Antimicrobial Activity of Shilajit

Abstract

Shilajit is a pale-brown to blackish-brown exudation of variable consistency, exuding from layers of
rocks in the mountainous ranges of this world, especially Himalayan and Hindu Kush ranges of Indian
subcontinent. The aim of study was to determine the antimicrobial activity of shilajit against different
microorganisms. The diluted sample (80%) was used to find the activity which was assessed by agar
well diffusion method. The microbial inhibition was more effective. Among all species, Candida albicans
was found to be highly susceptible while Acinetobater was highly resistant. Other bacterial species
were also susceptible to this material. Shilajit not only helps to overcome physiological activities of
human, but can also protect the body by inhibiting the pathogenic organism of respiratory and
gastrointestinal tract. This indicates that shilajit contain antimicrobial compounds to control pathogens.