EGG YOLK OIL NATURES MAGIC

INGREDIENT!!

Maintaining healthy skin and hair is a challenge these days given the heat, dust, pollution, stress and long
working hours in air-conditioned surroundings. Artificial (chemical) hair and skin treatments are not the
permanent solutions for everyday wear & tear. In fact, chemicals damage the hair and skin irreparably. To
fight this challenge, nature has blessed us with a promising ingredient in the form of egg oil.
Egg oil also known as Egg yolk oil (Urdu: Roghan Baiza Murg) extracted from yolk of chicken eggs -mainly contains triglycerides with cholesterol and phospholipids. Studies have shown that cholesterol is
essential for the skin and hair. Egg Oil is a high quality and functional source for highly bio-available
cholesterol. Cholesterol is readily absorbed into the skin and scalp. Personal care products containing
cholesterol have shown great promise in healing dry and damaged skin.
Egg Oil is also rich in essential poly unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) like Omega-3 & Omega-6. These fatty
acids are essential to maintain the normal growth of cells.
Happy And Healthy Skin
Skin is an audacious organ. It protects us from environmental challenges and infection. Having a healthy skin is the
most important aspect of good health. It is ironic how we use chemicals for repairing our skin and they instead
damage it beyond repair. Egg oil has all the properties that replenish the skin.

It is an excellent emollient and has the properties of a moisturizer because of which it is used in a variety
of cosmetic preparations such as creams, ointments and lotions. It helps the texture, lubricating and antifriction properties of these creams and lotions. It is also a penetration enhancer which makes it an
important ingredient in sun-screen products. Egg oil acts as a compatible dermatological agent. With fine
spreading, it reduces the scaling effect of many cosmetic formulations, thus helping to avoid heat
congestion. Testing indicates that Egg Oil exhibits anti-inflammatory & anti-bacterial properties. Studies
also indicate that Egg Oil may dramatically reduce scarring and reduce the appearance of aging scars.
As an occlusive agent, egg oil protects against dehydration without disturbing the pores and is easily
incorporated in topical preparations since it forms stable oil in water emulsions. . In a scientific study done
on human skin cells, it was found that after 24 hours Egg Oil treated cells produced less Reactive Oxygen
Species (ROS). ROS is the major cause of ageing. Hence, egg oil has potent anti ageing properties. Thus
egg oil has a dramatic ability to nourish, moisturize and improve the condition of the skin while
maintaining youthful glow.
Egg oil is used in products meant for the treatment of burns and wounds because of its excellent healing
and anti-inflammatory properties. Whenever there is any injury or infection, inflammation ensues.
Inflammation is a protective attempt by the organism to remove the injurious stimuli and to initiate the

healing process. Without inflammation, wounds and infections would never heal. Inflammation involves
pain. Redness, heat or fever and swelling, all these are signals for the soldiers of the body or the white
blood cells to gear up for action. The major mediator of inflammatory response is a molecule called
interleukin 8 or IL 8. Egg oil was found to stimulate the release of IL 8. Thus Egg Oil stimulates the
inflammatory processes and inhibits bacterial growth at the site of injury and also reduces pain.
Egg oil aids re-epithilisation and it was found that the wound closes earlier in burn patients treated with
egg oil than those treated with silver sulfadiazine ointment, the later being commonly used. The biological
effectiveness of egg oil was tested in patients with scars. Egg oil improved blood circulation in the scar
tissue and also in the adjacent healthy tissue. It minimized the formation of scars.

Oil For Naturally Beautiful Hair

Beautiful hair is a much coveted accessory. Egg oil helps the hair to recreate itself and maintains the
texture of hair with the presence of the important elements. Egg oil is an excellent natural hair nutrient for
dry scalp which nourishes hair and promotes growth of healthy hair giving natural softness. It is ideal for
use in hair care since as it acts as a humectants drawing moisture in as it conditions. Egg oil averts falling
of hair, prevents premature graying and strengthens hair with regular use. It has superior nourishing and
conditioning property which help in reducing the onset of premature hair loss. Egg oil also promotes the
growth of new hair by nourishing the hair roots.

Tried And Tested Since Millenia!

Egg oil is a completely natural product. It finds its reference in texts that date back to thousands of years.
Egg oil also has its reference in Alchemy (originated circa 400 BC) in regard to its effectiveness in
regeneration of skin and cell membranes. OLEOVA has been used in treating wounds and injuries since
centuries. Ambroise Par used a solution of egg yolk, oil of roses, and turpentine for war wounds, an old
method that the Romans had discovered 1000 years before him. He published his first book 'The method
of curing wounds caused by arquebus and firearms' in 1545. It aids faster healing by re-epithilisation,
keeping the wound sterile due to its anti-bacterial action and minimizes scars. In Indian, Japanese,
Chinese and the 2000 year old Unani-tibb or Greek system of medicine (Roghan Baiza Murgh), egg oil
was traditionally used as a treatment for hair care. For treatment of Scabies in Spain, Oil of Egg Yolk was
used along with oil of castor and roses in ancient Andalusia.

It Is Natural, It Is Safe!

