A New Look at the Purported Health Benefits of Commercial and Natural Clays

Abstract

Clays attributed to have medicinal properties have been used since prehistoric times and are still used today as complementary medicines, which has given rise to unregulated “bioceutical” clays to treat skin conditions. Recently, clays with antibacterial characteristics have been proposed as alternatives to antibiotics, potentially overcoming modern day antibiotic resistance. Clays with suggested antibacterial properties were examined to establish their effects on common wound-infecting bacteria. Geochemical, microscopical, and toxicological characterization of clay particulates, their suspensions and filtered leachates was performed on THP-1 and HaCaT cell lines. Cytoskeletal toxicity, cell proliferation/viability (MTT assays), and migration (scratch wounds) were further evaluated. Clays were assayed for antibacterial efficacy using minimum inhibitory concentration assays. All clays possessed a mineral content with antibacterial potential; however, clay leachates contained insufficient ions to have any antibacterial effects. All clay leachates displayed toxicity towards THP-1 monocytes, while clay suspensions showed less toxicity, suggesting immunogenicity. Reduced clay cytotoxicity on HaCaTs was shown, as many leachates stimulated wound-healing responses. The “Green” clay exhibited antibacterial effects and only in suspension, which was lost upon neutralization. pH and its interaction with clay particle surface charge is more significant than previously understood to emphasize dangers of unregulated marketing and unsubstantiated bioceutical claims.

Wound Healing Properties and Structural Analysis of Four Geographical Areas’ Natural Clays

“…The mechanism of wound healing property of the natural clays was documented to be due to regulation of macrophages and recruitment of monocytes into wounds. Moreover, in the healing wounds keratinocytes migrate through the wound area to maintain the epithelial integrity (Incledion, et al, 2021). In another study, the healing process of a synthetic clay has been studied when applied to wounds and the healing process was proposed to be through fibroblast cell proliferation (Ghadiri, et al, 2014a).…”

Antimicrobial Potential of "Kavalgine" Clay Based Novel Preparation for Prophylactic Skin Care

“…Hence, clay is recognized for its anti-inflammatory capabilities. Additionally, apart from its antiinflammatory effects, clay is known to improve digestion, enhance the immune system, and promote skin health [11,12]. Propolis is also known for its wide application in various branches of traditional medicine in many countries.…”

Tratamento da caspa e seborreia através da argiloterapia e óleos essenciais: revisão integrativa

“…Por isso, observa-se que estes óleos essenciais atuam diretamente nas desregulações que a caspa promove no organismo. E por conseguinte, a associação dos óleos essenciais com a argiloterapia potencializa o tratamento da caspa uma vez que, as propriedades da argila verde englobam partículas que propiciam uma intensa limpeza, esfoliação e controle sebáceo levando a revitalização do tecido (Goyal et al, 2022;Truppel et al, 2020;Wang et al, 2022;Guzmán et al, 2021;Incledion et al, 2021).…”

“…Assim, verifica-se que a utilização conjunta destes óleos contribui mais efetivamente para o controle da seborreia ao atuar no funcionamento efetivo das glândulas sebáceas de maneira sistemática. Sabe-se ainda que o processo de controle da seborreia é otimizado com a junção da argila rosa, isso pois o mesmo possui características que propiciam ao cabelo uma maior limpeza, brilho e sedosidade, por meio da absorção de suas partículas que possuem grande atividade adstringentes que no couro cabeludo promove um intenso aumento e disseminação do fluxo sanguíneo, e o fechamento dos poros em junção com a remoção da camada externa da epiderme (Goyal et al, 2022;Truppel et al, 2020;Wang et al, 2022;Guzmán et al, 2021;Incledion et al, 2021;Vieira et al, 2019).…”