Mumijo (also called "Shilajit") is a resinous substrate obtained in high mountain regions such as the Himalayas or Caucasus, which has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for millennia. as Rasayana (Rejuvenation- and (Tonic) used Analyses show that Mumijo is a complex mixture of organic and inorganic components.

The main components are humic substances substances (especially fulvic acid and others) Humic acids), bioactive Dibenzopyrone derivatives (Dibenzo-α-pyrones, often as Chromoproteins on proteins bound) as well as numerous minerals and Trace elements. These consist of approximately 80–85 % of organic mass from humic substances, 15–20 % from non-humic compounds. Typical Shares are approximately 18–20 % mineral salts (e.g. B. Fe, Ca, Mg, Zn), 13–17 % Proteins/enzymes (and more) a. Amylases), 4–5 % fats, 1–2 % carbohydrates and a.

Furthermore, hundreds of organic substances have been detected in Mumijo (alkaloids, organic acids, hormones, vitamins B1, B12, etc.). The following are considered particularly rich in active ingredients: Fulvo-humic acids (Plant metabolites) and dibenzo-aromatic pyrone complexes, which possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties..

Traditional Application and modern Research

In the traditional Ayurvedic medicine Mumijo as A universal tonic is used. It serves as Rasayana for general strengthening, to increase vitality as well as to Financial support the Metabolism and the Immune system support. Historically, mumijo was prescribed for exhaustion, muscle weakness, nervous disorders, digestive problems, respiratory ailments, and inflammatory diseases. It was also traditionally used in the Himalayan and Central Asian regions to increase stamina, promote wound healing, and enhance mental performance.

Modern scientific research focuses on these traditional indications and examines them with regard to biological agents. For example, in vitro and animal studies demonstrate that fulvic acid and dibenzopyrone complexes in mumijo are effective. antioxidant works (d.h. neutralize free radicals and increase glutathione levels) and anti-inflammatory Effects have. In particular, fulvic acid protects cells from oxidative stress and can reduce amyloid plaques. Protein aggregates (How Tau fibrils) inhibit.

This explains the interest in a neuroprotective effect: In cell cultures A Mumijo fraction promoted the growth of neuronal processes and blocked tau aggregation (relevant in Alzheimer's disease).).

Further studies show a anti-diabetic effect (Improved insulin sensitivity, lower blood sugar), presumably via activation of the Nrf2 pathway and strengthening of antioxidant cell protection. At the same time, this suggests Investigations on one stimulating Effect on the endocrine System: So increased Mumijo in animal models and in human hormone levels (e.g. B. testosterone, erythropoietin) and optimized thereby metabolism and organ function.

Ttherapeutic Areas of application

Cognitive Health and Neuroprotection

For the cognitive performance There are promising indications. The main active ingredient Fulvic acid in mumijo acts as a memory and nerve tonic: it has antioxidant and anti- It has inflammatory properties and blocks the aggregation of the tau protein in vitro. Furthermore, mumijo stabilizes mitochondrial function and protects nerve cells. Initial pilot studies suggest that mumijo has neuroprotective effects and may help prevent age-related aging. cognitive Deficits mitigate can. So commented one Review article: "Mumijo is a very safe Dietary supplements, the energetic balancing works and apparently cognitive disorders the aging process influenced". So far miss however larger clinical Studies in dementia or Alzheimer's disease; current research (mostly preclinical) explores the precise molecular mechanisms. Effect.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect

Mumijo is a potent antioxidantIn a placebo-controlled human study of postmenopausal women with osteopenia, Mumijo extract led to a significant decrease in lipid peroxides (MDA ↓) and an increase in the antioxidant Glutathione (GSH ↑). At the same time fell Systemic inflammatory markers (hs-CRP) decreased. The authors conclude that Mumijo reduces oxidative stress and inflammation, which aligns well with traditional uses in inflammatory diseases.

Animal studies also show that Mumijo increases the activity of endogenous antioxidants (SOD, catalase) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g. B. TNF-α, IL-6) lowers.These effects can be attributed to the abundant existing polyphenolic Humic acids and Dibenzopyrone proteins trace back which function as cell-protecting radical scavengers and signal modulators.

