Shilajit and Antioxidant Support: What the Research Suggests

Shilajit has been part of traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Described as a rasayana, it was used to maintain vitality and balance across systems long before we had the language of biochemistry to explain why.

Today, researchers are beginning to map out how this ancient resin interacts with the body. One area of growing interest is its antioxidant properties.

Why antioxidant support matters

Free radicals are unstable molecules produced as natural by-products of metabolism. The body makes them all the time, but when they accumulate, they can damage cells, proteins, and even DNA.

Some examples include:

Superoxide – formed during normal energy production in the mitochondria
Hydroxyl radicals – highly reactive and damaging, often triggered by radiation or pollution
Peroxyl radicals – associated with lipid peroxidation, which can disrupt cell membranes
Nitric oxide – essential in small amounts but harmful when imbalanced

You don’t need to be exposed to radiation or toxins to generate free radicals. Exercise, digestion, UV light, even breathing all produce them. That’s normal. The key is balance.

The body has built-in antioxidant systems to manage them. But when those systems become overwhelmed, oxidative stress can occur. This is when normal cell function starts to falter.

Oxidative stress doesn’t just affect one part of the body. It can influence immune response, tissue maintenance, and how efficiently the body responds to daily challenges.

This is why antioxidant support matters. It helps maintain internal balance at the molecular level before small imbalances escalate.

The antioxidant profile of Shilajit

Multiple animal and in vitro studies have examined Shilajit’s antioxidant capacity. Findings include:

• Shilajit may help protect against lipid peroxidation, a process that can damage cell membranes and disrupt function.
• It may support macrophage activity and stabilise mast cells, both key players in immune health.

Comparative studies on native and processed Shilajit show that both forms can support the body’s natural antioxidant defence systems.

The active compounds, especially fulvic acid, are believed to contribute to these effects, although the exact mechanisms remain under study.

Based on these findings, Shilajit is currently permitted to carry this on-hold claim:

“Has significant antioxidant properties. Supports the balanced function of the immune system.”

From traditional use to modern formulation

The leap from ancient mountain resin to modern extract involves purification and standardization, mainly done to filter out heavy metals and other toxins. But the purpose is still the same.

Support the body. Maintain balance. Promote resilience without overpromising.

Shilajit’s antioxidant support is just one piece of the puzzle.

• It also supports the balanced function of the immune system.
• It contributes to male and female sexual health.
• It helps maintain the health of bones, joints, and the urinary system.
• It is traditionally known to enhance strength, intellect, and metabolic function.

These aren’t marketing slogans. They are suggested on-hold claims under current EU regulation.

We’ll explore each of these areas in upcoming emails, with clear context and zero hype.

References

• Indian Materia Medica, Nadkarni
  
• Ayurvedic Medicine, Sebastian Pole, p.273
  
• Acharya SB et al. Pharmacological actions of Shilajit, Indian J Exp Biol. 1988 Oct;26(10):775-7
  
• G. Shibnath, Shilajit in Perspective, Narosa Publishing House, New Delhi (2006)
  
• Schepetkin I, Khlebnikov A, Kwon BS. Medical drugs from humus matter: Focus on mumie (Shilajit). Dev Res. 57:140-159, 2002
  
• Ghosal S et al. Mast cell protecting effects of Shilajit and its constituents, Phytotherapy Research 3, 6, 249-252 (1989)
  
• Bhaumik S et al. Effect of Shilajit on mouse peritoneal macrophages, Phytotherapy Research 7, 6, 425-427 (1993)
  
• Goel RK et al. Antiulcerogenic and antiinflammatory studies with Shilajit, J Ethnopharmacol. 1990 Apr;29(1):95-103
  
• Ghosal S. Chemistry of Shilajit, an immunomodulatory Ayurvedic rasayana, Pure & Appl. Chem., Vol. 62, No. 7, pp.1285-1288, 1990
  
• Tripathi YB et al. Antilipid peroxidative property of Shilajit, Phytotherapy Research 10, 3, 269-270 (1996)
  
• Ghosal S, Bhattacharya SK. Antioxidant defence by native and processed Shilajit, Indian Journal of Chemistry 35B, 127-132 (1996)
• Bhattacharya SK, Sen AP, Ghosal S. Effects of Shilajit on biogenic free radicals, Phytotherapy Research 9, 1, 56-59 (1995)
  

Asha Sultana

I believe in the power of mushrooms and in the innate intelligence of our bodies. Fungi support human health like none other. Personally, I have used a wide variety of mushrooms to restore my health from heavy metal poisoning and its consequences. Currently living in Cape Town while raised in Canada and born in Romania. My travels have deepened my connection to natural medicines and my commitment to balanced living.