Comparative Pharmaceutico-analytical Study of Shilajatu Collected from Himachal Pradesh with that Samples Obtained from Standard Commercial Sources and their In-vitro Antioxidant Study- A Study Protocol

Background: Shilajatu is one among the most used and important drugs in Ayurveda. However, a big percentage of Shilajatu samples available in market is not genuine. The analytical standards of Shilajatu are still not in Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia or any authoritative publication. So, the characterization and standardization of Shilajatu is required. Moreover, Shilajeet is vaguely being used by the layman and even professionals. It’s therapeutic potential needs to be specifically evaluated.  
Aims: To compare pharmaceutico-analytical characteristics of Shilajatu collected from Himachal Pradesh with that samples obtained from standard commercial sources and their in-vitro antioxidant study. 
Methodology: The collection of samples from the site near Rampur Bushahr, Himachal Pradesh will be done in favourable season (in the month of April to June and September-October) by personal visits. The samples of Shilajatu from two sites shall be taken for this study. Two market samples shall also be bought from two standard commercial sources. All the samples shall be taken in triplicate to ensure data accuracy. Minimum 4 sources samples in triplicate, so total minimum 12 raw samples shall be taken. Further analysis of raw samples then pharmaceutical processing (Shodhana) and again analysis of processed samples shall be done. In analysis organoleptic, Physico-Chemical, elemental analysis and estimation of Humic acid and Fulvic acid shall be done of minimum 12 Raw samples and 12 processed samples (total minimum 24 samples). In-Vitro antioxidant study shall be done for both sources, processed samples. 
Observations & Results: The observations noted while collection, analysis, processing of all samples shall be documented and presented in the form of data, photographs, tables, chart, etc. as applicable.  Further the processed Shuddha Shilajeet shall be subjected to an In-Vitro antioxidant study. Findings will be analyzed for interpretation of results. 
Conclusion: A comparative data of samples of Shilajatu, collected from site of natural occurrence and standard commercial sources, with respect to pharmaceutical work, analysis and In-Vitro antioxidant study will be generated.