| United States Patent |
6,838,095
|
|
Newman
, et al.
|
January 4, 2005
|
Ionic silver complex
Abstract
The invention relates to a substantially non-colloidal solution made by
combining ingredients comprising (a) water; (b) a source of free silver
ions; and (c) a substantially non-toxic, substantially thiol-free,
substantially water-soluble complexing agent.
| Inventors:
|
Newman; Ira Jay (2805 E. Oakland Park Blvd., #600, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306);
Washburn; David (West Palm Beach, FL)
|
| Assignee:
|
Newman; Ira Jay (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
|
| Appl. No.:
|
383345 |
| Filed:
|
March 7, 2003 |
| Current U.S. Class: |
424/618; 424/DIG.6; 424/DIG.13; 514/495; 514/561; 514/562; 514/564; 514/565; 514/574; 514/784; 514/836; 514/859; 514/912 |
| Intern'l Class: |
A61K 033/38; A61K 031/19; A61K 031/28; A61K 047/00 |
| Field of Search: |
424/618,DIG. 6,DIG. 13
514/495,561,562,564,565,574,724,784,836,859,912
|
References Cited [Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
| 4055655 | Oct., 1977 | Maurer et al.
| |
| 4915955 | Apr., 1990 | Gomori.
| |
| 5322520 | Jun., 1994 | Milder.
| |
| 5336508 | Aug., 1994 | Marty.
| |
| 5437858 | Aug., 1995 | Hungerbach et al.
| |
| 5785972 | Jul., 1998 | Tyler.
| |
| 5792793 | Aug., 1998 | Oda et al.
| |
| 5824292 | Oct., 1998 | Carr et al.
| |
| 5932251 | Aug., 1999 | Kirkpatrick.
| |
| 5961843 | Oct., 1999 | Hayakawa et al.
| |
| 6197814 | Mar., 2001 | Arata | 514/495.
|
| 6583176 | Jun., 2003 | Arata | 514/495.
|
| Foreign Patent Documents |
| 0 115 130 | Aug., 1984 | EP.
| |
| 0 876 762 | Nov., 1998 | EP.
| |
| 2125505 | Sep., 1972 | FR.
| |
| 1587671 | Apr., 1981 | GB.
| |
| WO 99/18790 | Apr., 1999 | WO.
| |
Other References
Sanchez et al., Comparative Potentiometric Determination of the Stability
Constants of Silver (I) with .alpha.-Alanine, DL-Phenylalanine, and
DL-Serine, Analusis, 9(9): 455-8 (1981).
Poddymov et al., Interaction of Amino Acids with Ag(I) and Hydrogen Ions in
Aqueous Solutions, Zh. Neorg. Khim, 26(5): 1307-13 (1981).
Poddymov et al., Formation of Complexes Between Ag(I) and Several Amino
Acids, Zh. Neorg. Khim, 22(6): 1617-20 (1977).
STN/CAS online, file CAPLUS, Acc. No. 1977:459144, (Poddymov et al., Zh.
Neorg. Khim. (1977), 22(6), 1617-20), Abstract.
STN/CAS online, file CAPLUS, Acc. No. 1982:12190, (Utrilla Sanchez et al.,
Analusis (1981), 9(9), 455-8), Abstract.
STN/CAS online, file CAPLUS, Acc. No. 1981:431262, (Poddymov et al., Zh.
Neorg. Khim. (1981), 26(5), 1307-13), Abstract.
|
Primary Examiner: Clardy; S. Mark
Assistant Examiner: Choi; Frank
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/175,260,
filed on Jun. 18, 2002, now abandoned, which is a continuation of
application Ser. No. 09/796,242, filed on Feb. 28, 2001, now abandoned,
which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/435,158, filed Nov. 5,
1999, now abandoned, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/107,710, filed Nov. 9, 1998. Each of the applications
is incorporated by reference in their entireties.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A composition comprising (1) water, (2) a silver complex, wherein the
silver complex comprises silver complexed with a complexing agent, and (3)
a counter-ion; wherein the composition is a substantially non-colloidal
soultion, wherein the complexing agent is substantially non-toxic,
substantially thiol-free, and substantially water-soluble and comprises
one or more amino acids and/or hydroxy carboxylic acids; wherein the molar
ratio of complexing agent to silver is greater than one; wherein the
counter-ion comprises one or more alkali metals and/or alkaline earth
metals; and wherein the silver concentration does not exceed about 10,000
ppm.
