Shilajit is a multi-component natural occurring mineral substance used in Ayurveda and Siddha systems of medicine which originated in India. Its source can be traced to the mountainous regions, where the hilly tribes first identified its beneficial use. Shilajit is aptly referred to as ‘rasayana’/‘rasayanam’ in Ayurveda and Siddha literature which means rejuvenator because it prevents ailment and enhances the quality of life.

Shilajit is a pale-brown to blackish-brown exudation of variable consistency, exuding from layers ofrocks in the mountainous ranges of this world, especially Himalayan and Hindu Kush ranges of Indiansubcontinent. The aim of study was to determine the antimicrobial activity of shilajit against differentmicroorganisms. The diluted sample (80%) was used to find the activity which was assessed by agarwell diffusion method. The microbial inhibition was more effective. Among all species, Candida albicanswas found to be highly susceptible while Acinetobater was highly resistant. Other bacterial specieswere also susceptible to this material. Shilajit not only helps to overcome physiological activities ofhuman, but can also protect the body by inhibiting the pathogenic organism of respiratory andgastrointestinal tract. This indicates that shilajit contain antimicrobial compounds to control pathogens.

Shilajit is a sticky substance found primarily in the rocks of the Himalayas. It develops over centuries from the slow decomposition of plants. The composition of shilajit largely depends on the type of plants associated with the rocks. Since the drug does not have specific organized morphological structure, it is very difficult to authenticate the drug. The primary component of shilajit is a fulvic acid which contributes to cognitive health. An attempt was thus made to establish an easy method for standardization & hence authentication of shilajit obtained from different geographical sources. Standardization assures that products are reliable in terms of quality, efficacy, performance, and safety. High-performance thin layer chromatography proves to be a good method for quantification of shilajit using a standard marker compound. As none of the methods given in literature were capable of providing good separation, a simple method was developed for detection and quantification of fulvic acid in three raw shilajit samples from different geographical origin and purified Indian shilajit. The developed method was validated for various parameters. Fulvic acid was estimated at 254nm by densitometry by using Merck, reversed phase thin layer chromatography plate silica gel 60 as the stationary phase and a combination of methanol: water (1:1) as the mobile phase. Validation was done using the sample containing the maximum amount of fulvic acid. It was found that purified sample showed the presence of a maximum concentration of fulvic acid. The method was found to be linear, specific, accurate and reproducible.

Shilajatu, a drug is described in many samhitas and nighantus as an Ayurvedic medicine. Which is an exudation from rock during hot seasons. It is a type of resin that oozes out from the cracks in the layers of the rocks on the Himalayan Mountains during summer. It is water-soluble. Though it may be occurring in many part of world but in India its therapeutic importance describe form very begning in Indian system of medicine by ancient Indian physicians. Ayurveda mentioned its tremendous therapeutic value. Shodhita Shilajatu after bhavana can cure many asadhya diseases. In the present time Shilajatu is an important and irreplaceable place in classical text such as Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani medicine. Shilajatu is prescribed to treat Mutravaha shrotas vicar, Kamala, Swas roga, Kasa roga, Medoroga, Prameha and Madhumeha roga.etc.