Research Paper

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Shilajit is a natural substance, used in traditional medicine as a powerful restorative and health tonic. It is formed by the decomposition of plants and mineral by the action of pressure and microorganisms. Present study deals with the Inorganic and Organic chemical constituents of Shilajit rock or exudate, its efficient extraction procedures to enrich Fulvic and Humic acid content and TLC method of monitoring. The study shows that Organic acids are the main constituents contributing about 62 % along with 30 % inorganic minerals. Study also provides method to enrich Fulvic acids up to 80 %. The extract contains Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium as Inorganics. Apart from Fulvic and Humic acids, Oxalic, Benzoic, and Acetic acid are also present in extract. Major amino acids found in extract include Threonine, Glycine, Aspartic, Glutamic, and Arginine. Present finding of Shilajit and its extracts open the possibility for therapeutic study of this medicine.

Keywords: Asphaltum punjabianum, Shilajit, Fulvic acid, humic acid, Thin Layer Chromatography.