Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2024 Volume 9 Number 12 DECEMBER
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Unveiling the efficacy of Shilajit in Urinary Disorders: A Conceptual Review

Kiran K1*, Bhat VG2
DOI:10.21760/jaims.9.12.20

1* Kiran K, Phd Scholar, Department of Kayachikitsa, Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Ayurveda Kuthpady, Udupi, Karnataka, India.

2 Vijayendra G Bhat, Associate Professor, Department of Kayachikitsa and Manasaroga for PG and PhD Studies, Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Ayurveda Kuthpady, Udupi, Karnataka, India.

Shilajit, a natural substance formed from the resin of the Himalayan mountains, has been revered in Ayurveda for centuries for its multifaceted health benefits. One of its lesser-known applications is in the management of urinary disorders. This review aims to explore the conceptual significance of Shilajit in addressing various urinary ailments. The inherent properties of Shilajit like Mootrala (increases urine production), Srotorodha Hara (Removes obstruction of the channels), Basti Ruja Hara (Alleviates pain in Bladder region), Chedi (To cut) and Tridosha Hara (Corrects Doshic imbalances), makes it more useful to treat urinary disorders. Recent researches on Shilajit also emphasize its role in various urinary conditions. Shilajit shows its efficiency in treating urinary disorders like, Mootraghata, Mootrakrichra and Ashmari. The physico-chemical properties of Shilajit also suggests its role in treating various urinary disorders. There are various modalities of treatment for urinary disorders including Samshodhana, Samshamana and Rasayana. Among the medicinal drugs used in treating urinary disoders, Shilajit has a major role being a Samshamana and Rasayana Dravya.

Keywords: Shilajit, Urinary Disorders, Ashmari, Mootrala

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Kiran K, Phd Scholar, Department of Kayachikitsa, Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Ayurveda Kuthpady, Udupi, Karnataka, India.
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Kiran K, Bhat VG, Unveiling the efficacy of Shilajit in Urinary Disorders: A Conceptual Review. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2024;9(12):167-173.
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Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2024-11-03 2024-11-13 2024-11-23 2024-12-03 2024-12-16
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© 2024by Kiran K, Bhat VGand Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

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Introduction

Shilajit is a substance procured from the Giri/ Parvata (Mountains) by the influence of Surya Santapa (Sunlight) on them in Greeshma Rutu.[1] Shilajit is of four varieties based on the source of its procurement. Shilajit is a widely used ingredient in the preparation of Ayurveda classical formulations. Shilajit is an exudate from high mountain rocks especially in the Himalayans mountains between India and Nepal. According to researchers, Shilajit is produced by the decomposition of plant material from species such as ‘Euphorbia royleana’ and ‘trifolium repens’. This decomposition seems to occur through centuries and on this basis, Shilajit is considered a millenary product of nature. Shilajit is composed mainly of humic substances, including fulvic acid, that account for 60 to 80% of the total nutraceutical compound and some oligo-elements including selenium of antiaging properties. Shilajit also contains Eldagic acid, some fatty acids, resins, latex, gums, albumins, triterpenes, sterols, aromatic carboxylic acids.[2]

Shilajit has been used as a folk medicine and alternative medicine for more than four thousand years in Afghanistan, India, Iran, China, Pakistan, Nepal, Central Asia, and Tibet. The ancient Persians named it ‘Asphaltum’ and considered it a source of strength and vitality. In Ayurvedic practices Shilajit was first discovered in the ancient civilizations of the Himalayas. Shilajit is classified as a Rasayana (Rejuvenative) herb, believed to rejuvenate, and revitalize the body. It is mentioned in ancient texts like Charaka Samhita, Sushrutha Samhita, and Ashtanga Hrudaya.

