Shilajit, a sticky, tar-like inorganic mineral also known as mumiyo or mumie, is renowned for its energy-enhancing properties that help awaken inner strength, ignite passion, and improve overall wellbeing. This resin, derived from mountainous regions, boasts rejuvenating, anti-aging, and adaptogenic properties. Shilajit has long been hailed as a powerful healer. But as modern science explores the potential of natural remedies, a pressing question emerges: What’s the science behind salajeet and cancer? Research into Shilajit’s potential therapeutic benefits for cancer treatment is growing, offering new insights into how this ancient substance could help combat cancer and its related challenges.
Cancer remains the most formidable health challenges globally, the scientific community is investigating using alternative and complementary therapies to combat with. This blog defines the evolving relationship between Shilajit and cancer, bringing connection to ancient herbal wisdom and contemporary biomedical research to uncover its potential as an anti-cancer agent.
UNDERSTANDING SHILAJIT: COMPOSITION AND TRADITIONAL USES
It is a cornerstone of traditional medicine in regions like Pakistan, India, Nepal, and Tibet for centuries that is formed over centuries by the decomposition of plant materials and minerals, it is rich in fulvic acid, humic substances, dibenzo-alpha-pyrones, mineral, vitamins and other trace elements, Shilajit is known as a “Rasayana” in Ayurveda a rejuvenator that supports longevity, vitality, and resistance to diseases.
Traditional Uses Include:
- Boosting energy and stamina
- Improve Alzheimer’s symptoms
- Improving immune health
- Supporting heart and liver function
- Regulating blood sugar levels
- Enhancing male fertility and testosterone levels
- Detoxifying the body
- Coping stress and anxiety.
- Anti-Aging
- Inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells
- Breaking addiction of opioids
But what makes Shilajit intriguing in oncology is its bioactive profile, particularly fulvic acid and DBPs (dibenzo-alpha-pyrones), which are now being studied for their anti-tumor and antioxidant activities.
THE CANCER CRISIS: WHY NEW SOLUTIONS ARE NEEDED
According to the World Health Organization, cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Cancer is responsible for approximately 10 million deaths in 2022 alone. The limitations of conventional therapies like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery include:
- Severe side effects
- Drug resistance
- Damage to healthy cells
- High cost and limited accessibility
These gaps are driving interest in integrative oncology, which combines standard treatments with natural agents to enhance efficacy and reduce toxicity. Enter Shilajit, with its potent blend of natural antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and cell-protective molecules.
SCIENTIFIC STUDIES ON SHILAJIT’S ANTI-CANCER POTENTIAL
Here are some preclinical and laboratory research that defines the role of shilajit in oncology.
1. Antioxidant and Free Radical Scavenging
Free radicals and oxidative stress are critical in cancer development. Fulvic acid is one of the most powerful components that neutralizes these harmful molecules.
- A Study conducted in 1990, showed that Shilajit acts as a scavenger of superoxide anions and other ROS (reactive oxygen species), it helps to protect DNA from oxidative damage which is a key trigger in cancer mutations.
2. Induction of Apoptosis in Cancer Cells
The body have a process called Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in which body eliminates damaged or cancerous cells. Cancer cells often avoid apoptosis, leading to uncontrolled growth.
- A Study conducted in 2013, Integrative Cancer Therapies, 2013 in which it found that Shilajit elicits apoptosis in human breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7) by activating caspase-3, a key enzyme in the cell death pathway. That concluded, Shilajit have the ability to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells without affecting normal healthy cells, a hallmark of a good anti-cancer agent.
3. DNA Protection and Repair
Cancer often begins with mutations in DNA. Shilajit not only prevents DNA damage but also supports repair.
- Study (Carrasco-Gallardo et al., Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2012): Demonstrated that fulvic acid improves DNA integrity and mitochondrial function in cells exposed to stress, potentially reducing the initiation of oncogenesis (cancer formation).
4. Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Effects
Shilajit contains compounds like fulvic acid, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. These properties are thought to contribute to its potential anti-cancer activity.
- In 2019 a study conducted in Indian Journal of Pharmacology, which reported that Shilajit have a significant decrease in pro-inflammatory markers like TNF-α and IL-6 in animal models treated.
- Implication: Lowering inflammation may reduce the risk of cancers such as colorectal, pancreatic, and liver cancer.
5. Anti-Angiogenic Activity
Tumors need blood vessels to grow—a process called angiogenesis. Agents that stop this can starve tumors.
- Preliminary research suggests that DBPs in Shilajit may inhibit VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) pathways, which play a key role in angiogenesis. Though more studies are needed, this is a promising area for future clinical exploration.
TYPES OF CANCER WHERE SHILAJIT SHOWS PROMISE
- Oral Cancer: Studies have demonstrated Shilajit ability to induce apoptosis and suppress cell migration in oral cancer cells.
- Breast Cancer: Research indicates Shilajit may inhibit or kill breast cancer cells. Some studies suggest it can trigger apoptosis activity in MCF-7 cells in breast cancer cells and down regulation of estrogen receptor signaling.
- Bladder Cancer: Shilajit has shown stronger cytotoxicity to urinary bladder cancer cells than to normal cells in some studies.
- Colon Cancer: In animal models show reduced polyp formation and help for modulation of gut microbiota and inflammation.
- Prostate Cancer: Shilajit is a possible androgen modulation, because of Fulvic acid, it shows inhibition of androgen receptor pathways in vitro.
- Liver Cancer: Shilajit help to protect from hepatotoxicity and it also help to reduce in ALT and AST enzyme levels (biomarkers of liver damage).
COMBINING SHILAJIT WITH CONVENTIONAL CANCER THERAPIES
Integrative approaches are emerging where Shilajit is used with chemotherapy or radiation to:
- Protect the healthy cells from oxidative stress.
- Help to minimize side effects like fatigue, nausea, and immune suppression.
- To enhance energy and recovery during cancer treatment.
RISKS, SAFETY, AND QUALITY CONCERNS
Shilajit is considered as safe but raw or unprocessed Shilajit may contain heavy metals, mycotoxins, or free radicals. Always choose purified, lab-tested versions and authentic salajeet.
Potential Side Effects (Rare):
- Increased uric acid levels (caution in gout)
- Drug interactions (especially iron-containing meds)
- Mild allergic reactions in some people
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid it, and those with cancer should consult their oncologist before integrating Shilajit into their regimen.
BRIDGING TRADITIONAL WISDOM AND MODERN RESEARCH
Shilajit represents a confluence of ethnomedicine and biomedicine. In Ayurveda, it is said to “destroy weakness and promote longevity,” while modern science echoes that sentiment through molecular studies of its adaptogenic and protective properties.
However, more human clinical trials are needed. Currently, most evidence is preclinical animal models and in-vitro studies. Robust, placebo-controlled human trials could pave the way for incorporating Shilajit into evidence-based oncology protocols.
CONCLUSION
Shilajit is not a miracle cure, but its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative properties make it a compelling candidate in cancer support therapy. As the world shifts toward integrative medicine, shilajit and cancer bridging ancient remedies with modern science, and soon shilajit take its rightful place as a valuable adjunct in the fight against cancer.
By understanding and respecting both its traditional roots and scientific potential, we can approach Shilajit not as folklore but as a natural ally in human health especially when dealing with the complexities of cancer. But make sure to buy purified and lab-tested versions from Supreme Shilajit.