Evidence supporting the use of: Colloidal Silver
For the health condition: Abrasions
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Colloidal silver has a long history of use as an antimicrobial agent, especially before the advent of modern antibiotics. In the context of treating or supporting the healing of abrasions, its use is primarily based on its antimicrobial properties, as silver ions are known to disrupt bacterial cell membranes and interfere with microbial replication. Modern medicine uses certain silver compounds, such as silver sulfadiazine cream, to prevent infection in burns and wounds, including abrasions, due to their proven efficacy in reducing bacterial load and promoting a sterile environment for healing.
However, the evidence specifically for colloidal (suspended silver nanoparticles in liquid) silver, as opposed to pharmaceutical-grade silver preparations, is limited. While in vitro studies and some animal models demonstrate that colloidal silver can inhibit the growth of various pathogens, robust human clinical trials confirming its safety and efficacy for treating minor wounds or abrasions are lacking. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not recognize colloidal silver as safe or effective for any medical condition, and there are concerns regarding possible adverse effects, such as argyria (irreversible bluish-gray skin discoloration) and potential toxicity.
In summary, while the antimicrobial action of silver is scientifically validated in certain medical products, the use of colloidal silver for abrasions by laypersons is not well-supported by strong clinical evidence. Its traditional use and mechanistic plausibility justify some consideration, but clinical endorsement is limited due to insufficient robust human data and safety concerns.
Other ingredients used for Abrasions
Aloe verabeeswax
bisabolol
chamomile
turmeric
glycerin
goldenseal
gotu kola
hyaluronic acid
lavender
licorice root
microbial enzymes (proprietary)
mucin
plantain
protease
purified silver
slippery elm bark
vitamin C
zinc
chickweed
xanthium (cockleburs)
shen-chu
nut grass
clerodendrum indicum
paederia foetida
boxthorne
yarrow
moss
myrrh
siler root
oriental arborvitae
assam indigo
paw paw
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
arnica
impatiens
sea salt
Ash
Avens
Asiaticoside
Acacia
Agave
Agrimony
Antirrhinum majus
Achyranthes
Anamu
Abrus
Alchornea
Alchemilla
Ajuga
Aquilegia formosa
Allantoin
Alkanet
Alsonia scholaris
Ampelopsis
Abuta
Alkanna
Bee Propolis
Bai Ji
Blackthorn
Balsam
Blackbrush
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Brazilian peppertree
Bee hive
Bloodroot
Benzoin
Bindweed
Banyan
Bletilla
Bee products
Bombax
Boerhavia diffusa
Calochortus
Comfrey
Centella triterpenes
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
Colloidal Silver
Capillary Artemisia
Cinquefoil
Cattail
Cocoa Butter
Cymbidium goeringii
Cornflower
Cowherb
Centella asiatica
Celandine
Centipeda
Carrapichinho
Cedrus libani
Castile Soap
Cynodon dactylon
Cocklebur
Cynanchum
Casearia sylvestris
Didymocarpus
Dragon's Blood
Davilla rugosa
Epidermal Growth Factor
Erigeron
Elephant Vine
Erodium cicutarium
English Elm
Elephant's Head
Euphorbia
Flueggea suffruticosa
Fomes fomentarius
Ficin
Fibrinase
fibroblast growth factor
Fir
Genipap
Gnaphalium
Gambir
Growth factors
Genipa americana
Gugambilla
Golden Shower Tree
Honey
Heal-All
Hydrocolloid
Henna
Iridoid glycosides
Immortelle
Jojoba Oil
Jessica's Sticktight
Kigelia africana
Kalanchoe pinnatum
Lacquertree
Lesser speargrass
Lilium polyphyllum
Lophira lanceolata
Lodhtree
lac resin
Lygodium
Lantana camara
Leptospermum scoparium
Little ironweed
Maritime Dock
Mountain horopito
Malva sylvestris
Matico
Mahonia
Milkweed
Marigold
Marking Nut Tree
Macaranga indica
Nimbidin
Oak
Oxystelma
Propolis
Purple Tephrosia
Povidone
Plantago
Panthenol
Plumbago zeylanica
Prolase
Red Alder
Resin
Red Spiderling
Rosa californica
Rhus glabra
Sanicle
Sesbania
Speedwell
Spanish Needle
Sausage Tree
Silverweed
Shikonin
Self-Heal
Smooth Alder
Sensitive Plant
Sericin
Sanguisorba
Sickle-leaf hare's ear
Stellaria dichotoma
Sapindus mukorossi
Stereospermum
Smoketree
Trumpet Vine
Tannins
Tridax
Thymol
Tea Tree Oil
Tagetes
Whiteweed
Witch Hazel
Waltheria ovata
Yerba Mansa
Other health conditions supported by Colloidal Silver
AbrasionsAbscesses
Bites and Stings
Boils
Burns and Scalds
Conjunctivitis
Cuts
Eye Infections
Infection