VAV Life Sciences has developed a cold process technology to extract egg yolk oil from chicken eggs.
This process does not use any chemicals and preserves the therapeutic properties of the oil. This novel
ingredient branded as OLEOVA (Egg Oil) has a distinct advantage of being safe to use even by people
allergic to eggs since it is free of egg proteins.VAV Life Sciences Pvt Ltd is a pioneering name in the field
of Active pharmaceuticals Ingredients (APIs), food ingredients and nutritional supplements.
Authored

by:

Stuti Singh
VAV
51/B

Life
Mittal

Sciences
Court,

Pvt.
224

Nariman

Ltd.
Point

Mumbai-400021
Phone:

+91

22

E-Mail:

22836802,

Fax:

+91

22

22836809

stuti@vav.in

Website: www.oleova.com ; www.vav.in

Add as bookmark

Therapeutic Properties of Oleova (Egg Yolk Oil)

by Stuti Singh(more info)
listed in skincare, originally published in issue 196 - July 2012

Today we face the challenge of chronic conditions that modern life has created. Heat, dust, pollution,
stress and long working hours in air-conditioned surroundings have made it tough to maintain and
defend our health and beauty. To worsen the situation, a number of toxic chemicals are being
indiscriminately used in regular cosmetic products which most of us swear by. It's proven scientifically
that chemicals in cosmetics are linked to disorders like dermatoid allergies, cancer and birth defects.
Most of these chemicals are not listed by manufacturers in the ingredients list. Phthalates, parabens,
toulene, diethanolamine, sodium lauryl sulphate top the charts of the harmful chemicals in cosmetic
products. As a customer we fail to look beyond the media hype when a product is launched and are
largely unaware of the presence of such chemicals in our creams, lotions and shampoo. These
cosmetics in which we place our trust for healing our body actually damage it irreparably. Artificial
cosmetics blemish rather than replenish the skin in the long run.

Natural is the Way to Go

Natural cosmetics whose worth was not gauged earlier have become relevant today. Natural cosmetic
ingredients are those which are obtained directly from nature or derived from something found
naturally. Natural ingredients have a large potential of healing without any side-effects. One such
natural ingredient whose potential is not fully realized is oil from chickens egg yolk. Egg oil also has
its reference in Alchemy (originated circa 400 BC) in regard to its effectiveness in regeneration of skin
and cell membranes. Egg yolk oil (Oleova) mainly contains triglycerides with cholesterol and
phospholipids. The star ingredients of egg yolk oil are Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids a.k.a. the
poly unsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). These are classified as the essential fatty acids since the human
body cannot synthesize them and they need to be supplemented from outside.

Be Egged With Egg Oil (Oleova)

Egg oil is a miracle ingredient that nature has blessed us with. It works wonders for both cosmetic
applications like hair care, skin care, anti ageing and also for medicinal applications like treatment of
burns and wounds.

Glow Natural
Skin is the largest organ of the body. Any chemical applied on skin will find the largest surface area to
enter the body. A very simple test to see how readily our skin absorbs, rub garlic on the sole of your
feet and within 20 minutes the odour fills the mouth! From the skin the chemical readily enters the
bloodstream. Majority of these chemicals are toxic and many are carcinogenic. So by using artificial
cosmetics on skin we are simply loading our body with toxins.
Egg oil makes for an excellent ingredient in a skin cream formulation. It is an excellent emollient and
has the properties of a moisturizer because of which it is used in a variety of cosmetic preparations
such as creams, ointments and lotions. It helps the texture, lubricating and anti-friction properties of
these creams and lotions. It is also a penetration enhancer which makes it an important ingredient in
sun-screen products. Egg oil acts as a compatible dermatological agent. With fine spreading, it
reduces the scaling effect of many cosmetic formulations, thus helping to avoid heat congestion.
Testing indicates that egg oil exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. As an occlusive
agent, egg oil protects against dehydration without disturbing the pores and is easily incorporated in
topical preparations since it forms stable oil in water emulsions. Thus egg oil has a dramatic ability to
nourish, moisturize and improve the condition of the skin.

Returning to the Roots

Everyday our hair are exposed to dust and pollution. Chemical treatments like colouring, rebonding,
perming further adversely affect hair. To get beautiful, long and healthy hair seems like a dream. Egg
oil can help make this dream come true. In Indian, Japanese, Chinese and the 2000 year old Unanitibb or Greek system of medicine (Roghan Baiza Murgh), egg oil was traditionally used as a treatment
for hair care. The properties of egg oil create the needed impact on dull and dry hair. Egg oil helps the
hair to recreate itself and maintains the texture of hair with the presence of the important elements.
Egg oil is an excellent natural hair nutrient for dry scalp which nourishes hair and promotes growth of
healthy hair giving natural softness. It is ideal for use in hair care since as it acts as a humectants
drawing moisture in as it conditions. Egg oil averts falling of hair, prevents premature greying and
strengthens hair with regular use. It has superior nourishing and conditioning property which help in
reducing the onset of premature hair loss. Egg oil also promotes the growth of new hair by nourishing
the hair roots.

