Does Colloidal Silver Antiviral Agents Kill Viruses?
Is colloidal silver antiviral? Because colloidal silver is effective against bacteria it is only natural to wonder whether it could be useful against viruses as well. For this reason, multiple research teams have been exploring this possibility for the past several decades. What is the role of colloidal silver supplements or hydrosol here? To understand this, please finish reading this article.
How viruses affect host cells
Viruses are the simplest life forms in nature. One of the characteristics of viruses that indicate their belonging to a living substance is their need for replication. Put it differently – reproduction. Science interprets the term «replication»; as a process in which a whole complex of enzymes and proteins are involved. The essence of this process is to create as many identical copies as possible. Deoxyribonucleic acid plays an important role here. This macromolecule provides the storage of genetic information, its transmission from generation to generation, and implementation for the development and functioning of living organisms. Viral proteins also interact with DNA to transfer genetic information: to create new generations of cells.
But, unlike other, more complex living organisms, the virus cannot survive on its own. Viruses can continue their genus only inside a living organism. To start multiplying, they need to enter cells. After the virus enters the body of an animal or human, it must multiply as much as possible, infecting other cells. Scientists have long been studying the ways of penetration and the consequences for the body of influenza, HIV-1, human papillomavirus (HPVs), different strains of herpes, and other viruses. [1]. The best-known examples are:
- One of the most widely spread viruses is the herpes virus family. The Epstein-Barr virus is one of them. Herpes viruses are the most common infectious agents that affect not only the human body, they are infecting animals, reptiles, and even fish. EBV is the prevalent cause of mononucleosis, especially in adolescents. In people By age 20-24, EBV infection can cause a severe sore throat with high fever and swelling lymph nodes throughout the body. In adults, symptoms are not as noticeable. The virus can be disguised as ARVI.
- Or human papillomaviruses (HPVs), the most frequent sexually transmitted infection in the world. Diseases caused by this virus are responsible for a large part of dermatological and oncological problems.
- Let’s take the most common virus, the flu. Types A and B are the causes of annual epidemics, which affect up to twenty percent of the population. Influenza A virus and its variants can infect both humans and animals.
The principle of action of both influenza viruses and other viruses is the same. When a virus enters a cell, it prevents its protein production but stimulates the generation of certain viral proteins [2]. These are the so-called hybrid proteins, due to which the lipid membrane of the viral clutch comes into contact with the membrane of a healthy cell.
The interaction mechanism of viral proteins is they attract the cell membrane to the viral one to start the fusion process. Over time, the number of viral proteins increases, and they actually capture neighboring cells. This unwanted invasion puts the immune system in a state of readiness to fight disease.
The symptoms that appear after a viral infection are the reaction of our immune system:
- Headaches and fever with high fever occur after immune cells enter the bloodstream. This process can negatively affect the area of the brain in the hypothalamus that regulates the body temperature.
- Coughing is the immune system response to respiratory infection in the lungs. In this way, the body fights mucus in the lungs and clears the airways.
- The consequences of viral infections, such as (Censored by the FTC), can be much more prepotent [3]: fatal complications can include respiratory failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), sepsis and septic shock, thromboembolism, multiple organ failure, including damage to the heart, kidneys, or liver. [4]
Colloidal silver and viruses: relevant research
Can colloidal silver kill viruses? The specific characteristics in the interaction of viruses with the cells of the host have interested many researchers. For example, can colloidal silver kill viruses? Or how many viruses does colloidal silver kill? And under what conditions. The antiviral activity of metal nanoparticles consists of the competitive binding of the cell receptor and rupture of the viral envelope. Given the mechanism of action of metal nanoparticles on microbes, silver nanoparticles (AgNP) have emerged as some of the strongest candidates as antiviral agents. [5]
From herpes to flu
Scientists have also investigated the interaction between silver and oncogenic types of gamma herpes viruses. These strains can further cause cancer. There is a connection between the herpes virus and KSHV (Kaposi sarcoma), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is etiologically associated with many malignant neoplasms . Scientists have not only evaluated but confirmed the therapeutic potential of nAg. They have noted the antiviral capacity of nAg against several viruses, namely the HIV1 [6], hepatitis B virus (HBV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), and influenza virus.
Аrenaviruses and others
Colloidal silver nanoparticles are capable of suppressing the prototype arenavirus. In particular, Takariba a virus carried by some species of bats and mosquitoes in Africa. Scientists have found out that the neutralization of viruses occurs in the early stages of their replication. [7]. And it is too early to rely on the alleged high-profile research.
Remembering the sensational publication describing nanotechnology-based antiviral agents «Silver nanoparticle neutralization of hemorrhagic fever viruses» [8]. The views expressed in this thesis are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the United States Air Force, Department of Defense, or the United States Government [9]. Scientists and researchers and private companies are at the beginning of the path in studying the prospects of using nanosilver.
Censored by the FTC
The (Censored by the FTC) pandemic has also become a reason for the research. Scientists are working on the prospects for the use of nanotechnology (including silver colloids) for diagnostics and, possibly, therapy for (Censored by the FTC) [10]. So, there is already data on the use of various nanocomposites, including silver-graphene-chitosan (AgNPs-G) nanoparticles, to diagnose the incidence of (Censored by the FTC).
