Shilajit’s magical healing properties are attributed to the compounds present in it. The primary bioactive constituents fulvic acid, humic acid, dibenzo-α-pyrones, and various trace minerals, play a vital role in almost all the health-promoting and restorative benefits.
Among all compounds, phenolic acids, tannins and flavonoids are the main ones having the ability to inhibit fungal growth. Saying that, shilajit is just a supplement and it should not be used with the motive of replacing any other antifungal treatments.
Shilajit’s Formation
Shilajit is a nature’s treasure in which organic compounds develop as a result of the decomposition of plants present only in high altitudes along with the mineral-rich soil.
The microbial byproducts formed thereafter are of great health value, these compounds are present only in rare, microbe-degraded organic matters and to date, no other powerful compound has been discovered that matches the potency of shilajit.
Different Bioactive Compounds and Benefits
Bioactive compounds are the protectors of the body; they are not like other nutrients, essential just for body functioning. Some powerful bioactive compounds in Shilajit are: Fulvic acid, Humic acid, Phenolic acids (e.g., gallic acid, tannic acid, ferulic acid), Dibenzo-α-pyrones, Polyphenols, Minerals and trace elements.
The variety of properties these compounds hold that positively affect the health are:
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Anti-inflammatory
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Antioxidant
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Antibacterial
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Antifungal
Compounds-Driven Inhibition
An ocean of bioactive compounds and the major ones existing in nature that hold antifungal properties are also found in this pool. The antifungal activity is mainly because of phenolic acids( tannic acids, gallic acids) and flavonoids present in shilajit. The more these compounds are present in variants of shilajit, the better antifungal potential it hold.
If we have to look deep into how these compounds work, phenolics can directly target and disrupt fungal cell walls and membranes. The growth of the fungal cells hence is inhibited.
The remaining ones, tannic acids and gallic acids, make the survival conditions for the fungi unfavorable.
Fulvic acid and humic acid: These two most abundant bioactive substances in shilajit also have antifungal properties. Fulvic acid aids by accelerating the functioning of antifungal compounds; facilitating their movement across the membranes of the cell. Fulvic acid alone has been studied for this property, where this particular compound inhibited fungal growth in various studies.
Humic acid has antimicrobial properties that extend beyond just fungi, it works for other tiny organisms like bacteria and viruses as well. This compound, naturally present in soil, is known to inhibit pathogenic soil fungi, and this property is also equally effective against the fungal pathogens that are harmful to us.
Supportive Synergies
Beyond the compounds that have direct antifungal properties, shilajit also has supportive compounds that strengthen the host’s immune system. All the compounds combined work in such a way that they can easily combat fungal infections.
The antioxidant compounds of shilajit help neutralize free radicals produced during the fungal infection. These radicals possess properties to damage cells and tissues if they get to function optimally, without being neutralized or kept in check. Fulvic acid, polyphenols are some powerful antioxidants with this property.
Other important compounds are ones with anti-inflammatory properties. Compounds like humic acid and dibenzo-α-pyrones with the power to halt inflammatory reactions mitigate overreaction to fungal presence. This means less tissue damage and sped up healing.
Overall, the mixture of compounds with benefits helps control fungal infections by supporting the immune system to heal.
Usage And Safety
While Shilajit offers many benefits, it’s very important to use it safely. Make sure you focus on:
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Purified ones: Only purified Shilajit from reputable sources can deliver the benefits listed above. Raw or unpurified Shilajit may contain heavy metals, mycotoxins, or other harmful substances.
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Dose: The usual recommended dose is 300–500 mg per day, don’t exceed this in the hope of getting the benefits faster.
Also, people with health conditions or taking medication should talk to a doctor before using it.
Just A Supplementary Aid
Though the antifungal benefits of shilajit seem to be protective, it can not be used just as a complementary aid. Also, if someone is under a supervised recovery, they should never use it as a replacement for any of the antifungal treatments.
Conclusion
Shilajit is an ancient remedy that people can use as a complementary aid to support recovery and general immunity while having a fungal infection or simply to prevent it. The rich contents of phenolic acids, fulvic acid, humic acid and other supportive compounds together target fungal cells as well.
Some studies have also supported these benefits. So, it's advisable to use it as a supplement and use it with caution or professional medical care in cases when one is under medication.
FAQs
Q. Is shilajit an anti-fungal?
A. Shilajit is a supplement with compounds that deliver anti-fungal properties. It can be used to support the body in the healing process.
Q. Can shilajit fight off infections?
A. Shilajit is not a primary medication that you generally use to fight off infections; it’s a supplement that supports the body’s immunity. It can only be used to support early healing.
References
https://informaticsjournals.co.in/index.php/jnr/article/download/35954/29942/90888
