E-Paper
Power of silver can keep the doctor away
Researchers at the department of Biochemistry in Benaras Hindu University’s Institute of Medical Sciences suggest that the powers of silver could block hyper-functioning of blood platelets, a crucial player in heart ailments, reports Anuraag Singh.
Researchers at the department of Biochemistry in Benaras Hindu University’s Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS-BHU) suggest that the powers of silver could block hyper-functioning of blood platelets, a crucial player in heart ailments.
Platelets are the smallest blood component and live for 10-12 days only. They block any breach or injury to blood vessels by forming clots, preventing blood loss.
Their hyperactivity, however, turns fatal to human life, as excessive clots cause arterial blockage, triggering heart attack and stroke.
The team, under head of the department Prof D Dash, has prepared highly stable and bio-compatible silver nano-particles that, when injected into mice, blocked the hyper-functioning of platelets, preventing the chances of fatal heart attacks.
Prof. Dash told Hindustan Times on Saturday, “The results were amazing when tested with human blood in vitro, as nano silver dramatically inhibited the platelet’s hyper-functioning.”
He said, “We are considering publishing our findings in a premier American nano-tech journal. Two years ago, we analysed anti-bacterial effect of silver nano-particles. but now with the newly discovered anti-platelet effects, nano silver seems to be equipped with two unique properties that can help prevent heart diseases.”
With the World Health Organisation predicting that India will top in heart ailment deaths by 2020, this research could hold a silvery promise.