Properties of Shilajit

Shilajit is Ishat Amla (slightly sour) and Kashaya (Astringent) Rasa (Taste), Laghu (Light) and Ruksha (Non-unctuous) Guna (Property), Katu (Pungent) vipaka, Natyushna sheeta (Not hot not cold) Veerya. Shilajit also has ‘Chedi’ Guna which means ‘To Cut’ or ‘Break into parts. Shilajit by its ‘Prabhava’ it acts as a ‘Yogavahi’ (Catalystic or Bio-enhancing nature) Dravya. Shilajit is generally known for balancing Tridoshas[5] (Three Humors) and it is Balya[3] (To increase strength). Shilajit has Mootrala (Increases urine formation), Srotorodhahara (Clears the blockage in channels), Basti Ruja Hara (Alleviates pain in Basti) actions which are noticeable in the present context.

Physico-chemical properties of Shilajit

Shilajit is known to have Diuretic, lithotriptic[4] actions and it is known to enhance renal functioning. Fulvic acid present in Shilajit is reported to facilitate the transportation of essential minerals into cells to maintain and restore their vitality against decay and death. Shilajit is reported to aid in metabolism by maintaining the equilibrium between catabolism and anabolism, promote energy production and enhance the absorptive and detoxifying capacity of the body. It also stimulates the immune system and blood formation within the body. The health benefits of Shilajit includes rejuvenation, promoting longevity, improving physical strength and anti-aging property. Other actions of Shilajit are anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, nootropic, hypoglycemic, Anti-asthmatic, and anti-tumor activities.

Shilajit in various Health conditions

Shilajit is used in the treatment of various kinds of illnesses. Shilajit is also considered as Sarva Rogahara Rasayana[6] due to its multiple clinical utility. The Ayurvedic texts like Bhaishajya Ratnavali, Rasa Ratna Samucchaya, Rasa Tarangini, Rasendra Sara Sangaraha etc. have mentioned about Shilajit and its clinical indications. Details mentioned in the table below.

Table 1: Indications of Shilajit

Name of the TextIndications
Rasa Ratna SamuchayaJwara, Pandu, Shopha, Prameha, Agnimandya, Medacheda Kara, Yakshma, Shoola, Ama Unmulana, Gulma, Pliha, Jathara-Hrit Shoolagna, Twakgata Roganashana
Rasa TaranginiShvayathu, Pandu, Shwasa, Kshaya, Pliha, Jwara, Agnimandya, Apasmara, Unmada, Udara,Arshas, Mutrakrichra, Sthaulya, Hritshula, Prameha, Prabala Shoola, Udara, Soola, Krimi, Ashmari, Kushta, Gulma, Vatarakta
Ananda KandaKshaya, Shopha, Udara, Arshas, Prameha, Mootragrahapaha, Jara Mrityu Nashana
Rasendra Sara SangrahaShotha, Udara, Arshas, Basti roga
Ayurveda PrakashaMutrakrichra, Kshaya, Shwasa, Vatarakta, Arshas, Pandu, Apasmara, Unmada, Shotha, Kushta, Udara, Krimi
Dhanvantari Nighantu (Chandanadi Varga)Prameha, Unmada, Ashmari, Shopha, Kushta, Apasmara, Kshaya, Udara, Arsha, Bastiruja
Bhavaprakasha Mutrakricha, Kshaya, Shwasa, Apasmara, Unmada, Shotha, Kushta, Udara, Krimi

Medicinal formulations containing Shilajit

Various medicinal formulations containing Shilajit as ingredients are listed in the table below (table 2). Formulations from Gadanigraha, Bruhatrayee and other classical texts are enlisted in the below table.

