What shilajit is
A resinous exudate that seeps from high-mountain rock, formed over centuries into a dense matrix of humic substances and trace elements. Here is what it is made of, and what we test for.
A mountain exudate
Shilajit forms in high mountain ranges, where plant matter trapped in rock is transformed over centuries by pressure, microbes and time. In warm months it seeps from cracks as a dark, tar-like resin.
It has a long history of use in Ayurveda, where it is classed as a rasayana. Raw shilajit also carries rock, sand and other insoluble matter, which is why purification matters.
What it is made of
Fulvic acid
A low-molecular-weight humic substance. It is the fraction most often measured when shilajit quality is compared.
Humic acid
A higher-molecular-weight humic substance that makes up much of the resin’s dark mass.
Dibenzo-α-pyrones
A class of organic compounds commonly identified in shilajit chemistry.
Trace elements
Minerals present in small amounts, which vary by deposit. We will publish what is measured in our material rather than quote a generic number.
Raw vs purified
Commercial shilajit varies enormously. These are the lines we hold.
| ASCENTIALS | Typical raw material | |
|---|---|---|
| Source disclosed | Altai, high altitude | Often unstated |
| Insoluble rock and sand | Removed | Present |
| Heavy-metal testing | Every batch, results published | Rarely published |
| Fulvic acid | Measured per batch | Rarely stated |
| Added fillers or carriers | None (resin and powder) | Sometimes |
What we don’t claim
ASCENTIALS shilajit is being prepared as a licensed Natural Health Product in Canada. Until a product holds a Natural Product Number (NPN), we describe the material, the process and the testing, and nothing more. Any approved statements will appear on the licensed label.
Much of the published work on shilajit is early, in animals or cells, or uses specific extracts at specific doses. We would rather not stretch it into promises. The Codex covers the material itself in more depth.
Batch results for heavy metals and fulvic acid will be published for each batch before it is sold.