Shilajit is a natural substance commonly found in the Himalayan mountains and is noted for its potential health benefits. Some key properties and benefits of Shilajit include:

1. Cognitive Enhancement: Shilajit has been recognized for its potential procognitive activity. It contains fulvic acid, which has been shown to block tau self-aggregation—a process associated with Alzheimer's disease[^1^].

2. Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties: The fulvic acid in Shilajit also acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, contributing to overall health and supporting the body's defense against inflammation and oxidative stress[^1^].

3. Energy and Vitality: Shilajit helps in restoring the energetic balance in the body. It is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine as a rejuvenator and for promoting general well-being and vitality[^2^].

4. Testosterone Levels: Studies have shown that purified Shilajit may help increase testosterone levels in healthy male volunteers, suggesting a potential role in improving reproductive health and physical performance[^3^].

5. Safety for Long-term Use: Research suggests that Shilajit, particularly black Shilajit, is safe for long-term use and may help in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia and other disorders[^4^].

Overall, Shilajit is seen as a potent and safe dietary supplement with a variety of health benefits, especially for cognitive and energetic enhancement.

Shilajit is generally considered safe when used in its purified form. However, certain precautions should be taken into account to avoid potential risks:

1. Unpurified Shilajit: It is crucial to use only purified Shilajit. Unpurified Shilajit may contain harmful substances such as mycotoxins, heavy metals, and free radicals, which can lead to intoxication¹.

2. Heavy Metals: Some Ayurvedic products, including Shilajit, might be contaminated with heavy metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic. It's essential to ensure the product has been tested and certified to be free from such contaminants¹.

3. Medication Interactions: There is limited specific information on interactions with medications, but as a general precaution, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before combining Shilajit with any prescription medications, particularly those affecting hormone levels or iron metabolism².

4. Pregnant and Nursing Women: Due to the lack of extensive research on the safety of Shilajit during pregnancy and lactation, it is recommended to avoid its use unless advised by a healthcare provider³.

5. Conditions like G6PD Deficiency: Though evidence is limited, Shilajit should be used cautiously in individuals with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency or other rare metabolic disorders⁴.

Ensuring that the Shilajit you use is sourced from reputable suppliers and is well-purified can help mitigate many of these risks.

Footnotes

1. Carlos Carrasco-Gallardo, "Shilajit: A Natural Phytocomplex with Potential Procognitive Activity," NCBI, 2023 ↩ ↩²

2. "Evaluation of safety profile of black shilajit after 91 days repeated administration in rats," NCBI, 2011](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3609271/) ↩

3. "Adverse effects of herbal or dietary supplements in G6PD deficiency: a systematic review," NCBI, 2021](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5338162/) ↩

4. Shaun Wen Huey Lee, "Adverse effects of herbal or dietary supplements in G6PD deficiency: a systematic review," NCBI, 2021](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5338162/) ↩