(Copyright of NanoCMM Technology)
The concept of colloidal silver?
Marketed as a remedy for a variety of health problems, colloidal silver is a solution of tiny silver particles suspended in a liquid. It is usually taken by mouth, but some products are sprayed, applied to the skin, or injected into a vein.
Silver has been used medicinally for centuries, considered a cure for everything from tuberculosis and arthritis to herpes and cancer. Even today, many alternative practitioners believe that colloidal silver offers health benefits by supporting immune function and preventing or treating infections, both common and serious.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ruled in 1999 that these colloidal silver products were neither safe nor effective and has sued several manufacturers over false health claims.
However, as amended by the FDA from April 1, 2020, Colloidal silver and silver salt ingredients have been marketed in over-the-counter (OTC) medicinal products for the treatment and prevention of many medical conditions. . There are serious and complex aspects to many of the diseases for which these silver components are intended to treat or prevent. Furthermore, sufficient data are lacking to establish general recognition of the safety and effectiveness of colloidal silver or silver salt components for OTC use in the treatment or prevention of any disease. These components and salts include, but are not limited to, silver protein, light silver protein, strong silver protein, silver, silver ion, silver chloride, silver cyanide, silver iodide, silver oxide and silver phosphate.
More information at: CFR – Code of Federal Regulations Title 21
What is colloidal silver used for?
The manufacturers of colloidal silver often widely claim that their products stimulate the immune system and help the body heal itself. Proponents believe the supplement can aid in wound healing, improve skin disorders, and prevent or treat illnesses such as flu, pneumonia, herpes, eye infections, shingles, cancer mail and AIDS.
Many of these claims have been supported by test-tube studies in which colloidal silver has been shown to have powerful antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory effects. What the studies don’t show is what happens outside of the test tube.
Healing
Several studies have investigated the use of silver-containing dressings on skin sores and wounds. Many of these have found that silver granules have antibacterial properties that aid in the treatment of diabetic sores , 4 skin grafts, bed sores , necrotizing plantar fasciitis and skin wounds other serious.
A 2018 study from Iran concluded that a topical ointment containing silver nanoparticles was able to reduce skin inflammation during the healing process and speed up skin regrowth compared to those taking a placebo .
This suggests that short-term, topical use of silver-containing products has a role in treatment.
Possible side effects
People who take colloidal silver may not experience any immediate side effects. Concern is more related to the long-term consequences of using colloidal silver as the particles gradually build up and embed themselves in organs and tissues, especially the skin.
Over time, this can lead to a permanent, disfiguring condition called argyria, in which tissues turn a bluish-gray color. 6 Gums are usually affected first, followed by the skin, eyes, nails, and deeper layers of tissue. Headache, fatigue, and “muscle convulsions” may also occur.
Although the toxicity of silver to internal organs is unknown, animal studies have shown that certain high levels can affect kidney and liver function, damaging the nervous system. central and stimulates the release of calcium from bone.
It is not known how silver affects fertility or pregnancy, but research by the National Toxicology Program shows that silver does not cause cancer.
Interaction of nano silver with drugs
In addition to the potential health risks, colloidal silver is known to interact with certain medications, reducing their effectiveness, increasing side effects, or impairing liver function as the drugs are metabolized.
Possible interactions include:
- Antiarrhythmic drugs such as Cordarone (amiodarone)
- Antifungal drugs such as Diflucan (fluconazole) and Sporanox (itraconazole)
- Levothyroxine, used to treat thyroid problems
- Methotrexate, used to treat autoimmune disorders
- Penicillamine, used to treat rheumatoid arthritis
- Quinolone antibiotics, including Cipro (ciprofloxacin) and Penetrex (enoxacin)
- Statin drugs such as Pravachol (pravastatin) and Zocor (simvastatin)
- Tetracycline antibiotics, including Achromycin (tetracycline) and Minocin (minocycline)
- Tylenol (acetaminophen)
Other drug interactions can occur, so tell your healthcare provider if you are taking colloidal silver, even if used for a short time.