Table 2: Formulations containing Shilajit

FormulationsIndications with Reference
Sudda ShilajathuSthoulya (Su Sutra15/37)
Sudda ShilajthuKushta (Su.Chi 9/6)
Loha RasayanaSthoulya, Pandu, Kushta, Prameha (Chakradatta)
MehabaddarasaPrameha (Sharagandra Madyama Khanda)
ShivagulikaRajayakshma (Yogaratnakara), Pandu, Prameha, Ashmari, Kusta (Chi.Kalika Ksaya Chikitsa)
Shilajatvadi YogaKumbakamala (Gada Nigraha)
Vajraka GulikaKusta, Udara, Swasa, Kasa, Bhangadara (Gada Nigraha)
Surya Candraprabha GutikaPrameha, Kamala, Pandu, Shwasa, Kasa, Arsha (Gada Nigraha)
PrabhakaravatiHridroga (B.R)
Chandraprabha VatiPrameha (B.R), (SH.M.KH)
Virtarvadi GhritaPittasmari (A.S.chi)
Sahacharadi TailaVata Roga (A.S.Chi)
Eladi KwathaAshmari, Sharkara (Sh.M.KH)
Vajraka GutikaKushta, Udara, Shwasa, Kasa, Bhagandara (Prayogakhanda)
Yogaraj RasayanaKushta (A.S.CHI)
Shilajatu VatakaPandu Roga (A.H.CHI)
Brihata Shiva GutikaVararakta, Jvara, Atisara, Prameha, Kamala and Pandu (Prayogakhanda)
Agnimukha LohaArsharogadhikara (B.R)
TapyadilohaRajyakshmadhikara (B.R)
Prabhakar VatiHridarogadhikara (B.R)
Sarveshwar RasaPremeharogadhikara (B.R)
Yakritpliha LohaUdararogadhikara (B.R)
Veda Vidya VatiPremeharogadhikara (B.R)
Mehantaka RasaPremeharogadhikara (B.R)
Prameha Kulantaka RasaPremeharogadhikara (B.R)

Shilajit Prayoga in various clinical conditions

Table 3: Shilajit Prayoga in Vangasena Samhita

SNIndicationsPreparationsContext in Vangasena Samhita
1.Madhumeha, Prameha, Kustha, Apasmara Shilajat with Salasaradi Gana KwathaPramehadhikara
2.Sthaulya RogaShilajatu with Agnimantha KwathaMedo Rogadhikara
3.Medoroga, Rasayana, Palitya RogaLoha RasayanaMedo Rogadhikara
4.Vatodara Shilajatu with Dashamula KwathaUdara Rogadhikara
5.Udara RogaShilajatu with GomutraUdara Rogadhikara
6.Tridoshaja ShothaShilajatu with Triphala KwathaShotha Rogadhikara

Shilajit is used either as a single medicine or in medicinal formulations. Few of the Shilajit Prayoga from Vangasena Samhita (Table 3) and Bhaishajya Ratnavali (Table 4) are listed below

Table 4: Shilajit Prayoga in Bhaishajya Ratnavali

SNIndicationsPreparationsContext in Bhaishajya Ratnavali
1.ArshasAgnimukha LohaArsharogadhikara
2.RajayakshmaTapyadilohaRajyakshmadhikara
3.HridrogaPrabhakar VatiHridarogadhikara
4.MutrakricchaShilajatu with Eladi KwathaMutrakruccharogadhikara
5.MutraghataShilajatu + Madhu + SharkaraMutraghatrogadhikara
6.AshamariVaruna GhritaAshmarirogadhikara
7.PremehaShilajatu + MadhuPremeharogadhikara
8.MadhumehaShilajatu + Salsaradi Gana KwathaPremeha Rogadhikara
9.PremehaChandraprabha VatiPremeharogadhikara
10.PremehaSarveshwar RasaPremeharogadhikara
11.MedorogaLoha RasayanaMedorogadhikara
12.Udara RogaYakritpliha LohaUdararogadhikar
13.Sarva PramehaSuddha ShilajatuPrameha Chikitsa
14.Madhumeha, Ashmari Sharkara,Shilajatu with Salasaradi Gana KwathaPrameha Chikitsa
15.Sarva PramehaVeda Vidya VatiPrameha Chikitsa
16.Prameha, Kamala, Pandu, Ashmari, Mootraghata etc.Prameha Kulanataka RasaPrameha Chikitsa
17.Prameha, Kustha, Kamala, Pandu, Shvasa, Kasa etc.Chandraprabha GutikaPrameha Chikitsa
18.PramehaMehanathaka RasaPrameha Chikitsa
19.MadhumehaSarveshavara RasaPrameha Chikitsa
20.Medoroga, Jvara, Kamala, Pandu, Prameha, Shotha etc.Loha RasayanaMedoroga Chikitsa