Whos Counting? - Stay Young Forever

Ageing may be inevitable, but the rate at which one ages is in ones hands. While it is true that genes
may be partially responsible for determining the time at which ageing could start, nature and
nurture are the key to slow down the process. Cells, the most basic body unit, are at the centre of
any discussion about ageing. Except for the cells of the heart, nerves, and muscles which cannot
reproduce, all other cells have short life spans and are continually replaced by new cells in the body.
Over time, cell death outpaces cell production, leaving the body with fewer cells.
As a result, we are less capable of repairing the wear and tear on the body and our immune system is
compromised. We become more susceptible to infections and less proficient at seeking out and
destroying mutant cells that could cause cancerous tumours.
Free radicals are destructive marauders roving the body, ready to pounce on healthy cells. They are
produced as part of the millions of chemical reactions the body performs to sustain life. Our body also
makes them in response to environmental toxins such as excessive amounts of unprotected sunlight
and cigarette smoke. As unbalanced, reactive oxygen species (ROS), they sacrifice healthy cells to
make themselves more stable. In doing so, free radicals destroy or alter the DNA - the cell's genetic
blueprint - and disrupt many other cell functions. Free radicals may kill cells as a result of their
marauding, or they may give rise to mutant cells that can lead to chronic conditions including cancer
and heart disease. Fortunately, the body maintains a sophisticated defence system against free
radicals comprising of enzymes like catalase, which destroy the free radicals.
Egg Oil influences the production and sequestering of free radicals. In a scientific study done on
human skin cells, it was found that after 24 h Egg Oil-treated cells produced less ROS. Egg oil
increases the production of catalase which acts as a scavenger of free radicals or ROS. Also, Egg oil
stimulates breathing of cells. Cells incubated with egg oil overnight showed an increase in oxygen
consumption. More oxygen means more energy for the cell.
Studies have shown that Egg oil stimulates re-epithelialization. In an experiment, skin cells were
grown to confluency and a rim was left free of cells. On incubating with Egg oil for two days, this
previously cell-free area was covered by growing cells. Hence, a speeding up of cell growth was
observed.
Whenever there is any injury or infection, inflammation ensues. Inflammation is a protective attempt
by the organism to remove the injurious stimuli and to initiate the healing process. Redness, heat or
fever and swelling are all signals for the white blood cells to gear up for action. The major mediator of
inflammatory response is a molecule called interleukin 8 or IL 8. Egg oil has been found to stimulate
the release of IL 8.

Burned for Life?-Not Anymore with Egg Oil

A burn injury is one of the most complicated, painful and worst injuries one can suffer. Skin protects
us from harmful elements and microbes. It also protects internal body tissues against injury. The skin
helps the human body regulate its body temperature through the process of perspiration, and it also
has thousands of nerve endings that allow us to feel temperature and pressure. When damaged,
these functions are severely impaired which causes severe pain and discomfort to the injured person.
Severe burn injuries can also leave the human body more susceptible to infection and diseases.
Survivors of burn accident suffer from extraordinary psychological trauma due to physical
disfigurement apart from the physical pain. For many the ordeal is too much to survive through. The

incidence of suicide among burn victims is quite high. Those who do survive the physical and
psychological torture are scarred for life and needless to say that this whole process is arduous for
them.
Egg oil is a life saver for burn patients. It is a natural emollient and can be used externally on burns. It
reduces pain and aids faster healing by re-epithelialization keeping the wound sterile due to its antibacterial action. It is also a useful first aid treatment for immediate pain relief and prevention of
blisters. The essential fatty acids of the yolk are responsible for the reduction in catabolism as well as
increased matrix synthesis and promotion of new skin growth. This minimizes the scar formation. As
opposed to skin grafting, egg oil does not change the texture of the new skin. It is also useful in
treating burns caused by radiations such as those caused during cancer treatment.
These properties of egg oil make it suitable for treatment of wounds as well. Egg oil has been used in
treating wounds and injuries since centuries. Ambroise Par used a solution of egg yolk, oil of roses,
and turpentine for war wounds, an old method that the Romans had discovered 1000 years before
him. He published his first book The method of curing wounds caused by arquebus and firearms in
1545.

How to Get Egg Oil?

Among other processes, one way of extracting oil from eggs is a cold process technology without the
use of any chemicals, which preserves the therapeutic properties of the egg oil thus making it very
suitable for several applications in dermatology and cosmetology. Mumbai-based biotechnology
research firm VAV Life Sciences has developed the technology and the product Oleova is available in
the market. Additionally, Oleova is free of egg proteins and therefore can be used easily even by
people who are allergic to eggs.

Comments:
1.

Nadia said..
How can I order this egg oil ? It is in India and I am in New York USA - will anyone call me do
I can have it sent here? Nadia 516-610-7285

2.

Clare Fields said..

Where can I purchase Oleova? I am in CA.
Thank you for your time and attention,
Clare

3.

Clara said..
Can you use this directly on the skin or is it just for mixing in recipes?

4.

Stephen said..
I woul dike to purchase Oleova for my skin. 1 gallon or 1/2 Gallon or 1 Liter or 1/2 liter.....
small amounts as well. please tell me about prices....

5.

Stuti said..
Hello. Thank you all for your comments. For procuring this product please send an email to
marketing@vav.in.
To know more about this product send and email to stuti@vav.in

6.

mida said..
How can I purchase this product? Please advice.

7.

4 Sure Skin Care India said..

Therapeutic Ultrasound is a method of stimulating tissue beneath the skin's surface using
sound waves. It is a very high frequency massage that can penetrate up to 5" below the
surface of your skin.
The heating and massaging effects of Therapeutic Ultrasound have 3 primary benefits:
Ultrasound therapy increases blood flow in the treated area which speeds the healing
process.
Ultrasound Therapy reduces swelling and edema which are the main sources of pain.
Ultrasound waves gently massage the muscles, tendons and/or ligaments in the treated
area. This enhances the recovery rate of damaged tissue without adding strain, and softens
any scar tissue that is usually present in an injured area.
What can be treated with Ultrasound?
An incredibly wide variety of ailments are treated using ultrasound. Essentially, anywhere
there is a desire to promote blood circulation and reduce swelling and edema, ultrasound will
help, like Tendon Injuries, Muscle Injuries and Ligament Injuries.
For Product (Handheld Massagers) inquiries contact 4 Sure Skin Care India, Mumbai.

8.

Deb said..

I have read this article and as a practicing beauty therapist/esthetician and interested in using
and creating natural active skincare products found this to be of particular benefit.

9.

Amish Dalal said..

You can send me your enquiries at sales @ vav.in for a prompt quote.
Amish

10. Kkoun said..

I am located in Texas, USA. How can I get this product Oleova? Is it available online?

11. RAJKUMAR HARLALKA said..

phenomenal product .

