Plant-derived phenolic acids in Shilajit: a comparative HPLC-MS/MS analysis across five regions

Area of Science:

• Phytochemistry
• Natural Products Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Shilajit, a traditional Asian medicine, is a resinous exudate with purported health benefits.
• Its plant-based origin is hypothesized but lacks direct chemical evidence.
• Phenolic acids are key plant-derived antioxidants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide the first comprehensive quantification of phenolic acids in Shilajit samples.
• To investigate the geographical variation in phenolic acid profiles.
• To establish molecular evidence for Shilajit's plant-based origin and its link to therapeutic effects.

Main Methods:

• High-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with tandem Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) was employed.
• Eleven Shilajit samples from diverse geographical locations (Iran, India, Nepal, Russia, Kyrgyzstan) were analyzed.
• Nine specific phenolic acids were identified and quantified.

Main Results:

• Nine phenolic acids, including gallic, vanillic, syringic, caffeic, p-coumaric, ferulic, sinapic, chlorogenic, and rosmarinic acids, were detected and quantified.
• Hydroxybenzoic acids were generally more abundant than hydroxycinnamic acids across samples.
• Significant geographical variations in phenolic acid composition were observed, with gallic acid being the most abundant and rosmarinic acid showing exceptionally high levels in one Iranian sample.

Conclusions:

• The study provides robust molecular evidence supporting the plant-based origin of Shilajit.
• Phenolic acids are identified as key contributors to Shilajit's antioxidant and therapeutic properties.
• The established analytical method can aid in future Shilajit standardization and quality control for medicinal use.