Shilajit as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease?
Shilajit is a natural resin or tar-like substance found in the Himalayas. Due to its therapeutic properties, it has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Alzheimer's is a progressive neurological disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Although there is no known cure for Alzheimer's disease, certain studies suggest that Shilajit may help treat this serious disease.
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What is Alzheimer's?
Alzheimer's is a form of dementia characterized by progressive brain damage, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes. Brain cells die as a result of the disease and, as a result, abnormal brain structures known as amyloid plaques and TAU clumps developed. If the disease worsens, it can interfere with daily activities. Eventually people are no longer able to communicate, respond to their environment or take care of themselves.
What is Shilajit?
Shilajit is a natural substance that is formed over decades and even centuries by the decomposition of various plant species in the Himalayan mountains. Shilajit is found and harvested in the Himalayan rock and is a rich source of minerals, trace elements and organic compounds. The substance has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for many years to treat a variety of conditions, including high blood pressure, diabetes and arthritis.
Shilajit and Alzheimer's
While there is no cure for Alzheimer's, some studies suggest that Shilajit could potentially help treat the disease. A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease found that shilajit reduced the formation of TAU clumps in the brains of rats with Alzheimer's. The study also found that Shilajit improved the rats' cognitive function and memory.
Several studies have shown the link between Alzheimer's disease and the clumping of so-called 'TAU proteins'. TAU proteins are multidisciplinary for the brain, but when they clump together in the brain due to mutation of the TAU proteins, they can cause various forms of Alzheimer's disease. In addition to the micro tubular form of mutated TAU proteins, there is also a smaller variant called 'Oligomers'. These clumps consist of only a few TAU proteins, so they often circulate in the brain for decades before Alzheimer's disease is diagnosed. All the while they disrupt cell functions between the neurons.
Now, a 2011 study (In Vitro) called “Fulvic acid inhibits aggregation and promotes disassembly of tau fibrils associated with Alzheimer's disease” It has already been shown that Fulvic acid counteracts the clumping of TAU proteins and even promotes the disassembly of these clumps. Now let Shilajit be packed with Fulvic acid, however, depending on the quality of the Shilajit. High percentage of Fulvic acid such as 70% actually only occurs in Shilajit Resin. It has been concluded that Shilajit can help in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Since oligomers, the smaller variant of TAU protein clumps, exist in the brain for decades before the disease is diagnosed, researchers believe that Shilajit may help prevent the disease well in advance of a possible diagnosis.
In a 2012 study called: “Can Nutraceuticals Prevent Alzheimer's Disease? Potential Therapeutic Role of a Formulation Containing Shilajit and Complex B Vitamins” it was shown that a mix of vitamin B and Shilajit can play a major role in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Folic acid, B6 and B12 are three B vitamins that are crucial for maintaining human health because they are involved in the metabolism of homocysteine.
High plasma levels of homocysteine, a neurotoxic substance, are associated with neurological disorders in the elderly. Folic acid and vitamin B12 insufficiency, has a major impact on the concentration of homocysteine in the body. According to several studies, people who receive vitamin supplements such as folic acid and vitamin B12 have significantly lower levels of homocysteine, which may lower their risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
This study focuses on 16 patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Patients were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 received a Shilajit complex with vitamin B and group 2 received a placebo. Various tests were carried out according to the “Mini-Mental test of Folstein”, “Boston naming test” en “cognitive portion of the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS-Cog)”, to determine the degree of deterioration in the patients.
Research results showed that the supplemented group deteriorated a lot less than the placebo group.
Where can I buy Shilajit?
Shilajit Resin is available Apex Nutrition to buy. This is high quality Shilajit with 70% Fulvic acid. Click on the link and take a look at our shilajit product page.
Conclusion
More research is needed to determine the exact role of Shilajit and Fulvic acid in Alzheimer's disease. We also know too little about Alzheimer's disease and how the disease develops and progresses. However, Shilajit is safe to take and may help in the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's disease.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in these blogs is based on third party research and sources. We have not conducted these studies ourselves and therefore cannot take responsibility for the accuracy, reliability or validity of the information.
In addition, we expressly state that the content of these blogs does not contain any health claims or guarantees. The information provided should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified health care professional before making any decisions based on the information in these blogs.