12. Prashant Agrawal said..

Seems like a magical ingredient, a solution to all skin issues.

Edit Article

How to Make Egg Oil at Home

You can make Egg oil (Urdu:Roghan Baiza Murgh) at home for cosmetic use in
hair care and skin care. Egg oil is useful for treating acne, hair fall, graying and
aging. It is a safer alternative to using egg yolks directly since they may be
contaminated with salmonella (bacteria) which can induce severe inflammation.
Ad

Ingredients

6 chicken eggs

Steps
1.

<img alt="Make Egg Oil at Home Step 1.jpg"

src="http://pad1.whstatic.com/images/thumb/e/ec/Make-Egg-Oil-at-HomeStep-1.jpg/670px-Make-Egg-Oil-at-Home-Step-1.jpg" width="670"
height="487">

1
Hard boil 6 eggs for 15 - 20 minutes. Peel after natural cooling and cut in
halves.
Ad

2.

<img alt="Make Egg Oil at Home Step 2.jpg"

src="http://pad3.whstatic.com/images/thumb/7/7c/Make-Egg-Oil-at-HomeStep-2.jpg/670px-Make-Egg-Oil-at-Home-Step-2.jpg" width="670"
height="487">

2
Separate the yolk (yellow portion) from the whites (albumen) with a
spoon. You may use the whites for any food application instead of wasting.

3.

<img alt="Make Egg Oil at Home Step 3.jpg"

src="http://pad1.whstatic.com/images/thumb/6/6a/Make-Egg-Oil-at-HomeStep-3.jpg/670px-Make-Egg-Oil-at-Home-Step-3.jpg" width="670"
height="487">

3
Mash the yolk into a shallow frying pan. Try to break down as finely as
possible.

4.

<img alt="Make Egg Oil at Home Step 4.jpg"

src="http://pad1.whstatic.com/images/thumb/c/c6/Make-Egg-Oil-at-HomeStep-4.jpg/670px-Make-Egg-Oil-at-Home-Step-4.jpg" width="670"
height="487">

4
Heat on low flame. Continue to cook until the entire mass becomes dark
and starts to smoke/smell. Stir and mash periodically.

5.

<img alt="Make Egg Oil at Home Step 5.jpg"

src="http://pad1.whstatic.com/images/thumb/d/d7/Make-Egg-Oil-at-HomeStep-5.jpg/670px-Make-Egg-Oil-at-Home-Step-5.jpg" width="670"
height="487">

Persist. Continue heating until all the proteins are burnt black and the oil
oozes out. It will take a long time before this happens. At this stage you will
observe a lot of pungent smoke.

6.

<img alt="Make Egg Oil at Home Step 6.jpg"

src="http://pad3.whstatic.com/images/thumb/b/b7/Make-Egg-Oil-at-HomeStep-6.jpg/670px-Make-Egg-Oil-at-Home-Step-6.jpg" width="670"
height="487">

6
Cool. Allow the pan to cool to room temperature.

7.

<img alt="Make Egg Oil at Home Step 7.jpg"

src="http://pad1.whstatic.com/images/thumb/3/32/Make-Egg-Oil-at-HomeStep-7.jpg/670px-Make-Egg-Oil-at-Home-Step-7.jpg" width="670"
height="487">

7
Filter the oil. Squeeze the oil, filter it through a fine cloth or a strainer. Store
in a clean, dry glass or ceramic (not metal or plastic) bottle. Use a nylon or
synthetic cloth to filter as cotton tends to absorb a lot of oil which would be
wasted. If there are any solid particles you see in the oil, filter again to ensure
you have only clear, transparent oil. Avoid any exposure to water or dipping
anything inside the bottle for a longer life. You can store refrigerated up to
three years or at room temperature up to one year. If handled carefully, the
oil remains sterile up to 5 years.

8.

<img alt="Make Egg Oil at Home Step 8.jpg"

src="http://pad1.whstatic.com/images/thumb/1/1f/Make-Egg-Oil-at-HomeStep-8.jpg/670px-Make-Egg-Oil-at-Home-Step-8.jpg" width="670"
height="487">

8
Utilise. Use this oil for a head massage once a week for hair fall, dandruff &
graying or to treat acne. Always use a clean, dry spoon to prevent moisture
contamination.

You can also use this oil on minor burns, cuts and wounds.

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Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society
2005, Volume 82, Issue 8, pp 565-569

Extraction of egg-yolk lecithin

Luz E. Palacios,

Tong Wang

130a0df57d250d

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Luz E. Palacios, T Journal of the Am

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Extraction of egg

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Abstract
In this research, the extraction of egg-yolk lecithin with ethanol was studied. Extraction was
performed with deoiled and undeoiled yolks and with heated and unheated yolks. The yield of
the extracted fraction relative to the initial material, phospholipid (PL) purity, and cholesterol
content of both the PC-enriched fractions and the remaining PL fractions were determined. The
yield and PL purity of the PC-enriched fractions obtained from the undeoiled yolks were 23.9
and 35.7%, and those obtained from deoiled yolks were 13.5 and 53.3%. The recovery of total
PL in the two fractions was higher from the undeoiled (70%) than from the deoiled yolks (60%).
However, heating had a negligible effect on PL extraction. Better enrichment of PC was
observed by extraction from the undeoiled than from the deoiled yolks. The cholesterol content
of the PC-enriched fraction obtained from the undeoiled yolks was much higher than that from
the deoiled yolks.
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SHILAJIT 401
Copyright 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Phytother. Res. 21, 401405 (2007)
DOI: 10.1002/ptr
Copyright 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH
Phytother. Res. 21, 401405 (2007)
Published online 13 February 2007 in Wiley InterScience
(www.interscience.wiley.com) DOI: 10.1002/ptr.2100

