Abstract

*Pravin C. Aladi and Sunayana R. Vikhe

ABSTRACT

Shilajit is one of the Maharasa (classified drug) mentioned in classical texts. The first reference of Shilajit in classified text Charaka Samhita states that "metals like gold and others present in the rocks which receive heat and exudate is called Shilajit ". It is most important drug of Ayurveda and Folk medicine system. Shilajit is a sticky exudate from rock layers in high altitude zones of mountains, particularly in the rocks of Himalayas. It is formed by organic and plant compounds that have been compressed by layers of rock and slow decomposition of plants over centuries. As a result of a high temperature and pressure, the compounds can change into Shilajit. When layers of the material resurface, the sun's heat on the mountain slopes can cause material to seep out of rock cracks. It can be collected. The composition of Shilajit largely depends on the type of plants associated with the rocks. Shilajit is pale brown to blakish brown in color and bitter in taste and it's smell resembles cow's stale urine. In Ayurvedic texts, it is called as Shilajatu or Silajatu but is commonly known as Shilajit. Its sanskrit meaning is "conqueror of mountains and destroyer of weakness". Depending on abundance of metals present in the rocks, it has been classified by the texts into six types namely, Suvarna (gold), Rajat (silver), Tamra (copper), Lauha (iron), Naag (lead) and Vanga (tin). The Loha variety is commonly found and used therapeutically. The constituents present in Shilajit are mainly fulvic acid, dibenzo-?- pyrones, humic acids, humins together with fatty acids, triterpenes, aromatic carboxylic acids, phytophenols and many other phytochemicals. The primary component of Shilajit is fulvic acid which contribute to congnitive health. It has been used as rejuvenator and adaptogen for thousands of years as a part of traditional system of medicine in a number of countries. Many therpeutic properties are attributed due to presence of various compounds present in Shilajit which have been verified by modern scientific evaluation. It has been proved that Shilajit is truly a panacea of traditional medicine. The present article highlights the Ayurvedic description, chemical constituents and biological evaluation of Shilajit.