Emerging Health Promoting Effects of Silicates: Results from In Vivo Experiments

Biological effects of Silicates are not well understood, but preliminary empirical evidence suggests health promoting effects. We present results from a comprehensive in vivo investigation of silicates on stress response signaling (transgenic C. elegans ), life expectancy ( C. elegans ), diabetes (ZDF‐obese rats, B6.V‐Lep (OB)/J mice), growth factor induces angiogenesis (chick embryo), cancer metastasis (chick embryo, NCr nude mice), oral toxicity (Sprague‐Dawley rats) and skin corrosion (Rabbits) using standard protocols. Results suggest low oral (5000 mg/kg) and topical toxicity. At 10–200 nM concentration a modulatory effect on IGFR, TGF‐β and UPR and signaling pathways was observed. Upregulation in sirtuin/AMPK genes and life expectancy were also observed. Reduction in FGF, PDGF and VEGF induced angiogenesis (10–20%) and metastasis (15–20%) of melanoma and breast cancer cells was observed in NCr mice and chick embryo models. A significant reduction in blood glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride and body weight was observed after 8–11 weeks of treatment and was associated with lower incidences of cataracts. Synergistic effects with 500 mg/Kg metformin were observed on blood glucose, AST and ALT levels.