Gold drugs have long been used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis reducing the symptoms of pain and stiffness.

Gold has been used for many years to successfully treat rheumatoid arthritis. The Frenchman Jacques Forestier reported in 1929 that the use of gold complexes was beneficial in the treatment of arthritis. Later work after the Second World War demonstrated conclusively that gold drugs are effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis patients. Many experts consider gold to be among the most effective drugs for reducing the inflammation in the joints and so reducing the symptoms of pain and stiffness.

The chemical structure of gold drugs for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

(1) sodium aurothiomalate (Myochrisin TM) , (2) aurothioglucose (Solganol TM), (3) Auranofin (Riduara TM)

 

Several forms of gold are available, but usually one of the injectable forms of gold salts: gold sodium thiomalate (Myochrysine) and aurothioglucose (Solganal) are used. There is also an oral tablet that contains gold called auranofin (Ridaura).

It is generally reported that it can take many weeks before the obvious benefits of gold-based treatments are felt and side effects are possible.

For more information on the use of gold in this application see :

American College of Rheumatology

The following article on the ‘Medical Uses of Gold Compounds' published in the journal Gold Bulletin provides more detailed information on this topic.