REVIEW ARTICLE

Shilajit: A Review
Suraj P. Agarwal, Rajesh Khanna1*, Ritesh Karmarkar, Md. Khalid Anwer and
Roop K. Khar
Department of Pharmaceutics, Jamia Hamdard (Hamdard University), Hamdard Nagar, New Delhi 110062, India

Present address: Dabur Research Foundation, 22, Site IV, Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh_ 201010, India

Shilajit is a pale-brown to blackish-brown exudation, of variable consistency, exuding from

layers of rocks in
many mountain ranges of the world, especially the Himalayas and Hindukush ranges of the
Indian subcontinent.
It has been found to consist of a complex mixture of organic humic substances and plant
and microbial
metabolites occurring in the rock rhizospheres of its natural habitat. Shilajit has been used
as a rejuvenator
and an adaptogen for thousands of years, in one form or another, as part of traditional
systems of medicine
in a number of countries. Many therapeutic properties have been ascribed to it, a number
of which have been
verified by modern scientific evaluation. Shilajit has been attributed with many miraculous
healing properties.
Copyright 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Keywords: Shilajit; humic substances; Ayurvedic rasayan; adaptogen.
Received 12 October 2006
Revised 24 November 2006
Accepted 11 December 2006
* Correspondence to: Rajesh Khanna, Dabur Research Foundation, 22,
Site IV, Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201010, India.
E-mail: khannar@dabur.com
Contract/grant sponsor: UGC, New Delhi.
Contract/grant sponsor: CSIR, New Delhi.

mainstream medicine if their claims are evaluated

scientifically and documented systematically.
Shilajit is one such remedy, which has been in use as
a folk medicine for over 3000 years as a rejuvenator
and adaptogen (Sharma, 1978). It has been used by
Vaidyas and Hakims for ages and has a unique place
in the ancient texts. It has been said that there is hardly
any curable disease that cannot be controlled or cured
with the aid of shilajit. Although this is a tall order,
scientific studies over the past 2025 years have shown
that it is indeed a panacea in traditional medicine,
effective in a number of ailments. This is a brief review
of the ancient claims for this panacea and the modern
scientific findings that have validated these claims.
Shilajit mainly consists of paleohumus (around 80
85%) and organic compounds derived from vegetation
fossils that have been compressed under layers of rocks
for hundreds of years and have undergone a high
amount of metamorphosis due to the high temperature
and pressure conditions prevalent there (Ghosal et al.,
1991a; Ghosal et al., 1997; Ghosal et al., 1993b).
During warm summer months, shilajit become less
viscous and flows out between the layers of rocks.
INTRODUCTION
Shilajit, also known as salajit, shilajatu, mumie or
mummiyo is a pale-brown to blackish-brown exudation,
of variable consistency, from layers of rocks
in many mountain ranges of the world, especially the
Himalayan ranges of the Indian subcontinent (Kong
et al., 1987; Srivastava et al., 1988) (Fig. 1). It is also
found in Russia, Tibet, Norway and other countries,
where it is collected in small quantities from steep
rock faces at altitudes between 1000 and 5000 m. Shilajit
samples from different region of the world, however,

vary in their physiological properties.

Shilajit, an ancient traditional medicine has been
ascribed a number of pharmacological activities and
has been used for ages as a rejuvenator and for treating
a number of disease conditions (Acharya et al., 1988).
Modern scientific research has systematically validated
a number of properties of shilajit and has proven that
shilajit is truly a panacea in Oriental medicine (Chopra
et al., 1958; Ghosal, 1993). Since there are a number
of such remedies described in our ancient texts, it is
imperative that research is carried out in order to
validate their claims and uses.
Traditional medicine is an integral part of the health
care system in a number of developing countries including
India. There are a number of natural remedies,
which have been in use for ages in Asian countries but
unfortunately lack systematic scientific evaluation and
documentation. The world today is looking at these
remedies for a number of ailments. However, these
remedies can only find a place for themselves in the
Figure 1. Rock shilajit in its raw form.

Copyright 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Phytother. Res. 21, 401405 (2007)
DOI: 10.1002/ptr

402 S. P. AGARWAL ET AL.

SHILAJIT IN ANCIENT TEXTS

Shilajit has been used for thousands of years, in one
form or another, under the indigenous systems of medicine
such as Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani. It is bitter in
taste and its smell resembles pungent cows stale urine
(Ghosal, 1994; Ghosal et al., 1995e). It has various
synonyms. In Sanskrit, it is called Silajit or Silaras, adrija,
girija (all meaning derived from rock). In English, it is
called asphalt, mineral pitch or Jews pitch. In Hindi,
Gujarati and Marathi, it is called Silajita, Shilajit. In
Bengali, it is called Silajatu. In Arabic, it is called Hajarulmusa. It is also called, Momio in Persian, myemu in
Russian and mumie in German (Chopra et al., 1958;
Ghosal, 1993; Ghosal et al., 2000). The Sanskrit meaning
of shilajit is Conqueror of mountain and destroyer
of weakness. There are several other terms for shilajit
such as dathuras, dathusara, shiladhatu, etc have been
used in ancient medical texts. The word dhatu was used
as a synonym of shilajit simply to emphasize its capability
as rasayana, which increases the activity of the
sapthadhatus of the body (Tewari et al., 1973).
VARIETIES OF SHILAJIT
There are four different varieties of shilajit which have
been described in charka samhita, namely savrana, rajat,
tamra and lauha shilajit. Savrana shilajit is gold shilajit
and is red in colour. Tamra is a copper shilajit and is
blue in colour. Rajat is a silver shilajit and is white in
colour while the lauha shilajit is an iron-containing
shilajit and is brownish-black in colour. Tamra and
savrana shilajit are not found commonly but the
last variety, i.e. lauha shilajit is commonly found in
Himalayan ranges and is supposed to be most effective

