like shilajit.

This study is a solid chemistry analysis published in a respected scientific journal. The researchers used multiple testing methods to confirm their findings, which makes the results more reliable. However, this was laboratory work only—no human testing was done, so we can’t yet confirm that these ingredients actually improve health in people. The study provides the foundation for future human studies.

What the Results Show

The researchers successfully identified three key active ingredients in shilajit: fulvic acid, hippuric acid, and urolithin A. These are the compounds that traditional medicine claims give shilajit its health benefits. The study confirmed that shilajit contains these ingredients in measurable amounts. Additionally, the researchers found 14 different minerals in shilajit, including important nutrients like calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and copper. The chemical analysis showed that shilajit is much more complex than previously understood, containing dozens of different compounds working together. The testing methods developed in this study worked well and produced clear, reliable results that could be used to test shilajit products in the future.

The research showed that shilajit’s health benefits likely come from both its organic compounds (the plant-based chemicals) and its mineral content. The minerals found in shilajit may help the body absorb nutrients better and support overall health. The study also demonstrated that different forms of shilajit (raw material, extract, and resin) have different chemical compositions, meaning the way shilajit is processed affects what’s in the final product.

This research builds on decades of traditional medicine knowledge about shilajit. While Ayurvedic medicine has used shilajit for centuries, this is one of the first modern scientific studies to precisely identify and measure what’s actually in it. Previous research suggested shilajit had health benefits, but this study provides the chemical proof of what those active ingredients are. This work fills an important gap between traditional knowledge and modern science.

This study only analyzed the chemical composition of shilajit in a laboratory—it didn’t test whether these ingredients actually improve health in people. The sample size and specific shilajit sources aren’t clearly described. The study doesn’t tell us how much of each ingredient people need to take to see health benefits, or whether all the identified compounds actually work together. More human studies are needed to confirm that the ingredients identified in this research actually improve health.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research alone, we cannot recommend specific doses or uses of shilajit for health purposes. This study confirms that shilajit contains active ingredients that traditional medicine has valued for centuries, but human studies are needed to prove it actually works. If you’re interested in trying shilajit, look for products that have been tested using the methods described in this study, as this ensures quality and accurate ingredient content. Always talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement.

This research matters most to supplement manufacturers, quality control labs, and researchers developing new medicines. It’s also relevant to people interested in traditional medicine or considering taking shilajit supplements. However, people should wait for human studies before expecting specific health benefits. This research is NOT a recommendation to take shilajit—it’s a chemistry study that helps us understand what’s in it.

This is a laboratory study, so there’s no timeline for personal health benefits. If human studies eventually confirm shilajit’s health benefits, it could take months to years to see results, depending on the specific benefit being studied.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If using a health app and taking shilajit supplements, track: daily dose taken (in grams), time of day, and any noticeable changes in energy, digestion, or overall wellness on a 1-10 scale. Record this weekly to identify patterns.
  • If you decide to try shilajit based on future research, use your app to set a daily reminder to take it at the same time each day. Log which brand you’re using so you can track consistency. This helps you stick with it long enough to potentially see any benefits.
  • Create a monthly wellness check-in in your app where you rate energy levels, sleep quality, digestion, and overall health. Compare these ratings month-to-month to see if shilajit appears to make a difference. Share this data with your doctor to help evaluate whether it’s working for you.

This research is a laboratory chemistry study only and does not prove that shilajit provides health benefits in people. The study identifies what chemicals are in shilajit but does not test whether these chemicals actually improve human health. Before taking shilajit or any supplement, consult with your healthcare provider, especially if you take medications, are pregnant, nursing, or have existing health conditions. This article is for educational purposes and should not be considered medical advice. The findings presented here require further human research before any health claims can be made.