Properties of Shilajit and their significance in Mootra Vikaras

The significance of Shilajit is urinary disorders can be understood with the critical analysis of actions of Shilajit related to Mootra Vaha Srotas or urinary system. Shilajit is known to have the properties like, Mootrala, Chedi, Bastishoola Hara, Srotorodha Hara, which are related to Mootravaha Srotas.

Mootrala property:[7] Shilajit has got Mootrala property which is helpful in urinary conditions with obstructed urination. Obstruction to Mootra and affliction of Mootra Pravrutti are predominantly found in Mootraghatas.


The types of Mootraghata which have been identified with Alpa Mootra Pravrutti or Utpatti are Vatakunadalika, Vata Basti, Mootrateeta, Mootra Jathara, Mootrotsanga, Mootrakshaya, Bastikundala. The underlined pathologies for the above conditions are varied but the clinical consequences are similar. The drugs which are Mootrala in action, help the formation of Mootra and elimination of Sanchita Mootra easily. Shilajit being Mootrala can help to get symptomatic relief in the above-mentioned urinary conditions.

Chedi property:[8] Chedi means to cut or to dissociate. Chedi property helps in pathological states wherever there is an abnormal bonding of Doshas or Dhatus are found, especially in case of abnormal growths. Shilajit has chedi property which can be helpful in conditions like Ashtila (Stone like growth in Mootramarga), Mootragranthi (A type of Mootraghata), where abnormal growth like granthi is the consequence. Chedi property would help to loosen the abnormal bonding and to clear the Granthi.

Basti Shoola Hara property:[9] Basti Shoola means the pricky pain in the Basti Pradesha. Basti Pradesha represents the lower abdomen near bladder region. Many types of Mootraghatas are associated with pain in the Basti Pradesha, like Mootragranthi, Vatakundalika, Ashtila, Vatabasti, Mootra Jathara and Mootrotsanga. In these conditions the pain will be mostly due to obstruction to the Mootra Vega due to various pathological conditions. Shilajit facilitates obstructed Mootra. We may infer that, by clearing out the Sanchita Mootra, Shilajit acts as Basti Shoola Hara (Alleviates Pain in Bladder region). Ashmari (Urinary Calculus) also can cause pain in Basti Pradesha (Bladder region). Shilajit does Ashmari Bhedana (Clearance of Calculus) and reduces Basti shola (Pain in Bladder region).

Srotorodha Hara property:[10] Srotorodha means obstruction in a Srotas or a Channel. Clearing the obstruction in the channels and regularizing the movement is considered as Srotorodha Harana. Shilajit is said to be Sroto Rodha Hara. Mootra Vaha Srotas is one of the Srotas and Shilajit helps to relieve the various kinds of obstruction pertaining to Mootra Vaha Srotas. So Shilajit can be helpful in Mootraghatas like Mootragranthi, Vatakundalika, Ashtila, Vatabasti, Mootrajathara and Mootrashmari.

Significance of Shilajit in Urinary conditions

When we investigate various urinary conditions as per modern medicine, the common urinary problems would be Urinary Tract Infections, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, Obstructive Uropathies Urinary calculi, and Renal dysfunctions. Shilajit is known to have certain properties useful in treating urinary disorders based on various scientific studies.

Shilajit in Urinary tract infections:[11] UTI is characterized by infection of urinary tract by the microbes. Shilajit is known to have anti-microbial action which might be useful in infections including urinary infections. Shilajit is having diuretic action which is also useful in management of UTI by flushing out microbes, reducing microbial concentration and relieve burning urination.

