Analytical Study of Shilajatu

Abstract

Background Rasashastra is a branch in Ayurveda Pharmaceutics that deals with utilization of varied origin of drugs like metals minerals etc. in articulating different formulations. Among the mineral group of drugs a mineral very commonly used in designing formulations is lsquoShilajatursquo. It is a pale brown to black coloured exudate available in mountainous regions. Based on the region and mountainous area it is collected from its appearance and the composition vary. Research studies revealed it to be a combination of organic elements and inorganic substances. Vast content relating to Shilajatu is available in the treatises of Rasashastra and much research was carried out on it. However it still remains a drug of ambiguity. Therefore this analytical study was conducted to evaluate the varied composition of Shilajatu. Methods Two samples of Shilajatu were collected from two different sources one from Nepal and another from local market in India and the samples were analyzed to determine the organic constituents and also the elemental constituents. Physico chemical analysis Phyto chemical test and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy EDAX were carried out. Results Phytochemical evaluation of aqueous extracts of Shilajatu samples demonstrated presence of carbohydrates protein tannin steroid saponin and mucilage. EDAX revealed the presence of different elements and the sample from Nepal showed the presence of more elements. Conclusion Shilajatu is a combination of organic and inorganic elements. Various phyto constituents are present and the elemental analysis showed presence of C O Na Mg S Cl and K in Indian sample and presence of C N O Na Mg Al Si Cl K and Ca in Nepal sample.