Gold in Healthcare

February 19, 2023
Written by Peter Anderson

Gold has been used in medicine for centuries due to its unique properties that make it ideal for healing purposes. Its ability to be malleable and its resistance to corrosion makes it a perfect addition to medical practices all over the world. In this article, we will explore how gold is being employed as an effective tool in modern day healthcare.

The use of gold in medicine began long before the advent of modern technology and continues today with doctors employing some of the same techniques their predecessors did hundreds of years ago. Gold salts were historically prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, tuberculosis, and other conditions requiring anti-inflammatory relief. It was even once used as a cure for syphilis!

In recent times, advancements in science have opened up more opportunities for gold's application within the field of medicine. From cancer treatments to wound care, gold can now be found helping people heal from many different illnesses and injuries. We'll discuss these applications next so you can better understand just how versatile this precious metal really is!

Gold and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Gold has been used for various medicinal purposes throughout the ages. It has been found to be effective in treating a broad range of illnesses, such as cancer and rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects the joints and causes pain and stiffness. Gold therapy can help reduce swelling and inflammation associated with this condition while also providing relief from pain.

Gold works by suppressing production of certain immune system cells known as T-cells, which play a role in triggering inflammatory responses within the body.

This can significantly reduce long-term damage caused by joint deformities as well as provide great relief from symptoms like chronic fatigue and loss of motion or sensation. Additionally, gold treatment does not have many side effects compared to other treatments for rheumatoid arthritis.

Gold and Cancer


Gold is beneficial in fighting against some types of cancers as it increases immunity levels within the body and reduces inflammation. This leads to increased energy levels during chemotherapy sessions, which helps patients feel better faster.

Gold compounds are believed to slow down the spread of tumor cells and increase the effectiveness of radiation therapy. In order for these treatments to work effectively, they must be administered intravenously or applied directly onto affected areas on the skin.

The effects of using gold compounds vary from patient to patient but overall, studies suggest that there are positive results when treating certain forms of cancer with this metal.

Although more research needs to be done into understanding why gold works so well as a treatment option for various conditions, there is no denying its positive impact thus far. With further exploration and testing, there could potentially be even more applications uncovered for gold in regards to curing illnesses ranging from cancer all the way through rheumatoid arthritis.

Gold and HIV

The benefits of using gold for treating HIV-positive patients go beyond simply targeting infected cells; gold nanorods also act as an immune booster that helps protect healthy cells from other viruses and bacteria.

Along with providing protection from further infections, incorporating gold nanoparticles into treatment regimens has been proven to reduce side effects associated with traditional methods of drug delivery like gastrointestinal irritation.

As researchers continue to explore novel ways of utilizing gold in medicine, its potential applications offer a ray of light in managing various diseases including HIV/AIDS—a bright reminder that sometimes even something as simple as metal can make a big difference in people’s lives.


Gold and Dentistry

Gold has been used in the field of dentistry for centuries. From its use as an aesthetic dental material to help with functional problems such as bridges and crowns, this precious metal is one of the most versatile materials available to modern-day practitioners.

In addition to helping people maintain healthy teeth, gold can also play a role in treating certain oral diseases. This article will explore how gold is used in dentistry today.

One of the primary uses of gold in dentistry involves creating prosthetic devices like bridges and crowns that are durable enough to last a lifetime. Gold alloys are often combined with other metals such as palladium or nickel to create custom restorations that are both aesthetically pleasing and strong enough to withstand daily wear and tear. Crowns made from these alloys have many advantages over porcelain alternatives because they do not require frequent replacement due their superior strength and durability.

Gold can also be helpful for treating periodontal disease by preventing bacteria from growing on tooth surfaces.

For example, some studies suggest that using gold foil along the gum line may be useful for controlling bacterial growth associated with gingivitis and periodontitis. Additionally, gold nanoparticles can be used topically to kill harmful bacteria that cause cavities and periodontal disease when applied directly onto affected areas of the mouth.

It becomes clear why gold remains so popular among dentists around the world: it's incredibly reliable, aesthetically pleasing, and effective at treating certain oral diseases while providing patients with long-lasting solutions. 

Gold and Malaria

By binding to the surface of parasite cells, gold nanoparticles can disrupt the life cycle of Plasmodium falciparum, one of the most deadly forms of malaria.

Here are some ways in which gold is being utilized against this disease:

  • The delivery of antimalarial drugs via gold nano carriers increases drug efficacy while reducing toxicity levels;
  • Gold particles react with oxygen molecules found inside infected red blood cells and create reactive oxygen species that inhibit the growth of parasites;
  • Nanoparticle-based diagnostic kits detect malarial proteins more quickly and accurately than traditional methods;
  • Gold nano-emulsions have even showed promise as an effective vaccine against malaria

Although there is much research still needed before gold nanoparticles can be used in clinical settings, these developments present exciting possibilities for treating malaria on a global scale. As we continue to explore new applications of this versatile metal, it's likely that we'll make strides towards controlling this devastating disease.

Conclusion

The use of gold in the medical field has been highly beneficial for many years. From cancer to dentistry, this precious metal has taken its place as an integral part of healthcare. Gold is a powerful tool that can be used to improve treatment outcomes and even save lives.

When it comes to battling cancer, gold plays an important role in radiation therapy and chemotherapy treatments.

By blocking some of the negative effects of radiation on healthy cells, gold helps doctors target malignant cells more effectively with fewer side-effects. Similarly, gold is also being used to treat rheumatoid arthritis by reducing inflammation in joints and helping to reduce pain and stiffness associated with the disease.

Gold's applications don't end there; it's also useful in treating HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other infectious diseases due to its antiseptic properties.

In fact, one study found that when combined with antibiotics such as gentamicin or doxycycline, gold nanoparticles were able to penetrate bacterial cell walls and disrupt their growth process - metaphorically speaking they are like tiny "golden bullets" destroying bacteria from within!

Nevertheless, the impact that gold has had on modern medicine is truly remarkable; it’s a shining example (pun intended) of how far we’ve come in terms of treating various illnesses safely and successfully. This “golden touch” will continue to revolutionize the way we approach health care in the future – no doubt about it!