valuation of Shilajit with Special Reference to Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Activity

Abstract

Shilajit is a multi-component natural occurring mineral substance used in Ayurveda and Siddha systems of medicine which originated in India. Its source can be traced to the mountainous regions, where the hilly tribes first identified its beneficial use. It has been proposed and used indigenously for the treatment of various ailments ranging from genitourinary to immunomodulatory. It is mainly found as exudates in the mountainous regions in India, Russia and other selected parts of the world. It is a multi-component agent among which Fulvic acid and humic acid form the major part. Though it has been traditionally used from ages, little scientific basis for its standardization and therapeutic activities exist. Proper standardization of Shilajit forms a prerequisite owing to the great geographic and chemical diversity in the source. Taking this into consideration the present study has been carried out undertaking the standardization of Shilajit from various sources and trying to establish a scientific base for its supposed anti-oxidant and hepatoprotective activity. The Shilajit samples collected from Amritsar, Punjab. Raw Shilajit (RS), Market Processed Shilajit (MPS) and Lab Processed Shilajit (LPS) developed in the lab and Processed Shilajit (PS) purified from RS sample. Shilajit samples were evaluated by TLC/HPTLC chromatography, IR and Raman spectometry. Silymarin was used as standard. Cow milk was used instead water. Alteration in the biochemical markers of hepatic damage like AST, ALT, ALP, TBIL, DBIL and total protein were evaluated along with antioxidant parameters like SOD, MDA, GSH and catalase. Mechanistic evaluation like DPPH free radical scavenging activity, Insilico study of cytochrome p450 metabolism interaction and hepatoprotective activity. Cytochrome p450metabolism activity in liver homogenate was also evaluated. Fulvic acid (FA) was evaluated as a phytomarker in various Shilajit samples. Alcohol (3 ml/ 100 g/day p.o) increased the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphate (ALP), total bilirubin (TBIL) and direct bilirubin (DBIL). Also increase in various antioxidants levels (Glutathione and Catalase) and decrease in pro-oxidant levels (MDA). Insilico study on cytochrome P450 activity was show high docking score of fulvic acid compare to Co-Crystalize Ligand also study on hepatoprotective activity was show high docking score of Fulvic acid (test drug) and high hydrogen bonding, compare to Silymarin (standard). Among the test group treated by Lab Processed Shilajit (LPS) had better anti-oxidant and hepatoprotective activity. It could be an effective and promising preventing agent against alcohol induced hepatotoxicity.