Shilajit in BPH and other Obstructive uropathies:[12,13] Shilajit is known to reduce the size of the hypertrophied prostate gland, relieving pressure on urethra, and improving urine flow. The anti-inflammatory property of Shilajit may help reduce inflammation in the prostate, improving urine flow and reducing symptoms like hesitancy and dribbling. Antioxidant property of Shilajit may help protect the prostate from oxidative stress reducing the rise of BPH progression.

Action of Shilajit on renal functioning:[14] Shilajit may help increase urine production, reducing fluid retention and alleviating pressure on the kidneys. Shilajit may help protect the kidneys from damage caused by toxins, heavy metals, and other harmful substances. Shilajit may help improve blood flow to the kidneys, ensuring they receive the necessary oxygen and nutrients for optimal function, Shilajit can reduce the risk of kidney stone formation by increasing urine production and improving mineral balance. Shilajit can also help maintain electrolyte balance. Shilajit can also help maintain electrolyte balance, which is essential for proper kidney function. Active compounds in Shilajit, such as fulvic acid, humic acid, and dibenzo-alpha pyrones, contribute to its potential benefits in improving renal function.

Shilajit in bladder dysfunction:[15] Shilajit can be effective in various bladder related problems such as incontinence, overactive bladder, interstitial cystitis, neurogenic bladder, & bladder weakness. In case of incontinence & bladder weakness, Shilajit can help to improve bladder tone & strength.


Due to its neuroprotective effects, Shilajit can also be effective in neurogenic bladder. The anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial property, and anti-oxidant properties of Shilajit may help to alleviate interstitial cystitis and overactive bladder. These are the potential benefits of Shilajit based on its clinical actions, however more research is needed to confirm its efficacy and optimal dosage.

Shilajit Prayoga in Urinary disorders

PrayogaUrinary DisordersTextual Reference
Ushakadi GanaKaphamedohara, Ashmari, MutrakricchraSu.Su 38/37-38
Shilajatu + Ela + Pashanabheda + Pippali, Tandolodaka and GudaMutrakrichraMutraghata
A.S.Chi 13/7,9
Shilajatu + Haritaki + Gokshura + Araghwadha, Pashanabheda, Duralabha Kashaya and SarkaraMutrakrichraMutraghata
A.S.Chi 13/9
Veerataru Gana Kashaya + Pathadi + Shilajatu and Ghritha preparation.PittashmariA.S.Chi 13/13
Veeratarugana Kashaya Bhavitha Shilajathu SevanaAshmari, MutrasharkaraA.S.Chi 13/22
Shilajatu with Eladi KwathaMootrakrichraB.R.Mootrakrichradhikara
Shilajatu + Madhu + SharkaraMootraghataB.R. Mootraghatadhikara
Varuna GhrutaAshmariB.R Ashmari rogadhikara
Shilajatu with Salasaradi Gana KwathaMadhumeha, AshmariB.R. Pramehadhikara

Discussion

There are enough classical references to explain and support the efficacy of Shilajit in various urinary disorders. The multifaceted actions of Shilajit makes it beneficial in multiple Mootra Vikaras. Its adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties make it an excellent solution for various ailments including urinary disorders.

Shilajit is often referred to as ‘Sarvaroga Hara’ meaning universal healer due to its broad-spectrum action against various illnesses. Its ability to balance the 3 Doshas earns it the title of Tridosha Hara, making it an invaluable resource for maintaining overall well-being.

Despite its numerous benefits, Shilajit availability poses a significant challenge in today’s era. The increasing demand, combined with its limited natural occurrence, makes it difficult to source high quality Shilajit.

Conclusion

The extensive classical references, multi-faceted actions, and balancing effect of Shilajit on the three Doshas solidify its position as a valuable remedy for urinary disorders and overall health. Shilajit can be a preferrable choice of drug in various urinary conditions. However, addressing the challenge of its availability is crucial to harnessing its full potential. The significance of Shilajit in urinary disorders is rooted in its unique composition, traditional Ayurvedic applications and scientific evidences. Further research is warranted to fully elucidate its mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic applications.

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