Disturbances the Carbohydrate metabolism (Diabetes)

Traditional becomes Mumijo also at diabetes used. Animal experiments support this: In In a study of diabetics, different doses of mumijo lowered blood sugar. Significant and improved cholesterol and triglyceride levels. A medium dose (100) was particularly effective. mg/kg) compared to higher or lower doses. Interestingly, the combination of Mumijo with conventional antidiabetic drugs (glibenclamide, metformin) significantly enhanced the blood glucose reduction compared to the drugs alone.

Clinical human trials at Diabetes studies are still pending, but these results indicate that Mumijo has an insulin effect and oxidative Cell protection improved. Therefore becomes reminded, at simultaneous intake from When taking mumijo and diabetes medication, blood sugar should be closely monitored to avoid hypoglycemia. Mechanistically, mumijo is likely to increase insulin sensitivity (e.g.,...). B. by Nrf2- mediated antioxidant activity) and protect beta cell function.

Reproductive Health and Hormones

Several studies suggest that Mumijo the male fertility can increase – a traditional field of application. In a randomized, placebo-controlled study with 35 oligosperms Men (90 days, 100 With daily doses of shilajit (mg) significantly improved sperm count (+61%), sperm motility, and the percentage of normally shaped sperm compared to baseline. Simultaneously, the oxidative stress marker MDA in the ejaculate decreased (-18.7%), as did total testosterone. (+23.5%) Both FSH levels rose significantly. The results remained stable, suggesting the safety of the drug at the given dosage.

Another study on healthy individuals men (250 mg Shilajit twice daily, 90 days) found significant Increases from In total- and free testosterone and DHEA-S compared to placebo. This hormonal sensitization explains, on the one hand, the improved sperm quality and, on the other hand, traditionally reported effects on libido, endurance, and muscle strength.

Muscle performance and fatigue

A double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 63 healthy men examined the effect of 8 weeks of Shilajit (250 vs. 500). mg/day) on muscular strength and recovery. According to the fatigue protocol (leg extension strength test), men who consumed 500 Those who took mg of Shilajit daily experienced a significantly smaller drop in strength (-8.9 % vs. ~16–17 % in the comparison groups). Additionally, the resting serum level decreased in the high-dose group. Hydroxyproline (Marker for connective tissue metabolism), What on one improved regeneration indicatesThe authors conclude that Mumijo promotes muscle recovery after fatigue. – presumably via antioxidant effects in the muscle and enhancement of the body's own Repair mechanisms.

Bone metabolism

One important new study examined postmenopausal Women with Osteopenia. This received over 48 Weeks daily a standardized Shilajit extract or Placebo. In the placebo segment took the bone density the lumbar spine (LS) and the Femoral neck (FN) density decreased as expected. However, in the Mumijo groups, density remained stable or even increased significantly. Simultaneously, various bone metabolism markers normalized in the Mumijo arm: bone resorption products (CTX-1, RANKL) decreased, and bone formation markers (BALP, OPG) increased compared to placebo. Furthermore, oxidative stress (MDA) was significantly reduced, and antioxidant reserves (GSH) were built up.. This data interpret on it there, that Mumijo at postmenopausal Estrogen deficiency dem It counteracts bone loss, presumably through a combination of anti-inflammatory effects and modulation of bone-forming/resorbing cells.

Pharmacological Mechanisms of action

The observed Effects from Mumijo let itself several molecular Mechanisms assign:

• Antioxidant effect: The fulvic and humic acids, as well as dibenzopyrone chromoproteins, contained in mumijo scavenge reactive oxygen species and promote the formation of antioxidant Enzymes (Glutathione, SOD Catalase). This protects Cell components (DNA, proteins, membranes) from oxidative stress.

• Anti-inflammatory: Through the inhibition pro-inflammatory Signal paths (e.g. B. NF-κB) and

Mumijo components have an anti-inflammatory effect by reducing cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, hs-CRP). Studies have shown that inflammatory markers decreased significantly with mumijo administration..

• Neuroprotection: Fulvic acid inhibits the aggregation of the tau protein, a key factor in Alzheimer's disease, in vitro. It also promotes neuronal survival and can positively modulate nerve growth factors. Experiments on neurons showed increased neurite elongation with mumijo extracts..