2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition possesses less than
ten weight percent of free silver based on the weight of total silver.
3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition possesses less than
one weight percent of free silver based on the weight of total silver.
4. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition possesses less than
one-tenth of a percent by weight of free silver based on the weight of
total silver.
5. The composition of claim 1, wherein the molar ratio of silver to
complexing agent is 1:1.5 to 1:200.
6. The composition of claim 1, wherein the molar ratio of silver to
complexing agent is 1:1.5 to 1:50.
7. The composition of claim 1, wherein the molar ratio of silver to
complexing agent is 1:2 to 1:20.
8. The composition of claim 1, wherein when the complexing agent comprises
one or more amino acids, the amino acid comprises glycine, alanine,
valine, leucine, isoleucine, methionine, proline, phenylalanine,
tryptophan, serine, threonine, tyrosine, asparagine, glutamine, aspartic
acid, glutamic acid, lysine, arginine, and/or histidine.
9. The composition of claim 1, wherein when the complexing agent comprises
one or more hydroxy carboxylic acids, the hydroxy carboxylic acid
comprises glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, citric
acid, and/or mandelic acid.
10. The composition of claim 1, wherein the counter-ion comprises potassium
and/or calcium.
11. The composition of claim 1, wherein the silver concentration is about
10 ppm of silver to about 10,000 ppm of silver.
12. The composition of claim 1, wherein the silver concentration is about
20 ppm of silver to about 10,000 ppm of silver.
13. The composition of claim 1, wherein the silver concentration is about
50 ppm of silver to about 10,000 ppm of silver.
14. The composition of claim 1, wherein the silver concentration is about
100 ppm of silver to about 10,000 ppm of silver.
15. A composition comprising (1) water, (2) a silver complex, wherein the
silver complex comprises silver complexed with citrate, citric acid or a
combination thereof, and (3) a counter-ion; wherein the composition is a
substantially non-colloidal soultion; wherein the complexing agent is
substantially non-toxic, substantially thiol-free, and substantially
water-soluble; wherein the molar ratio of complexing agent to silver is
greater than one; wherein the counter-ion comprises one or more alkali
metals and/or alkaline earth metals; and wherein the silver concentration
does not exceed about 10,000 ppm.
16. The composition of claim 15, wherein the citrate comprises dibasic
citrate.
17. The composition of claim 15, wherein silver is complexed with citric
acid and tripotassium citrate.
18. The composition of claim 15, wherein the composition possesses less
than ten weight percent of free silver based on the weight of total
silver.
19. The composition of claim 15, wherein the composition possesses less
than one weight percent of free silver based on the weight of total
silver.
20. The composition of claim 15, wherein the composition possesses less
than one-tenth of a percent by weight percent of free silver based on the
weight of total silver.
21. The composition of claim 15, wherein the molar ratio of silver to
citrate, citric acid, or a combination thereof is 1:1.5 to 1:200.
22. The composition of claim 15, wherein the molar ratio of silver to
citrate, citric acid, or a combination thereof is 1:1.5 to 1:50.
23. The composition of claim 15, wherein the molar ratio of silver to
citrate, citric acid, or a combination thereof is 1:2 to 1:20.
24. The composition of claim 15, wherein the counter-ion comprises
potassium and/or calcium.
25. The composition of claim 15, wherein the silver concentration is about
10 ppm of silver to about 10,000 ppm of silver.
