Silicate

Silicate refers to a diverse class of anions composed of silicon and oxygen, primarily occurring as the tetrahedral orthosilicate ($SiO_4^{4-}$) unit or its hydrated form, orthosilicic acid ($H_4SiO_4$). Although silicate is not a classical therapeutic target like a protein receptor or enzyme, it is a biologically active chemical species and an essential trace element required for the mineralization of the bone matrix and the structural integrity of connective tissues. In pharmacology, silicates are utilized both as active therapeutic agents and as versatile drug delivery frameworks. For instance, sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (Lokelma) is a non-absorbed silicate lattice used to treat hyperkalemia by selectively capturing potassium ions throughout the digestive tract, while magnesium trisilicate is traditionally used as an antacid to neutralize gastric acidity. Recent biomedical research has also identified silicate ions as potential bioactive molecules for treating sarcopenia and promoting tissue regeneration by modulating sirtuin (SIRT1 and SIRT3) and RANKL signaling pathways. While generally safe when ingested in nutritional or pharmaceutical forms, chronic excessive intake can lead to silicate-based kidney stones, and inhalation of crystalline silica is a well-known cause of pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis.

Other names

Silicate ionOrthosilicateSilicon-oxygen anionOrthosilicic acidSoluble silicaSilicon (as silicate)

Selective ion exchange of sodium for potassium ions in the gastrointestinal tract; neutralization of gastric acid; upregulation of sirtuin signaling pathways (SIRT1 and SIRT3); inhibition of dietary aluminum absorption via formation of insoluble hydroxyaluminosilicates.