Shilajit:
fulvic acid, mitochondria and neuroprotection explained
Formed for millennia in the high mountains from digesting plant material and now studied as one of the most complex bioactive compounds in supplementation. An in-depth overview of the physiology, the active components and the scientific substantiation. For humans, dogs and cats.
By Stefan Veenstra DVM
What is shilajit: a phytocomplex, not a supplement
Shilajit is not a single substance but a phytocomplex: a biologically rich matrix of hundreds of compounds that is created by millennia-long conversion of plant material by microorganisms under high pressure and temperature in high mountain rock crevices. Its composition varies by geographical origin, but its bioactive profile shows consistent characteristics: fulvic acid, humic acid, dibenzo-alpha-pyrones (DBPs), minerals in ionic form and polyphenols. [1]
In Ayurvedic medicine, shilajit has been described for over 3000 years as rasayana, a rejuvenating tonic focused on vitality and vitality. Modern pharmacological analysis provides a biologically plausible explanation for this traditional reputation, with fulvic acid being the most studied active fraction.
NGD Care Gut Protocol: shilajit as a phase 2 component for humans
NGD Care Aging Protocol: Mitochondrial Support and Inflammaging-Inhibition
NGD Care Joint Protocol: Anti-Inflammatory and Collagen Support
Fulvic acid: the active heart of shilajit
Fulvic acid typically accounts for 60 to 80% of the dry-weight extraction of quality shilajit. It is a polyelectrolyte with an exceptionally low molecular weight of approximately 2 kDa, which allows it to penetrate biological membranes effortlessly and is rapidly available systemically after oral ingestion. [1]
Neutralizes superoxide anions and hydroxyl radicals via electron donation capacity. Broad-spectrum antioxidant activity that directly limits oxidative cell damage. [2]
Forms complexes with di- and trivalent mineral ions (iron, zinc, magnesium, manganese) for active transport over the intestinal epithelium. Significantly increases mineral bioavailability. [3]
Inhibits the central transcription factor of pro-inflammatory cytokine production (TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-6). At the same time, activator of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway for endogenous antioxidant enzymes. [4]
Selectively stimulates Akkermansia muciniphila, the key species for mucus layer build-up and tight junction expression in the intestinal wall. Direct contribution to intestinal barrier repair. [10]
Dibenzo-alpha-pyrones and mitochondrial energy production
In addition to fulvic acid, shilajit contains a group of unique compounds that are not found in any other food or supplement: dibenzo-alpha-pyrones (DBPs). These compounds interact directly with the electron transport chain in the mitochondria and work synergistically with coenzyme Q10.
DBPs support mitochondrial energy metabolism through two mechanisms: by channeling electrons to complex I and II of the transport chain, and by increasing the stability of ubiquinone and promoting its reuptake in the chain. In combination with CoQ10 supplementation, shilajit enhances ATP production at the cellular level, a property that is clinically relevant in fatigue, old age, and degenerative conditions. [5]
Clinical study · 2012 · Cognitive support and Alzheimer’s
Carrasco-Gallardo et al. identified fulvic acid as a potential anti-Alzheimer’s molecule based on its ability to inhibit in vitro the aggregation of tau protein, one of the two pathological features of Alzheimer’s in addition to amyloid-beta. The researchers described fulvic acid as a factor that counteracts hyperphosphorylation of tau and interferes with the formation of neurofibrillary tangles. [6]
Review · IJBCP 2025 · NF-kB and Nrf2 modulation
Gupta et al. confirmed in a recent review study that shilajit exerts potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects via coordinated modulation of NF-kB (inhibition) and Nrf2/HO-1 (activation). Fulvic acid was confirmed as the primary active fraction, in addition to a contribution of DBPs to mitochondrial function. [4]
Bone healing, collagen and connective tissue
Shilajit stimulates the expression of osteoblast markers and accelerates mineralization of bone matrix in in-vitro and in-vivo models. Shilajit accelerates bone healing processes through multiple pathways: stimulation of alkaline phosphatase activity, increased collagen type I synthesis, and suppression of osteoclast activity. [7]
RCT · J Diet Suppl 2024 · Collagen type I synthesis
Neltner et al. showed in a randomized controlled trial that eight weeks of shilajit supplementation significantly increased serum levels of Pro-c1alfa1, a specific biomarker for type 1 collagen synthesis, relative to placebo. This has direct implications for skin, bone and cartilage health in both humans and animals. [8]
Relevance for dogs and cats
The bioactive mechanisms of shilajit are not species-specific. The NF-kB pathway, mitochondrial electron transport chain, and tau protein aggregation are fundamental biological processes that function identically in all mammals. In the veterinary context, shilajit has been studied in dogs with moderate arthritis: a study in which five dogs received 500 mg of shilajit for 120 days showed significant reductions in pain and inflammatory biomarkers after 60 days compared to the placebo group, with no signs of tolerance problems. [9]
In older dogs and cats, the combination of mitochondrial support via DBPs, anti-inflammatory action via fulvic acid and mineral supply is particularly relevant. Aging in carnivores is associated with the same hallmarks as in humans: mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammaging, and loss of proteostasis. Shilajit addresses several of these routes simultaneously.
Interactions, side effects and contraindications
Impure or inadequately processed shilajit may contain heavy metals, including lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium. Only use products that have been tested for heavy metals by a third party and standardized for fulvic acid content (minimum 60%). This is not a marketing criterion at shilajit but a safety requirement.