26. The composition of claim 15, wherein the silver concentration is about
20 ppm of silver to about 10,000 ppm of silver.
27. The composition of claim 15, wherein the silver concentration is about
50 ppm of silver to about 10,000 ppm of silver.
28. The composition of claim 15, wherein the silver concentration is about
100 ppm of silver to about 10,000 ppm of silver.
29. The composition of claim 15, wherein the counter-ion comprises
potassium and/or calcium.
30. A method for treating a disease or condition in a human subject,
comprising administering to a human subject in need thereof an effective
amount of the composition of any one of claims 1-29, wherein the disease
or condition is selected from the group consisting of conjunctivitis,
acne, lymphatic cancer, flu, eye infection, burn, urinary tract infection,
gum infection and vaginal infection.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to solutions including complexed ionic silver. More
particularly, it relates to solutions including complexed ionic silver
wherein the solutions convey health benefits through their use or
application.
2. Description of Related Art
Silver has been known to act antimicrobially as an agent in and on the body
of humans as well as other animals, and to be relatively non-toxic to
mammalian cells when used in the minute quantities needed to be
antimicrobially effective. The most effective form of silver for
antimicrobial use is as ions in solution. Silver ions have been shown in
the past to have antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal qualities, and to
contribute directly to the regeneration of tissue. While the exact method
by which silver ions perform these functions is not known, it is believed
that they may (1) disrupt the respiratory functions, or (2) disrupt
membrane functionality of single-celled microorganisms, or (3) link to the
cell's DNA and disrupt cell functions. It is not conventionally understood
why silver ions appear to some to be effective at regenerating tissue,
which apparently involves more than acting as an antimicrobial agent.
During recent years, ionic silver substances have been undergoing a
substantial resurgence in popularity, and are increasingly regarded as a
reasonably safe and effective antimicrobial agent. Silver ion substances
are increasingly being used in medical applications as well as by those
seeking a natural alternative to traditional antibiotic medications. Ionic
silver substances are being used in topical dressings to treat wounds and
to prevent and treat infections. They are also being used for water supply
sanitation for public utilities, for pharmaceutical equipment sanitation,
and for killing germs including the germ that causes Legionnaires' Disease
in the water systems of hospitals. Tooth brushes are now being introduced
that release silver ions in order to fight oral bacteria.
However, delivering silver ions for utilization in or on the body is a
challenge because silver ions are electrically attracted to a host of
substances in and on the body, resulting in the silver ions rapidly
forming complexes or compounds wherein the ion is no longer available to
perform the appropriate antimicrobial function. A controlled, gradual
release of silver ions is desirable for achieving appropriate use of
silver ions in or on the body in order to offset this phenomenon, and is
especially challenging for antimicrobial use of silver ions internally
such as upon oral ingestion. If free silver, defined as silver ions which
are not part of a complex or compound, and are therefore biologically
available, are delivered at once to the body, there is only opportunity
for them to perform the antimicrobial function for an instant where they
make contact with the body or the oral tissue before being rendered
inactive.
The desirable characteristics of an antimicrobial ionic silver formulation
are that it gradually releases its silver content as free silver ions upon
ingestion or upon topical application in a manner that is slow enough to
sustain the antimicrobial functionality for a sufficient period of time
while also being rapid enough to be substantially effective, that it
facilitate mobility of the silver through the body upon oral ingestion
prior to gradually releasing its silver content as available free silver
ions, and that it be nontoxic to the body.
Topical applications of ionic silver do not require a controlled, gradual
release of silver ions to the degree that internal, oral ingestion
applications require it because there is a lower presence of agents with
which the silver ions can bind up and form complexes or compounds upon
topical exposure as compared with ingestion for internal use. At least one
product has been recently introduced that consists of a film dressing
impregnated with a complex that gradually releases silver ions upon
exposure to the body's chemistry.
