Silver: benefits, dosage, contraindications

Mis à jour le
Silver has been known since antiquity for its anti-inflammatory, anti-infective, and healing properties and was used to purify water and preserve food. Its medical use has diversified over the centuries, including water purification, wound care, and medical devices. Silver ions, released in the presence of water or bodily fluids, have biological activity that allows them to interact effectively with the cell membranes of bacteria and fungi, thereby blocking their multiplication and functioning. Silver is not an essential nutrient. It is naturally present in some foods, such as vegetables, fruits, and grains. In modern medicine, silver is used in various forms, such as colloidal silver or silver sulfadiazine, to treat infections and prevent biofilm formation on medical devices. However, excessive use at high doses has sometimes led to a condition called argyria, which gives the body a grayish appearance. The amounts used in preparations for topical use do not present this type of risk, and silver remains an effective treatment for conditions of the nasal mucosa.

Scientific name(s)

silver

Family or group: 

Minerals and trace elements

Indications

Scoring methodology

EFSA approval.

Several randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trials (> 2), including a significant number of patients (>100), with consistently positive conclusions for the indication.
Several randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trials (> 2), including a significant number of patients (>100), with positive conclusions for the indication.
One or more randomized studies, or several cohorts or epidemiological studies, with positive conclusions for the indication.
Clinical studies exist but are uncontrolled, with conclusions that may be positive or conflicting.
No clinical studies to date that can demonstrate the indication.

Canker Sores
✪✪✪✪✪

Silver nitrate is widely used to treat oral canker sores because of its antiseptic and healing properties. Regular use of silver nitrate can reduce the inflammation associated with canker sores, speed their healing, and prevent infections.

Posologie

posologieOral administration

Production of silver-peptide colloidal nanocomposites for bacterial wound healing
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF NIGELLA SATIVA SILVER NANOPARTICLES: BIOCHEMICAL STUDY

Wound
✪✪✪✪✪

Silver can be used in various forms, notably through silver-based dressings. These dressings release silver ions in a controlled manner, thus ensuring prolonged action when in contact with the wound.

Posologie

posologieTopical application

Production of silver-peptide colloidal nanocomposites for bacterial wound healing

Flu
✪✪✪✪✪

Silver-based trace elements can reduce the duration of flu symptoms through their antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects.

Posologie

posologieOral administration

Production of silver-peptide colloidal nanocomposites for bacterial wound healing
Antiviral properties of silver nanoparticles on a magnetic hybrid colloid
Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles-based nanofluids and investigation of their antimicrobial activities
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF NIGELLA SATIVA SILVER NANOPARTICLES: BIOCHEMICAL STUDY

Properties


Antibacterial

full-leaffull-leafempty-leafempty-leaf

Laboratory research shows that preparations containing silver nanoparticles exhibit activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), Bacillus anthracis, Acinetobacter baylyi, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Micrococcus luteus, Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Citrobacter, and Shigella dysenteriae type I.


Antiviral

full-leaffull-leafempty-leafempty-leaf

In vitro research shows that colloidal silver has antiviral activity against the smallpox virus.

Usages associés

Influenza

Wound healing

full-leaffull-leafempty-leafempty-leaf

Silver has several healing properties. First, it has powerful antimicrobial properties, which help reduce the risk of infection and promote an environment conducive to healing. In addition, silver plays an anti-inflammatory role by reducing local inflammation, which helps speed up the healing process. Finally, it promotes tissue regeneration by stimulating cell proliferation and facilitating the formation of high-quality scar tissue.

Usages associés

Wound, Canker Sores

Anti-inflammatory

full-leafempty-leafempty-leafempty-leaf

Various in vitro studies have shown that silver is able to decrease the expression of certain inflammatory mediators, such as pro-inflammatory cytokines. It can also inhibit the activation of inflammatory cells.


Anticancer

full-leafempty-leafempty-leafempty-leaf

In vitro research shows that silver nanoparticles are active against human breast cancer cells, human colorectal adenocarcinoma epithelial cells, and human hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

Safe dosage

Plantes ou autres actifs

Silver: low interaction

Theoretically, silver could reduce iodine absorption.

Precautions

Adult: use with caution

The total daily intake of silver should not exceed 14 mcg/kg per day. Combining silver supplements with a regular dietary intake of silver would likely result in exceeding this amount. Colloidal silver: 20 ppm.

Conseil scientifique
Conseil scientifique

Other sections

Superfoods
Animal nutrition
News
Superfood reports
Interviews

About us

Who are we?
Our book
Our sources
Our commitments
Legal notice

The information presented does not in any way replace medical treatment or the advice of a healthcare professional. Before taking any supplements, consult a healthcare professional, especially if you have a medical condition, are undergoing treatment, or are pregnant.