Effects of bentonite on different cell types: A brief review

• Bentonites can be cell protectors and reduce some of the side effects of drugs.
• Bentonites may cause undesired effects, such as apoptotic cell death.
• Low concentrations can increase viability and survival of other cell types.
• The ability of bentonite in biomedicine are emerging and uses are being improved.

Bentonites, clays considered to be good adsorbents, have numerous applications because of their structural characteristics, their abundance in nature, low cost and availability. Research suggests that bentonites may be excellent cell protectors and that they can reduce some of the side effects of drugs such as those used for cancer treatment. Once inside the human or animal body, bentonite particles are efficient at promoting growth (acting as adsorbents of toxins), improving health (reducing the harmful effects of drugs) and promoting well being (active principles in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals). The effects of bentonite vary depending on the type of cell they reach. For this reason, it is necessary to determine the adequate dosage and exposure time as well as evaluate their toxicity in vitro and in vivo. In certain concentrations bentonites may cause undesired effects, such as apoptotic cell death, oxidative stress and damage of the cell membrane. On the other hand, the same concentrations can also contribute to an increase in viability and the survival of other cell types. In this paper, the main chemical characteristics of bentonites are reviewed and some pharmacological applications are described. It was finally reviewed how bentonites interact with different types of cells and new perspectives are briefly discussed.