Previously, some silver-containing chemical substances, such as silver
nitrate, have been utilized in an effort to gain the antimicrobial
benefits of silver ions, but these substances have proven minimally
effective in or on the body because they immediately deliver all of their
silver content as free silver ions. Some such substances, such as silver
nitrate, are undesirably toxic to the human body when administered in
typical doses.
Colloidal silver is a substance which has been in use for about a hundred
years. It provides a reasonable degree of controlled release and mobility
of silver ions in and on the body. Colloidal silver is apparently made up
of minute particles of silver, associated with silver ions that comprise a
small percentage of such particles. The mass of these particles provide a
degree of controlled, gradual release of silver ions as the body's
chemistry breaks down these particles.
However, the electrolysis process that is used to make most colloidal
silver has substantial limitations and does not enable adequate
consistency in terms of parts per million (PPM) of silver relative to the
total solution by molar weight, particle size, or percentage of ions, for
most desired applications. Additionally, purity of the substance is
typically limited because electrolytes must usually be added to the water
during the production method, the most common of which is sodium. Oxides
typically form during production, often resulting in an undesirable yellow
or brown color. Moreover, the potency of most electrically produced
colloidal silver is inherently limited. After a concentration of
approximately 5 PPM of silver (in some cases up to approximately 20 PPM of
silver) is reached, the production method typically fails to continue
yielding electron-deficient silver particles. The particles formed after
such a concentration is reached are typically not capable of performing
antimicrobial functions as do the particles that are initially produced
prior to reaching this approximate level of total silver concentration
(the aggregate of the complexed silver and the free, available silver in
the water-based solution).
The term colloidal means "something suspended in a dissimilar medium," and
shelf life is, therefore, inherently limited because the colloidal silver
particles gradually settle out of the water. Colloidal particles are not
dissolved in the water medium; they are not in solution. The suspension is
a result of, for example, Brownian motion which is insufficient to keep
the particles from settling out over time. Some colloidal silver
substances have stabilizing agents such as proteins added to the formula,
but these tend to further hinder the availability of the silver ions to
the body. What is therefore needed are compositions comprising silver
ions, and methods of making and using such compositions, that address the
aforementioned problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In an aspect, the invention relates to a substantially non-colloidal
solution made by combining ingredients comprising (a) water; (b) a source
of free silver ions; and (c) a substantially non-toxic, substantially
thiol-free, substantially water-soluble complexing agent.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The inventors have unexpectedly discovered that a substantially
non-colloidal solution made by combining ingredients comprising (a) water;
(b) a source of free silver ions; and (c) a substantially non-toxic,
substantially thiol-free, substantially water-soluble complexing agent
overcomes many of the limitations inherent in the aforementioned forms of
ionic silver substances and has wide application in and on the body.
The inventive, substantially non-colloidal solution provides silver ion
concentrations well above those typically provided by colloidal silver
products. The production method provides a typically consistent
formulation. The inventive formulation is highly stable, has many years of
shelf life, and maintains its consistency and structure under a wide range
of environmental conditions. Substantially wide concentration ranges of
complexed silver are attainable without significantly compromising the
desirable characteristics of the product. The composition of the invention
efficiently provides for substantial mobility of the silver complex
through the body and for controlled decomplexing of its silver content,
whereupon it gradually releases silver as available free silver ions, upon
introduction of the product to the body's chemistry internally through
oral ingestion or upon topical application.
Further, the inventive, substantially non-colloidal solution is relatively
nontoxic to the human body at typical doses.
The inventive substantially non-colloidal solutions are made from
ingredients comprising water, a source of free silver ions; and a
substantially non-toxic, substantially thiol-free, substantially
water-soluble complexing agent.
Water usable in the practice of this invention should be relatively pure.
Suitable types of water include: deionized water, distilled water, reverse
osmosis filtered water, reagent grade water and USP grade water suitable
for use in pharmaceuticals. The water is desirably substantially free of
contaminants, such as parasites, pathogens, chemical contaminants, and
particulate contamination.
