Mucopolysaccharides
Silicon contributes to strong mucopolysaccharide metabolism, preventing dehydration
of cells and consequent aging.
Mucopolysaccharides are built of a series of simple sugars, or polysaccharides,
which form a chemical bond with water. They contain hexosamine (six carbon
aminosugars) and sometimes proteins, composing a gel-like substance found
in body cells, mucus secretions and synovial fluids. Mucopolysaccharides are
gummy, viscous, and sticky, and mucus-like and function to glue cells together,
lubricate joints, build connective tissues and are found in blood group substances.
Mucopolysaccharides are no longer produced in the body after puberty and must
be received from nutrition.
Silicon is firmly bound to the polysaccharide matrix of mucopolysaccharides
such as hyaluronic acid, chondroitin, dermatan, keratan and heparan at around
57-191 ppm. Thus silicon is a component of the hydrated network of collagen and
elastin that make up the fibrous material of connective tissue. While hyaluronic
acids forming the vitreous humor of the eye and keratan from cornea were Si-free.
Large amounts of bound Si are also present in the soluble dietary fiber pectin
(2580 ppm); pectin helps to bind cells together and regulates water in plants. Also
high in silicon is alginic acid, a gum found in the cell walls of seaweed - Si at 451
ppm.
Strong alkali and acid solutions hydrolyze the Si-polysaccharide bond, creating
dialyzable silicate. But enzymatic hydrolysis of hyaluronic acid or pectin does not
liberate silicic acid, but instead leads to polysaccharides of a lower molecular weight
still containing the bound Si. It is concluded that Si is present as a silanolate,
(ether or ester-like) derivative of silicic acid, playing a role in the formation of
structural bridges in the organization of mucopolysaccharides. Thus, Si may function
as a biological cross-linking agent and contribute to architecture and resilience of
connective tissue.
Silicon is the element that forms the architectural bridge between the
mucopolysaccharide molecules of the “glue” that holds the body together. Thus
silicon has a role in “bridging” individual mucopolysaccharide polymers to form
three-dimensional networks. Silicon helps stabilize these mucopolysaccharide
networks, to attract and hold water in the joints thereby providing the cushioning
effect of cartilage improving the load bearing capacity of joints and the hydration
of connective tissue. Bound silicon can increase the resistance to tissue degradation
by mechanical stresses, heat, or enzymes.
HYalUronic aciD—chondroitin and hyaluronic acid are mucopoly-
saccharide components of the collagen structure that forms and holds the body
together. Connective tissue forms an extensive compartment in the body and can
be considered as the “glue” that holds the body together. It ranges in consistency
from the gel-like softness of areolar connective tissue of the lungs, to the hardness of
bone, adipose tissue, cartilage, lymphatic tissue and even blood is also a connective
tissue. The protein Hyaluronic acid (Sodium Hyaluronate), is a mucopolysaccharide