Mechanisms of generation and exudation of Tibetan medicine Shilajit (Zhaxun)

Abstract

Background Shilajit is a commonly used Tibetan medicine, and its water extract is mainly used for various heat-related syndrome, especially that of stomach, liver and kidney. Shilajit is found to exudate from rocks of cliff at an altitude of 2000–4000 m as a water-soluble mixture of black paste and animal feces of Trodocterus spp. or Ochotona spp. Because it is difficult to reach the exudation points so as to explain the its formation process, the source of Shilajit still remains unclear and controversial, which severely impedes its safety and efficacy in clinical application. Methods In this work, a series of investigations as rock flakes identification, porosity determination, rock mineral analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) have been carried out to clarify the source of Shilajit, including the storage condition and exudation process of its organic matter, and to investigate the geological structure of the exudation points as well as physical and chemical characteristics of the mother rocks. Results The Shilajit exudation points were mainly distributed on the steep cliffs, where there were cavities and sections that could not be eroded by rainwater. The fundamental structure of the exudation points was determined by the rock’s bedding planes, joints, fracture surfaces and faults, and developed into micro-topography later. The exudation points were distributed in the Triassic strata and scattered in the Early Mesozoic granitoids. The lithologic features were mainly slate, carbonaceous slate and sandy slate etc. The background rocks were characterized by intergranular pores, dissolved pore, joint and fracture development. Organic matter was widely distributed in these pores and fissures, which had condition for storage and exudation of organic matter. Conclusions Shilajit mainly distributed on sunny steep slopes and cliffs with a slope of 60° or above at altitude of 2000–4000 m. The lithology character of the Shilajit exudation area were mainly various metamorphic rocks of sedimentary rocks that were rich in organic carbon. The organic matter in Shilajit was found to flow out naturally from rocks along pore, structural plane and even accumulate on the surface of rock as a result of storage environment change caused by rock tectonic action.

Chemical Characteristics and Biotechnological Potentials of Mumio

“…It is a natural chelator, which means that it binds to and helps transport minerals in the body. Fulvic acid is also an antioxidant, which can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals (Carrasco-Gallardo and Maccioni 2012; Ding et al, 2020).…”

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“…Shilajit is formed by the decomposition of plants by microorganisms, and it is rich in fulvic acid 60-80% (Carrasco-Gallardo et al, 2012), carotenoids (Wilson et al, 2011), potassium, calcium, and magnesium make up over 90% of the total mineral content in Shilajit, sulfur, and sodium being the next most common minerals (Trivedi et al, 2004). According to its origin, it is classified as petroleum, animal, and plant, and it could be mixed (animal feces and plants) (Ding et al, 2020;Khakimov, 1974). Shilajit acts as an anti-oxidant, and antiinflammatory (Stohs, 2014) due to its components; humic acid, fulvic acid, and fat-soluble components such as taxol, verbenol, α-pinene; therefore, it plays an important role in the management of diabetes (Ding et al, 2020).…”

“…According to its origin, it is classified as petroleum, animal, and plant, and it could be mixed (animal feces and plants) (Ding et al, 2020;Khakimov, 1974). Shilajit acts as an anti-oxidant, and antiinflammatory (Stohs, 2014) due to its components; humic acid, fulvic acid, and fat-soluble components such as taxol, verbenol, α-pinene; therefore, it plays an important role in the management of diabetes (Ding et al, 2020). Many varieties of shilajit differ in their composition according to the geological nature of rocks, humidity, altitude, plant species involved, and local temperature.…”

Accelerating effect of Shilajit on osteogenic property of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs)

“…Shilajit, also named mineral pitch, is a herbomineral natural substance that is produced from deposition plant materials such as Euphorbia and Trifolium plants and lichen and is one of the most widely applicable compositions with numerous therapeutic efficacies in traditional folk medicine. Shilajit is widely distributed in some parts of the world including Iran, Altai Mountains [ 15 ] and Australia [ 16 ] with mainly same chemical compositions. It contains organic compounds (60–80%), inorganic ingredients (20–40%) and various elements [ 17 ].…”