The source of silver ions may be virtually any compound or complex which
includes silver ions as a constituent, from which those silver ions can be
obtained in order to be complexed with the recited complexing agent or to
become free silver ions as part of the inventive solution. Sources of
silver ions comprise silver oxide, trisilver citrate, silver acetate,
water soluble silver salts or any number of other sources of silver
without departing from the scope of the invention. In a preferable
embodiment, the source of silver ions is silver oxide (AgO). On
complexing, silver oxide eliminates a superfluous counter ion, hydroxide,
which is innocuous since hydroxide is already present in the solution.
The substantially non-toxic, substantially thiol-free, substantially
water-soluble complexing agent serves primarily to provide a "controlled
release" of biologically active silver ions. In the context of the
invention, complexing agent may be taken to mean an ionic material with
which silver ions are complexed in such a manner that the complexing agent
forms a weak bond with the silver ions wherein the missing electron
position which is a characteristic of the silver ion is filled by an
electron of the complexing agent. The substantially non-toxic,
substantially thiol-free, substantially water-soluble complexing agent may
comprise a carboxylic acid, or a primary, secondary or tertiary amine. In
the context of this invention, substantially non-toxic may be taken to
mean that the recited complexing agent, when present in the inventive
solution in usual amounts according to the invention, and when
administered as part of the inventive solution in usual dosage amounts of
the inventive solution, creates little or no toxic effects in a host to
which the inventive solution is administered. In an embodiment, the
substantially non-toxic, substantially thiol-free, substantially
water-soluble complexing agent comprises amino acids or hydroxy acids. In
a preferable embodiment, the amino acids comprise glycine, alanine,
valine, leucine, isoleucine, methionine, proline, phenylalanine,
tryptophan, serine, threonine, tyrosine, asparagine, glutamine, aspartic
acid, glutamic acid, lysine, arginine, or histidine. In another preferable
embodiment, the hydroxy acids comprise glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic
acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, or mandelic acid. In a more preferable
embodiment, the citric acid comprises dibasic citrate. Citrate, a key
constituent of the metabolic system, is aggressively drawn to the cells
throughout the body and provides an efficient delivery system for
spreading the silver through the body before decomplexing takes place and
the silver is gradually released as available free silver ions. Also
useful are acetic acid; certain crown ethers; primary, secondary or
tertiary amines, such as ethanolamine, and other conventionally known
substantially non-toxic, substantially thiol-free, substantially
watersoluble complexing agents.
In an embodiment, the inventive substantially non-colloidal solution
possesses greater than about twenty parts of silver per million parts of
the non-colloidal solution. In the context of this invention, PPM is
defined as parts of total silver to 1,000,000 parts of the total solution
including the water base and all substances contained in it by weight. In
another embodiment, the substantially non-colloidal solution possesses
greater than about fifty parts of total silver per million parts of the
non-colloidal solution. In a more preferable embodiment, the substantially
non-colloidal solution posesses greater than or equal to about one hundred
parts of total silver per million parts of the non-colloidal solution.
Higher parts per million of total silver are desirable, as biological
effectiveness increases as PPM free silver increases.
100 PPM of silver is a desirable level for the total concentration of
silver because it provides a highly effective concentration of silver yet
the concentration is low enough to facilitate ease of measuring and
dispensing the small dosages appropriate for small children and small
animals. However, the amount of silver can vary substantially, within
solubility limits, without departing from the scope of the invention, as
long as the other elements are varied in relative proportion to the
silver. In another embodiment, the inventive solution may be comprised of
as little as about 10 PPM of silver or as much as about 10,000 PPM of
silver without departing from the scope of the invention.
In an aspect of the invention, counter ions may be utilized. Such counter
ions may be used to balance the charge present in the recited complexing
agent, if necessary. Sources for counter ions suitable for use in this
invention include those conventionally known sources of counter ions. Any
suitable source of counter ions may be used where the complexing agent is
such that a counter ion is required to maintain the electrical stability
of the silver complex, so long as the counter ion used does not compete
with the silver for the complexing agent. In a preferable embodiment, the
source of counter-ions comprises alkali metals or alkaline earth metals,
such as, potassium ions, or calcium ions.
