Colloidal silver: natural antibiotic
Colloidal silver: natural antibiotic
In a world that is increasingly looking for natural and sustainable alternatives in medicine, the fascinating history of colloidal silver is new. Known for its antimicrobial properties for centuries, this “natural antibiotic” has experienced a renaissance in modern science. But how well -founded is the knowledge of colloidal silver? In our profound article, we shed light on the historical roots and scientific knowledge behind the use of colloidal silver. We examine its effectiveness in various areas of application and present the current security profile and evidence -based dosage recommendations. Enter the world of microteilchen with us and discover why colloidal silver as a natural antibiotic is not only of historical interest, but also of current scientific relevance.
the historical development and scientific foundations of colloidal silver
Colloidal silver consists of tiny silver particles that are suspended in a liquid. Historically, silver was already used for medical purposes due to its antimicrobial properties. The first documented use of colloidal silver dates back to 1891 when the German doctor Carl Crede introduced it to the treatment of newborns. In the early 20th century it was then used as an antibacterial remedy for various infections.
The scientific basis for the antimicrobial effect of colloidal silver lies in the ability of the silver ions to penetrate the cell membrane of microorganisms and disrupt critical cellular processes. This leads to the death of the microorganisms. In contrast to antibiotics that have a specific way and in which there is a risk of resistance development, colloidal silver has a wide range of microorganisms.
Scientific studies and findings:
- It was shown that colloidal silver has a broad antibacterial activity, including the ability to combat multi-resistant hospital germs such as MRSA (Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus).
- Studies have also examined the antiviral effects of colloidal silver, including its effectiveness against the HIV-1 virus.
- Research on the antifunal effect has shown that colloidal silver is effective against common pathogenic like Candida Albicans.
Effectiveness and areas of application of colloidal silver as a natural antibiotic
Colloidal silver, a suspension of microscopic small silver particles in liquid, is used in different areas due to its antibacterial properties. It is assumed that silver ions bind to bacterial cell walls and thereby disturb the normal function of the cells, which leads to the death of the bacteria. This antimicrobial effect makes colloidal silver a versatile natural antibiotic.
- wound treatment and skin Care: Due to its antibacterial properties, colloidal silver is used in wound treatment and skin care. It is part of creams and ointments that are used to promote the healing of cuts, burns, skin infections and eczema.
- water disinfection: colloidal silver can be used for water disinfection because it is able to kill bacteria, viruses and other pathogens. This makes it an option for preparing drinking water in areas without access to clean water.
- conservation: The antimicrobial properties of colloidal silver make it a preservative for various products, including cosmetics and food. It helps to extend the durability of these products by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms.
The effectiveness of colloidal silver and its wide range of applications are based on its ability to combat a variety of pathogenic. This includes both gram -positive and gram -negative bacteria, some viruses and fungal infections. The exact mode of action, especially against viruses and fungi, is the subject of current research and not yet fully understood.
Scientific studies have proven the antimicrobial effect of colloidal silver, but the effectiveness varies depending on the size of the silver particles and concentration of the solution. It is important to note that the optimal composition and dosage for specific applications are further researched in order to maximize security and effectiveness.
| wound treatment | High |
| water disinfection | moderately to high |
| preservation | moderate |
security profile and recommended doses of colloidal silver: an evidence -based overview
colloidal silver is used in various areas of application because of its antimicrobial properties, but its security profile and the recommended doses are topics of intensive discussions. The US environmental protection agency (EPA) has determined guidelines for oral intake of colloidal silver, which consider a daily absorption of no more than 5 micrograms per kilogram of body weight (µg/kg).
The systematic review of scientific literature shows that long-term intake of high doses can lead to argyria, an irreversible gray-blue discoloration of the skin and other organs caused by the storage of silver particles. This condition is not life -threatening, but is considered cosmetically disturbing and can indicate excessive silver accumulation in the body.
There are no set restrictions for the external application, but consumers should pay attention to choosing products that contain precise information about the silver concentration and particle size to ensure effective and safe use. The concentration in products for external use usually varies between 10 and 25 ppm (parts per million), whereby applications on the skin or for wound associations are considered safe in this concentration range.
In medical research, colloidal silver is examined in concentrations of up to 12 ppm as an adjuvant therapy for the treatment of burns, wounds and various skin diseases. Clinical studies indicate that these concentrations can effectively eliminate microorganisms without toxic side effects being observed in the patients
| oral | ≤ 5 µg/kg body weight/day | Risk of argyria with long -term exceeding |
| externally | 10-25 ppm | considered safe with proper application |
| adjuvant therapy | up to 12 ppm | Effective in microorganisms without toxic side effects. |
It is crucial that consumers and medical specialists observe the security profiles and recommended doses of colloidal silver in order to ensure safe application and to minimize potential risks.
In summary, it can be said that colloidal silver is recognized as a natural antibiotic due to its historical development, scientific foundations and proven effectiveness in various areas of application. Nevertheless, it is crucial that users find out about the security profile and the recommended doses in order to minimize potential risks. The evidence -based overview emphasizes that while colloidal silver can have promising antibacterial properties, the responsible handling of this natural product is essential. Further research is required to fully understand the long -term effects and the optimal use of colloidal silver. So we face an exciting interface between traditional healing and modern science, which has the potential to significantly influence the development of future natural antibiotics.sources and further literature
references
- Rai, M., Yadav, A., & Gade, A. (2009). Silver nanoparticles as a new generation of antimicrobials. Biotechnology Advances , 27 (1), 76-83.
- Klasen, H.J. (2000). Historical development of silver as an anti -infective. Wound Repair Regen , 8 (2), 147-156.
Studies
- Morones, J.R., et al. (2005). The Bactericidal Effect of Silver Nanoparticles. nanotechnology , 16 (10), 2346-2353.
- Lansdown, A.B. (2006). Silver in the wound supply - antimicrobial effect and security profile. Journal of Wound Care , 15 (4), 173-177.
further reading
- Fung, M.C., Bowen, D.L. (1996). Silver products for medical indications: again reviewing the risk for users. Journal of Toxicology: Clinical Toxicology , 34 (1), 119-126.
- Böckmann, R. (2003). The use of silver in medicine. Ärzte Zeitung , issue no. 85.
- Holt, K.B., Bard, A.J. (2005). Interaction of silver (i) ions with the bacterial cell wall and core membrane. chembiochem , 6 (5), 775-783.