Collection and Processing of Naturally Occurring Herbo Mineral Compound – Shilajit from the North East Region of India (Arunachal Pradesh)

Shilajit is an important folk medicine used extensively all over the world for large number of ailments specially for aging and general weakness. It is found all over the world including India, especially in the Himalayan region ie. the North Eastern part. The scientist has already recognized the importance of this folk medicine internationally in general weakness and debility sector, having huge market potential. Arunachal Pradesh which has so many locations [1,2] which has been identified for the presence of Shilajit but the major problem is its survey and analysis for purity and efficacy. The present study is based on collection, purification and quantitative analysis of reported active constituents of Shilajit. Shilajit a herbo mineral compound, effective in several types of ailment and it is being utilized constantly by patients. Affectivity of Shilajit is related to its quality which depends upon the area of collection. The location decides the presence of active constituents like humic acid and fulvic acid. The pH is also an important parameter, which plays an equally important role in the quality aspect of Shilajit. The present study is focused on these parameters. The Shilajit samples collected from Bomdila and Zero region of Aruranachal were analyzed for humic acid, fulvic acid and pH value. The collected samples were 1st purified followed by the extraction of different components viz. humic acid and fulvic acid, further the 1% aqueous solution was analyzed for pH [3,4]. The result showed that humic acid and fulvic acid content in the sample of Bomdila region was 20.3% and 22.6%, where as in Zero region sample was found to be 18.5 and 19.8, respectively. Different PH values ie 6.8 and 6.2 of these samples were also observed. The reported amount of Humic acid and Fulvic acid is very much encouraging as compared to the amount reported in other areas in the world [4]. Shilajit collected from Bomdila region of Arunachal Pradesh was found to be better i quality with respect of the content of humic acid, fulvic acid and pH value. The pH value was found almost near to neutral, which is required for its better efficacy and therapeutic value. Since the product already has a good market potential and faith so one can start the collection and purification activity of Shilajit in this region. It is also advisable that some agency may go for extensive survey work to get other locations also in Arunachal Pradesh and start the related processing on commercial scale. Acknowledgement: SFRI and RRI (Ay.) Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, India. References: [1] Joshi GC, et al. (1994) B.M.E.B.R. 15(1–4): 106–111. [2] Pandey BB, et al. (1999) Tribal Village Councils of Arunachal Pradesh. Directorate of Research, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar. [3] Ghosal S, et al. (1995) Ind. Journal of Indg. Med. 17(1): 1–11. [4] Ghosal S, et al. (1976) Journ. Pharm. Sci. (USA) 65(5): 772–73.