Humic Acid
Humic acid is a type of organic compound found in soil, peat, coal, and other natural materials. It is a humic substance, which encompasses a group of complex organic compounds formed by the decomposition of plant and animal matter.1
Shilajit and Mumme are among the good sources of humic acid. Researchers believe that these supplements have many health benefits due to their humic acid content.2
In recent years, humic acid has gained popularity as a health supplement due to its potential health benefits, which include improving digestion, boosting immunity, and reducing inflammation. Some proponents of humic acid claim that it can help with many health conditions, such as arthritis, asthma, and even cancer.1
The underlying mechanism of action of humic acid is not well understood, but it is thought to work by several mechanisms. Firstly, humic acid is a powerful antioxidant, which means it can protect the body against damage from harmful free radicals.4
Additionally, humic acid is believed to have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation is a key factor in many diseases and reducing it can help to improve overall health and prevent disease.5
Health Benefits of Humic Acid
Here are some of the possible health benefits of humic acid:
- Improved Digestion
Humic acid is believed to positively impact gut health by improving the balance of gut bacteria. This is important for proper digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune function. Some people also report that taking humic acid supplements can help to relieve digestive symptoms, such as bloating, gas, and constipation.3
- Boosted Immunity
Humic acid is thought to have immune-boosting properties, as it has been shown to enhance the activity of immune cells. Hence, it can help improve overall immunity and potentially prevent the onset of diseases.4
- Reduced Inflammation
Humic acid is believed to have anti-inflammatory effects, which means it can help to reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation is a key factor in many diseases and reducing it can help to improve overall health and prevent disease.5
- Antioxidant Properties
Humic acid is a powerful antioxidant, which means it can protect the body against damage from harmful free radicals. Free radical damage is thought to play a role in many diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's.4
- Improved Liver Function
Humic acid has been shown to improve liver function by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver. This is important because the liver is responsible for removing toxins from the body and maintaining overall health.4
- Improved Cardiovascular Health
Humic acid has been shown to improve cardiovascular health by reducing oxidative stress, improving lipid profiles, and reducing blood pressure. This can help to prevent heart disease and stroke.4,6
- Potential Anti-Cancer Effects
Humic acid has been studied for its potential anti-cancer effects, as it has been shown to induce apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells and reduce the growth of tumours in animal studies. However, more research is needed to determine if humic acid has a similar effect in humans.4
It's important to note that while humic acid has been the subject of some studies and has shown promise in animal studies, more research is needed to fully understand its effects on human health.
Side Effects of Humic Acid
Humic Acid is used in small amounts as a health supplement. It does not appear to cause any side effects when used at recommended dosages. However, it is worth understanding that the long-term safety of humic acid is unclear due to a lack of studies.
Properties
- Anti-Inflammatory1,4,5
- Antioxidant4
- Arthritis1
- Asthma1
- Blood Pressure – Reduction4,6
- Cancer Prevention1,4
- Cardiovascular Support4,6
- Constipation3
- Digestive Function1,3
- Heart Support / Health4
- Immune Booster1,3,4
- Liver Health4
- Oxidation Reduction4
References:
- Humic acid | chemistry | Britannica. Accessed February 11, 2023.https://www.britannica.com/science/humic-acid
- AGARWAL S, Anwer MdK, RAJESH K, Ali A, Sultana Y. Humic acid from Shilajit: A physico-chemical and spectroscopic characterization. J Serbian Chem Soc. 2010;75. doi:10.2298/JSC1000006A
- Swidsinski A, Dörffel Y, Loening-Baucke V, et al. Impact of humic acids on the colonic microbiome in healthy volunteers. World J Gastroenterol. 2017;23(5):885-890. doi:10.3748/wjg.v23.i5.885
- Jacob KK, Kj PP, N C. HUMIC SUBSTANCES AS A POTENT BIOMATERIALS FOR THERAPEUTIC AND DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM-A REVIEW. Int J Appl Pharm. Published online March 6, 2019:1-4. doi:10.22159/ijap.2019v11i3.31421
- van Rensburg CEJ. The Anti-inflammatory Properties of Humic Substances: A Mini Review. Phytother Res. 2015;29(6):791-795. doi:10.1002/ptr.5319
- Zykova MV, Belousov MV, Lasukova TV, Gorbunov AS, Logvinova LA, Dygai AM. Cardiovascular Effects of High-Molecular-Weight Compounds of Humic Nature. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2017;163(2):206-209. doi:10.1007/s10517-017-3767-1