Screening and quantification of inorganic anions in Shilajit and its supplements

Abstract Shilajit, a natural substance with ancient medicinal roots, is increasingly used in modern supplements for its purported health benefits. However, there is a lack of comprehensive chemical characterization, particularly regarding inorganic anions. This study addresses this gap by quantifyin...

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Main Authors: Elham Kamgar, Joanna Zembrzuska, Wiktor Lorenc, Massoud Kaykhaii
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-04-01
Series:BMC Chemistry
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s13065-025-01473-7
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author Elham Kamgar
Joanna Zembrzuska
Wiktor Lorenc
Massoud Kaykhaii
author_facet Elham Kamgar
Joanna Zembrzuska
Wiktor Lorenc
Massoud Kaykhaii
author_sort Elham Kamgar
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Shilajit, a natural substance with ancient medicinal roots, is increasingly used in modern supplements for its purported health benefits. However, there is a lack of comprehensive chemical characterization, particularly regarding inorganic anions. This study addresses this gap by quantifying common inorganic anions in 14 raw Shilajit samples sourced from Iran, India, Nepal, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia, as well as in 6 commercially available supplements from Poland, Russia, and Kyrgyzstan. Using ion chromatography, key anions including chloride, sulphate, nitrate, hydrogen phosphate, and fluoride were analyzed. Results revealed that chloride was the most prevalent anion, with concentrations ranging from 0.102 to 9.496 mg.g− 1 in raw Shilajit samples and up to 0.931 mg.g− 1 in supplements. Sulphate levels were significant, with concentrations up to 12.412 mg.g− 1 in raw Shilajit and 0.854 mg.g− 1 in supplements. Nitrate was detected in lower concentrations, peaking at 9.504 mg.g− 1 in raw Shilajit. Fluoride was quantifiable in only one sample at 0.064 mg.g− 1. The study concludes that Shilajit’s geographical origin significantly influences its anion composition, leading to variability in its potential health effects. These findings highlight the necessity for standardized formulations and stringent quality control measures in Shilajit supplement production to ensure consumer safety and product efficacy.
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spelling doaj-art-660a39279f004b9fa61a7f9cbc85930f2025-08-20T03:18:34ZengBMCBMC Chemistry2661-801X2025-04-011911910.1186/s13065-025-01473-7Screening and quantification of inorganic anions in Shilajit and its supplementsElham Kamgar0Joanna Zembrzuska1Wiktor Lorenc2Massoud Kaykhaii3Department of General and Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical Technology, Institute of Chemistry and Technical Electrochemistry, Poznan University of TechnologyDepartment of General and Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical Technology, Institute of Chemistry and Technical Electrochemistry, Poznan University of TechnologyMetrohm Poland Sp. z o.oDepartment of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Sistan and BaluchestanAbstract Shilajit, a natural substance with ancient medicinal roots, is increasingly used in modern supplements for its purported health benefits. However, there is a lack of comprehensive chemical characterization, particularly regarding inorganic anions. This study addresses this gap by quantifying common inorganic anions in 14 raw Shilajit samples sourced from Iran, India, Nepal, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia, as well as in 6 commercially available supplements from Poland, Russia, and Kyrgyzstan. Using ion chromatography, key anions including chloride, sulphate, nitrate, hydrogen phosphate, and fluoride were analyzed. Results revealed that chloride was the most prevalent anion, with concentrations ranging from 0.102 to 9.496 mg.g− 1 in raw Shilajit samples and up to 0.931 mg.g− 1 in supplements. Sulphate levels were significant, with concentrations up to 12.412 mg.g− 1 in raw Shilajit and 0.854 mg.g− 1 in supplements. Nitrate was detected in lower concentrations, peaking at 9.504 mg.g− 1 in raw Shilajit. Fluoride was quantifiable in only one sample at 0.064 mg.g− 1. The study concludes that Shilajit’s geographical origin significantly influences its anion composition, leading to variability in its potential health effects. These findings highlight the necessity for standardized formulations and stringent quality control measures in Shilajit supplement production to ensure consumer safety and product efficacy.https://doi.org/10.1186/s13065-025-01473-7ShilajitIon chromatographyInorganic anionsNatural productHealth supplements
spellingShingle Elham Kamgar
Joanna Zembrzuska
Wiktor Lorenc
Massoud Kaykhaii
Screening and quantification of inorganic anions in Shilajit and its supplements
BMC Chemistry
Shilajit
Ion chromatography
Inorganic anions
Natural product
Health supplements
title Screening and quantification of inorganic anions in Shilajit and its supplements
title_full Screening and quantification of inorganic anions in Shilajit and its supplements
title_fullStr Screening and quantification of inorganic anions in Shilajit and its supplements
title_full_unstemmed Screening and quantification of inorganic anions in Shilajit and its supplements
title_short Screening and quantification of inorganic anions in Shilajit and its supplements
title_sort screening and quantification of inorganic anions in shilajit and its supplements
topic Shilajit
Ion chromatography
Inorganic anions
Natural product
Health supplements
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s13065-025-01473-7
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AT wiktorlorenc screeningandquantificationofinorganicanionsinshilajitanditssupplements
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