Glauconites: A Natural Ally in Cancer Prevention and Treatment

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 2Department of Medical Biology, Medicine Faculty, Nigde Omer Halisdemir University, Nigde, Türkiye 3Western Caspian University, Baku, Azerbaijan 4Khoja Akhmet Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University, Faculty of Sciences,

2 Department of Plant Production and Technologies, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies, Nigde Omer Halisdemir University, Nigde, Türkiye

3 Khoja Akhmet Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University, Center for Strategic Development, Rating and Quality, Turkestan, Kazakhstan

4 Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Al Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan

5 AlcorLabs LLP, Almaty, Kazakhstan

10.32592/ARI.2025.80.3.685

Abstract

Glauconites, a group of clay minerals, have garnered attention for their potential anti-cancer effects. These properties are attributed to their antioxidant, apoptotic, and anti-angiogenic activities. Glauconites contain antioxidants like flavonoids and tannins, which neutralize free radicals. The composition of glauconites is characterized by a rich blend of minerals, including iron oxide, aluminium oxide, and potassium oxide. These elements, arranged in a layered structure, provide a multifaceted defense against radiation. Glauconite extracts induce apoptosis, a programmed cell death mechanism, in cancer cells, halting their growth and spread. As research on glauconite continues to progress, it is evident that this naturally occurring mineral holds immense promise as a radiation shield. With further development and refinement, glauconite could potentially play a crucial role in protecting individuals and environments from the harmful effects of radiation, safeguarding human health and well-being. Moreover, glauconite inhibits angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, depriving cancer cells of their nutrient supply, hindering their proliferation. Animal studies have provided promising evidence supporting the anti-cancer effects of glauconite. Studies in animal models have shown that treatment with glauconite extracts leads to a significant reduction in both tumor size and cancer cell proliferation. Further research is imperative to comprehensively elucidate the mechanisms and therapeutic potential of glauconite in cancer treatment. The potential applications of glauconite as a radiation shield are vast. Glauconites could be incorporated into protective clothing and materials used in workplaces with radiation exposure, such as nuclear power plants and medical facilities. Additionally, glauconites could be used to purify water, and soil from radioactive contaminants, protecting public health and the environment. research is warranted to fully elucidate the mechanisms and therapeutic potential of glauconite in cancer treatment. Glauconite holds promise as a novel and effective approach to cancer therapy, warranting further investigation for clinical applications.

Keywords

Main Subjects


1. Ehlmann BL, Berger G, Mangold N, Michalski JR, Catling DC, Ruff SW, et al. Geochemical consequences of widespread clay mineral formation in Mars’ ancient crust. Space Science Reviews. 2013;174:329-64. 2. Rakesh S, Juttu R, Jogula K, Raju B. Glauconite: An indigenous and alternative source of potassium fertilizer for sustainable agriculture. International Journal of Bioresource Science. 2020;7(1):17-9. 3. Thompson GR, Hower J. The mineralogy of glauconite. Clays and Clay Minerals. 1975;23(4):289-300. 4. Selim K, EL-TAWEEL R, Abdel-Khalek NA. Heavy metals removal using surface modified Glauconite mineral. International Journal of Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy. 2016;1(5):46-55. 5. Liu T, Li Y, Du Q, Sun J, Jiao Y, Yang G, et al. Adsorption of methylene blue from aqueous solution by graphene. Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces. 2012;90:197-203. 6. Man J, Shen Y, Song Y, Yang K, Pei P, Hu L. Biomaterials-mediated radiation-induced diseases treatment and radiation protection. Journal of Controlled Release. 2024;370:318-38. 7. Emonet-Piccardi N, Richard M-J, Ravanat J-L, Signorini N, Cadet J, Beani J-C. Protective effects of antioxidants against UVA-induced DNA damage in human skin fibroblasts in culture. Free radical research. 1998;29(4):307-13. 8. Shen S, Mi X, Shen Q, Chen J, Gao H, Lai X. Isolation and characterization of the actinomycete, Nocardiopsis, from Haizhou Bay, and its application as a probiotic for Exopalaemon carinicauda (Holthuis, 1950)(Caridea, Palaemonidae). Crustaceana. 2023;96(1):55-72. 9. Qiu X, Hu Z, He T, Luo T, Zhang W, Li M, et al. Determination of major and trace elements in silicate rock fused with lithium metaborate using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry. 2024;39(2):545-57. 10. Selamoglu Z, Naeem MY, Gaipov T, Rakhmetova Y, Tazhibaev A. Glauconites: A Natural Ally in Cancer Prevention and Treatment. Archives of Razi Institute. 2024. 11. Yoon B-H, Truong V-L, Jeong W-S. Phytosterols: Extraction Methods, Analytical Techniques, and Biological Activity. Molecules. 2025;30(12):2488. 12. Wu T, Chen G, Chen X, Wang Q, Wang G. Anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-oxidative effects of gelsemine in high-fat-diet-fed rabbits. Cell biochemistry and biophysics. 2015;71:337-44. 13. Zhang L, Ravipati AS, Koyyalamudi SR, Jeong SC, Reddy N, Smith PT, et al. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of selected medicinal plants containing phenolic and flavonoid compounds. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry. 2011;59(23):12361-7. 14. Valgimigli L. Lipid peroxidation and antioxidant protection. Biomolecules. 2023;13(9):1291. 15. Touret TMM. Isolation and Characterization of Microorganisms with Probiotic Potential: Universidade de Lisboa (Portugal); 2016. 16. Research progress in laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry coupled with thin layer chromatography. Chinese Journal of Inorganic Analytical Chemistry/Zhongguo Wuji Fenxi Huaxue. 2025;15(5). 17. Selamoglu Z. Anti-inflammatory influences of royal jelly and melittin and their effectiveness on wound healing. Central Asian Journal of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences Innovation. 2023;3(2):38-47. 18. Naeem MY, Selamoglu B, Issa HY, Selamoglu Z. Plasma in Medicine and Agriculture. Emerging Applications of Plasma Science in Allied Technologies: IGI Global; 2024. p. 228-42. 19. Zafar S, Sarfraz I, Rasul A, Shah MA, Hussain G, Zahoor MK, et al. Osthole: a multifunctional natural compound with potential anticancer, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Mini reviews in medicinal chemistry. 2021;21(18):2747-63.