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.
