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

Main ingredients are humic substances (especially fulvic acid and other humic acids), bioactive Dibenzopyrone derivatives (Dibenzo-α-pyrones, often as Chromoproteins of proteins bound) as well as numerous Minerals and Trace elements. Approximately 80–85 % of organic mass from humic substances, 15–20 % from non-humic compounds. Typical Shares are around 18–20 % mineral salts (e.g. B. Fe, Ca, Mg, Zn), 13–17 % Proteins/Enzymes (e.g. a. amylases), 4–5 % fat, 1–2 % Carbohydrates and a.

In addition, hundreds of organic substances have been detected in Mumijo (alkaloids, organic acids, hormones, vitamins B1, B12, etc.). The following are considered to be particularly active substances: Fulvo-humic acids (metabolites of plants) and dibenzoaromatic pyrone complexes, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.

Traditional Application and modern Research

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

Modern scientific research focuses on these traditional indications and examines them with regard to biological active ingredients. In vitro and animal studies show that fulvic acid and dibenzopyrone complexes in mumijo antioxidant works (d.h. neutralize free radicals and increase glutathione levels) and anti-inflammatory Effects In particular, fulvic acid protects cells from oxidative stress and can amyloid 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).

Further studies show a anti-diabetic effect (improved insulin sensitivity, lowering blood sugar), presumably via activation of the Nrf2 pathway and strengthening of antioxidant cell protection. At the same time, Investigations on one stimulating Effect on the endocrine System: So increased Mumijo in animal models and in humans 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- inflammatory properties and blocks the aggregation of tau protein in vitro. In addition, mumijo stabilizes mitochondrial functions and protects nerve cells. Initial pilot research suggests that mumijo has neuroprotective effects and may prevent age-related cognitive Deficits mitigate can. So commented one Review article: "Mumijo is a very safe dietary supplements, the energetic balancing works and apparently cognitive disorders of the Aging process influenced". So far miss however larger clinical Studies in dementia or Alzheimer's disease; current research (mostly preclinical) explores the exact molecular Effect.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect

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

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

Disturbances of the Carbohydrate metabolism (Diabetes)

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

Human clinical studies in Diabetes are still pending, but these results indicate that Mumijo has insulin action and oxidative Cell protection improved. Therefore becomes reminded, at simultaneous Intake from When used in conjunction with mumijo and diabetes medications, blood glucose should be closely monitored to avoid hypoglycemia. Mechanistically, mumijo may 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 male fertility can increase – a traditional field of application. In a randomized, placebo-controlled study with 35 oligosperms Men (90 days, 100 mg Shilajit twice daily), sperm count (+61%), sperm motility, and the proportion of normal sperm improved significantly compared to baseline. At the same time, the oxidative stress marker MDA in the ejaculate (-18.7%) and both total testosterone (+23.5%) and FSH levels increased significantly. Liver and kidney values remained stable, suggesting the safety of the drug at the given dosage.

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

Muscle performance and fatigue

A double-blind, placebo-controlled study on 63 healthy men tested the effect of 8 weeks of Shilajit (250 vs. 500 mg/day) on muscular strength and recovery. After an exhaustion protocol (leg extension strength test), men who consumed 500 mg Shilajit daily, experienced a significantly lower loss of strength (-8.9 % vs. ~16–17 % in the comparison groups). In addition, the resting serum 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 strengthening 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 of the Femoral neck (FN) density decreased as expected. However, in the mumijo group, density remained stable or even increased significantly. At the same time, various bone metabolism markers normalized in the mumijo arm: bone degradation 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 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 capture reactive oxygen radicals 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 proinflammatory Signaling pathways (e.g. B. NF-κB) and

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

• Neuroprotection: In vitro, fulvic acid inhibits the aggregation of tau protein, a key factor in Alzheimer's disease. It also promotes neuronal survival and can positively modulate nerve growth factors. Experiments on neurons showed increased neurite extension under 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 affect enzymes such as 11β-HSD2 and thus modulate endocrine molecular pathways. The exact pathways are still being investigated (e.g. a. Nrf2 activation in liver and testes).

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

Stabilize mitochondria and improve 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 Shilajit (refined) twice daily for 90 days. After 3 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 adverse 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). LH and FSH remained unchanged, indicating healthy hormonal regulation.

· Sports performance ( J Int Soc Sports Nutrition 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 500 mg group was significantly less (-8.9%) than in 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 placebo for 1 year. In both mumijo groups, lumbar vertebrae and hip bone density were significantly maintained or increased compared to placebo (p<0.001). . marker of the Bone turnover (CTX-1, RANKL) fell, OPG rose, and Inflammatory and oxidativity parameters improved significantly This was a randomized double-blind study (n≈30 per arm) with significant statistical power.

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

Possible side effects and interactions

Shilajit is considered to be well tolerated when used correctly. However, some side effects documented: Above all mild gastrointestinal complaints were reported occasionally (nausea, Diarrhea) – mostly with unpurified raw product. Occasionally headaches or dizziness occur after Intake on.

A risk with raw Shilajit is Contamination: Raw Shilajit may contain heavy metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium, etc.) and microbial toxins. Therefore, only tested, standardized and purified mumijo should be used.

Shilajit has also been shown to increase testosterone and iron levels. People with hemochromatosis (iron metabolism disorder) should avoid shilajit or only take it on medical advice.

As with any herbal preparation, allergic reactions are possible, but extremely rare.

Interactions between Shilajit and other medications are not yet known.

However, based on the available data, one shouldglucose-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 on the one hand can be useful, but on the other hand may require dosage adjustments.