Effect of purified Shilajit (Asphaltum punjabianum) on oxidative stress, arterial stiffness and endothelial function in elderly with hypertension: A randomised controlled study

Objectives: Growing evidence showed involvement of vascular oxidative stress in the development of endothelial dysfunction, arterial stiffness and hypertension. Many clinical trials of antioxidants have proven unsuccessful in prevention of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events. There is a need of new therapies that reduce age- and hypertension associated arterial stiffness in elderly individuals. We aimed to determine if shilajit ( Asphaltum punjabianum ), a natural phytocomplex which is immunomodulator, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiaging, can reduce oxidative stress and improve arterial function in the elderly with hypertension. Materials and Methods: A parallel arm, open-label randomised controlled study was conducted on 60 elderly patients with hypertension. Study-group participants received shilajit (500 mg-twice/day for 30 days) with antihypertensives while control-group participants received only antihypertensive therapy. Oxidative stress, arterial stiffness and endothelial function markers were assessed at baseline and after 30 days of treatment. Results: Between-group analysis showed a significant decrease in oxidative stress markers: Malondialdehyde ( P < 0.001) and oxidised-low-density lipoproteins ( P = 0.015); and increase in total antioxidant capacity ( P = 0.002), superoxide dismutase ( P < 0.001) and reduced glutathione ( P < 0.001) with complementary therapy of shilajit. There was no change in the markers of arterial stiffness and endothelial function. Conclusion: These findings suggest that shilajit may be of value as a natural antioxidant to reduce oxidative stress in elderly hypertension patients.