Shilajit: A Comprehensive Guide to the Ayurvedic Organic Mineral

What is Shilajit?

Purified Shilajitin resinous, solid form (approx. 1 g resin).

Shilajit (also known as Mumijo in German) is a natural, tar-like resin found in the high mountains of Central Asia. It is a viscous to solid, black-brown substance with a characteristic resinous-earthy smell. Shilajit forms over centuries through the slow decomposition of plant material in rock crevices of the Himalayas and other mountain ranges. In the warm summer months, it seeps out of the rocks as a dark "mountain secretion," where it is collected by locals.

Shilajit has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine asRasayana(rejuvenating agent) and strengthening agent. In traditional Indian languages, it is referred to as, for example, "destroyer of weakness" and "Divya Rasayan" (translated as "divine elixir"). These venerable designations highlight the high regard in which Shilajit is held in folk medicine. Scientifically, we are only beginning in recent years to understand the ingredients and possible effects of Shilajit more precisely (see below).

Origin and Extraction

Shilajit is primarily found in the rocky regions of the Himalayas, but has also been discovered in other mountain ranges of Central Asia, such as the Altai and Caucasus. The resin forms on inaccessible mountain slopes at high altitudes (often above 3000 m). It is formed from millennia of microbial decomposition of plant remains and organic material trapped in rock crevices. Through the pressure and heat of mountain formation, this organic mass transforms into a mineral-rich paste that eventually seeps out of cracks in the rock.

The extraction is traditionally done by hand: during the warmer months, the oozing, sticky mass is collected from the rocks. The raw Shilajit is then freed from impurities (earth, stone) and purified in multiple stages. In modern manufacturing processes, Shilajit is dissolved in water, filtered, and concentrated to obtain a pure extract. This results in a dark brown to black powder or resin, which is sold as a highly concentrated Shilajit extract.

Composition and Main Ingredients

Shilajit is an extremely complex natural product with a variety of bioactive ingredients. The main components are humic substances, primarilyFulvic Acid(Fulvic acid) as well as humic acids, which together make up 60-80% of the extract. Fulvic acids are organic acids considered to be strong antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, and they can improve nutrient absorption. Shilajit also contains a number of unique organic compounds, particularly Dibenzo-α-Pyrones (DBPs) and theirChromoprotein Complexes(DBP-Chromoproteins). These DBPs originate from ancient plant substances and are said to be involved in cellular energy processes. In Shilajit, they are partly free and partly bound to proteins (as chromoproteins) – accounting for approximately 10% of the dry mass. Studies suggest that these substances contribute to the antioxidant effect and improved energy production of cells [9].

In addition to humic substances, Shilajit is characterized by its mineral and trace element content. Over 80 different minerals have been detected in ionic form – including essential trace elements such as selenium, zinc, magnesium, iron, and many more. This mineral diversity contributes to the nutritional value of Shilajit. Furthermore, smaller amounts of other biologically active substance classes have been found in Shilajit, such as triterpenes (accompanying plant substances) and various amino acids. The exact composition can vary slightly depending on the region of origin, but fulvic acids and DBPs are considered the primary active ingredients, to which many of the attributed effects are attributed.

Manufacturer's Study-Based Information on PrimaVie® Shilajit

The following statements are taken directly from the PrimaVie® manufacturer's website and are based on the clinical studies cited there. They are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical or health claims. The described effects refer to studies with PrimaVie®, a purified shilajit extract, and may vary from person to person.

Manufacturer's information on possible effects:

• Muscle Strength and Fatigue:Improves muscle strength and reduces fatigue [1].

• Bone and Joint Health:Strengthens bone and joint health by preserving bone density in women with osteopenia after menopause [2][3].

• Collagen production:Stimulates collagen production [4].

• Sexual Health in Men:Supports sexual health by increasing testosterone synthesis, sperm count, and motility [5][6].

Sources:
[1] Keller JL et al.,J Int Soc Sports Nutr, 2019.
[2] Pingali U, Nutalapati C.,Phytomedicine, 2022.
[3] Sadeghi SMH et al.,J Altern Complement Med, 2020.
[4] Neltner TJ et al.,J Diet Suppl, 2022.
[5] Pandit S et al.,Andrology, 2016.
[6] Biswas TK et al.,Andrology, 2010.

