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364147 
Journal Article 
Biochemical and trace mineral analysis of Silajit samples from Pakistan 
Shafiq, MI; Nagra, SA; Nayab, B 
2006 
9 
3 
190-194 
Silajit is a blackish brown pitch-like gummy substance and an important Unani and Ayurvedic medicine widely used in the treatment of many diseases and as nutritional supplement. It is found in certain mountainous regions of Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, Nepal, Australia and Russia. Silajit samples of Pakistani origin were obtained from different sources and analysed for their physical characteristics and biochemical and elemental composition. X-ray diffraction studies on Silajit showed that it is an amorphous substance and has no crystalline structure. Also, pH studies of Silajit (2 g/litre water) indicated that it was slightly acidic in nature and ranged from 3.45 to 7.23. Conductivity ranged from 157.7 to 330. Amino acid analysis revealed that Silajit contained lysine and alanine in higher amounts than all other amino acids and ranged from 1456 to 2240 and 68 to 1615 nmole/g, respectively. Mean concentration of arsenic, mercury, cadmium, lead, copper and zinc was 73.15, 104.92, 0.496, 3.89, 4.04 and 17.23 ppm, respectively. Silajit samples were also analysed for calcium, potassium and sodium contents. 
alanine; arsenic; cadmium; calcium; chemical composition; copper; herbal drugs; lead; lysine; mercury; potassium; sodium; traditional medicines; zinc; Pakistan; South Asia; Asia; Developing Countries; Commonwealth of Nations; herbal medicines; Non-food/Non-feed Plant Products (SS200); Composition and Quality of Non-food/Non-feed Plant Products (SS230)