Shilajit is a rarely known mineral/herbal yet has extremely promising effects regarding both anti-aging and cognitive improvements. It is considered an "Ayurvedic medha rasayan (enhancer of learning and memory)"[1].
"Shilajit, a pale-brown to blackish brown exudation from steep rocks of the Himalaya mountain, are used in Indian medicine to attenuate cerebral functional deficits, including amnesia, in geriatric patients." [3]In addition, the mineral/herbal seems to increase dopamine in the brain.[4]
There is also a theory that states that the origin of Shilajit comes from a rare flying squirrel in the form of its excretion. There is still uncertainity to this, however it is gaining weight[5].
Warning
"...purification of shilajit is an imperative necessity to ensure its optimum therapeutic effect. This would also safeguard from potential health risks associated with prolonged ingestion of raw shilajit containing free radicals and fungal toxins."
Research
"Effects, in albino rats, of a processed shilajit (Sh-P), native shilajit (Sh-N) (unprocessed water-soluble fraction), and a preparation consisting of a mixture of ethyl acetate extractives (EE) and fulvic acids (FAs) from Sh-P, were evaluated in (i) an active avoidance, (ii) elevated plus-maze and (iii) open-field behaviour paradigms. This study was undertaken to appraise the validity of use of shilajit as an Ayurvedic medha rasayan (enhancer of learning and memory). Sh-P and its active constituents (EE-FAs) significantly augmented learning acquisition and memory retrieval in the battery of tests, designed for this purpose, according to accepted tenets. Sh-N, on the other hand, produced erratic responses (both augmentative and retardative) in the above parameters. The U-shaped dose-responses shown by Sh-P and EE-FAs are reminiscent of agents that improve cognitive functions. Additionally, Sh-P and EE-FAs, in high doses (25-50 mg/kg p.o.), produced significant antianxiety effect in the open-field behaviour test. The present and earlier findings seem to suggest that the action of shilajit is mediated by facilitating communication between the immune and the central nervous systems."[1]
"In folk medicine, shilajit has been used to treat diverse clinical conditions ranging from peptic ulcer to bone healing. The present study was conducted to evaluate the possible antiulcerogenic and antiinflammatory activities of shilajit obtained from the rocky mountains of Zarlek, Badekshan, Afghanistan. Shilajit increased the carbohydrate/protein ratio and decreased gastric ulcer index, indicating an increased mucus barrier. Shilajit was found to have significant antiinflammatory effect in carrageenan-induced acute pedal oedema, granuloma pouch and adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats. The results of the present study thus substantiate the use of shilajit in peptic ulcer and inflammation."[2]
"The results indicated that Shilajit had significant nootropic and anxiolytic activity. The biochemical studies indicated that acute treatment with Shilajit had insignificant effects on rat brain monoamine and monoamine metabolite levels. However, following subacute (5days) treatment, there was decrease in 5-hydroxytryptamine and 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid concentrations and an increase in the levels of dopamine, homovanillic acid and 3.4-dihydroxyphenyl-acetic acid concentrations, with insignificant effects on noradrenaline and 3-methoxy-4- hydroxyphenylethylene glycol levels. The observed neurochemical effects induced by Shilajit, indicating a decrease in rat brain 5-hydroxytryptamine turnover, associated with an increase in dopaminergic activity, helps to explain the observed nootropic and anxiolytic effects of the drug."[4]
"Administration of Shilajit led to reduced acetylcholinesterase staining, restricted to the basal forebrain nuclei including medial septum and the vertical limb of the diagonal band."[3]
References
[1] Effects of shilajit and its active constituents on learning and memory in rats
[2] Antiulcerogenic and antiinflammatory studies with shilajit
[3] Systemic administration of defined extracts from Withania somnifera (Indian ginseng) and Shilajit differentially affects cholinergic but not glutamatergic and GABAergic markers in rat brain
[4] Effects of Shilajit on memory, anxiety and brain monoamines in rats
[5] Salajit Studies
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