In an aspect of the invention, the inventive non-colloidal solution
possesses less than about ten weight percent of free silver based on the
weight of total silver. In an aspect of the invention, the non-colloidal
solution possesses less than about one weight percent of free silver based
on the weight of total silver. In an aspect of the invention, the
non-colloidal solution possesses less than about one-tenth of a weight
percent of free silver based on the weight of total silver. A relatively
low amount of free silver as compared to total silver (including non-free
silver or complexed silver), is retained in a non-reacted state in the
inventive solution, until released over time by the equilibrium driving
force. This controlled release aspect of the inventive formulation is
desirable, as activity is retained over time.
The preferred embodiment of the invention, containing a complex of citrate
and silver with potassium as a counter ion, may include the following
complex of ions in a solution of relatively pure water:
AgOOCCH.sub.2 C(OH)(COO.sup.-)CH.sub.2 COOH(aq) {character pullout}Ag.sup.+
(aq)OOCCH.sub.2 C(OH)(COO.sup.-)CH.sub.2 COOH (aq).
In a preferable embodiment the inventive solution may be made by mixing
silver oxide, citric acid and tripotassium citrate in an approximately 1*4
molar ratio, respectively, in sufficient pure water to produce a silver
concentration of 100 parts per million. Other formulations which result in
an approximate 1:2 molar ratio to an approximate 1:20 molar ratio of
silver to dibasic citrate in no way depart from the scope of the
invention. Generally, a preferable molar ratio (as dry ingredient or as
solution) of silver to complexing agent is from about 1:1 to about 1:200,
more preferably from about 1:1.5 to 1:50, most preferably from about 1:2
to about 1:20.
In another preferable embodiment, the free silver ions are present in the
substantially non-colloidal solution in an anti-microbially effective
amount.
The inventors have also produced the product following the general
procedures described above but reducing the amounts of citric acid and of
potassium citrate to half of the amounts described above. Numerous other
variations can also be utilized with these starting ingredients provided
that the ratio of citric acid to potassium citrate is generally
maintained. Likewise, the amount of silver oxide may be substantially
increased or decreased provided that a reasonably commensurate adjustment
is made in the relative amounts of citric acid and of potassium citrate to
silver oxide although, as demonstrated by the fact that the product was
successfully produced upon changing the ratio of silver oxide to citric
acid and to potassium citrate by 100%, substantial latitude exists with
regard to that ratio.
As previously stated herein, numerous alternative source ingredients for
yielding the silver ion, complexing agent, and counter ion for the
preferred embodiment of the invention may also be used, requiring
appropriately adjusted quantities, and, likewise, numerous other
complexing agents and, if required, counter ion agents, may be selected as
the constituents of the product as well, also requiring the appropriately
adjusted quantities of the appropriate source ingredients necessary to
produce the desired product.
It has often been claimed that ionic silver can kill over 650
disease-causing germs. The invention is absolutely harmless to the body
when used in the low quantities needed for the antimicrobial action to
occur, especially since the formulation provides an efficiently
controlled, gradual release of free silver ions (provided that the
complexing agent is nontoxic), requiring less silver ingestion in order to
obtain the benefits of silver ion activity that other substances cannot
render with substantially higher levels of silver ingestion.
