ANTI-CARCINOGENIC ACTIVITY OF SHILAJIT REGARDING TO APOPTOSIS ASSAY IN CANCER CELLS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF IN-VITRO STUDIES

Shilajit, a natural mineral substance with a long history of use in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, has garnered attention for its potential therapeutic properties, including anti-oxidant, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. Although its role in rejuvenation and healing is well-documented in ancient texts, its potential anti-cancer properties, particularly in inducing apoptosis in cancer cells, remain unexplored. This systematic review investigates the anti-carcinogenic activity of Shilajit through apoptosis assays in various cancer cell lines based on in-vitro studies. A comprehensive search was conducted across scientific databases to identify in-vitro studies evaluating the apoptotic and anti-proliferative effects of Shilajit on cancer cells.The reviewed studies reveal that Shilajitexhibitssignificant dose and time dependent cytotoxic effects in various human cancer cell lines, including breast, lung, liver, ovarian, cervical, and colorectal cancers. Apoptosis induction was observed in many cases, with increased cell death and reduced cell viability correlating with higher concentrations of Shilajit. The molecular mechanisms underlying these effects include the modulation of genetic expression from more than one pathway, reactive oxygen species production and suppression of key anti-apoptotic proteins. Notably, Shilajit was found to induce both apoptotic and anti-proliferative effects in cancer cells without significantly affecting normal human cells at lower concentrations.The findings from multiple studies suggest that Shilajit may act as a potential chemopreventive agent by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells. Its ability to modulate gene expression, including the up-regulation of pro-apoptotic markers and down-regulation of anti-apoptotic proteins, further supports its anti-cancer potential. However, the high dosages recommended in Ayurvedic texts, particularly in the context of cancer treatment, warrant caution due to potential cytotoxicity at excessive levels along with minimal toxicity to normal cells at controlled dosages. While preliminary data supports its potential as an adjunct to conventional cancer therapies.