Effects of shilajit on the bone tissue of alcohol administered rats.

Purpose: The purpose of the current study was to examine the effect of Shilajit; a herbomineral, supplementation on the mechanical strength of alcohol treated rat bone. Methods: Experimental animals each were assigned to six groups: group A(control): control rats were given water orally for a period of ten weeks; group B (treated): Animals were given processed shilajit (PS; 100mg/kg/day); group C (treated): Animals were given processed shilajit (PS; 200mg/kg/day); group D: animals were given 30% alcohol; group E: animals were given 30% alcohol and shilajit (100mg/kg/day) orally; group F: animals were given 30% alcohol and shilajit (200mg/kg/day) orally for ten weeks. Bone tissue mechanical strength along with bone weight, liver antioxidative enzymes and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were assessed for all the treatment groups. Results: Mechanical strength of the bone tissue (both femur as well as tibia) was found to be significantly enhanced upon shilajit supplementation to alcohol treated group. Also, the activities of anti oxidant enzymes and alkaline phosphatase in the liver of alcohol administered groups were restored upon shilajit administration. Conclusion: These findings suggest that shilajit is very efficacious and competent in the maintenance of bone health