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Ayurveda Meets Innovation: Uttarakhand Entrepreneur Develops Shilajit in Labs, Bridging Ancient Wisdom and Modern Science

Shilajit prepared in labs—sounds unbelievable, doesn’t it? Yet, that’s exactly what Anuja Duklan, an innovator and founder of Suraitech Innovation, has achieved, proving that with science, anything is possible. By demonstrating that Shilajit can be synthesized in a controlled environment, she is bridging the gap between traditional Ayurvedic medicine and modern scientific advancements.

Kirti Narwal
Anuja Duklan, co-founder of Suraitech Innovation, is pioneering lab-grown Shilajit to make this ancient remedy more accessible, affordable, and reliably authentic.
Anuja Duklan, co-founder of Suraitech Innovation, is pioneering lab-grown Shilajit to make this ancient remedy more accessible, affordable, and reliably authentic.

For centuries, Shilajit has been revered in Ayurvedic medicine for its powerful health benefits—enhancing anti-aging, rejuvenation, immunity, and vitality. Traditionally, it forms over hundreds of years through the slow decomposition and compression of plant matter trapped between layers of rock in mountainous regions. However, its limited availability, high cost, and concerns over authenticity have made genuine Shilajit difficult to access for many.

But what if this ancient remedy could be replicated in a lab with the same purity and effectiveness? That’s precisely what Anuja Duklan, co-founder of Suraitech Innovation, set out to achieve. Through extensive research, she uncovered a groundbreaking link between the plant Euphorbia royleana (locally known as Surai in Uttarakhand) and Shilajit. What began as a scientific curiosity quickly turned into a revolutionary breakthrough—proving that Shilajit can be bioengineered, making it more accessible, affordable, and environmentally sustainable.

Scientific Discovery: Unearthing a Hidden Connection

Euphorbia royleana: Plant Behind the Secret of Shilajit

During extensive research, Anuja discovered that Shilajit is consistently found in areas where the plant Euphorbia royleana (locally known as Surai in Uttarakhand) thrives. After analyzing multiple studies and ancient literature, she hypothesized that the latex of Euphorbia royleana undergoes natural polymerization over centuries, ultimately resulting in the formation of Shilajit.

Recognizing the potential of this plant, she and her team conducted an advanced bioengineering experiment, aiming to scientifically replicate the natural formation process and produce Shilajit outside the mountainous environment through controlled laboratory methods.

Innovation: Replicating Nature in the Lab

Anuja and her team devised a bioengineering process to accelerate its natural formation in the lab. Their patented method involves:

  1. Polycondensation Polymerization – Mimicking the natural compression process that Shilajit undergoes over centuries. 

  2. Hydrothermolysis – Utilizing heat and moisture to accelerate biochemical transformations, ensuring the final product is chemically identical to naturally occurring Shilajit.

Beyond scientific breakthroughs, this innovation promotes climate-resilient agroforestry by cultivating Euphorbia royleana on marginal lands and pastures in Uttarakhand. Since Surai is a succulent plant, it actively absorbs carbon dioxide, contributing to carbon sequestration and sustainable agriculture.

By integrating scientific innovation with environmental sustainability, Anuja and her team have pioneered a new era of Ayurvedic wellness backed by scientific validation.

Shilajit: A Health Powerhouse, Now More Accessible

Shilajit has long been praised for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. The scientifically manufactured version contains essential micronutrients that support:

  • Boost immunity and anti-aging properties

  • Enhance cognitive function and anti-aging properties

  • Improve cardiovascular health and Metabolism

  • Strengthen bones and Muscles

More importantly, it solves the problem of authenticity—no more overpriced, non-genuine products. Now, Ayurvedic wellness is available to everyone, backed by science.

This scientifically manufactured Shilajit is enriched with essential micronutrients, including:

  • Minerals (critical for cellular function)

  • Antioxidants (preventing oxidative stress)

  • Triterpenoids, flavonoids, benzoic acid, ellagic acid, and lupeol (offering anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties)

Scientific Validation & Testing

To ensure authenticity and efficacy, this laboratory-synthesized Shilajit has been tested in 

NABL Accredited National Test Laboratories, including:

  • CSIR, IICT Hyderabad – Chemical and biological analysis

  • NIFTEM, Sonipat – Nutritional profiling and safety evaluation

  • Arbro Pharmaceutical Private Limited, New Delhi – Pharmacological testing

These independent assessments confirm that the lab-manufactured Shilajit maintains the same chemical structure and potency as traditional forms.

Achievements & Recognition

This groundbreaking innovation has earned national and international recognition, receiving multiple awards and grants:

  • Bio Asia Young Mind Award – Acknowledging innovation in bioengineering and health sciences

  • BIRAC-TIE WINNER Award – Rs 500,000 grant for groundbreaking research

  • Rs 2 million grant from the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare,

  • Government of India Supporting sustainable agroforestry and biotechnology

  • USD 3425 grant from Land Accelerator, South Asia (World Resource Institute, Washington, USA) – Recognizing climate-resilient agricultural innovation

  • Patent Grant Number: 560598 – For the "Application of Bioengineering Processes for Manufacturing Shilajit from the Latex of Euphorbia royleana Plants"

Anuja Duklan’s revolutionary innovation bridges the gap between traditional Ayurvedic medicine and modern scientific advancements. By proving that Shilajit can be manufactured in a controlled environment, she has:

  • Eliminated the scarcity and authenticity concerns surrounding Shilajit

  • Made healthcare more affordable and accessible

  • Promoted sustainable agroforestry practices

Through scientific validation, patented technology, and global recognition, Anuja has reshaped the future of Ayurvedic supplements, ensuring that geographical constraints no longer limit authentic Shilajit but is instead scientifically produced, tested, and available for all.

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