Ionic silver is used for literally hundreds of conditions, including eye
and ear infections, nose, sinus and gum infections, acne, sore throats,
colds and flu, candida, bladder and vaginal infections, cuts and burns,
many skin conditions, bug bites, fighting nail and skin fungus, healing
sunburn, alleviating diaper rash and bed sores, providing a soothing skin
treatment after shaving, and use as a mouth rinse. Body odors are caused
by bacteria in the perspiration, which is often alleviated upon
application of the invention, clearly demonstrating how effectively it
kills bacteria. Ionic silver is also used for treating ulcers, both in
fighting the bacteria that can aggravate an ulcer and in repairing the
damaged stomach lining. Ionic silver is used for many severe conditions as
well, including, for example, tuberculosis, Epstein-Barr Virus, Lyme
Disease, Legionnaires' Disease, bronchitis, chicken pox, and numerous
others. There are actually few germ-related conditions, or conditions
requiring the repair of tissue, for which ionic silver is not used, since
many claim it is not only effective in killing most bacteria but also many
if not most fungus and viruses. Some reports indicate that it is also
effective against a number of parasites that might invade the body. Ionic
silver is also reported by some researchers to be effective at treating
cancer and HIV.
Other uses for ionic silver range from purifying bottled water by placing
some in the water, to retardation of food spoilage at home. Recent studies
show that over 30 percent of bottled water contains bacteria levels above
safety limits, which can readily be addressed with a few drops of the
invention being added to the water. Spraying sliced fruits with the
formulation of the invention can keep them fresh up to a week before
spoilage, clearly demonstrating how effectively the invention kills
bacteria on foods. It is also used to reverse existing contamination of
foods.
Ionic silver is also considered by many to be very useful in oral
irrigation systems designed for consumer use, that spray a fine stream of
water in the mouth, in fighting infection and healing gums. Ionic silver
is even reputed to be quite effective in facilitating the growth of hair
in the local area on which it is topically applied.
In virtually all applications for which ionic silver is used, the
advantages of a relatively high PPM of silver, a controlled, gradual
release of available free silver ions and, in the case of the preferred
embodiment of the invention, the benefit of citrate as a carrier on
internal use together with the lack of toxicity and minimum likelihood of
incurring mutated strains of germs, all serve to provide substantially
superior benefits to those who would use the product for any of the myriad
of conditions for which ionic silver would be used.
The product can readily be bottled or packaged with a variety of types of
dispensers to further facilitate its usefulness. A bottle with a dropper
is most convenient for eye drops, ear drops and nose drops. Alternatively,
a plastic squeeze bottle can serve as a convenient dispenser for eye drops
and ear drops, while the same with a nasal sprayer feature can readily
facilitate use as a sinus and nasal spray. A spray dispenser such as with,
for instance, a pump spray, makes it very convenient to apply the product
externally and also provides a convenient and efficient method for oral
use and internal ingestion. By disbursing the product upon spraying it in
the mouth, such a spray facilitates absorption of the formula into the
blood system through the tissue lining in the mouth. A spray dispenser
also facilitates delivery of the product to the lungs as one may inhale
while spraying the product towards the throat area while inhaling. Because
of the existence of a weak complex of silver and the existence of
available free silver ions, along with the photoreactive qualities of
silver, packaging should preferably be in an opaque glass container, in a
stainless steel container, or in a polypropylene or polyethylene plastic
container. Ideally, dispensers should be made of such materials as well.
Topically applying a gauze, cotton, sheer strip or other type of bandage or
fabric that has been saturated with the product is another alternative for
using the product.
The product can be used for humans as well as animals. When the complexing
agent is a nontoxic material, the product is safe for children and pets.
Thus, the invention has a wide range of potential uses for both medical
and veterinary applications.
The product can also be applied to surfaces for killing germs thereon. For
instance, it can be sprayed on counter tops, cutting boards, toilet seats,
doorknobs, telephone handsets, etc. Upon contact with germ cells, the
available free silver ions should react with and kill the germ cell,
causing another silver ion to be decomplexed and released from the
complexing agent and be made available.
The invention may be utilized in both the prevention and the treatment of
disease.
