(2012). Interestingly, oral aluminum bioavailability is known to be increased by acidic pH, such as the pH in the human intestine, but in case of clinoptilolite tuff, it may be decreased, as this is a silicon-containing compound that releases certain amounts of dissolved silica (Jurki et al., 2013). Hamidpour M., Kalbasi M., Afyuni M., Shariatmadari H., Holm P. E., Hansen H. C. (2010). Recently, a more specific application of one naturally occurring zeolite material, clinoptilolite, has been widely studied in veterinary and human medicine. Erionite, a type of fibrous zeolite, can cause certain types of lung cancer when inhaled. Adsorption of divalent lead Ions by zeolites and activated carbon: effects of pH, temperature, and ionic strength. Lennicke C., Rahn J., Lichtenfels R. A., Wessjohann L. A., Seliger B. It contains 68% silicon, 11% clay, 4% potassium, 1% calcium and to a lesser extent manganese, iron and magnesium. Indeed, previous studies have shown a link between the antioxidative effect and the stimulation of the immune system (Knight, 2000; Brambilla et al., 2008). Clinoptilolite has a high affinity toward ammonium and may prove useful in these cases as an adjuvant to the standard therapy (Yao et al., 2016). It can absorb not only water but also other elements such as alcohol, benzene and chloroform. Biological and pathobiological aspects of the glycocalyx of the small intestinal epithelium. The safety of synthetic zeolites used in detergents. Biological effects and toxicology data should therefore be carefully evaluated according to the type of clinoptilolite material or clinoptilolite-based preparations used in a particular study or application. Toxicity of lead: a review with recent updates. Specialized in Alternative Therapies, Homeopathy, Homeotoxicology, Bachs Flower Remedies, Herbal Therary, Gemmotherapy. No effects of clinoptilolite on physiological mineral levels have been observed in cows (Katsoulos et al., 2005a; Valpoti et al., 2017). Adsorption effects of mineral adsorbent on the clinoptilolite basis, part 2: adsorption behaviour in the presence of aminoacids and vitamins. (2009). Similarly, in doxorubicin treated mice, micronized clinoptilolite proved efficient in counteracting lipid peroxidation in the liver (Zarkovic et al., 2003). Removal of methylene blue by natural and Ca and K-exchanged zeolite treated with hydrogen peroxide. HHS Vulnerability Disclosure, Help Exercise and oxidative stress: potential effects of antioxidant dietary strategies in sports. Katsoulos P. D., Roubies N., Panousis N., Arsenos G., Christaki E., Karatzias H. (2005a). Link between Aluminum and the Pathogenesis of Alzheimers Disease: The Integration of the Aluminum and Amyloid Cascade Hypotheses. A small pilot study sponsored by the manufacturer of a proprietary oral zeolite supplement in immunodeficient patients suggests some immunomodulatory effects(16); and as an adjunct to standard treatment, a zeolite formulation reduced symptoms of neuroendocrine tumor-related diarrhea(30), but no additional studies validate these claims. An official website of the United States government. It can remove the antibiotics in the water as well as the prescribed antibiotics [18]. Katsoulos P. D., Karatzia M. A., Boscos C., Wolf P., Karatzias H. (2016). Removal of heavy metal and other cations from wastewater using zeolites, Sep. Zarkovic N., Zarkovic K., Kralj M., Borovic S., Sabolovic S., Blazi M. P., et al. Because it is harmless, it is added to animal feed to bind toxic substances of low molecular weight to the animals body. You are hereby advised to consult with a physician or other professional health-care provider prior to making any decisions, or undertaking any actions or not undertaking any actions related to any health care problem or issue you might have at any time, now or in the future. Do not apply liquid zeolite directly into eyes or ears. In animal studies, oral supplementation of zeolites increased serum potassium levels by 20%(25). It also had a mild anti-inflammatory effect on the gut [12]. Still, their structural properties and toxicology profiles may be different (Maisanaba et al., 2015). We believe that exact mechanisms of clinoptilolite effects on systemic restoration of homeostasis and increased antioxidant capacity are still not fully understood, as these effects are in our opinion probably connected both to general detoxifying effects occurring in the intestine, to immunomodulatory effects, or even to the release of physiologically-relevant cations from the clinoptilolite framework during the ion exchange process, e.g., Ca, Mn, Zn, and Mg, which are then readily available to the organism and the antioxidant mechanism. Also, previously published results from trials on animals and human subjects showed a strong clinoptilolite detoxifying effect and reduction of Pb content in vivo. (2001b). In tumor cells, Nrf2 is usually activated by ROS-induced oncogenes, such as KRAS and c-MYC (DeNicola, 2011), and inhibition of