Several nanomaterial biosensors currently exist for the detection of (Censored by the FTC) and related viruses. The researchers hope that shortly they will be able to create a new generation of nanotherapeutic drugs. They will help doctors in the local destruction of (Censored by the FTC).
How does colloidal silver kill viruses?
It is evident silver reduces the virus concentration, the percentage of infection, and the severity of the disease in animals. Scientists have used silver as inhibitors, that is, substances added to medicinal substances. In turn, they slow down or suppress physical and chemical processes in the body.
The interaction of silver ions with a viral cell is multifactorial and complex. It affects not only enzyme inactivation. And also on biochemical reactions, metabolism, and the ability of cells to divide. But the most important thing is that under the influence of Ag + ions and oxygen, the oxidation of the cytoplasm of viral cells occurs. And then their destruction.
Coated Silver: Support for your immune system in the fight against viruses
Colloidal coated silver as a supplement can improve your health and help your immune system. We agree with researchers who believe that colloidal silver is the future. Silver nanoparticles have good antibacterial and antiviral activity; therefore, they can be of great importance as a therapeutic agent in modern nanomedicine [11].
Only coated nanosilver can provide a high level of safety. For us, this is the most important thing.
The use of silver in finely dispersed nanoparticles form makes it possible to reduce the concentration of silver hundreds of times while maintaining its bactericidal properties. Our silver has been developed by scientists – Ph.D. Dan V. Goya and M.D. Calin V. Pop. Dr. Calin Pop has dedicated an entire book to this [12]. Does colloidal silver have antiviral properties? Colloidal silver is an alternative product for combating infectious processes and their prevention. For example, researchers suggest using nanosilver as an antimicrobial and antiviral agent for skin treatment. In particular, leather shoes, which often become a breeding ground for fungi [13].
This additive is used for inhalation, antiseptic rinsing, compresses, water disinfection, spray, applications, food preservation, etc. Antiviral and antibacterial action of AgNP can be applied in various industries, especially in the healthcare sector. There is a good chance that coated colloidal silver will either improve health and strengthen immunity. Scientists still have a lot of research work to prove that silver nanoparticles could have used to fight infectious problems around the globe. [14]
“This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.”
- Irene Jiménez-Munguía , Rodion J. Molotkovsky 1,Veronika V. Alexandrova “Lateral Membrane Heterogeneity Regulates Viral-Induced Membrane Fusion during HIV Entry”. Published by MDPI.
- Stefania Galdiero, Annarita Falanga, Mariateresa Vitiello, Marco Cantisani, Veronica Marra, and Massimiliano Galdiero. “Silver Nanoparticles as Potential Antiviral Agents”. Published 2011 Oct 24.
- Nicole C. Robb, Aartjan J.W. te Velthuis, Ervin Fodor, Achillefs N. Kapanidis «Single-Molecule Analysis of the Influenza Virus Replication Initiation», Feb 02, 2018.
- WHO “Coronavirus disease ((Censored by the FTC))”.
- SungJun ark, Hye Hun Park,b Sung Yeon Kim, Su Jung Kim, Kyoungja Woo,b and GwangPyo Corresponding author. “Antiviral Properties of Silver Nanoparticles on a Magnetic Hybrid Colloid”, 2014 Apr.
- Jose Luis Elechiguerra, Justin L Burt,1 Jose R Morones, Alejandra Camacho-Bragado, Xiaoxia Gao, Humberto H Lara, and Miguel Jose Yacaman. “Interaction of silver nanoparticles with HIV-1”, published 2005 Jun 29.
- Janice L Speshock, Richard C Murdock, Laura K Braydich-Stolle, Amanda M Schrand, Saber M Hussain. “Interaction of silver nanoparticles with Tacaribe virus”, 2010 Aug 18.
- Janice Speshock, Ph.D.Sabir Hussain, Ph.D. “Novel Nanotechnology-Based Antiviral Agents: silver nanoparticle neutralization of hemorrhagic fever viruses”.
- Kelley J. Williams. “Evidence for the Inhibition of Dengue Virus Binding in the Presence of Silver Nanoparticles”, 3-26-2015.
- Deepak S. Chauhan, Rajendra Prasad, Rohit Srivastava, Meena Jaggi, Subhash C. Chauhan, and Murali M. Yallapu. “Comprehensive Review on Current Interventions, Diagnostics, and Nanotechnology Perspectives against SARS-CoV-2”, 2020 Jul 17.
- Narasimha Golla, Janardhan Avilala. “Antibacterial and antiviral properties of silver nanoparticles synthesized by marine actinomycetes”, March 2019.
- Pop, C. V. (n.d.). “The Truth about Colloidal Silver and Gold”.
- N. Lkhagvajav, M. Koizhaiganova, I. Yasa, E. Çelik, and Ö. Sari. “Characterization and antimicrobial performance of nanosilver coatings on leather materials”, 2015 Mar.
- Atiqah Salleh, Ruth Naomi, Nike Dewi Utami, Abdul Wahab Mohammad, Ebrahim Mahmoudi, Norlaila Mustafa, and Mh Busra Fauzi. “The Potential of Silver Nanoparticles for Antiviral and Antibacterial Applications: A Mechanism of Action”. 2020 Aug.