• Hormone sensitization: Mumijo increases the Education from Growth hormones and

Sex hormones (testosterone, DHEA) and antioxidant enzymes in endocrine cells. It appears to influence enzymes such as 11β-HSD2 and thus modulate endocrine molecular pathways. The exact pathways are still being investigated (e.g., by the 11β-HSD2 enzyme). a. Nrf2 activation in liver and testes).

• Cellular Energy metabolism: Some Studies interpret to, that Dibenzopyrones targeted

Stabilizing mitochondria and improving energy metabolism (similar to adaptogens). This can counteract fatigue and promote endurance.

• Bone metabolism: Mumijo influenced Osteoclasts and Osteoblasts, allegedly through

Inhibition from RANKL activity and Financial support from OPG (osteoprotective) as well as antioxidant Improvement of bone matrix quality.

Clinical Studies

· Fertility study (Andrologia 2010): Thirty-five oligospermic men received 100 mg of refined shilajit twice daily for 90 days. After three months, 28 participants showed significant improvements in sperm count (+61%), motility, and morphology, as well as a 23.5% increase in serum testosterone. (vs. baseline). Oxidative stress (malondialdehyde) in semen decreased by 18.7%. No side effects were observed.

· Testosterone study (Andrologia 2016): Seventy-five healthy men (45–55 years old) received 250 mg of purified shilajit or placebo twice daily for 90 days. The shilajit group achieved significantly higher levels of total and free testosterone as well as DHEA-S compared to placebo (p < 0.05).&<0.05). LH and FSH remained unchanged, indicating healthy hormonal regulation.

· Sports performance ( J Int Soc Sports Nutr 2019): 63 active men were divided into three groups. (250 mg Shilajit, 500 mg Shilajit, Placebo) for 8 Weeks. After a standardized muscle fatigue protocol broke the maximized isometric Power in the The 500 mg group showed significantly less (-8.9%) than the other groups (-16% and -17%, respectively; p).&<0.05) . At the same time took at 500 mg the Resting hydroxyproline levels (collagen degradation marker) significant away. This Results interpret on better Muscle strength reserves and connective tissue stability through Mumijo there.

· Osteopenia study (Phytomedicine 2022): 98 postmenopausal Women with Patients with age-related osteopenia received a specially standardized mumijo extract (low vs. high dose) or a placebo for one year. In both mumijo groups, lumbar vertebral and hip bone density remained significantly unchanged or increased compared to the placebo (p < 0.01).&<0.001) . marker the Bone turnover (CTX-1, RANKL) fell OPG rose and Inflammation- and oxidation parameters improved significantly This was a randomized, double-blind study (n≈30 per arm) with significant statistical support.

· Antidiabetic Pilot study: That is missing one clinical study to diabetics, but combined Animal studies and observations suggest that Mumijo has a blood sugar-lowering effect. . Traditional becomes Mumijo at diabetes in combination with plant funds used. In addition, there are case reports (e.g. B. via blood glucose regulation) and smaller clinical observations that largely point to the mechanisms and endpoints mentioned above. A systematic Review (2024) comes for the Ending, that Shilajit in the tested cases It is "possibly effective," but further well-designed RCTs are needed. Generally, no serious adverse reactions were observed in the human studies. toxic Effects observed if high purity, tested Mumijo preparations used became.

Possible side effects and interactions

Shilajit is generally considered well-tolerated when used correctly. However, some side effects are known. documented: Above all mild gastrointestinal discomfort isolated cases were reported (nausea, Diarrhea) – This usually occurs with uncleaned raw products. Occasionally, headaches or dizziness may occur. after intake on.

One risk associated with raw shilajit is... ContaminantsRaw shilajit can contain heavy metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium, etc.) and microbial toxins.. Therefore, one should Only tested, standardized and purified mumijo may be used.

Furthermore, shilajit has been shown to increase testosterone and iron levels. People with hemochromatosis (an iron metabolism disorder) should avoid shilajit or only take it on the advice of a doctor.

Allergic reactions are possible, as with any herbal preparation, but extremely rare.

No interactions between Shilajit and other medications are currently known.

However, based on the available data, one should bblood sugar lowering agents Combine carefully, as Shilajit itself has a blood sugar-lowering effect (see above). In the Animal studies improved itself The effect of glibenclamide and metformin under shilajit (synergism), which can be useful on the one hand, but may require dose adjustments on the other.