Role of Gold Drugs in Arthritis treatment

Topics Covered

Overview
Traditional Applications of Gold in Arthritis Treatments
Current Applications of Gold in Arthritis Treatment

Gold drugs have long been used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis reducing the symptoms of pain and stiffness.

Overview

Gold drugs have been successful in reducing the inflammation in joints and also the symptoms of pain and stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Traditional Applications of Gold in Arthritis Treatment

Gold has been used for many years to successfully treat rheumatoid arthritis. The Frenchman Jacques Forestier reported in 1929 that the use of gold complexes was beneficial in the treatment of arthritis. Later work after the Second World War demonstrated conclusively that gold drugs are effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis patients. Many experts consider gold to be among the most effective drugs for reducing the inflammation in the joints and so reducing the symptoms of pain and stiffness.

Current Applications of Gold in Arthritis Treatment

Several forms of gold are available, but usually one of the injectable forms of gold salts: gold sodium thiomalate (Myochrysine) and aurothioglucose (Solganal) are used. There is also an oral tablet that contains gold called auranofin (Ridaura).

It is generally reported that it can take many weeks before the obvious benefits of gold-based treatments are felt and side effects are possible.

Source: World Gold Council

For more information on this source please visit World Gold Council.