according to the therapeutic point of view (Ghosal

et al., 1995b, 1995c; Sharma, 1978; Chopra et al., 1958).
ORIGIN OF SHILAJIT
There are many scientists who claim that shilajit exuding
from a layer of rocks of mountains is basically of
vegetative origin (Chopra et al., 1958; Shakir et al., 1965).
Ancient texts of Sushruta samhita and rasarangini also
focus on these points. It has been mentioned in Sushruta
samhita that in the month of MayJune the sap or latex
juice of plant emerges as a gummy exudation from the
rocks of mountains due to the strong heat of the sun,
and Rasarangini and Dwarishtarang also claim that
shilajit is an exudation of latex gum resin, etc. of plants
which comes from rocks of mountains under the presence
of harsh scorching heat. But exact scientific proof
on the origin of shilajit remains incomplete.
There are a number of hypotheses about the origin
of shilajit (Joshi et al., 1994). Early scientific work carried
out on shilajit showed that it is mainly composed
of humus the characteristic constituents of soil
together with other organic constituents. Latex bearing
plants, namely Euphorbia royleana Boiss and Trifoleum
repens which occur in the vicinity of the shilajit bearing
rocks are thought to be the most likely source of shilajit
(Ghosal et al., 1976; Ghosal et al., 1988b). Other recent
research claims that the mosses of species such as
Barbula, Fissidenc, Minium, Thuidium and species of
Liverworts like Asterella, Dumortiera, Marchantia,
Pellia, Plagiochasma and Stephenrencella-Anthoceros
were present in the vicinity of shilajit-exuding rocks
and these bryophytes are responsible for the formation
of shilajit (Joshi et al., 1994). The bryophytes reveal the
occurrence of minerals and metals in their tissues such
as copper, silver, zinc, iron, lead etc, which are similar
to the elements present in shilajit.
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS
Extensive research has been carried out to determine
the exact chemical nature of shilajit. Earlier work
on shilajit showed that its major organic constituents
included benzoic acid, hippuric acid, fatty acids, resin
and waxy materials, gums, albuminoids and vegetable
matter with benzoic acid being the active ingredient
(Kong et al., 1987; Ghosal et al., 1976). Extensive research
in the 1980s showed that the major organic mass
of shilajit comprised humus (6080%) along with other
components such as benzoic acid, hippuric acid, fatty
acid, ichthyol, ellagic acid, resin, triterpenes, sterol,
aromatic carboxylic acid, 3,4-benzocoumarins, amino
acids and phenolic lipids (Ghosal et al., 1988b). The
major physiological action of shilajit was found to
be due to the presence of the bioactive dibenzoalphapyrones along with humic and fulvic acids which
acted as carrier molecules for the active ingredients
(Ghosal, 1990; Ghosal, 1980).
The composition of shilajit is influenced by factors

such as the plant-species involved, the geological nature

of the rock, local temperature profiles, humidity and
altitude, etc. For example, it was found that shilajit
obtained from India in the region of Kumoan contains
a higher percentage of fulvic acids (21.4%) compared
with shilajit obtained from Nepal (15.4%), Pakistan
(15.5%) and Russia (19.0%). On the other hand, the
bioactive low molecular compound is found in high
quantities in shilajit obtained from Nepal. Similarly
the pH of 1% aqueous solutions varied in the shilajit
obtained from different countries, namely, 6.2 for India
(Kumoan), 7.5 for Nepal (Dolpa), 6.8 for Pakistan
(Peshawar) and 8.2 for Russia (Tien-Shan). Similarly,
humic constituents in shilajit samples obtained from
these countries also varied (Ghosal et al., 1991b).
PURIFICATION AND FORMULATION OF
SHILAJIT
Modern research has shown that shilajit in its natural
form is often contaminated by varying amounts of
impurities such as mycotoxins, heavy metal ions, polymeric
quinones, reactive free radicals, etc. Mycotoxins
are produced by mold or fungi and can cause illness or
death in man. Free radicals can be harmful to cells and
are believed to be a causative factor in aging. Polymeric
quinones are an oxidation product of quinic acid
which is found in some plants. Hence, it is necessary to
purify the shilajit before it is consumed. The findings
SHILAJIT 403

Copyright 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Phytother. Res. 21, 401405 (2007)
DOI: 10.1002/ptr

are consistent with the ancient texts which recommend

the purification of shilajit before consumption (Ghosal
et al., 1996).
USES OF SHILAJIT IN TRADITIONAL
MEDICINE
Shilajit has an important and unique place in traditional
texts such as Ayurveda Siddha and Unani medicine.
Shilajit is prescribed to treat genitourinary disorder,
jaundice, gallstone, digestive disorders, enlarged spleen,
epilepsy, nervous disorder, chronic bronchitis, anemia.
Shilajit is given along with milk to treat diabetes. Shilajit
has also been ascribed a potent aphrodisiac property.
According to Ayurveda, shilajit arrests the process of
aging and produces rejuvenation which are two important
aspects of an Ayurvedic rasayana (Ghosal, 1990).
Shilajit is useful for treating kidney stones, oedema,
piles, internal antiseptic, adiposity, to reduce fat and
anorexia. Shilajit is prescribed along with guggul to treat
fractures. It is believed that it goes to the joints and
forms a callus quickly. The same combination is also
used to treat osteoarthritis and spondylitis.
Shilajit is also used as yogavaha (Ghosal et al., 1991b;
Ghosal et al., 1995c) (yogavaha is an agent which
enhances the property of other drugs). Shilajit is soaked
in the decoction of one or more of the following plants as
this is said to increase their efficacy: Shoria robusta (sala),

