Spectroscopic Analysis and Potent Antibacterial Activity of Himalayan Shilajit (Asphaltum) from High Altitude Regions of Pakistan

Abstract

Asphaltum, also known as Shilajit, is a mineral-rich resin that has a long history of use in Ayurveda. This study processed raw samples of Asphaltum collected from the Himalayan regions of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral in Pakistan. Following the extraction, the samples underwent a series of analyses. Absorption peaks were pronounced in the range of about 220 to 280 nm in the UV-Vis spectrum, attributable to fulvic acid, with typical polyphenolic compounds such as 3-hydroxy Benzoic acid, 4'-hydroxyacetophenone and 2-Ethylphenol. The FTIR analysis showed evidence of important functional groups, namely the broad band at 3350 cm⁻¹ attributable to hydroxyl (-OH) stretching, and strong peak at 1680 cm⁻¹ due to the stretching of carbonyl (C=O) of carboxylic acids and ketones. GC-MS profiles revealed various organic components to be abundant in the extract, particularly dibenzo-α-pyrones, phenolic acids, and fatty acid esters that are likely responsible for the bioactivity of the extract. ICP-OES analysis indicated some essential minerals, wherein calcium, magnesium, and iron were quantified at 6500 mg/kg, 2500 mg/kg, and 150 mg/kg, respectively. The antibacterial assays revealed that the extract produced inhibition zones of 15 mm against Escherichia coli and 18 mm against Staphylococcus aureus at 50 mg/mL. These findings provide a detailed chemical and elemental profile for Himalayan Shilajit, supporting pharmaceutical applicability and suggesting future pharmacological research routes.