its activity may contribute to the apoptosis of tumor cells and abrogated tumor growth (Ryoo et al., 2016). From diagnosis to treatment, our experts provide the care and support you need, when you need it. (2015). For instance, a high affinity of clinoptilolite toward ammonia was proven in different systems for elimination of ammonia from water (Demir et al., 2002; Sprynskyy et al., 2005; Zabochnichka-wiatek and Malinska, 2010). Katsoulos P. D., Roubies N., Panousis N., Karatzias H. (2005b). Immune function controller In addition, we hypothesize that previously observed data on antitumor properties of clinoptilolite in vitro may be due to the activation of clinoptilolite surface by acids. The effect of conditioning with NaCl, KCl and HCl on the performance of natural clinoptilolites removal efficiency of Cu. These subjects also have increased intestinal wall permeability. From this perspective, clinoptilolite was evaluated in a recent trial performed on aerobically trained subjects (Lamprecht et al., 2015). In case of antioxidant enzymes, these co-factors may include the coenzyme Q10, vitamins B1 and B2, carnitine, selenium, and often transition metals Cu, Mn, Fe, and Zn (Khalid, 2007). The current nomenclature and classification of zeolite materials has been provided by the Structure Commission of the International Zeolite Association that identifies each material based on their framework with a three-letter mnemonic code; for instance, natural zeolite clinoptilolite is denoted as HEU (Baerlocher et al., 2007). For instance, a synthetic material known as Zeolite A, used widely for ion-exchange in industrial processes, has the framework composition with a high Al content and the molar ratio of Si/Al of almost 1. Recently, a new hypothesis has been suggested on the use of lipophilic anions that target cancer cells due to their distinct electrical properties (Forrest, 2015). One is the esterification reaction of the free OH moiety and the carboxyl functional group of the acid. Oral (in diet) administration to mice and rats showed no effects or changes that could be correlated to tribomechanically micronized clinoptilolite-supplementation. A Greek study in cows showed that zeolite reversed the metabolic damage caused by nitrates [11] toxins that can disrupt both animal and human health. In a study performed by Ivkovic et al. EFSA recently released an expert opinion on the safety of natural zeolite clinoptilolite in vivo (EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed, 2013). , . Collela also emphasized the variability and heterogeneity of the clinoptilolite material used in different applications and studies and suggested to study in detail the applications and mechanisms of clinoptilolite materials in light of known and well-established properties or behaviors. Evidence was provided on the role of cross-talking between the adaptive immune system and gut microbiota by selective generation of immune responses to bacteria that consequently stimulate the innate system and production of IgA. The generally accepted and studied clinoptilolite effects on the human body in vivo. Jurki L. M., Cepanec I., Paveli S. K., Paveli K. (2013). The role of clinoptilolite has been recognized in medical applications, where its usage in zootechnology and veterinary medicine has provided strong evidence on improvement of pets fitness and efficiency in the removal of numerous harmful substances from the organism, including radioactive elements, mycotoxins, and poisons (Laurino and Palmieri, 2015). In this preclinical toxicology study, tribomechanically micronized clinoptilolite was evaluated at the Ruer Bokovi Institute in Zagreb, Croatia, according to the standards and regulations required at the time by the OECD. These gastrointestinal cells are known to initiate mucosal immunity responses on the apical membrane of the M-cells and to allow the transport of microbes and particles across the epithelial cell layer from the gut lumen to the lamina propria where interactions with immune cells occur (Mabbott et al., 2013). Similarly, in another study performed by the European Union Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel, natural clinoptilolite showed no effects on female rat reproductive performance and it proved non-genotoxic in the Ames bacterial test system (Elmore, 2003). Clinical evidence supporting the use of an activated clinoptilolite suspension as an agent to increase urinary excretion of toxic heavy metals. The results showed that the limit test doses of the substance did not cause death for mice. Cancer cells have distinct electrical properties that predict a susceptibility to lipophilic anions; a new cancer drug paradigm. (2001) effects of tribomechanically micronized clinoptilolite on the serum chemistry and hematopoiesis were evaluated in mice. (2014) in multiple sclerosis pathogenesis as well. However, it is not appropriate for in vivo applications since, similar to other low-silica zeolites, zeolite A is unstable