Evidence supporting the use of: Hydrous magnesium silicate
For the health condition: Poisoning (general)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Hydrous magnesium silicate, commonly known as talc, has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly as an adsorbent. Historically, talc and other clay-based substances were used to treat various forms of poisoning, especially in the context of gastrointestinal irritants. The principle behind this application is the adsorptive capacity of talc, which, in theory, can bind toxins or irritants in the gastrointestinal tract and reduce their absorption into the body. However, the scientific literature supporting this use is limited. While activated charcoal is widely recognized and validated in modern medicine for adsorbing many types of ingested poisons, talc does not have the same efficacy or endorsement. There are few, if any, high-quality clinical studies demonstrating that hydrous magnesium silicate is effective for poisoning in humans, and its use for this purpose has been largely abandoned in favor of safer and more effective agents. In fact, ingestion of talc can itself cause health problems, including respiratory and gastrointestinal complications. Thus, while its use for poisoning is grounded in tradition and historical practices, there is little modern scientific support for its efficacy, and it is not a recommended treatment today.
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Other health conditions supported by Hydrous magnesium silicate
Acid IndigestionDiarrhea
Indigestion
Poisoning (general)