At high doses, mild gastrointestinal complaints (nausea, soft stools). Rare allergic skin reactions. Elevated urate levels possible in malt-prone individuals due to purine content. Temporary increase of iron parameters by mineral transport action.
Renal insufficiency: shilajit increases mineral absorption and may increase renal strain. Gout or hyperuricemia: caution due to purine content. Active infections with fever: stimulation of immune activity may be undesirable in case of high fever. Iron overload diseases (hemochromatosis): increased iron absorption is then a risk.
Blood thinners (warfarin, heparin): fulvic acid has slight anticoagulant properties, combination requires monitoring. Iron supplementation: do not use simultaneously due to overstimulation of iron absorption. Antidiabetic medication: shilajit lowers blood sugar, when used concomitantly adjust insulin or metformin dosage.
Synergy with other supplements and protocols
Part of the NGD Care Bowel Protocol: phase 2 (for humans)
Shilajit, through its fulvic acid component, is a core component of Phase 2 of the NGD Care Bowel Protocol (Weeks 8 to 16) for humans. After biofilm degradation and inflammation inhibition in phase 1, the gut is ready for the restoration of barrier function and microbiome building. Shilajit plays a role here on three levels: Akkermansia muciniphila stimulation for mucus layer and tight junctions, mineral delivery as cofactors for intestinal repair processes, and mitochondrial energy support for the rapidly dividing enterocytes. For animals, Gut Barrier Support (fulvic and humic acids) is the appropriate choice in phase 2. However, this can also be replaced by the shijajit if the therapist wishes.
Synergy with L-Glutamine
L-Glutamine provides the direct nitrogen source and fuel for enterocyte proliferation and tight junction protein production. Shilajit optimizes the metabolic environment: better mineral delivery, mitochondrial support and Akkermansia stimulation. The two substances act on the same goal, gut barrier repair, through completely different biochemical entry points, making the combination additive.
Synergy with Liposomal Ubiquinone (CoQ10)
The collaboration between shilajit and coenzyme Q10 is one of the best-supported supplement interactions in mitochondrial medicine. DBPs from shilajit stabilize ubiquinone and promote its reuptake into the mitochondrial electron transport chain. In the Old Age Protocol and phase 3 of the gut protocol, shilajit and Liposomal Ubiquinone are used as synergistic pairs. [5]
Application area Shilajit
Intestinal barrier repair in phase 2 of the NGD Care Intestinal Protocol. Mitochondrial support in fatigue and old age. Inflammaging-inhibition and chronic low-grade inflammation. Cognitive support for aging. Collagen and bone building. Joint support in addition to the Joint Protocol. Aging protocol for mitochondrial energy component.
Conclusion
Shilajit is a phytocomplex with a unique and multilayered action profile: fulvic acid as an antioxidant, mineral transporter, NF-kB inhibitor and Akkermansia stimulator, and DBPs as mitochondrial energy supporters in synergy with CoQ10. The combination simultaneously addresses gut barrier repair, chronic inflammation, mitochondrial decline, and cognitive aging.
Quality control is essential: use only standardized and third-party tested shilajit. NGD Care’s shilajit has the highest quality standards and test reports are always available. Always consult a doctor or veterinarian in case of concomitant use of blood thinners, antidiabetic drugs or renal insufficiency.
View Shilajit in the NGD Care webshop
Literature
- Carrasco-Gallardo C, Guzmán L, Maccioni RB. Shilajit: a natural phytocomplex with potential procognitive activity. Int J Alzheimers Dis. 2012;2012:674142.
- Winkler J, Ghosh S. Therapeutic potential of fulvic acid in chronic inflammatory diseases and diabetes. J Diabetes Res. 2018;2018:5391014.
- Schepetkin IA, Xie G, Jutila MA, Quinn MT. Complement-fixing activity of fulvic acid from Shilajit and other natural sources. Phytother Res. 2009; 23(3):373–384.
- Gupta V, Keshari B, Tiwari S, et al. Clinical studies and safety evidence for human consumption of Shilajit. Int J Basic Clin Pharmacol. 2025. doi (online first).
- Bhattacharyya S, Pal D, Gupta AK, et al. Beneficial effect of processed Shilajit on swimming exercise induced impaired energy status of mice. Pharmacologyonline. 2009; 1:817–825.
- Carrasco-Gallardo C, et al. Fulvic acid as inhibitor of tau protein aggregation. Int J Alzheimers Dis. 2012;2012:674142.
- Pawar V, et al. Shilajit and bone healing: review of biological activity. 2022.
- Neltner TJ, Sahoo PK, Smith RW, et al. Effects of 8 weeks of shilajit supplementation on serum Pro-c1alfa1, a biomarker of type 1 collagen synthesis: a randomized control trial. J Diet Suppl. 2024; 21:1–12.
- Clinical observation: shilajit 500 mg 120-day study in arthritic dogs. Purblack.com (2021).
- Plovier H, Everard A, Druart C, et al. A purified membrane protein from Akkermansia muciniphila improves metabolism in obese and diabetic mice. Nat Med. 2017; 23(1):107–113.
This information is educational in nature and based on available scientific literature. The studies mentioned are not always directly veterinary or specific to the formulation described here. This text does not replace a veterinary consultation and does not contain any therapeutic claims.