in acids. This immunostimulation occurs upon simultaneous interaction of the superantigen with MHC class II molecules and T-cell receptors. Before zeolite, clinoptilolite, toxicology, immunostimulation, antioxidant properties. This central clinoptilolite characteristic related to elimination of toxic agents, which may be seen as a support to the body homeostasis, could be widely exploited in a number of medical applications. Sabbioni A., Ferrario C., Milani C., Mancabelli L., Riccardi E., Di Ianni F., et al. Toxicity studies were approached by setting a limit test, which means that high doses of the substance were applied during 15 or more days. It can also remove iron from supplements, according to a study in mice. Silicon-rich mineral water as a non-invasive test of the aluminum hypothesis in Alzheimers disease. Ryoo I. G., Lee S. H., Kwak M. K. (2016). Clinoptilolite for treatment of dyslipidemia: preliminary efficacy study. The Al3+ in most situations seeks out complexing agents with oxygen-atom donor sites, such as carboxylate or phosphate groups, e.g., from food in the intestine. Srikanthan K., Shapiro J. I., Sodhi K. (2016). They have shown protective effects of clinoptilolite on hematocrit and hemoglobin levels as well as on cadmium levels in the liver of pigs fed with cadmium in the presence of clinoptilolite in comparison to animals fed only with addition of cadmium to the diet. The fact that some pesticides belong to this group shows the importance of the detoxifying properties of zeolite. Due to a certain amount of pre-loaded elements, it is possible to assume that clinoptilolite may positively affect the bodys metal homeostasis, including either the levels or the availability of some physiological metal ions that are pre-loaded in the material, on signal pathways responsible for the production of endogenous antioxidant enzymes. Erythrocyte, hemoglobin, and platelet levels in peripheral blood were not affected by clinoptilolite supplementation either. Because many harmful chemicals can be absorbed by zeolite, it is used in domestic water purifiers. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Microfold (M) cells: important immunosurveillance posts in the intestinal epithelium. However, tests on humans and animals have found that zeolite can cause inflammation of the lungs and damage when inhaled. Katic M., Bosnjak B., Gall-Troselj K., Dikic I., Pavelic K. (2006). Zeolites are minerals that contain mainly aluminum and silicon compounds. An incredibly heterogeneous T-cell clonal activation occurs upon binding and different cytokines are produced massively (Proft and Fraser, 2016). Papaioannou D. S., Kyriakis S. C., Papasteriadis A., Roumbies N., Yannakopoulos A., Alexopoulos C. (2002). Superantigens bind to the variable V region of the T-cell receptor or to CD28 and do not follow the peptide-binding pattern. Clinoptilolite tuff released particles are denoted by C. M-cells are hypothesized to transport luminal clinoptilolite tuff released particles across the epithelial barrier and present them to immunological cells (e.g., dendritic cells) in the lamina propria and the Peyers patches. It is important to note that the supplementation with clinoptilolite in dairy cows may have additional benefits, such as the reduction of parturient paresis. KP performed literature search related to clinical aspects and toxicology, discussed clinical aspects, and helped to draft the manuscript. (2015). A total of 102 heavy-metal contaminated men were investigated and decreased concentrations of harmful metals (Cd, Pb, Cu, Cr, and Ni) were measured in their hair after a 30-day supplementation with clinoptilolite. Characterization of kaolin dispersion using acoustic and electroacoustic spectroscopy. The thermal behavior of clinoptilolite and heulandite is also different. It is plausible, therefore, to assume that such disorders have the formation of biofilms in common due to the impaired immunological reaction of the host organism (Pincus, 2005). This is why no absolute generalization on the mechanisms of action for clinoptilolite materials (tuffs) may be done at this point. It forms a protective film on the skin, acting as a natural sunscreen and reverses the oxidative damage caused by a sunscreen ingredient, titanium dioxide. Cosmetic ingredient review expert panel final Report on the safety assessment of aluminum silicate, calcium silicate, magnesium aluminum silicate, magnesium silicate, magnesium trisilicate, sodium magnesium silicate, zirconium silicate, attapulgite, bentonite, Fullers Earth, hectorite, kaolin, lithium magnesium silicate, lithium magnesium sodium silicate, montmorillonite, pyrophyllite, and zeolite. There is no intention to substitute this content for personalized medical advice, diagnosis, prognosis or treatment. Unique and outstanding physical and chemical properties of zeolite materials make them extremely useful in a variety of applications including agronomy, ecology, manufacturing, and industrial