Bachanania lactifolia (piala), Acacia fernesiana (acacia),

Terminalia tomentosa (asana), Catechu nigrum (catechu),
Terminalia chebula (myrobelan) and Sida cordifolia
(bala). Work has recently been initiated to further investigate
this property of shilajit (Khanna, 2005).
PRECLINICAL RESEARCH ON THE ACTIVITY
OF SHILAJIT
Antiulcerogenic and antiinflammatory activity
Studies were carried out on shilajit samples collected
from different locations to evaluate their possible role
as antiulcerogenic and antiinflammatory agents. It was
found that shilajit increased the carbohydrate/protein
ratio and decreased the gastric ulcer index, indicating
an increased mucus barrier (Ghosal et al., 1988a). Shilajit
was also found to have potent antiinflammatory activity
in all three models of acute, subacute and chronic
inflammation. Shilajit, at a dose of 50 mg/kg was also
found to significantly reduce carrageenan-induced hind
paw oedema in rats, having an effect comparable to
phenylbutazone (100 mg/kg, i.p.) and betamethasone
(0.25 mg/kg, i.p.) (Goel et al., 1990).
Shilajit is perhaps the first agent to possess both
antiulcerogenic and antiinflammatory activities and
this unique property of shilajit can be safely utilized in
clinical practice.
Antioxidant activity
The antioxidant property of processed shilajit was
compared with unprocessed shilajit and vitamin C
(ascorbic acid). Processed shilajit exhibited significant
antioxidant activity of itself and also had the ability to
regenerate (recycle) ascorbic acid after it had neutralized
free radicals. The dihydroxybenzo-alpha-pyrones
in shilajit caused recycling (regeneration) of ascorbic
acid. Unprocessed shilajit did not consistently exhibit
the antioxidant activity.
In another experiment, processed shilajit was tested
for its ability to neutralize sulphite anion, hydroxy and
nitric oxide free radicals. Chemical polymerization by
free radicals was measured with and without processed
shilajit. Processed shilajit provided almost complete protection
of methyl methacrylate against hydroxyl radicalinduced
polymerization and significantly inhibited the
polymerization of methylmethacrylate by the sulphite
free radical. Processed shilajit efficiently trapped nitric
oxide free radicals. The antioxidant effects were concentration
dependent. Higher concentrations of processed
shilajit provided greater free radical protection
(Ghosal et al., 1995b; Bhattacharya et al., 1995).
In a separate experiment, the effect of shilajit on
lipid peroxidation and gluthathione content in rat liver
homogenates was also investigated. It was found that
shilajit inhibited lipid peroxidation induced by cumene
hydroperoxide and ADP/Fecomplex in a dose dependent
manner (Ghosal, 2000). Shilajit also decreased
the rate of oxidation of reduced glutathione content

and inhibited the ongoing lipid peroxidation which was

induced by these agents immediately after its addition
to the incubation system (Tripathi et al., 1996).
Learning augmentation
The study was carried out to test the validity of use of
shilajit as an Ayurvedic medha rasayana (enhancer of
memory and learning) in albino rats. Processed shilajit,
native shilajit and a preparation consisting of a mixture
of ethyl acetate extractive and fulvic acids obtained
from processed shilajit were evaluated in an active
avoidance, elevated plus-maze and open field behavior
paradigms. It was found that processed shilajit and
its active constituents (total ethyl acetate fraction and
fulvic acids) significantly increased the learning acquisition
and memory retention in old albino rats (Ghosal
et al., 1993a). However, shilajit native produced an
erratic response (both augmentive and retardative) in
the above parameters.
Antidiabetic activity
Diabetes mellitus was produced in male albino rats by
the administration of streptozotocin (STZ) 45 mg/kg
s.c. on two consecutive days. Hyperglycemia along
with superoxide dismutase activity of pancreatic islet
cells was assessed on days 7, 14, 21 and 28 following
STZ administration. In two separate other groups,
shilajit at a dose of 50 and 100 mg/kg, p.o. was administered
concurrently from 28 days. It was found that
STZ induced significant hyperglycemia by day 14, which
was further increased progressively on days 21 and 28.
Similarly STZ also induced a decrease in pancreatic
islet cell superoxide dismutase activity which was apparent
on day 7 and increased progressively, thereafter
on days 14, 21 and 28. Shilajit at a dose of 50 and
Copyright 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Phytother. Res. 21, 401405 (2007)
DOI: 10.1002/ptr

404 S. P. AGARWAL ET AL.

100 mg/kg, p.o. had no dispersible per se effect on the

blood glucose level in normal rats but attenuated the
hyperglycemic response of STZ from day 14 onwards,
though only the effect of the higher dose was statistically
significantly. Similarly, both doses, i.e. 50 and
100 mg/kg p.o., of shilajit reduced the STZ-induced
decrease in superoxide dismutase activity from day
14 onwards, the effect of lower dose being statistically
insignificant. An earlier observation that STZ-induced
hyperglycemia may be due to a decrease in pancreatic
islet superoxide dismutase activity, leading to an accumulation
of free radicals and damage of beta cells has
been confirmed by these experiments. Shilajit prevents
both effects of STZ possibly by its action as a free
radical scavenger. This experiment supports the earlier
writing of Ayurveda that shilajit can prevent maturity
onset diabetes mellitus (Bhattacharya, 1995).
Memory enhancement and anxiolytic activity
The effect of shilajit was investigated for putative nanotropic
and anxiolytic activity in Charles Foster strain

