Controversy in Genesis of Shilajitu

Shilajitu is one of the Maharasa [1]. It is named as it comes out of the stones heated by the sun in summer in the form of thick exudation having many shades. It is found in Himalayan regions, Kashmir, Bhutan and Tibet. It also occurs in the vicinity of petroleum and coal mines. Ayurvedic texts had mentioned that Loha, Tamra, Swarna and Roupya varieties of Shilajitu are found in the vicinity of the mines of these metals and Shilajitu is formed as exudates from these rocks. But Shilajitu is not found either in Rajasthan where there are copper mines or in Bihar, where there are iron mines. All these regions are well- known as hot- places, still no Shilajitu was found there. Further, there are many similarities between the plant Snuhi and Shilajitu .A controversy is there among the practitioners of Ayurveda regarding the origin of Shilajitu whether it is mineral or vegetable origin. Considering the above facts, this review gives a comprehensive approach on Shilajitu highlighting the significance, definition, source, synonyms, varieties, origin, physical properties, and chemical constituents including controversy in genesis of Shilajit