Planetary Herbals Shilajit Mineral Pitch Extract (120 Vegan Capsules)
Planetary Herbals Shilajit delivers high-potency, traditionally purified Asphaltum punjabianum (mineral pitch) in convenient, clean-label vegetarian capsules. Ethically gathered from high-altitude Himalayan rock strata, this authentic Ayurvedic rasayana provides a concentrated spectrum of bioavailable fulvic acid, dibenzo-α-pyrones (DBPs), and over 84 trace minerals designed to support cellular energy production, hormonal vitality, and metabolic health.
What Is Shilajit? Phytochemical Composition and Origin
Known classically in Sanskrit as "the destroyer of weakness" and "conqueror of rocks," Shilajit is an organic mineral exudate formed over centuries by the slow microbiological humification of therapeutic plants trapped within Himalayan mountain crevices. Under intense ambient temperature shifts and pressure, this resinous substance transforms into a nutrient-dense bioactive matrix.
Unlike synthetic mineral blends, authentic Himalayan Shilajit acts as a natural organo-mineral complex composed of:
- Fulvic Acid Complex: A low-molecular-weight organic electrolyte that functions as a natural cellular transporter, shuttling trace minerals directly across cell membranes to enhance bioavailability.
- Dibenzo-α-Pyrones (DBPs) & DBP Chromoproteins: Key bioactive metabolites that protect mitochondrial membrane potential and support cellular respiration.
- Ionic Trace Mineral Matrix: More than 84 naturally occurring macrominerals and microminerals in their water-soluble ionic forms, including iron, zinc, magnesium, and selenium.
- Humic Substances: High-molecular-weight fractions that exert targeted antioxidant actions within the gastrointestinal tract.
Clinically Supported Benefits: Biological Mechanisms & Research
Contemporary pharmacology and clinical trials validate what Ayurvedic practitioners have documented for millennia: purified Shilajit exerts profound adaptogenic and cellular rejuvenating effects.
1. Mitochondrial Bioenergetics and ATP Synthesis
At the cellular level, fatigue often originates from inefficient electron transfer along the mitochondrial inner membrane. The dibenzo-α-pyrones in Shilajit serve as natural electron shuttles, preventing the oxidation of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and accelerating Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) production in metabolically demanding tissues, such as skeletal muscle and brain parenchyma.
Scientific Reference: Clinical research confirms that Shilajit supplementation preserves exercise-induced muscular endurance and mitigates fatigue by modulating baseline energy metabolism pathways (Keller et al., 2019, J Int Soc Sports Nutr; Surapaneni et al., 2012, J Ethnopharmacol).
2. Endocrine Modulation & Healthy Testosterone Levels
In a rigorous randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating healthy men aged 45 to 55, daily administration of 250 mg of purified Shilajit twice daily for 90 days resulted in statistically significant increases in total testosterone, free testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) compared to placebo, while maintaining balanced gonadotropin levels (LH and FSH).
Scientific Reference: Pandit, S., Biswas, S., Jana, U., et al. (2016). Clinical evaluation of purified Shilajit on testosterone levels in healthy volunteers. Andrologia, 48(5), 570–575.
3. Cognitive Function and Neuroprotection
Fulvic acid has demonstrated the unique capacity to cross the blood-brain barrier. In vitro and animal studies indicate that fulvic acid inhibits the self-aggregation of tau protein fragments into neurofibrillary tangles, a primary marker in progressive cognitive decline. Combined with its potent free-radical scavenging capacity, Shilajit supports synaptic integrity, mental clarity, and executive focus.
Scientific Reference: Carrasco-Gallardo, C., Guzmán, L., & Maccioni, R. B. (2012). Shilajit: A natural phytocomplex with potential procognitive activity. International Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 2012, Article ID 674142.
4. Connective Tissue and Muscular Recovery
Microarray profiling shows that oral ingestion of purified Shilajit upregulates genes involved in skeletal muscle adaptation, extracellular matrix assembly, and collagen turnover, supporting tendon resilience, joint mobility, and post-exercise muscular recovery.
Purification & Quality Control: Why Raw Shilajit Is Dangerous
Raw, unrefined Shilajit contains potentially toxic impurities, including fungal mycotoxins, environmental debris, and hazardous heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury. Consuming raw shilajit resin harvested without rigorous laboratory processing presents significant health hazards.
Planetary Herbals Standards of Excellence:
- Traditional Shodhana Purification: The raw mineral pitch is extracted with clean water, filtered to eliminate insoluble impurities, and concentrated via gentle evaporation to safeguard active bioactives without toxic chemical solvents.
- ICP-MS Heavy Metal Testing: Every lot is tested using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to guarantee safety and compliance with strict cGMP and state purity standards.
- cGMP Verified Manufacturing: Produced in pharmaceutical-grade facilities compliant with the FDA's Current Good Manufacturing Practice guidelines (21 CFR Part 111).
Planetary Herbals Vegan Capsules vs. Raw Shilajit Resin
| Feature | Planetary Herbals Shilajit Capsules | Raw / Unstandardized Resin |
|---|---|---|
| Dosage Accuracy | Uniform milligrams per capsule; exact, reproducible dosing. | Variable; relies on sticky spoons or imprecise physical estimation. |
| Palatability | Neutral taste; encapsulated in pure plant-derived hypromellose. | Extremely bitter, pungent, tar-like taste that many find difficult to consume. |
| Microbiological Safety | Sterilized, lab-verified, and moisture-controlled against fungal spores. | High risk of mold proliferation if ambient humidity penetrates jar seal. |
| Portability & Stability | Shelf-stable, mess-free, travel-friendly vegan capsules. | Melts in warm weather; sticky resin adheres to caps and threading. |
Complete Supplement Facts & Ingredient Listing
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Capsule
Servings Per Container: 120
| Amount Per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|
| Shilajit Mineral Pitch Extract (standardized for active fulvic acid and dibenzo-α-pyrones) |
500 mg * |
* Daily Value not established.