5) DCPs: protein complexes of DBPs
Besides free DBPs, shilajit contains DCPs (dibenzo-α-pyrone chromoproteins) : complexes where DBP nuclei are bound to proteins . They constitute a stabilized and bioactive form of DBPs and could protect these phenolic nuclei, facilitate their transport and modulate their bioavailability .
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Shilajit specificity : the formation of DCPs is associated with geological biotransformation (pressure, microbiota) specific to shilajit deposits. Elsevier chapter .
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Analytical data : Identification by chromatographic/spectral methods in shilajit samples; detailed description of the composition and chromoproteins in patents. US20050233942A1 ; US20050245434A1 (PDF) ; WO2005099739A1 .
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Preclinical standardization : A CFS/rat study used a standardized DBPs/DCPs/fulvic shilajit (DBPs 0.43%; DCPs 20.45%; fulvic 56.75%). J Ethnopharmacol. 2012 .
Key takeaway: DCPs are not different molecules: they are DBPs bound to proteins . They can be thought of as “stabilized reservoirs” of DBPs contributing to the overall bioactivity of shilajit.
Academic sources: Int J Alzheimers Dis. 2012 ; ScienceDirect — Shilajit Chapter . Technical sources: DCPs patents (US/WO/EP).
6) Parallel: DBPs from the microbiota (urolithins)
Urolithins , metabolites of ellagitannins via the microbiota, belong to the DBP family. They illustrate the bioenergetic/neuroprotective potential of this chemistry:
7) Regulatory framework and security
Shilajit must be purified (risk of heavy metals , mycotoxins). DBPs/DCPs do not have any health claims authorized by EFSA; communication must remain factual and focused on “composition/quality”.
Caution: Require a batch COA (Certificate of Analysis) certifying: DBPs/DCPs, fulvic acid, microbiology, solvents, pesticides, Pb, Cd, Hg, As . In Europe, only validated claims can be used.
Regulatory references: EFSA Journal 2015 (example of opinion on bioactive substances) ; Regulation (EU) 2023/915 (maximum contaminant levels).
8) FAQ
Shilajit's signature bicyclic polyphenols , present free and in protein -bound form (DCPs), contribute to mitochondrial bioenergy and antioxidant defense .
DBPs are free molecules . DCPs are protein complexes where DBPs are bound to proteins : stabilized forms that could prolong the biochemical action of DBPs.
Preclinical models suggest mitochondrial support (electron transport, ATP). Human evidence specific to DBPs/DCPs remains limited .
Yes. Derived from ellagitannins via the microbiota, urolithins (e.g. urolithin A ) belong to the DBP family and show effects on mitophagy and muscle performance (clinical trials).
Require a batch COA stating: % fulvic acid , presence of DBPs/DCPs , heavy metal tests, solvents, mycotoxins, microbiology, pesticides, traceability.
9) Conclusion
DBPs are a biochemical signature of shilajit, and DCPs are its stabilized protein form . Experimental data support a plausible bioenergetic role and antioxidant/neuroprotective effects, but clinical trials directly targeting DBPs/DCPs remain to be conducted. Until then, they should be presented as composition/quality markers and not as therapeutic molecules with established clinical efficacy.
10) References
- Academic review (DBPs, DCPs, fulvic): Int J Alzheimers Dis. 2012;2012:674142 .
- Monograph — Active constituents (DBPs, DCPs, fulvic): Elsevier/ScienceDirect — Chapter “Shilajit” .
- Shilajit & mitochondria (fatigue, rat) — DBPs/DCPs/fulvic standardization: J Ethnopharmacol. 2012;143(1):91-99 .
- Fulvic acid & inflammation (DBPs mention): J Diabetes Res. 2018;2018:5391014 .
- Neuroprotection (fulvic-inhibited tau aggregation, in vitro): J Alzheimers Dis. 2011;27(1):163-173 .
- Urolithin A — mitophagy: Nature Medicine 2016 .
- Urolithin A — clinical trial: JAMA Netw Open 2022 .
- Patents on FADs (composition/identification): US20050233942A1 ; US20050245434A1 (PDF) ; WO2005099739A1 ; EP1750739A1 .
Tip: Request batch-by-batch (COA) analyses: % fulvic acid, presence of DBPs/DCPs, Pb, Cd, Hg, As , solvents, mycotoxins, pesticides, microbiology. An HPLC/UV or LC-MS report reinforces quality credibility.