processes. Blog Chief Editor at Vita4you.grRead more. Kraljevi Paveli S., Micek V., Filoevi A., Gumbarevi D., urga P., Bulog A., et al. (2015). Mojzis J., Nistiar F., Kovac G., Mojzisova G. (1994). Water-soluble silica forms may thus be acknowledged as important contributors to fighting aluminum detrimental effects on human and animal health, especially nowadays when the exposure to bioavailable free aluminum cation poses a serious problem due to industrial development (Exley, 2009; Beardmore et al., 2016; Exley, 2016). Some of the alkaline ions contained in the crystal lattice, mainly Na+, Ca2+, Mg2, and K+, may be readily released during the ion-exchange process. Baerlocher C. H., McCusker L. B., Olson D. H. (2007). Masks are still required at all locations. Vitamin K: foods, health benefits and side effects! Dimowa L. T., Petrov S. L., Shivachev B. L. (2013). Also, clinoptilolite-containing natural tuffs come with small quantities of other trace elements, and clinoptilolite is always pre-loaded with various cations. (2017). In animal studies, it reduced metastasis and increased the effect of doxorubicin due to its antioxidant properties(18). According to the patent,the substance must be injected directly into the tumor. About 3 million tonnes of zeolite are produced each year, with China leading the way, followed by South Korea and Japan. Scientific Opinion on the safety and efficacy of clinoptilolite of sedimentary origin for all animal species. Generally, the various forms of zeolite are not significantly toxic in acute, short-term oral, or parenteral toxicity studies in animals. In using this website you agree that neither Memorial Sloan Kettering nor any other party is or will be liable or otherwise responsible for any decision made or any action taken or any action not taken due to your use of any information presented at this website. Chen X., Song M., Zhang B., Zhang Y. Reproduction and progeny growth in rats fed clinoptilolite in the presence or absence of dietary cadmium. FOIA The effect of the zeolite clinoptilolite on serum chemistry and hematopoiesis in mice. Clinical evidence supporting the use of an activated clinoptilolite suspension as an agent to increase urinary excretion of toxic heavy metals. For instance, it is well-known that tumor cells have increased hydrogen peroxide levels that regulate specific signaling pathways and hydrogen peroxide may modify cysteine residues on antioxidative enzymes (Lennicke et al., 2015). Erionite, a type of natural fibrous zeolite, can cause cancer when inhaled. Users of this Web site should not rely on information provided on this Web site for their own health problems. The mineral structure is based on AlO4 and SiO4 tetrahedra, which can share 1, 2, or 3 oxygen atoms, so there is a wide variety of possible structures as the network is extended in three dimensions. It seems that this detoxifying effect may have additional systemic effects. These effects were documented in animals and humans for clinoptilolite material used as supplementation to regular diet in a powdered form. This is why definite conclusions on eventual lead fate in the blood and organism of animals fed with clinoptilolite supplemented diet in this study cannot, be conclusive. (2001a). Potentiated clinoptilolite reduces signs and symptoms associated with veisalgia. Fluoride induced neuronal oxidative stress and its amelioration by antioxidants in developing rats. In this study, the daily intake of activated clinoptilolite suspension was effective in removal of toxic heavy metals from the body via urine (Flowers et al., 2009). IgA Response to symbiotic bacteria as a mediator of gut homeostasis. In vitro studies indicate that micronized zeolite inhibits protein kinase B, induces expression of tumor suppressor proteins(19), and limits reactive oxygen species effects(15). Data submitted were based on in vitro, plant, and animal studies. Tissue response to a supplement high in aluminum and silicon. Zeolitic Imidazolate framework-8 as efficient pH-sensitive drug delivery vehicle. The structure of mineral clays is, for instance, organized in layers (sheets), while clinoptilolite has tetrahedra arranged in a way that they form large amounts of pore space in the crystals. Indeed, ROS induces cell and tissue damage when the inflammation is initiated as a mechanism for restoration of the bodys homeostasis. Gandy J. J., Laurens I., Snyman J. R. (2015). Also, we cannot rule out some other unrecognized immunomodulatory effects of clinoptilolite due to a direct interaction with human microbiome (Figure (Figure33). Learn more These characteristics make them very useful in a variety of applications including agronomy, ecology, certain manufacturing, industrial processes, medicine, and cosmetics. In the future, it would be highly helpful to gather scientific data on the direct relationship between specific clinoptilolite material properties and sources with positive or negative effects and mechanisms of action in vivo.