PrimaVie® is a registered trademark of Natreon, Inc.

Application and Dosage

Shilajit is available in various forms. Traditionally, the raw resin was taken directly – often a pea-sized amount dissolved in warm milk or water and drunk. Nowadays, you'll find Shilajit mainly as a dietary supplement in the form of powder, capsules, resin (paste), or less commonly as a tincture. Modern variants like Shilajit gummies also exist, with capsules or pressed resin being the most common and precise dosage forms [26].

When taking Shilajit, you should always adhere to theManufacturer Recommendationhold. There is no generally valid standard dose, as the scientific evidence is still limited and different studies have used partly different amounts [27].

Practically, this means: Capsules usually contain 250–500 mg of extract per piece – one to two capsules daily are common. For resin/paste (the purest form), a pea-sized amount is equivalent to about 200-300 mg; you can dissolve it in hot water, tea, or milk and drink it. Since Shilajit has a very earthy-bitter taste, mixing it with a drink or some honey helps [28].

Important:Do not exceed the recommended dosage.A higher dose does not necessarily accelerate the effect and can increase the burden on your body [27].

Safety and Side Effects

When used responsibly, purified Shilajit is considered safe and well-tolerated. In clinical studies, no serious side effects were observed at dosages of up to 500 mg daily for several months [29].

Quality is crucial:Unprocessed, raw Shilajit directly from the rocks can contain impurities. Studies have shown that unfiltered Shilajit can be contaminated with heavy metals, free radicals, or microorganisms. Therefore, you should exclusively use purified, tested products from trusted manufacturers [29].

Who should not take Shilajit?

Pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as children, should refrain from using Shilajit, as there is insufficient safety data for these groups. It is also advised against in cases of existing heart disease as a precaution. In general: When in doubt, consult your doctor, especially if you are taking medication [32].

PrimaVie® – Special Features of Our Brand Raw Material

PrimaVie®is a patented premium shilajit raw material known for its high purity, efficacy, and scientific research. It is a USA-made, standardized shilajit extract sustainably sourced from the Himalayas. PrimaVie® is purified using a gentle, multi-step process to remove impurities and concentrate the valuable ingredients [9].

Another feature of PrimaVie® is its extensive clinical validation. Several studies were specifically conducted with this extract, so their results are directly transferable to PrimaVie® [16].

In summary, PrimaVie® offers you the following special features:

• Guaranteed Purity and Safety: Every production batch is laboratory tested; PrimaVie® is free from heavy metals, pollutants, and microbial contamination [34].
• Standardized active ingredient content: The high content of fulvic acids and DBPs is certified [12].
• Scientifically researched: PrimaVie® is among the few Shilajit raw materials that have been evaluated in placebo-controlled human studies [16].

For you as a customer, choosing a Shilajit product with the PrimaVie® seal means you can rely on thebest possible Shilajit qualityyou can rely on. This way, you can optimally and worry-free enjoy the profound benefits of Shilajit.

Here you will find our high-purity,lab-tested PrimaVie® Shilajit Extract, in vegan capsules, and without unnecessary additives, handmade:

Sources and Studies

The information shared in this guide has been substantiated by current professional literature and studies. Further literature and specific study results are provided in the references – feel free to take a look at the linked sources to dive even deeper into the subject of Shilajit. Enjoy great health with this fascinating "elixir of the mountains"!

• [1, 8, 11, 18, 19, 20, 33]Shilajit: 9 Benefits, Side Effects, and More
• [2, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 25]The effects of Shilajit supplementation on fatigue-induced decreases in muscular strength and serum hydroxyproline levels - PMC
• [3, 4, 6, 30]Shilajit Benefits | Natural Health Guide
• [5, 7]Shilajit is the elixir of life - a doctor explains — MeinArztbedarf.com
• [15, 24, 34, 35]Phcogres.com
• [17]Clinical evaluation of purified Shilajit on testosterone levels in healthy volunteers - PubMed
• [21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32]Shilajit: 9 Benefits, Side Effects, and Uses