Potent anthelmintic activity of a colloidal nano-silver formulation (Silversol®) against the model worm Caenorhabditis elegans

Abstract

Objective In the background of a very small number of effective anthelmintics available today with a narrow activity spectrum, and a rise in resistance against them among parasitic helminths, there is an urgent need for discovery of novel broad-spectrum anthelmintics displaying no or minimal toxicity towards the host. Silver being used since centuries for therapeutic purposes and considered safe for human consumption, we investigated anthelmintic activity of a colloidal nanosilver formulation Silversol®. Anthelmintic efficacy of the test formulation was assayed employing the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a model worm through a live-dead count. Results Silversol® exerted anthelmintic action superior to one of the positive controls (Benzimidazole), and almost at par to another positive control (Ivermectin). At concentrations ≥ 2 ppm, it could kill all the worms present in the experimental well. Lower concentrations of silver were found to have a cuticle-damaging action on worms. Further investigation is warranted to assess whether Silversol® can exert similar potent activity against different species of parasitic helminths, and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of action.

Silversol®(a colloidal nanosilver formulation) inhibits growth of antibiotic-resistantStaphylococcus aureusby disrupting its physiology in multiple ways

“…Modern times has also witnessed numerous reports (Burange et al, 2021; Korkmaz, 2020; Khan et al, 2023) describing different types of biological activities of silver. Antimicrobial activity of different forms of silver has also been documented e.g., antiviral (Balasubramaniam et al, 2020; Jain et al, 2021; Ratan et al, 2021), antibacterial (Balasubramaniam et al, 2020; Ibrahim et al, 2020; Bruna et al, 2021), antifungal (Mussin et al, 2022; Matras et al, 2022), antiprotozoal (Abou Elez et al, 2023), and anthelmintic (Majumdar and Kar, 2023; Gajera et al, 2023a). Different forms of silver (e.g., metallic, colloidal, silver salts) may have different mechanisms of action, and varying magnitude of biological activity.…”

“…Modern times has also witnessed numerous reports (Burange et al, 2021;Korkmaz, 2020;Khan et al, 2023) describing different types of biological activities of silver. Antimicrobial activity of different forms of silver has also been documented e.g., antiviral (Balasubramaniam et (Majumdar and Kar, 2023;Gajera et al, 2023a). Different forms of silver (e.g., metallic, colloidal, silver salts) may have different mechanisms of action, and varying magnitude of biological activity.…”

Silversol® (a Colloidal Nanosilver Formulation) Inhibits Growth of Antibiotic-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus by Disrupting Its Physiology in Multiple Ways

“…Modern times have also witnessed numerous reports [ 4 , 5 , 6 ] describing different types of biological activities of silver. Antimicrobial activity of different forms of silver against different groups of microorganisms has also been reported, e.g., antiviral [ 7 , 8 , 9 ], antibacterial [ 7 , 10 , 11 ], antifungal [ 12 , 13 ], antiprotozoal [ 14 ], and anthelmintic [ 15 , 16 ]. Different forms of silver (e.g., silver salts, metallic, or colloidal) may have different mechanisms of action and varying magnitudes of biological efficacy.…”