What is Zeolite Clinoptilolite?
Zeolites are a family of hundreds of microporous minerals known for their remarkable ion-exchange properties [1]. The term "zeolite" was coined by Axel Fredrik Cronstedt, a Swedish mineralogist and chemist in 1756. It comes from the Greek words ζέω (“zeo”, to boil) and λίθος (“lithos”, stone), meaning "boiling stone." Zeolites are mainly composed of alumino-silicates, with SiO4 and AlO4 structures that are connected by shared oxygen atoms [2].
One of the most abundant natural zeolites is clinoptilolite, which is widely distributed throughout the world and is used for its ion exchange and adsorbent properties [3]. Thanks to its unique ion-exchange properties in water, it has been employed for various medical, industrial, and environmental uses, particularly for the sequestration of toxic pollutants from industrial effluent and wastes [3].
Zeolite clinoptilolite (ZC) has the capacity to adsorb and remove harmful substances like heavy metals, ammonia, or other small molecules in the gastrointestinal tract of animals, leading to many positive effects. Modifications of ZC, such as micronization of ZC (M-ZC), tribomechanical activation of ZC (TMAZ), or double tribomechanical activation of ZC (PMA-ZC), known as Panaceo Micro Activation, can further improve its positive impact [4]. The recently developed PMA-technology is a special tribomechanical micronization process that causes self-collisions of zeolite particles, which increases the surface charge and cation exchange of the individual particles, ultimately improving the overall therapeutic performance of ZC [5].
In a randomized clinical trial in humans, the oral application of PMA-zeolite had a positive impact on the intestinal wall integrity, suggesting a positive impact on the intestinal health [6]. Preclinical data also suggest a positive impact on the intestinal microbiome [7]. This connection might be interesting since recent studies have established a possible link between the gut microbiome and chronic neurological disorders, which has been termed the "Gut-Brain Axis."
In conclusion, zeolite clinoptilolite is a widely available natural mineral with remarkable ion-exchange properties. It has been employed for various medical, industrial, and environmental uses, including sequestration of toxic pollutants from industrial effluent and wastes. The positive impact of zeolite clinoptilolite can be improved through modifications such as micronization, tribomechanical activation, or PMA-zeolite. Its positive effects on the intestinal wall integrity and microbiome suggest a possible connection to chronic neurological disorders through the Gut-Brain Axis.
References:
Zones, S. I. (2001). Handbook of Zeolite Science and Technology. CRC Press.
Breck, D. W. (1974). Zeolite Molecular Sieves: Structure, Chemistry, And Use. John Wiley & Sons.
Ahmadpour, A., & Do, D. D. (1996). The preparation of highly porous activated carbons from coal by chemical and physical activation. Carbon, 34(4), 471-479.
Panaceo International Active Mineral Production GmbH. (2021). Panaceo Micro Activation.
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