albino rats. The nanotropic activity was assessed by

passive avoidance learning acquisition and retention
while the anxiolytic activity was studied and evaluated
by the elevated plus-maze technique. The results of
these studies indicated that shilajit had significant
nanotropic and anxiolytic activities. The biochemical
studies carried out for the level of monoamines indicated
that acute treatment with shilajit had an insignificant
effect on rat brain monoamines and monoamine
metabolite levels. However, it was observed that subacute
(5 days) dose treatment caused a decrease in 5hydroxy indole acetic acid concentration and an increase
in the level of dopamine, homovallanic acid and 3,4dihydroxyphenyl acetic acid concentration with an
insignificant effect on noradrenaline and 3-methoxy-4hydrophenylethylene glycol levels. The observed neurochemical
studies on shilajit indicate a decrease in rat
brain 5-hydroxytryptamine turnover, associated with an
increase in dopaminergic activity leading to an increase
in memory and anxiolytic activity in albino rats (Jaiswal
and Bhattacharya, 1992).
Antistress activity
Shilajit collected from India, Nepal, Pakistan and Russia
and organic constituents isolated from them were studied
for their antistress effect in albino mice. It was found
that shilajit from Kumoan (India), Dolpa (Nepal) and
a combination of the total ethyl acetate extract and
fulvic acids extracted from Kumoan shilajit produced a
statistically significant improvement in forced swimming
induced immobility in albino mice (Ghosal et al., 1991b).
Antiallergic activity
The effect of shilajit and its main active constituents
fulvic acids, 4 -methoxy-6-carbomethoxybiphenyl and
3,8-dihydroxy-dibenzo-alpha-pyrone were studied in
relation to the degranulation and disruption of mast
cell against noxious stimuli. Shilajit and its active constituents
provided satisfactory significant protection to
antigen-induced degranulation of sensitized mast cells,
markedly inhibited the antigen induced spasm of sensitized
guinea-pig ileum and prevented mast cell disruption
(Ghosal et al., 1989). These findings are consistent
with the therapeutic use of shilajit in the treatment of
allergic disorders.
Immunomodulatory activity
Shilajit as an immunomodulator agent was studied in
mice that were given either shilajit extract or a placebo.
The white blood cell activity was studied and monitored
prior to and at intervals after receiving the shilajit
extract or a placebo. It was found that the white blood
cell activity was increased by shilajit extract. The observed
activity increased as the dose of shilajit extract
and time of exposure was increased (Bhaumik et al.,
1993). Shilajit and its combined constituents elicited and
activated, to different degrees, murine peritoneal macrophages
and activated splenocytes of tumor-bearing

animals at early and later stages of tumor growth.

In another experiment, the effect of shilajit was determined
on the levels of brain monoamines in rats. It was
found that shilajit at a dose of 25 and 50 mg/kg i.p. for
5 days significantly reduced the level of 5-hydoxy
tryptamine and 5-hydroxy indole acetic acid and increased
the level of dopamine, noradrenaline and their
metabolites in rat brain. These changes in neurotransmitter
levels are similar to those seen in cases of increased
humoral (immune) activity and hence validate
its use as an ayurvedic rasayana (Ghosal, 1990).
Anti AIDS activity
Shilajit is endowed with both immunopotentiating
(Ghosal, 1990, 1992a, 1992b, Ghosal, 1998; Ghosal et al.,
1995a, 1995d; Bhaumik et al., 1993) and viral load
reducing properties (Ghosal, 2000; 2002a). Clinical studies
in AIDS patients with a multi-component natural
product-formulation, comprising three essential and
three supportive ingredients, in which shilajit was one
of the essential constituents was conducted. Of the 36
patients enrolled, 22 who received the treatment with
the formulation for 6 months showed positive signs of
improvement. Their CD4 and CD8 cell counts were
increased from 259 119 (CD4) and 733 483 (CD8) to
356 203 and 984 356, respectively. Ten patients who
received the treatment for 1 year, showed a distinct
improvement in the symptoms and augmentation in the
CD4, 516 272; CD8 1157 428 cell counts (Ghosal,
2006).
PATENTS ON SHILAJIT
Extensive research has been carried out on shilajit to
justify its claims. A research study on shilajit bioactive
constituents proved that they have healing, antiaging
and restorative properties. The following is a list of
patents so far filed on shilajit: US Patent No. 5,405,613
vitamin/mineral composition (Rowland, 1995); US
Patent application No. 20030198695 Herbo-mineral
composition (Ghosal, 2002a); US Patent No. 6,440,436
SHILAJIT 405

Copyright 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Phytother. Res. 21, 401405 (2007)
DOI: 10.1002/ptr

Process for preparing purified shilajit composition

from native Shilajit (Ghosal, 2002b); US Patent No.
6,558,712 Delivery system for pharmaceutical, nutritional
and cosmetic ingredients (Ghosal, 2003).
CONCLUSION
Shilajit is a humus rich blackish-brown substance, which
is very useful in many diseases and serves as a potent
tonic. It is perhaps the best rasayana Ayurveda has
prescribed. Although these and many other claims of
shilajit had been mentioned in ancient texts, they lacked
scientific validation. Modern research has validated
these claims and has proven shilajit to be a panacea in
oriental medicine. Since there are a number of traditional
medicines available with varied claims regarding

their therapeutic activity, it is necessary that research be

undertaken based on modern scientific methods possibly
leading to more panaceas in traditional medicine.
Acknowledgement
We thank UGC, New Delhi and CSIR, New Delhi for the fellowship
and financial aid given for the project.

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