Chelation Therapy: Types of Chelating Agents, Limitations and Utility (Review Article)

Author(s): Shamim Ahmad Dar, Sabia Altaf and Ayaz Mahmood Dar

Abstract: Chelation therapy plays a central role in molecular medicine and pharmacology. It works when acute or chronic intoxication due to the variety of metals occurs which can be improved by the administration of suitable chelating agent. This technique uses remedies to remove the metals, so they do not make any negative effect. As per the FDA approval, intravenous injection or oral pills are used to remove harmful metals from the body via kidney. Chelating agents bind to the toxic metals via chelation to neutralize the toxic nature of metals. Chelates are more stable than non-chelated compounds of comparable composition. Some chelates undergo dentation with a metal and form co-ordination complex while some are used as to contract poisoning like antidotes. Chelates also prevent loss of nutrients and help nutrient mobility inside the body. Moreover, it is the form of therapy with application in conventional as well as alternative medicine. In this review, the chemical characteristics, properties, and uses of some chelating agents are hereby described.

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