Due to the efficient delivery of silver ions afforded by the invention, an
individual may ingest the product on a daily basis as a preventative,
achieving substantial levels of protection from germs, while remaining
within extremely safe limits of daily and lifelong silver intake relative
to the amount of silver contained in the product in the preferred
embodiment. Studies show that the amount of silver in the average daily
diet of adult Americans was depleted by as much as 85% between the early
half of the 20th century and the latter part of that century. With the
preferred embodiment of the invention, an individual consuming a
substantial amount of the product on a daily basis in terms of potential
health benefits would, in fact, be consuming no more silver than that
amount which was depleted from the diets over that period of time.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
Two and one-half liters of pure water were placed in a 5-gallon (1 9-liter
functional capacity) carboy mounted on a magnetic stirrer with a
Teflon-coated magnetic stir bar placed inside the carboy, turning on the
stirrer at low speed, adding 6.7675 grams of citric acid anhydrous powder
(reagent grade), 11.43 grams of potassium citrate monohydrate crystal
(reagent grade), and 2.2450 grams of silver oxide powder (reagent grade),
stirring at low speed for approximately 45 minutes. Next more water was
slowly fed while continuing to stir at low speed for approximately an
additional 15 minutes and stopping the water input when the level reaches
approximately 8-9 liters. Then, the stir speed was turned to high and
stirring continued for approximately an additional 30 minutes, filling the
carboy to approximately the 18-liter mark, turning off the stirrer,
opening the water input valve and stopping the water input at precisely
the 19-liter mark, turning the stirrer back on to the high speed, and
stirring for an additional 60 minutes.
Example 2
A 65-year old male developed conjunctivitis and obtained relief within less
than five hours upon administering two drops of the solution of Example 1
in his eye.
Example 3
A sixteen-year old female had been suffering with acne for three or four
years. A dermatologist had been treating her regularly to no avail. She
applied six sprays of the solution of Example 1 three times per day to her
face for three days and stopped using products from the dermatologist, and
by the end of the third day the skin on her face cleared up almost
completely. There was no dryness or redness any more.
Example 4
A 45-year old male had been diagnosed with lymphatic cancer and after
taking an oral dose of one teaspoon of the solution of Example 1 per day
for two months, tests showed that not a trace of the disease remained.
Example 5
A 31-year old male and a 28-year old male who work together in the same
store had both come down with a full-blown flu. Both took fifteen drops of
the solution of Example 1 in an oral dose, one time, and within a
day-and-a-half both were completely free of any further symptoms.
Example 6
A one-year old male was diagnosed with a blocked tear duct in his left eye.
Every day, he awoke with a green drainage that continued through the day.
Two physicians recommended surgery. The boys mother administered only one
drop of the solution of Example 1 in his eye each day for two days. The
condition disappeared. Upon a follow-up nine months later, the condition
had not returned.
Example 7
A 53-year old woman burned the back of her hand on a 450-degree oven. The
burn was approximately an inch-and-a-quarter in diameter. After a week, it
still had not begun to heal. The pain was still so bad that she could
barely move her hand. She put two drops of the solution of Example 1 on
it. By that same night, it had completely scabbed over and the entire
circumference of the burn had already generated new tissue. The pain was
completely gone and she had regained complete movement of her hand. Within
about four more days of applying the invention, it was completely healed,
without any scarring.
Example 8
A 61-year old male had developed a urinary tract infection. A urologist put
him on sulfa drugs for twenty days. He suffered through a week of constant
nausea, at which point he threw out the remaining pills. He then began to
ingest 30 drops of the solution of Example 1 per day, and after three days
the infection was no longer detectable.
Example 9
A forty-four-year old male developed abscesses surrounding two wisdom
teeth. Three oral surgeons told him the teeth had to come out. He applied
approximately one teaspoon of the solution of Example 1 each to each of
the two affected areas. By the next day, the infections were undetectable
and the pain was gone. A follow-up eleven months later showed that it had
not returned.
Example 10
A twenty-four-year old woman developed a vaginal infection. The doctor's
prescription didn't help after almost two weeks. She then mixed one
half-teaspoon of the solution of Example 1 in pure water and used the
mixture as a douche, and the discomfort disappeared almost immediately and
had not returned upon a follow-up three weeks later.
* * * * *
