gold

Gold (elemental symbol Au) is a yellow metallic element that has been used in medicine primarily as part of complex compounds known as "gold salts" or "gold-containing drugs." These compounds have historically been used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. The use of elemental or ionic gold in medicine is referred to as chrysotherapy or aurotherapy. Gold itself is not administered directly; rather, its pharmaceutical application comes through compounds such as sodium aurothiomalate (for injection) and auranofin (oral). The mechanism by which these gold compounds exert their anti-inflammatory effects remains unclear but may involve modulation of immune responses and inhibition of inflammatory cytokines. Use has declined due to significant side effects, slow onset, and the advent of safer alternatives like methotrexate[1][2][3][6][8].

Other names

elemental goldAumetallic gold